VOCO

Moira Smiley & VOCO is a fiery roots vocal band making new song as it pulls on roots of Eastern European and Appalachian harmony and rhythm. "Exquisite vocals - the energy of street singing and the precision of a string quartet. Moira Smiley's plaintive, rhythmic songwriting uses a lush wall-of-voices - usually accompanied by cello and banjo. The five members of VOCO ( who've played with artists from Rufus Wainwright to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Peter, Paul & Mary to Pauline Oliveros) bring their joyous, improvisational energy to the stage with original song, body percussion, a cappella shape-note sets and even Bartok."

VOCO IS:
  • John Ballinger - banjo, vocals, percussion, clarinet
  • Jess Basta - vocals, body percussion
  • Jessica Catron - cello, electronics, vocals
  • Christine Enns - vocals, body percussion

MUSIC SAMPLES:
Listen to mp3s of Moira Smiley & VOCO

SHOWS: See www.myspace.com/vocoinfo or www.sonicbids.com/voco or Moira's calendar

FOR PROMOTERS:

PRESS:

"This is a truly phenomenal act, combining the energy of urban street singing with first-rate musicianship, folk roots and traditions from throughout the world. Their body percussion sets are a sight to behold" -Folkworks Magazine, April 2005

"Improvisational musicians Moira Smiley & VOCO weave banjo, cello and just a hint of funkiness into a night of unforgettable and unusual music." -LA Alternative Press, March, 2005

"Then, on Saturday, it's down to the La Brea Tar Pits for a day of LA music faves like Satellite Class, Ginger Jackson, VOCO, and Abby Travis, followed by an evening of short film screenings." -flavorpill LA, October 2005

"At Cabaret Voltaire on October 21st, VOCO presented just the naked voice. The audience was ecstatic over how gifted and wonderful the group sounded." - Cabaret Voltaire, Hollywood, CA.

REVIEWS of VOCO's collaboration with TRIP Dance Theatre:

"Charlie Campagna's score seduces you with an impressive array of textures and rhythms that artfully exploit, especially, the improvisational capabilities of (VOCO's) Jessica Basta and Moira Smiley." - Los Angeles Times, January, 2006

"The intoxicating live vocals of (VOCO's) Jessica Basta and Moira Smiley enhanced Ups and Downs." -Dance Magazine, January, 2006
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