I have a special affinity for small town girls, particularly those from my original neck o’ the woods. Cassie Morgan, a local musician and songwriter, is one of those girls.
As a fellow “chick from the sticks” turned resident of a medium-sized city, I’m always equally amazed-slash-proud of native Southern Illinoisans who take the road less traveled, the road that leads to Something Different…even if that hometown still shines emphatically in the rearview mirror.
For our Pajammy Jam of the Day, Morgan’s offered up a track from her band’s (another SIC fave, Beth Bombara, is the Lonely Pine) latest LP, last spring’s Weathered Hands, Weary Eyes. “His Hands Are Tied” features minor-key whistling, straight from a John Wayne movie, that perfectly sets the stage for Morgan’s ghost town vocals. The song is eerily intriguing, complexly delicate. It lolls and lumbers the in that easy way small towns do.
Cassie Morgan and the Lonely Pine – His Hands Are Tied
Of course, the best story inspirations are also the most authentic ones. And, for Morgan, that makes all the difference.
Weathered Hands, Weary Eyes is available now on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.
If you’re an STLer looking to blow off some steam and rage to a little indie-folk this weekend, Cassie Morgan and The Lonely Pine will play a happy hour gig at The Gramophone Friday, November 12th. Doors at 6 PM; show at 7 PM.
Furthermore, Morgan opens for Jill Andrews at the upcoming December 9th show at Off Broadway. With all that gorgeous female singer-songwriter action happening, I predict SIC Jason’s head might explode.