Local musician and outspoken artist Mare Wakefield will be performing with her band this Friday at Sam Bond’s Garage. The Mare Wakefield Band recently released their second recording “Factory” to critical acclaim. Their appearance at Sam Bond’s Garage will be the band’s only local appearance this spring.
For those unfamiliar with the band’s sound, the Mare Wakefield Band can best be described as acoustic rock with a sociopolitical flare.
“The first thing you’ll notice at a Mare show is her laid-back style and down-to-earth stage presence,” said a press release from Seedling Productions.
Now, a laid-back approach is not something entirely unique to the Eugene scene, but Wakefield offers a diverse array of sounds on her new release, “Factory.” The album is a introspective departure for Wakefield and the band but still provides much entertainment for her audience.
“If Wakefield’s lyrics don’t bring a smile to your face, then the rhythm will definitely set your foot tapping to the beat,” said Rory Leweling, a reporter for the Daily Barometer in Corvallis. “Factory” opens with “Be the One,” a funk-infused song that finds Wakefield lamenting on previous relationships. Many of the songs are rhythm based, including the next song, “Fighting.” From there, the album moves into a country mode, with the track “New Boy,” which recounts Mare telling her mom about a new boyfriend. “Comfort” is a blues-driven track with mysterious lyrics that are left to the listener’s interpretation.
The Mare Wakefield Band doesn’t shy away from combining influences on this album either. “Compound” is a mixture of both country and reggae sounds, which can invoke multiple images and feelings in the minds of listeners. There are more emotionally driven tracks as well, such as “Sewing Machine,” a touching piece about Wakefield’s grandmother. The album ends with more country influence, including the album’s closing track, “Ghost of John Denver.” As one might expect, “Ghost” is a heart-felt tribute to the late folk master.
Recently, music critics have lavished the band with critical praise, including Rocket reporter Scott Lewis who wrote, “Wakefield has a clear, energetic and confident voice that bounces off the band’s thick walls quite well and even holds humor.”
Beyond Wakefield, the band consists of other local, talented musicians. Drummer David Burrow received his bachelor’s degree from the University School of Music. Since graduating, he has performed with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Peter Erskine and Ben Wilfe.
Bass player Ari Lindgren was born and raised in New York City. Lindgren joined Mare Wakefield in 1998. Other guest musicians on the album include local artists Chris Funk, Laura Kemp and the band Honeybucket.
Those interested in hearing the band before their performance can pick up their new album or catch them on local music stations KWVA and KLCC. Also, the Mare Wakefield Band will be performing this Friday, April 14, at Sam Bond’s Garage, 407 Blair Blvd. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $4.