All types of roots music are key for Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem, and they love nothing more than choreographing a jubilant mix of traditional, original, and contemporary sounds. With Arbo’s bewitching alto at the helm, stunning vocal harmonies, a 100% recycled drum set, fiddle, guitar, and bass, daisy mayhem “has a grand knack for pumping new blood into old music” (the Boston Globe). With influences from Doc Watson to Django Reinhardt, from Ghanaian drumming to the funky Meters, and from Fiddlin’ John Carson to Bob Dylan, daisy mayhem celebrates America’s rich musical past and brings it into the present with good humor, impeccable musicianship, powerful songwriting, and a clear love of playing together. Here are four musicians who pick up what’s lying around — from tin cans to old songs and wry observations of modern life — and create something new.

Rani Arbo, the fiddler, lead singer and founder of daisy mayhem, brings a world of experience to the stage with a background in a honky tonk band, a Balkan rock band and as a member of the folk-bluegrass band Salamander Crossing. She brings a rich life — as a 15-year veteran performer, breast cancer survivor, mother, and songwriter — into humble and compelling performances. Andrew Kinsey, Rani’s singing partner for over fifteen years, provides his rich, compelling baritone, generous spirit, and rock-solid bass playing to the group. Scott Kessel pilots the unforgettable “Drumship Enterprise,” a recycled drum kit comprised of a cardboard box, cat food tins, a Danish butter cookie tin, and a suitcase. Anand Nayak, a powerful singer, brings a gutsy guitar style that draws from a century’s worth of jazz, funk, blues and folk masters to the group.

Polly Fiveash and Anand Nayak’s songs have been called “mesmerizing,” “powerful” and “original” by many people who are professionals in the business of promoting music. Twelve years of making music together have brought to their performances an intimacy that, according to one promoter, will “blow you away.” Polly and Anand aren’t too sure about these words, but hope that they will nonetheless intrigue you. They think their music is pretty and like singing harmonies with each other. Polly’s voice is low and beautiful and she doesn’t try to sound like other people. Both she and Anand write about things that matter to them. Anand sings in a way that fits nicely with Polly’s voice. He also likes to play the guitar and other instruments, which people say he does rather well. Regular me&theers may well remember that Polly was expecting a child when the duo last appeared on our stage. Well, time does fly and young Jack is already two years old. At this appearance, the outpouring of enthusiasm was so intense that their opening set was lengthened because the audience didn’t want them to leave the stage.

 

 

On Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem:

As hard to classify as it is to praise highly enough...an intoxicating blend of roots music styles, with deep traditional roots and a healthy futuristic outlook. Strongly recommended. The Rogue Folk Review, Vancouver BC

This quartet has a rare gift for fashioning hip, sleek sounds from the solid cloth of vintage American music. The Boston Globe

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On Polly Fiveash and Anand Nayak:

Powerful . . . sublime harmonies, gorgeous vocals, and a captivating repertoire. Gayle Olson, Hill Town Folk & Jazz

If you’re a sucker for “Pour Down Like Silver”-era Richard & Linda Thompson, prepare to get blown away . . . nobody may know how to pronounce their names, but everyone’s going to be talking about their music. Charlie Hunter, Flying Under Radar productions