In this edition of my blog, I will Talking about two very talented Sisters that make up the group The Lucky Penny Sisters. They are Caitie Thompson & Leslie Alexander.
I first learned of Caitie back 2017 by finding her on Facebook, she was just coming out with her first solo EP “Enough” with the help of engineer and producer Mark Abrams, of Vaughan Music Studios. Which has a Powerful song on it “Choose Love”. Every instrument and vocal track that can be heard, she performed. Everything from the guitars, drums, organs and even the vocals. From the first moment I heard Caitie’s voice I knew that this was a singer I could really listen for a long time. Caitie has a bit of rocker style vocals, with a little bit a raspy trait to it. Plus, Caitie’s talent with the guitar and many other instruments. She can play as well or if not better than anyone else I know. Caitie’s ability to bring sound out of her guitar is mind blowing. I know she has an elaborate pedal set up, but still the way she puts all the rhythms & beats into it right on the spot is truly mesmerizing. Caitie Thompson is a multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter. Her love of music began in her grandpa's garage long before she could even walk. 1950's rock n roll was always blaring when Caitie and her grandpa were together. When she was eight years old, she got her first guitar and started taking lessons from a local legend named Carl Edwards. For almost twenty years, Caitie has been playing guitar, and drums/percussion. She was in numerous bands and ensembles as a teenager. When Caitie wasn't directing the high school marching band (as the drum major) she was rocking it out in the local bars with her band, The Rip City Rockers. After high school Caitie pursued a degree in music business at Capital University. Ever since Capital, she has performed all over the U.S. and even in England! The last eight years have been full of amazing experiences and lots of growth in her career. When she isn't playing in the bars of Nashville, or even her hometown, she spends her time teaching music to young musicians. She has held private lessons in various studios all over Ohio, and she was the interim music director at Independence High School in Antioch, TN. Her love of classical music and teaching came from performing at Carnegie Hall with her high school orchestra and playing numerous concerts with The Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra. Occasionally, Caitie will perform with her high school orchestra or choir, and even her former Professor, Eric Paton when he needs an extra hand. Caitie has jammed and played with many well-known artists including: * Roger Hines - former bassist for Ray Charles * Charlie Martin - former drummer for Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band * Fingers Taylor of the Jimmy Buffet Band * The Bob Cats (of Phil Dirt and the Dozers) * Erica Blinn of The Erica Blinn Band and formerly of The Rip City Rockers *Meg Williams *Jenny Teator *Erin McClendon Caities influences include: Melissa Ethridge - Brandi Carlile - The Doors - The Doobie Brothers - The Grass Roots - Elvis - The Judds and many others. Now onto the other half of The Lucky Penny Sisters, Leslie Alexander. I learned of Leslie through Caitie once I learned of The Lucky Penny Sisters. Leslie is the older sister, and lead vocalist for the group She has always had a deep love of music and theatre in equal portions, and she doesn't believe there is a stage she can’t feel at home on. Now what I like about Leslie sound is that she has a more Country vibe with a little Sultriness to her voice. Leslie’s voice is also one of those that just pulls you into the song she is singing. You can really feel the emotions of the song. Leslie started learning her vocal craft in middle school choir, participated in talent shows, and even dabbled in modeling. In high school she was an active Thespian, and by Senior year she was in 3 choirs. However, it wasn’t until Leslie was out of high school that she really learned the broad scope of her vocal abilities. She learned she could sing rock, blues, country, and show tunes. Leslie even participated in Columbus’s first ever televised singing competition called: Gimme The Mike! Columbus, that aired on our local Fox channel. In between that and high school she pursued theatre, commercials, and film. On one of the independent films Leslie was in she had the opportunity to work with Jerry Springer. The movie is called, “And the Winner is…” and Jerry and Leslie are featured on the cover of the DVD. Another deep-seated passion of the Delaware native has always been writing. Leslie was first published at the age of eight and continued earning notoriety and praise for English projects and creative writing projects throughout her education. A poem of hers was published in a compilation of young American writers when she was nineteen. Currently she is working on her first novel, a work of paranormal fiction Now these very talent ladies by their selves are amazing. But when you put them together with the outstanding harmonies they have and incredible songwriting skills. Well, you can’t help to get some great music. The Lucky Penny Sisters also have an EP out. Once again, the main reason I really love The Lucky Penny Sisters is that they such a unique style, you really can’t place them in one genre. There are few that come to mind like Americana, Singer/songwriter with a splash of country & Rock. If you know me at all you know this type of music really gets to me, the ones you cannot pigeonhole. Also, their amazing vocals and Harmonies. So, I would like to say that everyone should go and check out The Lucky Penny Sisters’ webpage at https://www.luckypennysisters.com/home also check out Caitie solo page at https://www.caitiethompsonmusic.com/and Leslie’s page at https://alexanderlesliea.wixsite.com/author-leslie I was recently able to ask some questions to these two amazing Women, here are the answers. We will start off with Leslie’s answers 1). How long have you been playing music? I have been a professional gigging musician since I was 16 years old. 2) How many bands have you been in? I have been in three bands that gigged professionally, and a handful of others that never made it out of the practice room, hahaha. 3). Where were you born? I was born and raised in Delaware, Ohio. 4). Are you self-taught? No. My mother taught me the basics of singing, and then I had two amazing choir instructors that gave me a solid professional foundation for my voice. In middle school my teacher was Mrs. Pam Hartsock, and in high school it was Mrs. Kimberly Boyd. They helped me hone my talents and get me to where I am now. 5). Who are your biggest influences? Whitney Houston, Adele, and Pink 6). What style of music do you consider yours? Kind of like whiskey rock with old school gospel harmony. (I really love this answer) 7) What was your first gig and how old were you? I was 16 years old, and I believe that it was in the attic of a coffee shop called the Mean Bean Café. But I could be wrong on that… LOL now they are all blending together. 8). What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Starting out in the music business, rule number one— it is a business. You cannot just expect to live your dream and get paid for it out the gate. You must pay your dues, if you want to make money you play covers and get paid to play other people’s music. When people like what you do then you create a following, and when that following genuinely begins to care about you, then and only then will they care about your original music. Don’t get it twisted and think anybody owes you a favor just because you have talent. You must also be business minded. That’s not to say that you can’t go out and start playing your originals immediately… But 99.9% of the time you are not going to get a paycheck with that. 9.). Do you write your own songs? Yes, I most certainly do. My real gift though is writing bridges… usually to other people’s songs. Ask Caitie. I’m an excellent bridge writer LOL. 10.). What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal song collection? Hahaha, well. My first heavy introduction to music was largely classical pieces, and musical theater. All I’ve ever wanted to do is perform and I used to have dreams about being on Broadway. So, I have a lot of show tunes on my playlist! From opera, to classical composers, all the way up to RENT, Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton. I’m a theater geek through and through— I just also happen to sing rock pretty well too! Now for Caitie’s answers 1). How long have you been playing music? I have been playing music since I was 10 years old, professionally since I was 12. 2) How many bands have you been in? There were at least eight "rock" bands that I had been a "member" of regularly over the years, but if you count the bands that I also regularly subbed for, it's over ten. I've lost count! But this also doesn't include the various classical concert bands or orchestras that I played for. (Central Ohio Symphony, Central Ohio Brass, Hiuchi Taiko, Delaware Community Band, etc.) 3). Where were you born? I was born and raised in Delaware, Ohio. 4). Are you self-taught? Nope. My mother taught me to read the treble clef when I was in the 5th grade. I was having trouble with it in band class, so she sat me down at the piano (which is pretty much like reading the bells) and she showed me where all the notes were and taught me "Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge", and she also taught me basic rhythms with whole notes, half notes, and quarter notes. I began taking guitar lessons when I was eight years old, and then I took percussion lessons when I was in 5th grade. 5). Who are your biggest influences? Brandi Carlile, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Ed Sheeran, The Civil Wars, Dorothy, Kaleo, The Doors, Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Lang, YOLA, The Black Keys, Led Zeppelin, The Grass Roots 6). What style of music do you consider yours? Whiskey Folk Rock. 7) What was your first gig and how old were you? OH WOW. My first gig was when I was in 7th grade, at a birthday party for some popular chick that hated my guts. But I was the drummer for this band, so my presence was tolerated. We didn't have a name, and we could literally play ONE SONG. So, we played this ONE damn song over, and over, and over... and over. It was "When I Come Around" by Green Day. Haha! 8). What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Oh, this is such a big question. But I'll try to keep it as short as I can. I could give a TED Talk on this. LOL My advice to anyone starting out in the business is number one, GET EDUCATED. This does not mean that you need to get a degree, though they can help, but soak up ALL the knowledge that you can about the industry. Yes, having talent helps, but you need the brains to back up your talent, or you won't make a living doing what you love. Number two, you must be business savvy, you must get good at talking to people, you must get good at making connections, and networking. That is how you get booked for shows, and that is also how you "get in with the right people." Who you know, really is everything? I have made so many friends that have offered me opportunities that I never thought would come. Networking, and connecting with people really pays off. Number three BE A GENUINELY GOOD PERSON. Do not take advantage of people, do not use people, and do not allow a sense of ego to ruin you. Because it will. In this business if you burn bridges, it will come back to haunt you. You will develop a reputation, and then people won't want to work with you. So, follow through, help others out when you can, and the better seeds you sow, the better will come back to you. I promise. (Thanks for coming to my short TED Talk.) I am not famous; I don't know that I will ever be. HOWEVER, I am a FULL TIME MUSICIAN, and I am happy. I work my ass off, and I love my life. So, work hard, learn everything you can, and you'll get somewhere. It may take a few years, but it'll happen. Trust the process. 9.). Do you write your own songs? Yes, I do. I love it. It's my release, my escape, and the best way for me to show the world who I am. 9.). Do you write your own songs? Yes, I do. I love it. It's my release, my escape, and the best way for me to show the world who I am.
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In this edition of my Blog, I will be talking about two amazing musicians and some of the nicest people you ever want to meet. Of course, I am talking about Joe and Vicki Price. I met Joe & Vicki a few years back at The Blue City Deli in St. Louis, MO. The first time I saw them I could not get over the way Joe played guitar and him stomping his feet for rhythm. Then you get Vicki up on stage, you get a whole new feel with Vicki’s singing and amazing guitar playing… It is a show to see. They are just two very talented people up on stage just having a good time and there just happens to be an audience there. To put these to in a genre is hard to do, some would say Blues, American, maybe even a little Country. I think that says a lot about an artist when you can’t pigeonhole them.
Joe reputation was cemented in the 1970's, when he spent the latter half of the decade as part of Mother Blues, one of the greatest and most heavily influential Iowa blues bands of all time. It was a time when Price was playing nearly non-stop and developed the style that has made him such a memorable performer. And make no mistake, Joe certainly is memorable. Head down while he plays, big ball cap covering his eyes from the crowd while he plies his trade, feet tapping out the time as his hands work those six strings like they’re on autopilot. Joe isn't the kind of artist you “think” you've seen play; once you've been taken to church by that slide, it stays with you. Joe & Vicki got married in 1987, but Vicki had been holding her own in the wilds of small-town Iowa before then. Her guitar playing has more structure to it than Joe's, while her voice provides a good deal of their songs fire. Speaking of their song writing, when you hear their songs you can feel what they are trying to relay to the audience. Just down to earth messages, nothing fancy. Real American songs. Joe's deep love and admiration for his wife is obvious from the moment she joins him on stage—something that can happen at any point during a set; he beckons her with “You Are My Sunshine”—and the amount of fun they clearly have performing with one another elevates their performances, transforming them from something that blues purists and guitar fans can appreciate, into something that everyone with ears and a love of life can understand and tap along to. Joe and Vicki are both members of the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame. Their 2009 album "Rain or Shine" won the Independent Music Award for best Blues CD of the year. Joe is also a member of the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was a finalist in the International Blues Challenge. In closing I would like to say that now days it is hard to find people like Joe and Vicki Price. With such talent and passion of what they do. They bring us a show that will be remembered for a long time. I highly recommend you check out Joe & Vicki price, if you ever get a chance to see them live do so. You can find them at https://www.joepriceblues.com/ And here is the info for booking: Vicki Price - Blues Acres Productions - 563-419-8793 - [email protected] - PO Box 32 - Decorah, IA 52101 Recently I was able to ask both Joe & Vicki some questions here are their answers: 1.How long have you been playing music? Joe and I both started playing when we were 12. Joe’s older brother left him a guitar when he went into the military. My Mom got my first guitar with Green Stamps. 2.How many bands have you been in? I have never been in a band, always have done solo or duo work. Joe was in 4 or 5 with Mother Blues being the most famous. They used to play BB’s Jazz, Soups and Blues in St. Louis, Mo. In the 70’s. 3.Where were you born? I was born in Waukon, IA. Small town USA. We didn’t have a stop light until I was in high school. Joe was born in Des Moines but his Mom moved back to her hometown of Waterloo when she left the hospital. 4.Are you self-taught? We both are both self taught because we have had no or in my case very few lessons. But we have most definitely learned from other players that were kind enough to show us or just by watching them. Joe learns a lot off records. I learn more by watching someone. 5.Who are your biggest influences? We both like finger style music. For Joe it was Fred McDowell, Muddy Waters all the Delta players. For me it was Doc Watson, Merl Travis, Leon Redbone, Mississippi John Hurt, Elizabeth Cotton. 6.What style of music do you consider yours? Country blues. The thumb drives the beat, the fingers play the lead notes. 7.What was your first gig? How old were you? Singing duets with my sister Connie in church and nursing homes. My Mom was the church pianist and started us young. Joe’s first gig was a small dive bar in Waterloo. 8.What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Chart the path you want to take, set goals and how to get there. Remember the business end is as important as the music end if you are wanting to make a living at this. Nothing replaces being good at what you are doing. Practice never stop learning 9.Do you write your own songs? Yes. We don’t do a lot of covers. What you see is what you get. Our show is our songs. 10.What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal song collection? ACDC we love them. This edition of my Blog is on a Musician that is a main staple in the St. Louis music scene. I am talking about Jeff Chapman, who is a singer, composer, and entertainer that has been performing for audiences since the mid-1970s. which began playing with his brother in church in 1977. Jeff has been in numerous bands thru out his career since around 1981. When Jeff and his Brother formed Chapman Bros. which still plays today. This band plays covers Classic Country, Classic Rock, Southern Rock. Several appearances with the RX Blues Band 1999-2003. Around 2004 Jeff Started a blues cover band as a side project in 2004 (Big Jeff & the Smokers) which has evolved into the current “Brother Jefferson”. BROTHER JEFFERSON BAND: The Brother Jefferson Band plays a unique blend of Blues based original songs, penned by Jeff Chapman. Concentrating on those original tunes, with a few well-chosen covers to round out a full show. Brother Jefferson Band is based in St. Louis, MO and features an outstanding cast of musicians. The Brother Jefferson Band performs regularly at BB's Jazz, Blues, & Soups in downtown St. Louis, Evangeline's Bistro & Music House in the CWE, C. J. Mugg's bar & Grill in Webster Groves, as well as throughout the region at clubs, festivals, and more. Member of the Hard Tale Blues Band 2006-2008. Which now brings us up to what’s happening now. Jeff performs monthly with Rich McDonough & the Rhythm Renegades. The acoustic duo of “Brother Jeff & Big Rich” Represented St. Louis Blues Society at the 2020 International Blues Challenge I Memphis, TN. I recently met Jeff at a benefit show before this I had only heard him on the radio 88.1 KDHX. When I finally got to see jeff perform live, it was very energetic show. Jeff voice has a bit a raspy feel to it, which fits well with the music that he plays. One of the songs I like that Jeff does is “That Open Road” on this song he reminds me the late Lonnie Mack. Jeff has one of those voices that makes it a pleasure to listen to. Jeff’s songwriting is amazing, you can really tell he writes from his heart and sings from his soul. Jeff to me seems to be an “Old-Soul” and that really comes thru the songs he sings. The musicians he has in his band are top-notch. Jeff has been singing and playing rhythm guitar in every type of venue in those nearly 40 years, including being involved in the tradition that is the St. Louis blues music scene. I highly recommend that if you do not know or have not heard of Jeff chapman you should check him out. You can go to his website https://jeffchapmanmusic.com/home Available for club dates, festival dates, private and corporate events. Contact for more Info: jeffchapmanmusic.com / [email protected] / 618-292-7196 I recently got a chance to ask Jeff some questions, here they are: Where were you born? Born in Greenville, IL. Grew up in Pocahontas, IL. Are you self-taught? Self-taught, play by ear. Who are your biggest influences? My influences come from a wide variety of people & places. Drawing from Gospel Quartets I heard as a young boy. Traditional Country: Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, etc. Southern Rock: Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, Charlie Daniels. Electric Blues: Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Albert King, Anson Funderburgh. Blues Rockers: Delbert McClinton, Michael Burks, Coco Montoya, Larry McCray. What style of music do you consider yours? Americana Blues/Southern Soul. What was your first gig? How old were you? First paid gig was for a retired campers association in 1978. 16 years old. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? Be true to yourself, don't be afraid of hard work and disappointment. Do you write your own songs? Primarily a solo writer with occasional co-writer. Brother Jefferson performs 90% original material in our live shows. |
AuthorHello, My name is Michael. I am into music, have been for over 48yrs. Big fan of all kinds of music, right now it has been the Blues for the last 10yrs. I do not play any instruments, But I very interested in the recording aspect of the industry. Have messed around with it a little and always learning new things about it. I have met many wonderful people because of Music.. Hope you enjoy my Blogs... In the last two years I have been producing House Concerts. I also in the past 2 years got to produce and engineer an album for a very good friend of mine from Sweden "Magpie". Archives
February 2024
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