11/1/2008

Greg Johnson

Mary Flower was nominated this past year for Acoustic Artist of the Year at the Blues Music Awards. Believe me, this was no fluke. Following two stellar CDs on the Yellow Dog label, Mary is about to release her third and this time it's really something special for her fans in Portland. Titled, "Bridges," the CD was recorded in Portland and uses almost totally musicians from the city, too. The title alludes to the many crossings of the Willamette River, but also to the bridges spanned by the creative talents found within Portland. Having moved to the Rose City just a few years back, Mary has developed a strong love for her new home and titles on the disc such as "Columbia River Rag" and "Portland Town" certainly reflect that. As does the humor within that latter number where Mary sings about the never-ending rain so abundant through much of the year.

Portland will be the setting for the debut party for "Bridges" as Mary holds a CD release gathering at the Secret Society Ballroom on Saturday, November 8th. This is a new venue, located near Legacy Emanuel Hospital and the Wonder Ballroom, just upstairs from Toro Bravo. If you enjoyed her "Bywater Dance" CD that featured the artists of New Orleans, you will adore this disc recorded in the same vein with Portland musicians. Outstanding new music from one of the world's best Piedmont-style fingerpickers and lap slide guitarists.