Prepare to be surprised when you hear the new music of Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion. Those that expect to hear some type of folk music can be forgiven. After all, Guthrie is the daughter of Arlo and granddaughter of Woody. Those who expect some type of indie rock also must be forgiven, for obvious reasons. But the 12 songs that Guthrie and Irion have released on “Bright Examples” are neither format but an amalgamation of several, perhaps best classified as alt-country or roots rock or simply just indie.
| ONSTAGE |
| Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion |
| » When: 9 p.m. Friday |
| » Where: Iota, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington |
| » Info: $15; 703-522-8340; iotaclubandcafe.com |
“I think we have been really lucky to have such an underground support of our music that has nothing to do with charts or radio,” said Guthrie when asked if she’s surprised fans support the various sounds she, her husband and entire family create. “That is kind of the ultimate of longevity.”
Music is nothing new in Guthrie’s life, of course. She began singing the classic tunes Arlo and Woody created when she was only a toddler. Although her personal musical tastes grew more toward punk and rock as she moved into her teenage years and beyond, she recorded many folk and Americana tunes even after she and Irion married in 1999. Most recently, she recorded “Go Waggaloo,” a children’s album that included Irion, the couple’s two daughters, her father, Pete Seeger, Tao Rodriguez Seeger and others.
But the latest album — written primarily by Irion with two songs by Guthrie and one collaboration — truly moves the duo out from the classic Guthrie family folk sound.
Not that Guthrie felt she needed to do that for reasons other than artistry.
“I’m sure it has to do with the way people’s parents deal with it,” said Guthrie of the children of musicians who distance themselves from their parents’ sound. “My dad allowed me to make the music I wanted to make, do my own thing.”
It was when the couple relocated from South Carolina to Massachusetts, near Guthrie’s childhood home, that Irion began to “maniacally write” about 50 songs that he envisioned as the soundscape for the duo’s voices.
After sharing the songs with Vetiver’s Andy Cabic and Thom Monahan, known for his work with Vetiver and Devendra Banhart, the two were recruited as co-producers. Gary Louris and Mark Olson of the Jayhawks are among the musicians who were selected to guest on the album.
“Sometimes you just need that outside person,” said Guthrie of overcoming her fear that too many artists working on the album would dilute it. “That’s really how it all comes together.”
