They write about gambling, murder, booze and bicycles; and
they do it against the backdrop of a musical landscape that has been described
as “gritty saloon jazz,” “modern speakeasy music,” and “Tom Waits in a cocktail
dress.” Tumbledown House, the Montana group fronted by
sultry vocalist Gillian Howe and eclectic indie jazz guitarist Tyler Ryan
Miller, is back with a new album, Fables and Falsehoods (due
March 2012), the follow-up to their self-titled 2009 debut.
Tumbledown House constantly pushes boundaries both musically
and lyrically, and for Fables and Falsehoods, they also
expanded their instrumentation by enlisting the talent of ten other musicians,
including three horn players from New Orleans’ Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
The result is a finished product that can best described as an upbeat, 1920’s
big band romp.
“We wanted to expand the instrumentation on the new album to
include an experienced horn section,” said Miller. “Roger, Greg, and E.T.
from The Dirty Dozen Brass Band were able to provide the old-school, vintage,
New Orleans Jazz feel that we were searching for.”
In addition to Fables and Falsehoods being
a unique musical experience, Tumbledown House also pushed the envelope
lyrically this time, exploring diverse subject matter (one song is based on the
original story of Pinocchio written by Carlo Collodi in 1883, another describes
the only consecrated shrine dedicated to unrepentant sinners, which still
stands in Tucson, Arizona) and showcases the duo’s talent for creating something
vintage and familiar, yet refreshing, distinct, and exciting.
"If a listener looks into the things we're singing
about, chances are they'll find something of substance and they'll see the
story that inspired us,” said Howe.
Following the success of their self-titled debut CD,
Tumbledown House toured from Alaska to Louisiana, from Portland, Oregon to
Portland, Maine, and has now performed over 250 shows in over 20 states.
The duo continues to tour, sometimes with additional musicians, throughout
the U.S. and has shared the stage with Crooked Still, The Devil Makes Three,
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Keller Williams, as well as many other notable
acts.
Tumbledown House has “quickly ascended as one of the new,
promising acts of the Rocky Mountain region.” (Pop Rocket Press)
Now, armed with Fables and Falsehoods, the group will continue to
provide the soundtrack for raucous, prohibition-themed parties nationwide.
For more information please visit www.tumbledownhouse.com
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