Sam Densmore & Curtis Irie

It’s always a treat to hear two musical heavyweights collaborate on an album. Densmore and Irie mesh so well that one gets the feeling that some kind of strikingly special and unique sonic alchemy is at work. The vocals are wonderfully warm and pleasant, the songwriting sharp and thoughtful, the playing precise and expert, and the melodies tuneful and arresting. However, it’s the way these two guys directly address certain provocative issues head on that gives this album an extra strong impact: Whether confronting the harsh realities of getting older and being rendered obsolete in today’s youth-obsessed world in the poignant “Old Ghost,” or tackling the grim mood of the profoundly dejected “Flea Circus Stair,” this formidable duo dig deep and make one hell of a potent lasting impression. The sound encompasses everything from folk to country rock to lowdown gritty blues (“Oregon Blues” rates as one awesomely dirty blast!) , thereby offering a tasty little something for everyone. A terrific album. - Joe Wawrzyniak/Jersey beat 2014 Recent Bio Info on Sam Densmore/Curtis Irie- In summer of 2013, Portland, OR based songwriters Sam Densmore (Silverhawk) and Curtis Irie (Irie Idea) embarked on an 18 date tour of south central Alaska together on a lark. Over the course of the tour, the duo collaborated in the live setting. The chemistry was so good, they decided to hit the studio and record some songs together. Originally conceived as a split EP, their first collaborative effort, "Quit Work make Music", due for release on 6/10/2014, boasts their individual styles, yet sports an identity all it's own. Collectively, their influences run the gamut from modern indie folk and rock, to blues and early Jamaican music. Sam Densmore (RIYL Wilco, Beatles, Neil Young, Neutral Milk Hotel) In summer of 2012, Sam Densmore released a double EP titled “ku thar tik” to rave reviews, "Sam Densmore’s pleasant voice and smartly succinct songwriting make for a strong and impressive double whammy. Moreover, Densmore plays a mean acoustic guitar and never degenerates into mushy cliché at any point..."—Jersey Beat - Joe Wawrzyniak Full article In support of the album release, he’s performed over 200 shows in the Pacific NW. An Oregon native, he’s played music all his life and worked in many bands including Silverhawk, Frequency db, The Jeremy Wilson Band (Dharma Bums). Curtis Irie (RIYL Sam Cooke, Peter Tosh, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Reed.) is the leader of the Portland based rocksteady/blues/reggae band, Irie Idea. Recent bookings of note include opening slots for The Slackers, and onstage collaborations with members of the Menzingers and the Delirions. A consummate entertainer, his live show is upbeat, engaging and features strong songwriting, ace harmonica playing and guitar chops. Curtis lives in Portland but is originally from the east coast. QUIT WORK MAKE MUSIC the new album from Sam Densmore & Curtis Irie coming 6/10/14