Nick Hallett: Man in the Matriarchy August 16, 2009

Nick Hallett attempts once again to bridge the gap between artified and folksy via the format of popular song. He is joined by a cast of gorgeous and unique women's voices–The Matriarchy–featuring Jennifer Black, Rachel Cox, Katie Eastburn, Daisy Press, Lady Rizo and the legendary Alice Playten. This cabaret-song cycle of exclusively original material focuses on lyrics about women in particular and general, written by a man who is not generally identified as the world's leading expert. Ruminations on the gender divide and the struggle for pleasure abound in Hallett's songs, which include premieres from upcoming music theater works in addition to wit-drenched gems from the back catalog. Developed at Dixon Place for HOT! Fest, Man in the Matriarchy features Hallett at the piano backed by Mike Jackson on bass and Michael Evans on drums, with The Matriarchs taking guest turns at the mic.