PREMIERE: Mama Magnolia Displays Grit And Grace On Self-Titled EP [Listen]
Mama Magnolia‘s roots date back to 2013, when the majority of band’s members were enrolled in the music program at the University of Denver. With a keen ear for classical jazz compositions, the six-piece started jamming outside of their curricula and started to develop their unique sound. Comprised of Megan Letts (lead vocals, keys), Thomas Jennings (guitar), Zach Jackson (bass, vocals), Jackson Hillmer (drums), Carrie McCune (trumpet, vocals) and Alex Cazet (saxophone), Mama Magnolia incorporates elements of rock n’ roll, funk, soul, R&B, and so much more, to create the electrifying live shows they bring to any city lucky enough to host them.In 2016, Mama Magnolia released their independent debut EP, Something About Fire, while hitting the Colorado live music scene and beyond as hard as they could. Opening up for beloved live acts such as the California Honeydrops and Marco Benevento, the six-piece earned the respect of their hometown community, appearing regularly at Denver’s fixture arts and industry events.Their 2019 self-titled full-length, Mama Magnolia, was produced by Grammy Award-winning producers and engineers Steven Vidaic and Mike Yach, with Mama Magnolia trying to constantly emulate a live sound and approach with their recording process. “There’s a lot going on,” Megan Letts admits to Live For Live Music. “We certainly get down, but we’re not a rock band per se. It’s retro, but there’s a grittier side with the horns. Most of us grew up as jazz nerds. After playing by the book for so long, we’ve allowed ourselves to push the boundaries. It feels good.”“We tracked everything together, so drums, bass, guitar, horns, and keys were all done live,” recalls Megan. “That really captured who we are. We just react to each other very well musically. It’s a symbiotic relationship. The EP was like a preview; this second EP and upcoming record is an introduction to who we truly are and what we sound like.”The single “Half His Heart” opens up the world of Mama Magnolia. “Lyrically it’s about discovering the good in people even when they don’t seem like good people,” she explains. “Half of your heart is being told to be a certain way, but you still have that pure serenity somewhere inside you.”Meanwhile, “Ain’t Your Mama” tempers a simmering musical groove with raucous and robust vocals punctuated by funky bass and rambling horns.“It’s a reminder to bad roommates,” smiles the singer. “Clean up after your own self, because I’m not your mom! So many of our songs have these deep, intentional meanings and shadowy lyrics. This is very straightforward!”In the end, the soul of Mama Magnolia comes from the “family” bond shared by all six members.“Our fans always say we’re like a family,” Megan leaves off. “We can express anything musically, because we’re so comfortable with each other. We just like sharing our music with everybody as a family. When you listen to us, I hope you take away that experience. You’re a part of it too.”On Friday, November 2nd, Mama Magnolia will release the first half of their brand-new self-titled album as an EP. Today, Live For Live Music is proud to premiere Mama Magnolia, Pt.1 in its entirety before it’s official release.You can take a listen to the Live For Live Music premiere of Mama Magnolia’s new self-titled EP for yourself below. If you like what you hear, make sure to snag a copy of the band’s full album when it’s released Spring 2019. For more information on the band’s upcoming shows, check out their tour dates listed below or head to their website here.