Jane Thatcher completed the excellent album “Poundin’ a Heartbeat” with CAUDog Records in 2011, featuring a powerful array of folk rock and americana, crossing styles and sounds with the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Natalie Merchant, and 10,000 Maniacs– put together with her own brand of spunk and passion. Jane moved out West in the summer of 2011, and this will be her first return to Chicago since then, as she bring along new music, a new line-up and a new EP– see it January 26, 2012 at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago, IL.
The event will feature the showing of Jane’s music video by flim maker Roberto Serrini, as well as performances by Liza Day and Machine Gun Mojo.
Jane will be performing with Ira Ochs (cello) and Michael James Brookes (piano).
Jane’s new 7-song EP, by Jane & The Pretty Pleases, was recorded live out West. We spoke with Jane via email interview:
“In early 2011, I started playing with cellist Ira Ochs and Michael Brooks, mostly by accident. We had all been long time friends in the music scene but always played in different groups. I needed some musicians to fill in for a show and they happened to be available. We played our first show as a trio and realized we had the makings of a very interesting and unique sound. We continued to play shows together throughout the Spring and Summer and eventually became Jane & the Pretty Pleases. We were at our very best in late summer, the time when I moved back West. We decided, very last minute, to have Mitch Cepaitis of Narwhal Audio record our best songs. We turned our rehearsal space into a make-shift recording studio for a day and played long into the night. We ended up recording 7 songs, all live. We were happy with the way the songs turned out and wanted to mix and master the EP. However, we didn’t have the funds at the time. We launched an IndieGoGo campaign to help us mix, master, and promote the EP. Amazingly, we were able to reach our goal in only one day after having launched the campaign. We are extremely grateful to our friends and fans. We were able to produce the EP as well as tour together out West as a group. I was able to tour out in NYC and work with film maker Roberto Serrini on a music video that we are going to show on the 26th. We are also gearing up for shows and promo in the Midwest at the end of this month.
The EP is a snapshot of what we do on stage. It’s completely live and was recorded in one sitting. It has a raw and personal quality to it. It doesn’t sound like a glossy studio album, but it captures the heart of the trio and the relationship the instruments share within the group,” says Jane.
We can’t wait to hear the new EP and check out the live show!
Support Jane and check out “Poundin’ a Heartbeat” on CAUDog Records to get an introduction to Jane’s chocolate-flavored vocals and superb songwriting. CAUDog’s careful instrumentaion and flush, pop arrangements on “Poundin’a Heartbeat” make a great album.
Jane’s website.