Thea Hopkins: News

VARIOUS ARTISTS
Across Their Universe: Lowbudget Records Does the Songs of the Beatles
Lowbudget Records 19-song CD

It was a different scene when I released Boston Does the Beatles in 1988. But this next generation variation succeeds in achieving my two original goals: to showcase the depth and diversity of the local scene to listeners across the world, and to allow the included talent to twist and shout a universally-known catalog into their own creations. And some of the stars really shine: “Honey Pie” (Glenn Williams) with its vaudevillian splendor, “Not A Second Time” (Mr. Curt Ensemble) with its avante and dramatic delivery, “Don’t Let Me Down” (Bird Mancini) and “Fixing A Hole” (Thea Hopkins) interpreted with great female vocals. “Tell Me Why” (the Daly Brothers), done rockabilly. The hypnotic “Long Long Long” (Pastiche). The sonic gloom of “Eleanor Rigby” Bonnie Gordon). The bluesy version of “Birthday” (Bird Mancini) that Lennon would have loved. “Let It Be” (Terry Kitchen) done with a fabulous B-3 organ. “No Reply” with T Max doing Tom Waits doing the Fab Four. And the ambitious “Day In the Life” (Low Budget Allstars) with the ending suspended chord, too. Question for conceptualizer Tim Casey: Does that song also include the silent dog whistle?
(A. J. Wachtel — semi-retired Mensch/former A & R god at Fast Track Records)

 

Cameron & I had a great gig Saturday night at Studio 99 in Nashua.   This was our first time playing there, and we were the open mic feature.

Studio 99 is a fantastic listening room. No need for amplification at all. The MC for the night was Bob Pope, a very talented bluegrass musician, in his own right. Quite a few fine guitar players and 

song interpreters made an appearance. One of my favorites was Gary singing, "Sunday Morning Coming Down." he turned the song into a beautiful, soft prayer. One of the best renditions of the tune I have ever heard. And then there was Johnny Earthquake  with his pirate hat, a red sneaker on his right foot, a green sneaker on his left, long beard and dark shades, playing fantastic pedal steel.  A very colorful character.

They got a good crowd, loved our show, and have invited us back to headline on a Saturday night, so we're happy. I'll keep you posted as to the date!

Check out this great review of the Sally O'Brien's show: www.actionbobmarkle.blogspot.com !

 

Happy New Year! 

Henry & I had a great time last nite opening for Richie Furay! Buffalo Springfield is one of my favorite groups of all time. He was in fantastic voice, and his band was stellar.
Our show will be available to be heard online in a few days, on Martha's Vineyard radio station, WMVY.

Henry and I had a great time playing at ArtBeat this past weekend. Here is a video Henri put together of us playing "Little White Church"! Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYXDwHsXwfI

I just got back from TN, a few days ago. I started off in Chattanooga, went to Nashville(played at the Bluebird cafe), headed down to Atlanta, and then over to Memphis for the Folk Alliance conference. A wonderful trip!

I had an absolutely wonderful time opening for Noel Paul Stookey this past Saturday in Chatham, NJ! It was an honor to open for him. He joined me on "Jesus IS On The Wire", and added his wonderful harmonies. Scott Sheldon & everyone involved do a stellar job organizing the series.
Noel Paul Stookey did a truly inspiring set. It was
a wonderful night! You can check out the pics in the photo gallery.

This will be published in their August issue:

Thea Hopkins

Chickasaw

****

Brave songwriting by a woman who knows the importance and power of words.

Thea Hopkins isn’t afraid to tackle a sensitive subject. Take Jesus Is On The Wire for instance; it tells the true story of Matthew Shepherd, a young man who was taken out to the country, tied to a fence and then beaten to death by two men because he had the audacity to be gay. A church minister actually turned up at his funeral as he was being lowered into the ground and shouted, ‘God hates faggots!’ Strange that, I always thought God loved everybody. For this one song alone, Thea Hopkins is to be applauded, because it takes guts to stand up to the hypocrites and religious bigots. ‘They said he slept with guys, they said that he was gonna die.’ Those lyrics would still resonate if the song was fiction, but because they are penned in truth they send a shiver down the spine.

Hopkins is no one trick pony though; there are other songs here that are just as potent. She gets the war mongers in her sights on River Of Fire and scores a direct hit on the Bush administration: ‘the king sends his riders out just before the dawn, to the four corners of the earth he’s set his eye upon.’ Pretty powerful stuff delivered in a high lonesome voice slightly reminiscent of Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell—two women who know a little bit about protest songs themselves. Like any good storyteller, Hopkins has the lyrical talent to create startling images in the mind, and she reminds us of what it is to be human. She evokes charming memories of childhood with The Edge Of Geary, whilst Once There Was A Lover, a song about choosing the wrong partner, is sure to strike a chord in anyone who’s ever walked this world hand in hand with a mistake. I would have liked to hear a little more variation in the pacing of the songs, but that really is splitting hairs. After all, mother earth needs all the courage she can get at the moment, and Thea Hopkins is one brave girl indeed. I salute her. DH

This was published April 24th:

On the album art for 2007’s ``Chickasaw,'' Thea Hopkins’ second full-length release, you have the four-words that define her work: ``American Short Story Folk.'' That is what you hear: 12 tracks of meticulously conceived, hauntingly realized and beautifully-sung narratives that are heavy on the heart for their sense of tragedy but so poignant and memorable all the same.
Somerville-based Hopkins loves her imagery and is a gifted linguist – she suggests her work is as much influenced by writers of short stories as it is folk forebears. In song and in discussion, Hopkins has the candor of someone who’s well in touch with her gifts but is always careful not to take them for granted.
``I think with my debut album, I was consumed with it (the songwriting). Now I want to develop and refine it,'' said Hopkins, who performs at Perk’s Coffeehouse in Norwood Thursday evening. ``If you feel directed in a particular way, it becomes an act of will to say ‘I’m not going to do this.’ Sometimes I’ll wake up very early in the morning with a new idea and instead of saying ‘I don’t want to get up and deal with this,’ I’ll just go with it. I think it’s also recognizing that when that happens, it’s a gift to have it. Maybe it’s something that won’t make sense at first but is just some spark trying to get there.''
Hopkins attracted national attention with her debut, 2001’s ``Birds of Mystery,'' and received an even greater professional boost when Peter, Paul & Mary recorded one of her songs, ``Jesus Is On the Wire,'' for their 2004 album ``In These Times.''
Of all Hopkins’ wrenching story-songs, ``Jesus,'' about the hate crime death of University of Wisconsin student Matthew Shepard in 1998, is still the one that cuts the deepest. Hopkins said she’s had versions sent to her from musicians all over the world, and she even re-recorded the tune herself for ``Chickasaw.''
The song is in good company with the other chapters in her storybook, including the romance-minded ``Rows and Rows of Stars,'' the pensive meditation on childhood memories ``The Edge of Geary,'' and the deep melancholy of ``The Weather Turns,'' which features cellist Natalie Haas.
Haas is among several all-star contributors to appear on ``Chickasaw,'' including guitarist David Goodrich (Chris Smither), pianist Tim Ray (Lyle Lovett), guitarist Steve Sadler (Swinging Steaks), bassist Richard Gates (Suzanne Vega), and violinist Ian Kennedy, who also mastered the album. But the instrumentation feels like scenery next to Hopkins’ own voice – that sensual, late-night, ancient-sounding timbre.
``It’s a conscious thing. I love words, and I’m always trying to develop that,'' Hopkins said. ``I’m a solitary artist, though. I love to perform but I need a sense of solitude to let things ferment for a while. I read an interview with Leonard Cohen where he said he would rewrite, and rewrite and rewrite – that’s the kind of thing that inspires me to refine things. That’s what gets you to your aha! moment.''
Hopkins will be at BK’s Lounge in Revere on May 15 and Bridgewater’s July 4 celebration at the Quad at Bridgewater State College.

If you have ever thought about having a house concert (there is tons of info on organizing one on this site), or are interested in inviting me to perform at one, click on the above link.
You can check out my home concerts page by typing in Thea Hopkins!

CD Reviews by Judy Robinson
Thea Hopkins ‘Chickasaw’
The songs on Thea Hopkins’ second cd ‘Chickasaw’, bear witness to many different aspects of human nature. The
title track tells of a spurned woman who takes revenge on her unfaithful lover. ‘Jenny Danced’ is the story of a
young girl who learns to cope with an unhappy home by using dance as a means of escape. ‘Newspaper Wings’ is a
reflection on how far you can sometimes go by pursuing childhoods dreams. ‘River of Fire’ is an anti-war song; it
protests not only the war but the close-mindedness of those who continue to view it as the salvation of democracy.
‘Jesus Is On The Wire’ is about Matthew Shepard’s murder and is dedicated to his memory. Hopkins’ lyrics are
very simple yet they evoke the communal horror and shame we felt when he was murdered. Peter, Paul and Mary
included the song on their album ‘In These Times’ and stated “…..This is one of the most important songs we have
sung in recent years." Hopkins’ velvety voice and perfect phrasing provide a riveting contrast to the seriousness of
her subject matter; her voice soothes while her lyrics electrify you. Hopkins is from Boston and won 2nd place in
the 2004 Boston Folk Festival songwriter contest. The nationally syndicated radio program “Acoustic Café selected
her as ‘One To Watch’ in February 2005 for their monthly feature devoted to new artists.
Go to www.theahopkins.com to hear her music and buy both her debut cd ‘Birds of Mystery’ and ‘Chickasaw.’

I am very pleased to be the featured musician this month on Festivals Network Online! Here is the write-up:

Massachusetts based singer-songwriter Thea Hopkins possesses a voice like fine cognac and a warm wood fire (indoors, not out). Her soothing melodies caress the listener into a state of invested ease. Fans of Katell Keineg's lower register will find a pleasing familiarity in Hopkins tone, though Thea's is at the same time unique unto itself, as rich and complex as her many faceted heritage.

Thea's August 2007 release "Chickasaw" is full of original material that could have been written and recorded in any decade since the sixties. Timeless story songs in the folk tradition ("Once There Was a Lover") sit nicely next to more upbeat, even danceable numbers like "Medicine Line". Awards and accolades for her voice and her songwriting threaten to burst her bio at its seams.

Thea is in more than capable hands on "Chickasaw", all the musicians having Folk Star resumes containing luminous names like Leonard Cohen, Chris Smither and Suzanne Vega. The most notable detail of the band's contribution, however, is restraint, the players dripping and dipping in and out just enough to frame Thea's fine voice for the listener's intoxication.

Thea Hopkins plays regularly in the Northeast and has released two albums: "Chickasaw" and her 2001 debut "Birds of Mystery". Vist her website: http://www.theahopkins.com/


Musician Review by David Earl Tomlinson of Asheville, North Carolina's The Plowshares.

I was very pleased to discover that "Rows & Rows Of Stars" was recently played by
Vin Scelsa on his WFUV
show "Idiots Delight". Thank you Vin Scelsa!

My heatfelt thanks to everyone who supported the new album. Many thanks to all the DJs here and overseas who have
played "Chickasaw". Thank you for making 2007 a memorable year!

I just found out that Howard Jack, the folk & blues music director for WRPI, has named "Chickasaw" as one of the ten best CDs for 2007. Thank you Howard!

There is a nice mention in today's Sidekick section of the Boston Globe about tonight's CD release
party at Johnny D's: http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2007/11/27/a_literate_voice/

Here is the link to the
Boston Herald story about me in today's paper:
http://news.bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/general/view.bg?articleid=1046952

I am just back from NERFA.
What a weekend!
I met a lot of great folks, played a lot and overall had a pretty swell time.

I am thrilled that Gerry Bellegarde and Steve Sadler will be joining me
on stage at Johnny D's, for my CD release party. Ruby, of BirdMancini will be joining me on harmonies too!

It is sure to be a great night. There will be some more fine music following my set.
Marylou Ferrante, Eric McDonald & BirdMancini will be doing an in the round, so I hope folks will stick around for that too!

Many thanks to these folks
who have started to play songs from "Chickasaw":

Will Baylies
Rick Schneider
WKZE.com

Robert Resnick
All The Traditions
www.VPR.org
Brenda Tacik
Regina's Mighty Shores
www.CJTR.org Saskatchewan CA

Mark Tobler
WTUL
New Orleans, LA

Charlie Backfish
"Sunday Street"
www.wusb.org
Arthur Elliot
"Sidestream"
99.7 FM
Australia

John McLaughlin
"Roots & Wings"
www.wmuc.org
Chante Ishta
"Two Worlds"
www.wmnf.org
Ken Battista
"An American Sampler"
www.wyep.org
Steve Jerret
Sunday Morning Coffeehouse
www.kopn.org

Naomi Arenberg
"Folk On WGBH"
www.wgbh.org
DJ Deep Rawk
"Restless Mornings"
KGNU
www.kgnu.org
Down Home Cooking With Larry T
92.9

Laura Slavin
"Laurapalooza"
Pacifica Radio KPFT

Bob McWilliams
Trail Mix
Kansas Public Radio

Steve Wildman
WQNR
99.9 the Rock

Laurie Desjardins
New Brick Road
KVMR
www.kvmr.org
Chrisann McGill
WSPN
www.skidmore.edu/~wspn/
Roger Wise
"The Restless Mornings Show"
www.kgnu.org
Karen Miller
"The Miller Tells Her tale"
UK

The Texas Chainsaw Acoustic hour
www.kwvaradio.org



Rein Wortelboer
Peel Grass Radio
The Netherlands

Raymond Swennen
"Roots Revival"
Radio FM Goud
Belgium

Tom Funk
"Green Chile and Revival Medicne Show"
www.kglp.org
Maggie Ferguson
"Old Front Porch Radio Show"
www.wxou.org
www.wojb.org
Tom Fahey
AmericanaOK
LeithFM,Scotland

Ray Pieters
"Somewhere Between"
www.goldenflash.be
Gaye Auxier
"TGIFOLK"
www.wdbx.org
Tom Bingham
"General Eclectic"
WCVF?WDVL

Henry Hallet
"Simple Folk"
www.kxci.org
Bill Hahn
"Traditions"
www.WFDU.org
Rich Warren
"Midnight Special"
www.WFMT.org
Dan Alloway
"Folk Fury"
www.ktep.org
Lenny Epstein
"The Folk Show"
www.KRFC.org
Gerd Stassen
"Hillbilly Rockhouse"
www.insurgentcountry.net Germany

Jon Stein
www.wtbq.com
Taylor Caffery
"Hootenanny Power"
www.wrkf.org

Eddie O'Strange
Town & Country Radio NZ

Rolf Hierath
Hillbilly Jukebox Germany

Hans Hanegraaf
American Music Radio Shows Belgium

Sonja Hedlund
"Ballads and Banjos"
www.wjff.com
Kevin Elliot
"From The Joshua Tree Inn"
www.weft.org
Ruby Slippers
"Click Your Heels Together"
www.KFOK.org

I am happy to report I have been selected for a NERFA Tri-centric Showcase!

Shaun Belcher of Flyinshoes Radio in the UK has selected my new CD "Chickasaw" as one of the best of the month for October!
http://www.flyinshoes.fsnet.co.uk/radio

CHICKASAW is also now available at www.cdfreedom.com!

Thea Hopkins possesses a voice and style that are so unique and brilliant that you wonder why the rest of the world has not yet caught on. She is sultry and sensuous, serious and playful, mysterious and fascinating all at once. She is reminiscent of the great torch singers, but also has a modern and contemporary sound which she shares with the likes of Sarah McLaughlin and Natalie Merchant. The bottom line is that she knows how to take an audience on a ride that touches the full range of human emotions.

Chickasaw is her sophomore release—a worthy follow-up to the classic songs of her 2001 debut, Birds of Mystery. Chickasaw is subtitled "American short story folk," and indeed, the many wonderful songs here truly do tell a story about people living on the edge of love, of luck, and of life.

An air of romance, of earth-shattering love and lust, permeates the richly sensual Rows and Rows of Stars. David Goodrich colors Thea's gorgeous vocals with his superb work on guitar and piano. This is a song you can just drift away on—you don't want it to end.

The Edge of Geary brings back images of a small-town childhood as it appears in memory. Thea's soft, sultry alto rises to meet Chris Thompson's harmony vocals. Ian Kennedy shines on violin.

Every one of us has a story about choosing the wrong lover—the one who is too good to be true. Once There Was a Lover describes just this kind of false suitor. It is one of the recording's best cuts:
Once there was a lover who found
Shelter in Jesus and all he adored
Thorns and desire, roses and fire
Was all his heart had room for.

The Weather Turns is so hauntingly beautiful a song that its melody and lyrics stay with you long after you have listened to it. Natalie Haas on cello helps to create an air of melancholy and mystery. Thea's voice caresses the lyrics with her special magic.

Dave Goodrich, on resonator guitar, opens the title track, Chickasaw" This is a classic song of love gone badly and irrevocably wrong.

There are so many great songs here, I could address each and every one of them. But none is as moving as the revised version of Thea's riveting Jesus is on the Wire, which has been covered by Peter, Paul and Mary. Here she paints a picture of an unforgettable landscape, and a day that will go down in our collective memory. This song is a modern classic.

The beauty of Thea's voice is matched by the brilliance of her lyrics. Some singers know how to sing and others know how to write. Thea Hopkins draws you in with her sensual, sultry voice, but keeps your attention by wrapping that voice around beautiful melodies and wonderful stories. She's a marvelous talent. Get lost in her mystery. You may never want to be found. -- Roberta B. Schwartz

I am happy to report that "Chickasaw" made it onto the Folk DJ List of Top Albums for August!