Milkdrive / Shannon Wurst June 29, 2012

MilkDrive
Fingers flying at breathtaking speed, original tunes that feel familiar at first but go beyond extraordinary, songs with themes universal but unique, heart and brains behind dynamic performances: It's an uncompromising musical journey the members ofMilkDrive are on. These 4 guys easily showed us at the Threadgill Theater show they did last year in Kerrville that they are the real deal. This Austin-based alt-folk-progressive acoustic string band, released its debut studio album in April 2011, Road From Home, produced in Nashville by Bil VornDick (Alison Krauss, Bela Fleck, Bob Dylan, Ralph Stanley). Awards are a great measure of technical prowess, but they reveal nothing about the musical soul so palpable in MilkDrive's music, the quartet's sound a textural, multi-layer mix of rhythms, tempos, flavors, harmonies, improvisation – and the confidence each possesses that comes from experience with an instrument (or instruments).

Shannon Wurst
While staying true to the musical traditions set forth by those from so long ago, Shannon Wurst is a modern twist. By pairing old with new, her music has a truly timeless sound. This sound can strike a chord with just about anyone. Ignited by her passionate performance, Shannon captivates her audiences. Those traditions that are evident in her music come from a place of not only inspiration, but also firsthand experience. Growing up in a musical family in Alma, Arkansas, she's no stranger to picking parties and house concerts. Considering her musical upbringing, it's no wonder that Shannon's music makes you feel as if you are in her living room, and she is singing only to you. She delivers engaging entertainment, dynamic vocals, and a down-home presence that will make you sit up and listen. Shannon Wurst is a modern day pioneer, creating her own path and sound.