cheley tackett
When Cheley Tackett presents her introspective material, audiences are
quick to recognize and appreciate her deceptively simple, but instantly
engaging, style of lyricism. Tackett’s warm spirit, heated intelligence
and burning talent made her a winner at both Merlefests Chris Austin
Songwriting Contest and the Kerrville Folk Festival following in the
footsteps of Nancy Griffith, John Gorka and Lucinda Williams.
Recently, Cheley was been named a “Best Female Artist” finalist
at the 7th Annual IAMA’s, which promotes excellence in acoustic
music performance and artistry, for her song “Trainwreck.”
Cheley's extremely soulful voice is like another instrument
that brings a tangible wonder to her performances as she
climbs, soars and holds notes that leave the audience in
wide-eyed wonder. "It's not often that singer-song-writers
can sing like this," says producer Jim Tract. "Cheley has
power and style, and most of all, control. It's very special.
Add to that the fact that she can write some of the most
deeply introspective songs, and you've got an unbeatable
combination." Tackett resists being boxed in to any one
genre with Americana probably as close as you will get.
The bottom line is, Cheley, like most of us, truly
appreciates a great song regardless of genre,
and that's how she focuses her writing.
HEAR WHAT YOU’VE BEEN MISSING!
Cheley Tackett’s music is the aching truth. She’ll hum in
your bones for days. The songs dare us to live more deeply,
prod us to spit out the truth, and let life
take us to the edge of what we know.
Kelly F., Rochester, NY...Everything
Cheley Tackett sings and writes is real
and honest. All it takes is one song to
get hooked into her raw emotion and
brilliant lyrics. Gina G., Wilmington,
NC...The first time I heard Cheley
Tackett I was spell-bound. I dare any
listener to attempt an escape! Her
vocals, lyrics and guitar craft are an
intoxicating package. I’ve had the
“Tackett hangover” ever since, don’t
find me a cure! Jae A., London, UK...
Cheley’s music is the best kind of story
telling. It breaks your heart, but leaves you wanting more. Jenny T.,
Sydney, Australia...Cheley’s lyrics touch all aspects of life. She’ll
rock you with one song, then bring you to tears on the next.
Beautiful and captivating! Therese B., Baton Rouge, LA...
Tackett has mastered the rare gift of blending hauntingly
beautiful lyrics with subtle melodies. Her songs are timeless
and stand out like a beacon to those of us who love music.
Laurie H.,Dallas, TX...Cheley Tackett is lyrically delicious,
with powerhouse pipes to match. Connie H., Champaign, IL
...Cheley’s music is pure perfection! Priscilla J., Santee,
CA...Cheley Tackett is a soulful
songsmith whose lyrical insights
are perfectly paired with her
impressive vocals. A must for any
musical connoisseur. Trish K.,
Bluffton, SC...Cheley’s music is
spiritual and passionate with lyrics
and an unparalleled intonation that
cut right to the core of a huge range
of human emotion. Ruth D., Gulf
Shores, AL...When Tackett sings and
plays her music, you’re not just
hearing a good song, you're invited
into a conversation with the person
who wrote it. Joyce A., Buckholts,
TX...Cheley Tackett invades my soul. She reminds you about
where you came from, where you are, and where you’re going.
Jenn T., Indianapolis, IN...Tackett’s music is the quintessential
mix of tough and tender, introspective and lighthearted. Her
songs are raw, powerful and sweet but always just right.
Jamie-Sue S., Lansing, MI...Her sexy voice, heart touching
lyrics and complex melodies belong in a music genre all
her own! Bridget H., Boston, MA...
Cheley Tackett and her Speakeasy Band
Cheley Tackett’s Speakeasy Band is a perfect example of why Nashville is known as Music City. Besides being the center of the universe for songwriters, some of the very best musicians in the world, regardless of genre, call Music City Home. The musicians that comprise the Speakeasy Band are a perfect example of what people mean when they talk about the cities “Musical Community.” This crew came together with sheer, unadulterated professionalism to give this concert energy, depth, passion, excitement, and joy. When you have songs as good as Cheley’s, and musicians as good as these, magic is virtually unavoidable.
JAMES COOK: BASS GUITAR
James is originally from Monroe, Louisiana. He came to producer Jim Tract’s attention (along with Derek Mixon) as a member of one of Nashville’s hottest bands; The Levees. The Levees, are renowned for their high energy swamp rock shows. This attracted many writers and artists to employ the band to back them up in the studio and on the road. Currently, James is on tour with Luke Bryan. James has toured/recorded/ performed with Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill, James Burton, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Jason Aldean, Tracy Byrd, Steve Wariner, The Doobie Brothers, Jace Everett, Sara Buxton, Al Perkins, Sam Bush, Victor Wooten, Josh Thompson, Thompson Square, Easton Corbin, Joanna Cotten to name a few.
- DEREK MIXON: DRUMS
Having grown up playing with his childhood friend, Derek has enjoyed the same recognition as James Cook as a member of The Levees. He has performed/recorded/ toured with Rodney Crowell, Steve Wariner, Jedd Hughes, Sarah Buxton, Doug Stone, Lee Brice, Lisa Carver, Kevin Gordon, Sam Bush, SheDaisy, Johnny Neel, Vince Melamed, Sara Darling, Jace Everett, Sweet Eastern Saint,Tracy Byrd, Jimbo Mathis, Shannon McNally to name a few.
JEN GUNDERMAN: KEYBOARDS
Jen Gunderman divides her time between teaching, performing, and recording. A graduate of Vassar College she also has an M.A. in ethnomusicology from the University of Washington, AND… she is Senior Lecturer at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, specializing in American pop and rock and roll. Putting all of that aside, she is one kick ass keyboard player! She has honed her craft touring as a keyboardist/singer in the U.S., Canada, and Europe with various rock bands, including The Jayhawks, Dag, and Caitlin Cary. She has performed and recorded with such diverse musicians as Kris Kristofferson, Roger McGuinn (Byrds), Michael McDonald, Chris Robinson (Black Crowes), Exene Cervenka (X), Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn and Todd Snider, John Prine & Emmylou Harris, Travis Tritt, Steve Cropper, Gretchen Wilson, Duane Eddy, Roseanne Cash, Patti Griffin, and Buddy Miller.
ROBIN RUDDY: STEEL GUITAR
Robin is the rare musician who also plays banjo, dobro, and guitar, which puts her in her own special niche, and very much in demand. So much so that she actually won a frickin’ Grammy in 2005! She has toured with Rod Stewart, and Lynn Anderson. She has performed/recorded with Vince Gill, Randy Travis, Shania Twain, Deborah Allen, and so many others. She has performed literally thousands of shows with more artists you can name as a member of the house band at the Grand Old Opry.
NICOLE WITT: BACKING VOCALS
Besides being blessed with the voice of an angel, Nicole is a multi talented instrumentalist, playing piano, guitar, and a very soulful fiddle. She is also a nationally touring, award-winning songwriter. Exemplified by the fact that she recently found herself in the spotlight at the Ryman Auditorium in the fall of 2011, accepting the International Bluegrass Music Association Award for Song of the Year for Balsam Range’s version of “Trains I Missed.” Her haunting song “Bourbon” recently won the International Songwriting Competition – Country Division in 2010. As an artist she has released five full-length albums.
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