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Event
Derek Fawcett w/ special guest Noah Bizer
WHEN DEREK FAWCETT'S BAND (CHICAGO'S DOWN THE LINE) started out without a drummer, he taught himself to play the djembe (hand drum) he bought in Africa, and it became a staple of the band's signature sound. When the group needed help booking gigs, he took the reins, ultimately landing performances with Ben Folds, Peter Frampton, Lifehouse, America, Pat Benatar, Colin Hay, Gin Blossoms, and many more over their hundreds-of-thrilling-shows, 11-year, 5-album tenure. Time and again, Fawcett went to extraordinary lengths for his music, though many of those efforts were far from the spotlight. With the October 7th release of his solo debut FEEL BETTER, the breadth of Fawcett's talents are thrust where they belong: Front and center. As with other artists who forge out on their own after supporting roles (see Dave Grohl & George Harrison), Fawcett's solo debut is highly anticipated, showcases the strengths of his previous work, but boasts a full-throated, exuberant musical voice like none we've ever heard before. "If you loved Down The Line's singing, songwriting, and playing, you'll find a lot to love in this album," he explains. "Where it departs is that I've put down the djembe in favor of the piano, my songs go in some new stylistic directions, and there are more moments of musical chaos and disorder." Fawcett's new songs are cut from a darker cloth (with a couple rays of sunshine), and the emotional weight and impact will chill (and thrill) longtime and newfound fans alike.
Fawcett's all-star cast of collaborators represent extraordinary twists of fate that speak further to the engaging and overwhelmingly collaborative energy he exudes. A friend connected him with celebrated bass player Tim Marks (Taylor Swift, Lionel Richie, Jewel, Will Kimbrough), and Marks enjoyed Fawcett's company over coffee so much that he offered to play on the album before Fawcett could even get up the nerve to ask
him.
Even more remarkable, FEEL BETTER producers and performers Cody Fry (Hunter Hayes, Ben Rector, Charlie Peacock) and Niko Xidas (Matt Wertz) are actually Fawcett's former music students. "Niko and Cody were such strong musicians early on that I had them play with me to accompany other students. The vibe was so good even back then, that when I was figuring out who to work with on this album, I thought 'I'd love to play with those guys again!'"
Through 'digging deep' in his songwriting, he has pushed his limits vocally, as well, with stunning results. "Unwittingly, I kinda kicked my own butt with how challenging some of these songs are to sing and play," he admits. "When we finished the vocal sessions, I felt lucky to have made it out alive!" Influences on display include the contemplative playing and singing of Jackson Browne, the angst and power of Billy Joel and Tom Petty, the chaotic energy of Imagine Dragons, and the mournful warmth of James Taylor and Bruce Springsteen.
Fawcett's take on the future sounds like that of a pragmatic, hard-nosed performer who's focus is rooted in the road ahead. "We're all constantly striving, in one way or another, to be understood," he says. "The songs on this album tell compelling, unique stories that are likely to resonate with just about anyone. My hope is that all who listen to this album will hear something that speaks to them, to the extent that it brings them joy, solace, solidarity...and hopefully, even encourages them to sing along for awhile."
Highlights from Derek's tour last fall to support FEEL BETTER's release included performances at Rockwood Music Hall (NYC), the Fox 2 Morning Show (St. Louis), Cameron House (Toronto), Johnny D's (Boston, opening for Rhett Miller of the Old 97s), and The Basement (Nashville). Shortly thereafter, FEEL BETTER was named "Best of 2014" by Something Else Reviews, and was featured in Huffington Post. Fawcett's fall 2015 itinerary includes Chicago's storied Lincoln Hall, and full band shows in Kalamazoo, MI and NYC.
Noah Bizer is a 20 year old Singer/Songwriter. His poetic lyrics and captivating storytelling combined with his beautiful, genuine baritone voice have made him an entertainment draw in Michigan and British Columbia. Noah's interesting song and chord structures along with the insightful, powerful themes of his compositions make Noah's performances appealing to fellow musicians and audiences of all ages.
In 2013, Noah released a six-song CD of his early original material entitled, "This Place That We Call Home." Noah has written about 30 new songs since then, reflecting his growth as a thinker and musician, many which are available as audio and video recordings.
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LocationTrinity House Theatre (View)
38840 West Six Mile
Livonia, MI 48152
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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