I was reflecting recently on the original music created and performed in Fairfield during the era 2011–2021, and I want to honor the artists who blessed us with their talents. This playlist reveals some of my favorite tracks from their CDs, expressing a wide range of genres: folk, alternative, Americana, indie, rock, pop, singer-songwriter, electronic, and jazz. As I couldn’t include everyone here, I hope to develop another list in the future.
Arthur Lee Land, CD: Cracked Open (2013), Track: “Drum & a Chair.” Now living in Lyons, Colorado, Arthur and his wife, songwriter Carol Lee, continue to produce and perform their brand of electro-Americana music featuring multi-instrumental skills and vocals of their exquisite lyrics. Arthur is an innovative master of live-looping, creating a full band sound through digital technologies. The engineering on this song is excellent, with special recognition to Arthur’s strong vocals and masterful production skills. It opens like an East Indian banjo raga, then bridges into the well-seasoned song, which radiates the pulse of the singer’s family.
Bambu, CD: Soul Adventurer (1997), Track: “Open Door.” For many years, Bambu split time between Iowa City and Fairfield, offering their curious blend of melodic soul and world-beat music featuring Jon Estrin with his exotic guitarwork, lead female vocals from Barbara Morillo, and lead male vocals and raps by Koray Ozturk and Jason Shoucair. Bambu played this track several times live in Fairfield, and each time the crowd when wild dancing and singing!
Mt. Thelonious, CD: Mt. Thelonious (2013), Track: “No Disrespect.” Featuring the instrumental and vocal talents of founder Ian Lubar, violinist Alyssa Avery, and Mike Wallace on double bass, this St. Louis band visited Fairfield a few times in the 2010s. Ian grew up in Fairfield and always loves the warm reception he gets here for his music. This exquisite song reveals Ian’s compositional and lyrical talents that soar along with his vocals. I never get tired of this upbeat journey.
Society of Broken Souls, CD: Things Still Left Unsaid (2016), Track: “On the Other Side.” Husband-and-wife duo Lauryn Shapter and Dennis James have been making music for decades in Fairfield. Dennis plays acoustic and electric guitar and Lauryn plays violin. Both contribute lead and backing vocals. Together, they paint a vast emotional landscape, with songs ranging from rebellious and jubilant to introspective and heartfelt.
The McLains, CD: Roll Around (2021), Track: “Angels on High.” Steve and Michaela McLain have been sharing their music with Jefferson County for decades. On this CD, multiple-Gold record producer Jimmy Ryan plays guitar, bass, and keyboards as well as engineers and produces. “Angels on High” was written by local talent Robert Reeder, who originally included it in his 2014 album. With its beautiful vocals and crystalline engineering, you’ll sink into Steve and Michaela’s sublime harmonies.
Robert Reeder, CD: The Album (2014), Track: “Walking on Mars.” Coming to Fairfield in 1991 after establishing an iconic, informal musicians’ porch hangout in Topanga Canyon, California, Robert brought his years of experience from music collaborations with members of the Eagles, Tom Petty’s Mudcrutch, and the Motels. In 2014, he recorded his first album of epic songs. “Walking” is among several favorites I enjoy hearing on this CD. Robert’s raspy, seasoned voice and introspective lyrics draw the listener into his realm, making you crave more. Many of the artists on this list are listed as contributors on Reeder’s CD.
Mirabai Britton, CD: Wherever I May Go (2015), Track: “Drifting Colors.” Mirabai is the daughter of treasured Fairfield talent Tim Britton, who is a world-class uillean piper and accomplished sound mixer and engineer. On this track, Mirabai recalls her past and shows a flair for well-crafted lyrics and highly expressive vocals. Her vocals remind me of the Danish singer Tina Dico, former lead singer of UK band Zero 7. Tim contributes woodwinds and also engineered the CD. What a treat!
Veda, CD: Get Burned EP (2021), Track: “Quiet.” French Canadian Tara de Santis, aka Veda, graduated with a BA in Sound Design at MIU in 2018. This song is a full-out hip, sonic experience about keeping a secret. Veda offers both vocals and spoken raps in a sophisticated composition. It begins and ends with a muted background vocal in Sanskrit chanted by Karen Aoki, who invokes Lord Ganesh to remove obstacles—in this case, to facilitate the serene “quiet.” Notice the one-minute instrumental exit that offers contrasting timbres, including a punchy bottom, kick drum, bell-like sounds, and rhythmic groove beats. It’s always a delight to hear this track.
Sol Rising, CD: Soul Vibrations (2017), Track: “The Journey.” Brandon Au (a.k.a., Sol Rising) was born in Vancouver, BC, and lived in Fairfield as a student and young musician. Today, he is an internationally famous DJ who prefers to mix his own mellow electronic soundscapes with organic electro-rhythms for crowds who are spiritually keen.
Dagmar, CD: unwinding (2021), Track: “For You.” Dagmar is a female indie-classical folk duo originally from Fairfield consisting of Gemma Cohen (vocals and bass) and Miranda Mallard (vocals, keyboard, and guitar). They create highly rhythmic, vulnerable, and raw harmonic songs. This track begins “My heart beats for you . . . Over and over again” and proceeds delightfully via well-shaped violin improvisation, percussion taps, and felicitous keyboards. Yet it is the vocals that carry me away—always a satisfying journey.
Apocalypso Tantric Noise Choir, CD: So Far So What (2024), Track: “Berklee Bound.” For more than two decades, ATNC has been playing instrumental jazz funk that ranges from tight original compositions to free-flowing improvisational excursions. Brothers Eric and David Hurlin man the keys and percussion, respectively, while James Moore lays the foundation on precision bass. Guitarist Jonnie Cohen sits in on this track, adding textural refinements and aural outreach. All are top performers. This is a highly respected band across a broad community of jazz experts regionally and nationally.
Amine Kouider, CD: Tchbatch (2017), Track: “I’m on My Way.” Hailing from Algeria, Amine continues to share his country’s music and culture by himself and through his band, Baraka. This wonderful, upbeat track projects a wealth of joyous qualities flavored in the Gnawa music tradition of Algeria.
Listen to free full tracks on Spotify under my handle as DJ Andy Bargerstock at “Fringe Toast: Ode to Fairfield, Iowa.” Or in Fairfield, listen live on KHOE World Radio, 90.5 FM, on Tuesday, September 22, at 4 p.m., Friday, September 25 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, September 27 at 1 p.m.
Send comments/questions to AndyBargerstock@gmail.com.