The Moonlighters w/ Two Star Symphony

The Moonlighters have been a part of the New York City jazz and pop music scenes since they formed in 1998. Based around a core of harmonized vocal duets backed by warm acoustic instruments including Hawaiian lap steel guitar, ukulele, guitar and bass, they explore traditional and classic tunes with a unique, romantic approach. They have released albums on their Onliest Records label, the most recent, 2006’s “Surrender.” They spent May 2006 on tour in Germany. The band members include Bliss Blood, vocalist and ukulele player, who also writes the lyrics to their original tunes (formerly of Houston industrial rock band Pain Teens); Carla Murray, vocalist and acoustic guitar; Andrew Hall on bass; and Mike Neer on National steel guitar and acoustic guitar.

Two Star Symphony’s aim is to create new and diverse music that speaks to the collective conscience of a broad audience, with music evoking starkly sketched imagery: a drunken pirate walks the plank, a marionette gains its footing, a black cat turns and hisses, a poisoned apple is offered, and goblins attack. “I can only tell you that they sound like thunder and violence, Tim Burton, corsets, red fingernails, and just the slightest rays of sweetness, like actual music.” – Houston Chronicle