For Susie members' most current music projects, check out these websites:
Jiamie Pyles
ZipWire (Amelia and Leah)
Mary Brett Lorson and the Soubrettes (Amelia and Leah)
The Black Eyed Susies are an all-girl old-time/Americana string band from Trumansburg, NY. Jiamie Pyles (guitar), Leah Houghtaling (banjo) and Amelia Sauter (upright bass) have been lassoing audiences with their original and traditional lonesome cowgirl tunes and exquisite three-part harmonies since February 2007. Pyles has a voice reminiscent of Gillian Welch and a “true home-grown Appalachian†guitar-strumming style. Leah Houghtaling adds vocals and a unique claw-hammer-meets-melodic-experimental banjo style. Amelia Sauter plucks the bass strings resonantly and sings with a voice that has been described as “wicked old-school country.†The Black Eyed Susies released their first full-length cd, Jugs of Gin, in May 2008.
The music of the Black Eyed Susies is both smooth and energetic. Their rich three-part harmonies catch the ears of listeners and they exude a sense of presence when performing that other old-time musicians cannot always capture. They have taken the old-time music scene by storm, playing “outside of the box,†re-writing traditional tunes to make them unique, creating original Americana tunes and adding an emphasis on well-practiced vocals. They have played individually as guests with many musicians including Samantha Parton (Be Good Tanyas), Mac Benford (Highwoods String Band, Woodshed All Stars), Richie Stearns (Horseflies, Evil City String Band), John Hoffman (Long John and The Tights, UpSouth), The Hogwashers, Atsiaktonkie, and Ferron.
"The Susies are reminiscent of the early Be Good Tanyas." -Jan Bell, The Maybelles
“Jugs of Gin is an album that manages to be both wildly eclectic and strikingly consistent. It stands as a perfect testament to the originality of the band and the ease with which they play together. Even more pleasurable than the sum of its three-part harmony, The Black Eyed Susies have not only recorded and released the most captivating Americana local release this year—they have done it with a wink and a smile. Early signs suggest that the trio…may be the finest group in the idiom since the emergence of Old Crow Medicine Show in the region during the late ‘90s old-time revival.†-The Ithaca Journal, 5/8/08
“Ithaca trio The Black Eyed Susies are a harmonious three... [They] blend their strings and voices wonderfully, happily and with much skill and style on "Jugs of Gin." Remember when times were tough but people found good times where they could? Yes, you could call this 13-song collection, O, Sister, Where Art Thou." -Syracuse Post Standard, 6/8/08
“The Black Eyed Susies are a gift from heaven….Their music is good and their vocals pure. This group is a new star on [sic] the country heaven.†-
Free Country Eagle, The Netherlands, June 2008
“Glorious harmonies…an absolutely ethereal acoustic combo.†-Syracuse City Eagle, Sept 4-Sept 10, 2008
CDs currently on sale locally at Volume Records and Ludgates and online at CDbaby.com.
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