Kevin Gordon
Kiki's House of Righteous Music 1326 MacArthur Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53714
(past pick) The son of "well-meaning, back-sliding parents," Kevin Gordon is the rare Louisiana-born, Tennessee-based artist who, along the way, embraced a genuine Midwestern muse. While earning his master's degree at the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop, he fell into scholarship of the musical sort: playing guitar for the mercurial Bo Ramsey, who went on to support and produce Lucinda Williams. Don't be fooled by his academic pedigree, though. Gordon is a gritty, grand storyteller and, now, a genuine Nashville blue blood whose songs have been recorded by Keith Richards and Levon Helm. With Bonnie Whitmore. RSVP to righteousmusicmgmt@gmail.com.
press release: January 11, 8 pm (doors at 7) Kevin Gordon, suggested donation $15
Kevin Gordon ventures out of Nashville in the middle of winter for a pair of shows in the Midwest. In addition to his second appearance in the basement, Gordon will play an afternoon show at the Seversen Dells Nature Center in Rockford (happy birthday Don!). Born and raised in Louisiana, his songs pair MFA level lyrics (yep, he has one, from the University of Iowa no less) with swampy blues. It's an infectious combination. He'll be playing solo, which is sure to let his storytelling shine.
Kevin Gordon on Folk Alley Sessions
"Vivid, gripping.” - Jon Freeman, Rolling Stone Country, May 25, 2018
“He wove historically informed, literary detail, surrealism and grit through guttural, rhythmically loose-limbed, blues-informed grooves.” - Jewly Hight, NPR.org, September 25, 2018
"Brilliance... Mesmerizing... Gordon delivers another album that comes as close to sonic poetry as anything from any musician who hasn’t already won a Nobel Prize for literature... earthy, literary music...visceral, electric blues-based vibe." - Scott Stroud, Associated Press, July 27, 2018
“Terrific... Another keeper... He’s one of America’s finest, most literary and talented musicians... it’s the way Gordon crafts his words to reflect reality without cliché that helps the music resonate long after the last note has faded.” - Hal Horowitz, American Songwriter, July 23, 2018
"'Tilt and Shine' may be the best rock ’n’ roll album anyone will release this year in Davidson County and its environs... impressive achievement." - Edd Hurt, Nashville Scene, July 26, 2018
"I'm struck by his mastery... Nobody in this town is better." - Ted Drozdowski, Premier Guitar, September, 2018
Reservations will be taken for this show at righteousmusicmgmt@gmail.com. On confirmation there is space available you can guarantee your spot by sending a check to Kiki Schueler, 1326 MacArthur Rd, Madison WI 53714.
Parking Alert: There is now no parking on either side of MacArthur Rd. I suggest parking on the very wide, curbed streets of Ellenwood and Duncan off Mendota and walking up the little path to MacArthur Ct. Google Maps says it is 0.1 miles and two minutes https://goo.gl/maps/5ZkNX from there to the house.
All shows are all ages and BYOB, I'll have coolers with ice available. As always, all money goes to the musicians.