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Partners in crime: Paul Brainard and Carra Barratt Stasney, aka Mamma Coal. Photo by Anne Marie
Stream or download Episode #63: Episode 63 w/ Mamma Coal
She’s tall, she’s tough and she’s talented. Mamma Coal can do it all. That’s why we were thrilled to have Carra Barratt Stasney on board for the taping of Episode #63 at The Helm.
Carra is well known in Pacific Northwest country music circles for her terrific singing and songwriting as the dark-haired half of the female duo Copper & Coal. Taking the name Mamma Coal, she’s out promoting her latest musical project, “Raven Haired Vixen,” a musical reimagining of Willie Nelson’s legendary 1975 country album “Red Headed Stranger.” She just launched a Kickstarter Campaign to help fund the project (see the video below).
She’s also curating a fantastic, two-night, two-city Valentine’s weekend performance of classic country duets called “Hearts On Fire,” which will play in Seattle at Conor Byrne Pub on Feb. 13 and in Portland at Star Theater on Feb. 14. Carra will be among an all-star lineup of great singers sharing the songs of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, and many more!
On this episode, Mamma Coal tells us about her musical upbringing, her love of classic rock hits and what brought her to the world of country music. She also shares the story about finding a musical kinship with local players from our podcast inner circle, The Hoot Family, and how becoming a mother inspired “Raven Haired Vixen,” a musical story set in the old west of a mother tracking down the baby son who was taken from her.
Paul Brainard adding some tasty steel to the wonderful stylings of Mamma Coal in The Helm. Photo by Anne Marie
And to share a few live versions of songs from the new project, Carra invited ace guitarist and steel player Paul Brainard to ride shotgun on the live performance. Paul is playing a big role in helping Carra bring “Raven Haired Vixen” to fruition, lending his musical guidance and tasty playing to the mix.
We also share a few recorded songs from Carra’s earlier days, including a tune from Copper & Coal, a song from Carra’s first band, American Cosmos, and also a fine number from her self-titled solo record from a few years back.
For more information on the Kickstarter campaign or for tickets to the Seattle and Portland “Hearts On Fire” shows, check out the links above. And for everything Mamma Coal, visit her website.
Thanks for tuning in!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carrastasney/mamma-coal-reimagining-willie-nelsons-outlaw-conce