Milkweed is not cool. Try moshing to it – you just look stupid. But, if you
like a good story, this music will grab you with its wistful, bittersweet
humor. It’s a theme that frontman Matt Abell has cultivated throughout a
decade of careful songcrafting. Joined by jazzman Jesse Green, percussionist
“Sideshow Skip,” and new-comer Bjarni Nermoe on bass, Milkweed sets the mood
as the story begins:
“It’s been twenty years and I’m hardly a hippie anymore
I traded my tie-dyes and sandals for a suit
And three saucy boys and a bossy wife, to boot”
— from “Hole-Hearted”
Since receiving a second-hand guitar in 1990, Matt’s passion has been to
rekindle the tradition of the great storytellers such as Harry Chapin and Jim
Croce. Armed with an English degree, he stubbornly determined not to sing
“fluff,” writing over seventy songs to date. But beyond the lyrics, Matt has
worked to expand the conventions of the acoustic guitar by using unusual
chords, alternate tunings, and a variety of finger-playing styles.
“Sideshow Skip” first began playing with Matt at the Sarah Street Grill in the
summer of 2001. With his “suitcase of tricks” and collection of drums from
around the world, brings his own exotic flavor to the mix. An accomplished
sound engineer, Skip recorded and compiled a collection of live recordings for
Milkweed’s debut CD, which was released in December of 2002. Besides his
regular Tuesday night gig with Milkweed at the Sarah Street, Skip can often be
seen backing up Toby and Kevin’s “Pocono Duo.”
In the spring of 2002, Jesse Green, son of jazz trombonist Urbie Green and a
respected jazz pianist in his own right, sat in on a set with Matt and Skip
while having a beer one Tuesday at the Sarah Street. He has played with them
ever since, adding a flourish that is at once mind-blowing, atmospheric, and
accessible. Green’s improvisations fused with Matt’s folk-styled songs and
spawned Milkweed. In other notes, Jesse recently placed fourth in the Martial
Solal International Jazz Piano Competition and performs regularly with reknowned
jazz artists such as Jerry Harris, Phil Woods, and Dave to name a few.
This past winter brought the addition of a new member to Milkweed. Jazz
bassist Bjarni Nermoe (pronounced BYAR-nee NUR-moh), with his understated
style and steady hand, rounds out the roster. Bjarni just had a brand new baby
girl, Amber, with his wife Shelby, and he also plays regularly with the
jam-band Floggadingo.
Drop by the Sarah Street on a Tuesday night, or check the schedule on
www.milkweedmusic.net, and hear for yourself this uncommon flower called
Milkweed.