We were gifted with a captivating evening of old-school country, winsome folk, and cosmic jams thanks to the Michigan Twang showcase featuring Winestoned Cowboys, Ananda Murari, and Jadyn Savage.
Michigan Twang at the Blind Pig with the Winestoned Cowboys, Ananda Murari, and Jadyn Savage
I missed a memo somewhere along the way about the Michigan Twang series at the Blind Pig. An early show (doors at 5:30!) on a Friday night, Michigan Twang features local country and Americana acts. Hell yes, I’m in. It just so happened that the night we did hear about this show featured a stacked lineup with our friends Winestoned Cowboys and Ananda Murari, along with someone new to our ears, Jadyn Savage.
Jadyn Savage
With a powerful and evocative voice, Jadyn Savage immediately grabbed our attention. Her original music has roots in country greats such as Loretta Lynn, but with a modern twist. Think of Carrie Underwood, Loretta, and Karen Fairchild (Little Big Town) miraculously becoming one person, and you have Jadyn Savage. The kicker is that Jadyn is only 19 and already a phenomenal talent. Top that off with her stellar band, and you had a damn fine way to kick off this show.
Ananda Murari
Part of what drew us to this show, besides the early start (doors at 5:30!), was our friend Ananda Murari. He blends folk and jazz in a hybrid that I think of as Jim Croce meets Michael Bublé. In a twist geared toward the twang, Ananda was accompanied by Ryan Michaud on pedal steel and banjo. This lent a nuanced and intriguing color to Ananda’s songs such as “No Coins Needed” and “Crooked Road to Truths.”
Ananda included some new material from a forthcoming album. His songwriting remains impeccable, and the new music fits into his evocative and introspective style. I came away touched by Ananda’s music and looking forward to the new record.
Winestoned Cowboys
Every time I witness the Winestoned Cowboys, I come away more in love with their music. Take one part Jason Isbell, one part Chris Robinson Brotherhood, one part Neil Young, a dash of Cash, and a spritz of Wilco, and you are close to the soulful twang of the Winestoned Cowboys. Chase that bad boy with a bottle of domestic beer, and now you’ve got a party.
Handling the lead vocals and adding in some tasty guitar licks was Matt Horne. Harmonizing with her strong and resonant voice was Brenda Mahler. Casting spells with his guitar, Bob Monteleone delivered velvety-lush slide and satin-slick leads. Foundational rhythms with swinging grooves came courtesy of bassist Nick Cicchetti and drummer John Porter. My great friend and the soul of the band personified was none other than Elliott Moses on acoustic guitar.
Their set was fantastic, and all I could think was “My God! They are so damn good!” I realize that doesn’t truly describe the set, but think back to a performance you’ve seen that left you mesmerized and smiling. Imagine that time when a band enthralled you, and you didn’t want the show to end. That is how I felt at the end of the Winestoned Cowboys’ set.
Pictures
We got more photos of the Winestoned Cowboys, Ananda Murari, and Jadyn Savage in our galleries.
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