Patchouli November 13, 2011
Posted by nrhatch in Art & Photography, Happiness, Music & Dance.trackback
We spent most of Saturday afternoon on Anna Maria Island, hanging out at an outdoor art festival listening to our favorite “local” band ~ Patchouli.
The band’s members, Julie Patchouli and Bruce Hecksel, are a perfectly paired dynamic duo who share marvelous music, sunny smiles, and lots of laughter wherever they go.
With or without a shot of espresso, Bruce’s fingers fly over the guitar frets, while Julie’s voice soars with warmth and depth.
They are awesome!
And we’re not the only ones who think so:
Their synergy is contagious and their music is extraordinary. They are a duo with more musical talent than I’ve heard in a long time. Their original music is loved by people of all ages. You can take your 4-year-old as well as your grandmother to a concert and they’ll both love it.
They’ve been my favorite band for a long time. Not only are they one of the best bands you’ll hear, they’re super-nice people, too! You NEED to check ’em out! (By cpwf282)
Shell Island Disaster is a lively instrumental from The Summer Finding:
Julie and Bruce spend summers in Minnesota and winters in Florida.
They’ve performed in most of the 50 states.
They recently recorded a LIVE album ~ Patchouli Live at The Mabel Tainter Theater and have a fourth Terra Guitarra album scheduled to arrive shortly after the new year.
The Light Behind You includes thespirited instrumental, Patchouli:
You can find Julie and Bruce on Facebook. And Bruce’s artwork . . . HERE.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Related posts: The X-Factor ~ Musical Junk Food for the Masses (Alannah Murphy) * 15 Albums
I have two very close friends (my co-authors) who live on Anna Maria, one in Holmes Beach and one in Bradenton Beach. Jean Peelen, my friend on Holmes Beach, just won the election for commissioner. I love Anna Maria Island. Where do you live?
Oh, wow! I’ve read about you, your book, and your co-authors in the Island newspapers but hadn’t made the connection in the blogosphere. Awesome! We live just over the bridge from AMI ~ 3 miles from the Manatee County Beach.
Next time you’re planning a visit, let me know if you want to get together for coffee.
Fantastic music! I love it. Thanks for sharing.
Listening to them always puts a smile on my face.😀
Sounds like a great weekend. We were traveling too!
We had perfect weather for soaking up rays and listening to Patchouli tunes on the island. Just lovely.
Amazing plucking! Amazing his hand is still the same size as his left one!
He’s a fabulous guitarist & artist . . . and Julie’s voice is full of sunshine and FUN!
what a wonder-filled time you’ve had.
We had a blast! 😀
Love the music and the artwork. I will have to see if they are going to be in Minnesota this winter. They would be a pleasant diversion for sure. Thanks for sharing Nancy.
Their schedule is here:
http://www.patchouli.net/dates.aspx
Red Wing MN on 12/4 at Sarah’s Restaurant
After that, they’ll be back in FL for a few months.
Thanks for the schedule Nancy. We might be able to fit the 4th into our schedule. Red Wing is about a 3 hour drive for us but it is a beautiful town and would be great to have a reason to go there.
Sounds like a fun road trip. Sarah’s Restaurant sounds like a cozy venue.
They’ll be playing on AMI again on February 11th & 12th if you want to head south for Valentine’s Day.
Nice guitar playing! I’d never heard of the duo, but they sound good. I’m glad you got to see them this weekend!
We hope to see them 2-3 times this winter ~ in different venues, including Sarasota’s Sailing Squadron.
When I bought my first Patchouli CD, The Summer Finding, I listened to it for days ~ it’s an instant mood elevator, 😀
Hey – We like our X-Factor!
Maybe yours isn’t so good!😀
Alannah’s article on the X-Factor is worth a read. There is a generic sameness to many musical performances today, especially on shows like the X-Factor and American Idol.
I adore Patchouli because their “voice” is their own ~ they have created something unique that offers real music nutrition. It’s not “junk food.”
They’re not emulating others or conforming to the norm. They’re making their own kind of music. 😎
Which is exactly what Stan Walker did after he won Australian Idol. OK, the first album was the usual winners release, but even that he managed to have changed a little from the usual.
Here it does give a great opportunity to young talent and our mentors have been great.
Some of our young talent this year has been really good.
Some of the most successful have been young singers, like Jessica Mauboy, who didn’t actually win!
Excellent! Alannah’s post is a reminder to turn off the TV and listen to LIVE music “in our own backyards.” There are so many local bands and musicians looking for an audience.
We are very fortunate here because live musicians are featured at outdoor art shows and festivals throughout the year. Patchouli is a favorite . . . but we’ve also heard amazing jazz, blues, bluegrass, and classical musicians.
Never heard of them before, Nancy! Must investigate..
Their website is a treat ~ just click on music, click on an album, and listen to brief clips of all their songs.
A great way to spend an afternoon in summer, Nancy.
Outdoors listening to live music in summer and indoors dining in jazz clubs in winter🙂
Yes, indeed! LIVE music outside is such a treat, weather permitting. We have some terrific jazz and blues bands around as well. We could easily hear a different LIVE band every night of the week.
Love their music… thanks for sharing it and I bet you had a fab weekend!🙂
Not too shabby . . . and on Monday we had a chance to celebrate the passage of 30 years since our first date!