the hum / By Bob Doran

Post-Vocal Symphonies

Plus: snow on the Plaza, benefits galore and bye-bye Rubberneckers

(Nov. 15, 2007)  My co-worker Heidi asked me a question at the office the other day, something along the lines of “Do you know anything about a band from Canada coming to town? I can’t remember the name but my friend says they’re good.”

“Are they Quebecois?” I wondered. I’d heard about that show. She didn’t think that was it. She promised to forward me the e-mail from her friend, Lisa. Subject: “good concert coming your way.” It got straight to the point: “hi Heidi - you should see this band when they come to Arcata.”

GALLERY >

What followed was a band list letter from Moira Smiley saying, “Hi everyone! moira smiley & VOCO have shows up & down the West Coast comin’ up! Exciting things happening here, and we’ll keep you posted when it comes close to you!”

A MySpace link followed and an itinerary showing a North Coast jaunt, including a show at the venerable Freight and Salvage followed by one on Thursday at the Jambalaya sponsored by Humboldt Folklife.

I clicked on the MySpace link and listened to a couple of songs. I liked what I heard. The first, “Dying Californian,” begins with a choral group using harmonies√† la The Bulgarian State Radio and Television Female Vocal Choir, but run backwards. Moira comes in singing a sad song reminiscent of an old Appalachian ballad; before it ends, there’s some subtle banjo picking. Subsequent numbers show off a Sweet Honey in the Rock gospel style, almost a cappella, something they call, “post-folk vocal symphonies and dancesongs,” with low key bass and mysterious percussion. Moira Smiley provides accordion and banjo; Jess Basta and Christine Enns supply “body percussion”; Jessica Catron cello/electronics; John Ballinger banjo, clarinet and percussion. Everyone sings.

I don’t know what it shows, but Luminescent Orchestrii is on their “Friends” list, and I love that band. With that additional recommendation I sent Moira an e-mail with something like a virtual interview. She responded almost immediately.

Who are you*?* Moira Smiley

Where are you from? Originally Vermont, now Los Angeles.

1 2 3 4 NEXT PAGE >SHARE