Add the Y of multi-instrumentalist John Davis [drummer of D.C.’s defunct Q And Not U], the X of singer-songwriter Laura Burhenn, and their combined knack for evocative production, inventive songwriting, and multi-part harmonies, and you’re almost there. Mix in the duo’s passion for 60s & 70s pop music including The Kinks, Richard & Linda Thompson, The Jam, Simon & Garfunkel, and some “Shake Some Action”-era Flamin’ Groovies, and you’ve got it. While Georgie James may at first seem like a strange amalgam, everything fits together perfectly on their Saddle Creek debut, Places.
After a U.S. tour with Camera Obscura and some regional touring on their own, Georgie James entered Arlington, VA’s Silver Sonya Studio in late summer 2006 to record its debut full-length with the production help of Beauty Pill’s Chad Clark and Aloha’s T.J. Lipple. Guest musicians included Andrew Black [The Explosion], Matthew Gengler and Tony Cavallario [both of Aloha]. Places finds Davis switching duties between drums, bass and guitars, while Burhenn takes turns at Wurlitzer and the piano to create memorable indie pop that is gorgeously glam, focusing on bright melodies and strong vocal harmonies.
The 12 tracks that make up Places are pure pop bliss that look towards the future, but are undeniably rooted in music from generations past. “Cake Parade” and “Long Week” illustrate Davis’s and Burhenn’s affinity for McCartney-style piano pop. The upbeat “Need Your Needs” and “More Lights” are rounded out by a Talking Heads-influenced rhythm section and are once again complemented by dynamic male/female harmonies that carry the songs’ choruses. Cowsills-style sunshine pop influences come through in “Henry And Hanzy” which is light, breezy and incredibly catchy. Places is fresh, but also timeless, distinguishing Georgie James from their indie rock counterparts and setting the stage for a series of artistic triumphs.
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Georgie James Cover
01. Look Me Up
02. Cake Parade
03. Need Your Needs
04. Long Week
05. More Lights
06. Henry And Hanzy
07. Comfortable Headphones
08. Hard Feelings
09. Places
10. Cheap Champagne
11. You Can Have It
12. Only Cause You’re Young
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It’s not the often-cited “exhaustion” nor a never-ending hangover that’s forcing Georgie James to cancel some upcoming shows – rather, John is simply feeling under the weather, and the band has decided that it is in his best interest to take some time off and let him rest so that he & the band can continue to give their 100% at every show! The band plans to resume their tour in Omaha on November 8 th before heading over to Europe, and will make up the cancelled shows during their spring tour.
A statement from John as well as an updated routing is below.
“Basically, I’ve been sick for the past few weeks and things haven’t improved at all. Since it’s been four nights in a row onstage of me wondering if I can remain conscious til the end of the set, we decided to just take two weeks off to recover. So, we’ll be back out soon and thanks to those folks down south and out west for understanding. We’ll be back out on tour in March and we’ll make up the dates then. Thanks and see you soon. – John”
Georgie James Fall Tour Dates
11.09.07 – Grinnell, IA. – Gardner Lounge/Main Hall
11.10.07 – Minneapolis, MN. – 7th Street Entry
11.11.07 – Chicago, IL. – Schubas Tavern
11.12 Cleveland, OH – The Grog Shop
11.13 Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live
11.14 Allston, MA – Great Scott
11.15 New York, NY – Knitting Factory
11.16 Washington DC – Black Cat,
11.17 Washington DC – Crooked Beat