Cheyenne Marie Mize, who has played alongside such artists as Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Ben Sollee, and as a member of Arnett Hollow, is releasing her solo debut Before Lately on sonaBLAST! Records.
In celebration of the CD release (sorry I just can't get myself to use the word "drop"), Mize will be having a release party concert on June 4th on the rooftop of Glassworks at 815 W Market Street. Also on the bill will be Louisville alt country artist Joan Shelley, who will be releasing her CD By Dawnlight next week.
Mize has been particularly busy lately. Earlier this year, she was part of Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore's band for their Dear Companion tour. More recently, played WFPK's Live Lunch with Saredren Wells. Last weekend, she has opened for bassist Victor Wooten at Headliners. Tonight (June 1) she plays the Uncommon Ground Café in Chicago; June 8 she will be at The Basement in Nashville, and will play the Underground Music Showcase in Denver July 24-25.
For the Glassworks show, she will get the chance to feature the seven new songs from her EP. Before Lately is filled with haunting and intimate folk. The languid and Mazzy Star-like Best begins the disc; it is followed by the banjo-painted Friend. Waiting is a peppier tune that showcases perhaps the best vocals on the disc. With its violin, Rest sounds a bit like a country Norah Jones-esque ballad. Path sums up the CD with its autumnal feel. You can almost hear leaves rustling on this one. Kind is catchy and With(out) employs a fuller sound with drums and strings.
A constant throughout the record is Mize's excellent vocals. No pun intended, but with a voice like that, you knew it wouldn't be playing second fiddle for long.
The 21 and over show begins at 9:00, and tickets are $6 in advance and $8 the day of the show. You can purchase advance tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/111432 or at Ear X-tacy Records.
