Ada Jane (formerly the Matt Marka Band) is the latest manifestation of the musical efforts of Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter Matt Marka. The band also includes Charlie Wilson (drums) and various other guests, musical and non-musical, on various nights. Ada Jane delivers a varied sound style, ranging from moody dirges similar to the darker moments of Wilco or Bruce Springsteen, to rollicking, rousing rock 'n roll that has been compared to Hüsker Dü.
Matt Marka's voice is expressive and distinctive, equally warm and raw. His vocals adeptly convey the emotional content of each song with obvious honesty and subtle charm. Matt's guitar playing is also unique, employing both acoustic and electric guitars in an array of customized tunings resulting in a rich and complex sound palette.
Charlie Wilson's drumming is tasteful and dynamic, striking a balance between rhythmic drive and musical finesse. Charlie also adds some well-turned vocal harmonies, and occasionally puts down his sticks to provide some melodic variation on clarinet.
In the nearly 3 years since the band's inception, Ada Jane has taken its high-energy, jumping and back kicking, Springsteen-on-speed live show on tour throughout the Midwest, East coast, and Canada including invitations to perform at the 2005 Midwest Music Summit in Indianapolis, IN and the 2006 Canadian Music Week in Toronto. Ada Jane has also shared bills with numerous national acts, including Centro-Matic, The Heartless Bastards, Evan Dando, Jolie Holland, and Dave Pirner and Dan Murphy of Soul Asylum.
Under his own name, Matt Marka has self-released three albums over the past several years: One Less Ruth (1999), Repeat Pete Repete (2001), and Good-bye Gracious (2003). Ada Jane's new album, "Never Been Better," was recorded at the Devil's Workshop Sound Studio and engineered by Chad Weis. Along with showcasing the band, the album also features fellow Minneapolis musicians JoAnna James and Larissa Anderson (vocals), Chris Koza (keyboard/piano), and Emily Dantuma (cello). Lyrically, "Never Been Better" addresses themes of love and lack thereof, deep personal loss, and social issues.
It’s been a while (two decades to be precise) since Minneapolis became the first official buzz city of American indie rock. Hüsker Dü, the Replacements and Soul Asylum all hailed from the frigid city. Now, the likes of the Hold Steady (who have since relocated to New York) and Ada Jane appear poised to make the city a beehive of activity once more.
- Stuart Green of Exclaim!! Magazine
VIDEO for the song "NEAR MRS." by Leslielive footage @ the 400 Bar of the song "FOUND" w/ dance by Jennifer Mack, Melissa Gunther-Brown, Natalie Brown, and Sharon Picasso-Merrick. Video by Leslie....more live footage @ the 400 Bar of the song "DOWN THE HIGHWAY"
