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Concert Mon Feb 12 2007
Machine Records hums along with shows at Schubas and Uncommon Ground
I think of Machine Records as a Chicago label despite the fact that they're based in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. They've signed both local talent like Martha Berner and national acts like The Apparitions. Confirming my assumptions about Machine Records and the windy city is the fact that two of their artists have a busy week coming up in Chicago. On Friday, February 16 Martha Berner opens up for Toby Lightman at Schubas and all month long Hayward Williams plays Wednesday nights at 8pm at Uncommon Ground.
Martha's debut cd was well received last year, which led to a new ep which came out just last month. Her recorded output separates itself from the more pedestrian singer-songwriter offerings by featuring her husky vocals, complex arrangements and literate lyrics. Here's her song "Down and Out In San Francisco" from the Ten Tiny Little Pieces ep.
[mp3]: Down and Out in San Francisco Martha Berner
Hayward Williams resides in Wisconsin and has been mentored by the great young singer-songwriter Jeffrey Foucault. On record his earnest folk often takes a drastic turn towards grungy rock or paint-by-numbers alt-country but this month of Wednesday's should showcase his softer, folkier side. Hayward William's Machine Records debut, Another Sailor's Dream, comes out March 7.
[mp3]: A Glance Back Hayward Williams
[mp3]: Redwoods Hayward Williams