Flanfire CD release party review

CD Release Party Review

Duggan Flannakin, Founder of Flanfire; December 12, 2009

The night before I stopped by Maria’s Taco X-Press for Jessica Shepherd’s CD release — which was moved INDOORS due to the 34-degree weather outside. First time I had ever seen live music INSIDE at Maria’s but with the rousing success of this evening I anticipate it will not be the last time. Jessica was stunning in a long black and white dress and her rich vocal power — and her band began with Perry Drake on drums and Kyle Judd on acoustic guitar, and David Valley on bass.

Spicing up the mix were Laurie Gibson on fiddle and vocals, Sally Gibson, Dee Ann Smith and Eric Leikam on vocals, Washboard Judy on, well, washboard, and special guest Danny B. Harvey on electric guitar. PLUS Maria Corbalan herself was in the house looking fabulous! [Reports that Sin City's Shilah Morrow was sipping Mexican martinis with an unidentified music reporter are just not undeniable.] But the real star of the evening was the room itself — Maria’s is so colorful, and the sound was so very good — do not be surprised if the Argentine Angel comes up with yet another winning idea!