Chris Ayer + John Schmitt + Barnaby Bright + Morgan Holland February 8, 2011

When asked about his latest album, Don't Go Back To Sleep, Ayer sees it first as a call to action for himself. "This group of songs has really become a collective note-to-self on how I want to live. They were all born out of moments where I was going along in my day-to-day life, and something shook me out of the autopilot rhythm, and reminded me that I better open up and dig in right this second." After a listen, this creative desire is abundantly evident throughout Ayer's sophomore release. He admits they are heavy themes, even for a singer/songwriter. And yet Ayer is able to pull off that timeless trick of great songwriting, where weighty topics take on a light touch, so that they draw you in and uplift.

This magnetic quality has served him well as he has toured the country and steadily built his grassroots audience over the past 4 years. His DIY practices were given a hefty shot of adrenaline in 2007 when the John Lennon Songwriting Competition awarded him the 2006 Lennon Award in Folk for his song "Evaporate." With the award came increased visibility, opportunities to tour the UK, and many new faces in the audience at shows. But for Ayer there was an even more valuable outcome. "It was a real lesson for me. "Evaporate" was the song I wrote most immediately for myself on the first album. That's how they all should be, but you start thinking about the band arrangement and musical influences, and how it's going to sound live. Those things creep in. ‘Evaporate' didn't have that at all. And I finally had total confidence that just taking creative instincts and running with them is always the best call." The song was on Ayer's first full-length, self-released album, This is the Place, recorded in Nashville and produced by Jason Gantt (The Chieftains, Brooks & Dunn, Faith Hill). Of that album, Performing Songwriter Magazine said, "This is the Place has it all: tight arrangements, excellent musicality, and imaginative lyrics. If you're looking for great music, this is the place indeed."
http://www.myspace.com/chrisayer
http://www.facebook.com/chrisayer
http://www.youtube.com/chrisayermusic

http://www.myspace.com/morganholland
http://www.myspace.com/barnabybright

John Schmitt was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, and his songs are a direct reflection of his experiences growing up there. His simple, honest approach tells stories that hit at the heart of American life. Blending a folk-meets-soul style to go along with thoughtful lyrics and images, John sings about his life in real terms. His album "Ophelia," is his loftiest work to date. Produced by Caleb Hawley, we see on "Ophelia" just how life in the city has affected Schmitt, now a resident of Brooklyn, as he takes us along for many stories of life, love, loss, and coffee consumption.
http://www.myspace.com/johnschmitt

Official Website: http://www.jamminjava.com/