What does the term Deep River mean? To many, it’s the title of a spiritual. To others, it’s a metaphor with multiple interpretations. To music lovers, it’s the new folk trio from Virginia that plays “front porch pop,” a fresh style of music incorporating pop, folk, blues and the personalities of its members.
The talents behind “Ten Mornings,” the trio’s debut CD, are vocalist Rachel Beauregard, guitarist Bryan Dawley and Luke Brindley, the singer-songwriter-guitarist and winner of the 2008 WAMA for Best Contemporary Folk Album. The release party takes place over two evenings at Vienna’s popular Jammin’ Java, which Brindley co-owns with his brother Daniel. “Ten Mornings” is the first album on Go Team! Records, a new label under the Jammin’ Java brand.
The trio was born at Beauregard’s chance meeting with Dawley when he was looking for a vocalist. Although they had known each other for many years, he had not realized that the blossoming actress was also a singer. By the time they breezed through a session with Brindley, it was clear the three meshed perfectly. The enthusiasm of crowds at their debut concert this past summer inspired them to cut the recording. Its title refers to the time it took to record the eleven songs composed by Brindley, Todd Wright and the band.
“Luke comes from a folk background, Bryan loves pop and country, and I love bluegrass and blues,” Beauregard said. “Put it all together and it comes out as what we call ‘front porch pop.’ It covers several genres and has the kind of foot-banging beat that appeals to everyone.”
Beauregard, a George Mason University graduate in theater arts, is fresh from the D.C. premiere of the drama “Scorched” at Round House Theatre and fine reviews for her role as Janine, one of twins sent to Lebanon to unearth their mother’s past. A substitute teacher in Arlington when her theater and music schedules permit, she next heads to Ireland for a week to work with a team of writers under the auspices of Washington’s Solas Nua (new light), the only contemporary Irish arts organization in the United States.
The final project will be a play based on life at Swamp Poodle, an area on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue near today’s Union Station. Swamp Poodle was the name given to Irish Catholic neighborhoods in Philadelphia and several other eastern cities where Irish immigrants settled during the late 19th century. After the play is presented in Washington during May, Beauregard hopes to devote herself full time to Deep River.
“All through high school, I wanted to do musical theater, but when I got to GMU, I fell in love with their drama program,” she said. “Luke and Bryan are amazing friends. We fit together like family, and I’m able to utilize my love of music and acting with them onstage. When we’re not performing, my job is to write the skits and plan our YouTube page and videos. Our goal is to be with Deep River for a long time.
“The show at Jammin’ Java will be a huge event in which we share our music and personalities with our fans and invite them to come into our living room and our lives. After the show, we invite everyone to stay, dance and have a wonderful time.”
