Mixing rootsy, original songs carried by acoustic guitars, mandolin, harmonica, electric bass and world beat hand percussion, trading off lead and harmony vocals, Mama Said serves up a variety of sounds and texturesówith passion.
Mama Said signed to Americana Records in January 2006 after introducing their music to the label at the Americana Music Association Convention in 2005. In 2006 Americana Records released “Turn It Up.” The label is releasing their second Mama Said production, “Take Root,” in February 2008.
Previously, Mama Said was on the Little King Record Label and released “Runnin’ With Scissors” in 2001. They self-released “Rural Alternative” in 1998 and before that “Sunday Best.”
Mama Said hosted a weekly TV show for Time Warner Cable for over two years.Guest singer/songwriters performed original tunes and were interviewed. “Words and Music” was produced at Gardner Webb University by Noel Manning. Mama Said and the reruns continue to air.
Mama Said originated in a kitchen in Shelby, working up songs to record a project for one of the guys. As it became evident that all four were writers, singers, and multi-instrumentalists, the group became a band and began performing out.
After many personnel changes, Nancy Owen and Phil Ruff remain from the original performers. Currently the band still practices because they love to play and they perform out because they’re too good to stay in the kitchen.
Mama Said is Nancy Owen: acoustic guitar, mandolin, lead and harmony vocals, songwriter; Phil Ruff: lead acoustic guitar, harmonica, lead and harmony vocals, songwriter; Josh Hamrick: bass. Hand percussion is provided by various players including Jim Brock and Chris Green.
“Take Root” is being produced by Mark Williams who has worked with folks like Southern Culture on the Skids, Hootie and the Blowfish, Joe Cocker and many others. Jim Brock, who has performed and recorded with folks from Kathy Mattea to Joan Baez to Victor Wooten, put down the the percussion tracks on each song.
For more information and to listen, go to www.mamasaidmusic.com. Mama Said will be performing at The Blue Vine, 209 S. Main St., Friday, 9 p.m.-midnight. Call 704-797-0093.