Mel Parsons
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 7:17 pm

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Inspired by all the usual suspects – love, heartbreak & loss – West Coast native Mel Parsons presents Over My Shoulder, a catchy wee gem for the optimist in us all.

Together with her band The Rhythm Kings, Parsons has put together 11 songs of altcountry/pop/folk persuasion – a beautifully produced debut album that is undeniably lovely to listen to. Over My Shoulder retains a sense of optimism, and manages to stay on the “we-will-be-OK-even-though-things-turn-to-shit-sometimes” side of the fence. Nonindulgent.
Very refreshing.

Over My Shoulder hits stores and online Monday 9th March 2009 and is being
celebrated with a nationwide release tour that includes a homecoming show in Westport on the West Coast.

Parsons has had plenty of industry heavyweights on her side for the production of the album. The record was made in Wellington under the guidance of David Long (Mutton Birds guitarist and producer for Fur Patrol & Dave Dobbyn) with a final mix down by Mike Gibson at Trident Studios.

Musicians aiding and abetting in the recording include singing sensations The Sami Sisters, while guitarist Neil Watson (Anika Moa, Finn Brothers) brings his lazy slide and sparse melodies into the mix. Industry godfather Don McGlashan guests with a haunting celeste and horn arrangement on ‘On Your Grave’.

The Wellington-based Rhythm Kings are drummer and multi-instrumentalist Shaun Elley, double bass player Aaron Stewart and keys man-of-the-moment Ed Zuccollo. Parsons’ sound is defined by mellow, intimate vocals and melodic hooks that swim around in your head well after the track has ended. Long time collaborator Shaun Elley brings sibling like harmonies to the mix, and together, Parsons and Elley have an intuitive musical chemistry that draws in audiences and makes for a spine-tingling listening experience.
Sami Sisters’ middle child Anji – recently voted by Sunday Magazine as one of the ‘19 sexiest people in the country’ – joins the crew, and opens shows for the South Island leg of the tour.

MEL PARSONS Over My Shoulder Album Release
Online and in-store Monday 9th March 2009
Digital Distribution by DRM
Retail Distribution by Border Music

MEL PARSONS & The Rhythm Kings
Over My Shoulder National Tour 2008

WHITIANGA 13th March @ Eggsentric Cafe
AUCKLAND 14th March @ The Winecellar
NEW PLYMOUTH 17th March @ Matinee
TITAHI BAY 18th March @ Aunt Daisy’s Boathouse
NELSON 20th March @ Yaza
CHRISTCHURCH 21st March @ Al’s Bar
HOKITIKA 23rd March @ The Crooked Mile Theatre
WESTPORT 25th March @ Buller Workingmens Club
QUEENSTOWN 27th March @ The Dux de Lux
DUNEDIN 28th March @ Circadian Rhythm
PICTON 30th March @ Le Cafe
WELLINGTON 2nd April @ Mighty Mighty

RE: Mel Parsons
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 12:11 pm

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RE: Mel Parsons
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:21 pm

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