Lyrics to songs tell stories. To most songwriters, their songs tell the story of relationships in their lives. When I spoke with the lead singer of the band Heartless Bastards Erika Wennerstrom this past summer, she told me that she would write about past relationships and how they molded her to be what she is today. Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam’s earlier work dealt with his relationship with his family. During a sit down with local artist Meghna, she made perfect sense when she described what relationships are in her eyes, “They aren’t black and white. There is a lot of gray.” On Saturday night the Oregon Express Bar and Restaurant, located in the Oregon District, will be presenting Meghna. Meghna and her band, The Majority, will be releasing her third album, Kind of Friend. Playing on the same bill is The Charlie Tipton Band.
Meghna Mahambrey began singing when she took the stage in her elementary school musical. In middle and high school, she participated in talent shows, where would sing songs from Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and the great Etta James. With her love for singing, she decided to record her first EP in 2005 with the help of production team Music Without Borders. Then she released her first LP, My Little Tape Recorder. The album, released in 2007, was a creative fusion of R&B, mixed with the influences of music from around the world. In 2010, Meghna teamed up with an old high school friend and released the album, Home. The album, which she co-wrote most of the songs, ranged from folk to rock.
However, Kind of Friend is Meghna’s pride and joy to date. In 2011, Meghna started to write songs about her recent relationships and friendships. “I have some good relationships and some bad relationships”, Meghna explained. “They have dramatically shaped me as a person, and that is what the new album is about.” With the album, Meghna wrote all the songs, and worked with producer/owner of In The Red Studios Chris Suttle, guitarist Ken Walker, pianoist Jamie Preston, bassist Nathan Warden, and drummer Aaron Farrier. The group helped Meghna start to play the keyboard again, an instrument that she hasn’t played in some time. “The album is very heavily influenced of music from Norah Jones and The Civil Wars”, Meghna said to me during our sit down. So, be expecting some great jazz influence, along with hints of country and folk.
The Charlie Tipton Band is another fantastic band that will be performing on Saturday night. The band provides great Americana music, with the influences of Ryan Adams and Willie Nelson that leaves the crowd breathless. The band also combines rock and roll into their live performance, adding a level of angst that keeps you on your toes. If you haven’t had the chance to see The Charlie Tipton Band, this will be one of the best times to see them. Both acts Saturday night will be telling great stories about love, friendships, and life through their music. Show starts at 9pm at the Oregon Express Bar.
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