Blue Rose Blue Moon
Blue Rose is Chicago-based folk duo Jori Griffith and Marcus Gebauer, who are releasing their debut album Blue Moon. The duo, with a rootsy backing band, shows their versatility and widescreen musical vision as they explore various corners of the Americana music genre from roots rock to modern folk on this album.
“If I Had A Rose” sets the stage with Jori’s bright, fluttery vocals with the close harmonies that give you the good chills. In “Let Me Love You” the electric guitar licks kick things up a notch, and by the time you get to the chorus, with the addition of tambourine, it’s clear this duo isn’t just a demure folk outfit – they can rock. “I’m So Tired” is another rocker with electric guitar melodies and a lyrical accounting of a necessary push back after being strung along and left alone in the dust: “I’m so tired of singing the blues.”
“Let’s See a Band” brings things back down to breathless vocals and a mandolin sound with fiddle rising, it’s a love song overflowing with loveliness. “Remember When” is nostalgia and longing for days gone by, with pretty acoustic guitar playing, ambience and sustain, and birdsong vocals by Jori.
This duo’s presence is intentional and thoughtful. “A blue moon is this rare, beautiful, kind of magical astrological thing,” they explain. We have to concur: Blue Moon is beautiful and a magical thing. You can find the music here: https://ffm.to/5x0yv1z and more information here: https://www.bluerosetheband.com
Blue Moon was produced, mixed and mastered by Noam Wallenburg of Rax Trax Studios in Chicago; and mixed by Jordan Oorebeek in Nashville. All songs on the album were written by Jori Griffith and Marcus Gebauer except for “If I Had a Rose,” which was written by Adam Wright and previously performed by Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison. Photography was by Anthony Barlich and album artwork is courtesy of Reno Bo.
Vocals and guitars were performed by Jori Griffith and Marcus Gebauer. Additional musicians on the album are Packy Lundholm on electric guitar, and pedal steel; Jared Rabin on fiddle and electric guitar; Ben Johnson on piano and organ; Andrew Vogt on bass; Reuben Garza on drums; Eric Matteson on drums; and Nicholas Kapche on bass.