Brightblack Morning Light

Brightblack Morning Light
OriginNorthern California, United States
GenresFreak folk[1][2]
InstrumentsFender Rhodes, Silvertone guitar[3]
Years active2005–2012
LabelsMatador
MembersRachael Hughes
Nathan Shineywater

Brightblack Morning Light is a musical group formed in Northern California by guitarist Nathan Shineywater and pianist Rachael Hughes, both of whom are from Alabama. The band has been "linked to a spirit of folky 1960's revivalism",[6] and they were called one of the leaders of the "freak folk" scene.[7] Praised for their recordings, the band also organized a number of small folk festivals in Northern California.[8]

The band eschewed commercial exposure, having chosen a relatively quiet and luxury-free life—they have lived in cars, tents, converted chicken-coops, and cabins,[1] and have recorded music using solar power.[9] They were described as "back-to-the-land idealists and activists" who are influenced by such writers and activists as Edward Abbey, Leonard Peltier, Henry David Thoreau, Allen Ginsberg, and Carlos Castaneda.[2] Shineywater also cites Ram Dass, Rachel Grimes, and Hamza El Din.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference sf was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference sfweekly was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference humo was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Up & Coming This Week's Notable Shows and Parties". The Stranger. 6 January 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2010.
  5. ^ Richardson, Derk (13 July 2006). "With its dazzling new CD, SF's Vetiver secures its place in the freak-folk vanguard -- with a little help from its friends". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 25 March 2010.
  6. ^ Sanneh, Kelefa (23 June 2006). "Brightblack Morning Light: A Mellow Vibe With an Exacting Groove". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 March 2010.
  7. ^ Crain, William (15 October 2008). "Brightblack Morning Light". San Diego Reader. Retrieved 25 March 2010.
  8. ^ Thornton, Stuart (19 January 2006). "Quiet Quiet Mellow Folk Trip: Ocean Spell debuts at Fernwood this weekend". Montery County Weekly. Retrieved 25 March 2010.[permanent dead link‍]
  9. ^ Gilmartin, Wendy (28 May 2009). "Rock Picks: Fol Chen, Moonrats, Brightblack Morning Light, Bachelorette". LA Weekly. Retrieved 25 March 2010.