11th December 2008: The Americana Sessions at Alchemy, Wolverhampton

On Thursday 11th December, Colour evoked the spirit of American musical tradition with performances by contemporary musicians from the West Midlands region. Accompanying live sets by James Happenick, Jayne Powell and Dan Hartland were projections of original slides depicting everyday life in America in the 1950s and 1960s.  It took place at Alchemy Bar in Wolverhampton, the closest you could get to an American coffee house without a transatlantic trip, with its redbrick interior and roaring fireplaces.

Colour DJs will perform several sets dedicated to our favourite American country, folk and alternative country, including our picks of 2008 in those genres. Free homemade cakes and tex-mex snacks were also there too!

About the Artists

James Happenick

Regardless of how many musicians back him, James’ performances often have the feel of a porch-light jam amongst old friends. Songs like ‘My My My’ and ‘I Saw Mary’ instantly lodge themselves in your memory with their easy-going melody and harmonies that are nothing short of stunning. If you’ve caught the Fleet Foxes bug, you’ll love James Happenick.

Stream: I Saw Mary

Jane Powell

Unfortunately Jane was unable to perform due to illness, but we hope to feature her at some point in the future.

Dan Hartland

Dan continues the country music tradition of the broken-hearted troubadour, similar in feel to contemporary artists like Ryan Adams and Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. His new EP, Walk the Floor, features eight songs that set fire to melancholy and will surely cause an incendiary performance.

Stream: DanHartland.com