Volume 33 Number 2 March 17, 2009

Misty Mamas take fans back in time,
release delightful, new inspirational CD

By Katie Naylor

Photos by Lisa DiMarco

It's not often that you can go to a local favorite pub and be taken back to a time where there was still the kind of "hope" that isn't the kind you hear of on the evening news. No, it's about the kind of hope and peace that you felt on the front porch at the bottom of the Smokey Mountains or after a fervent sermon from your local reverend on a cold Sunday morning in Kentucky. Yet, on this misty Saturday night in the maple-stained wooden pews of Portland's own Alberta Street Pub, that's exactly the place that Misty Mamas took you.

Over a year in the making, the CD released March 5 was inspired by the title crowned by the group as the one that "just seemed right." The Misty Mamas bring to town simple, melodic-driven tunes that have lasted centuries. A self-touted "die hard fan" says; "It's like Americana music...it just feels so familiar, even if you've never heard it before."

Wild Rose of the Mountain will delight you with songs to remind you of life experiences, love lost and the songs of incessant wonderment of whether you could/would have lived your life differently. After all, that is what music inspires everyone to do in its own unique form. It doesn't matter how you like to accept the message, it's all in the deliverance.

Misty Mamas began just before the spring of '05. A prominent Portland group called Misty River was entertaining the local scene. One of the group's members had to take maternity leave and as unfortunate as that was, it paved the way for the next evolution of sound. Carol Harley had the opportunity to get together with Katherine Nitsch, whom she had known since University of Oregon days as a freshman. When they met, Harley discovered that Nitsch played guitar and she said "You play??? So do I!!"

And the story evolves from there. Nitsch and Harley connected with a couple others and formed a "Mamas and Papas" pop rock band in the '60s. As stories and musicians grow, they ended up going separate ways, including one band member ending up in Nashville. Still, Harley and Nitsch stayed in touch over the years and in the Spring of '05, musical magic happened when the two reconnected.

Eileen Rocci was also a previous musical connection of Harley's and the group rounded off after meeting April Parker at a local jam session; her great voice and personality easily complimented and completed the "homestyle" feel that was just waiting to form.

Since these ladies play multiple instruments, it's hard to make a simple list! Carol Harley plays banjo; Katherine Nitsch plays guitar; Eileen Rocci, upright bass; and April Parker is on accordion.

As The Misty Mamas set up their instruments, the listener's mind is wondering what the sound will be. With upright bass, guitar, mandolin, old time banjo and an accordion, well! You can't expect to hear anything less than poignant songs about love, life and home.

So, next time you are ready for some good ol' fashioned mountain music, see Bandstand this issue or check their website www.mistymamas.com to see where these ladies are playing. Go enjoy the evening. You'll be glad you did.

(Editor's note follows)This normally would go into Notes on a Napkin, but since Katie had to leave the performance early and some of the best tunes were in the second set, I promised Misty Mamas I would comment.One of the most notable songs was the a capella Born in Bethlehem. It truly demonstrated the depth of their harmony. Another favorite was Polka on a Banjo, a delightful toe-tapper featuring Parker on accordion. Mother's Prayer, penned by Parker, was a moving piece, as well as Lamp in the Window and Lonesome Pine. Life's Railway to Heaven brought the old Gospel tune to life and Parker's Bluegrass Mamas was a crowd pleaser.

Don't miss the Misty Mamas at the Airplay Cafe on 7th & Burnside April 17 (Maybe I'll have my birthday party there!) & another CD release party on the 18th at the fun-filled Irishtown Bar & Grill, 11600 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd. in Vancouver, Wash, 7-9 p.m.