Maclyn Lucille, urban pop
Years performing: two
Day gig: professional singer
When Maclyn Lucille returned home after spending a year studying at Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, the 19-year-old South Euclid native was committed to work as much as possible.
Now the burgeoning singer — who has garnered comparisons to Beyonce, Keri Hilson and Jordan Sparks — has created what she feels is a new musical genre that complements her vocal talents.
“I call it urban pop,” said Lucille, a 2009 Brush High School graduate. “It’s still radio-ready music that you can dance too, but it’s not like Kesha pop. It’s definitely a cross between two different genres of music. It’s fun. I don’t have an album yet, I don’t want to put anything out that’s not going to be perfect, but I’m trying to get a project out. It’s a great time in music for Cleveland with a lot of big names coming out of Ohio.”
Lucille is working her two singles: the poppy “Where You At?” and hip-hop-based “Head 2 Toe.” the latter track appeared on the U.K. “R&B Street Anthems Volume 1″ release this year.
“My goal is, well, I would like to be a famous legend in the music industry,” said Lucille, who while in high school sang the national anthem at roughly half a dozen Cleveland Cavaliers games.
Up next for Lucille is a performance at the third annual “All White Party” at 10 tonight at Space Nightclub, 1534 Streetsboro Plaza, Streetsboro. Also on the bill are Marisa Mendez and Malik Abdul. Cover is $10.
Swingin’ gem of a band:
Just like a cover of a book, it turns out you can’t judge a band’s musical genre by its banjo accompaniment.
Take for instance the Silver String Band — Dave Pethtel (banjo, vocals), George Hanna (guitar, harmonica, vocals), Mike Pereira (mandolin, acoustic bass, vocals), Paul Hamann (electric bass, acoustic bass) and Bob Yocum (fiddle, guitar, vocals) — which has been playing around Northeast Ohio for roughly three decades.
“Although it’s a bluegrass-oriented instrumentation — banjo, mandolin, guitar, fiddle, bass — we do Western swing, Texas swing,” said Madison native and Cleveland Heights resident Pethtel.
“We play a lot of stuff like Bob Wills, and big band swing tunes like some by Fats Waller and Billie Holiday. It’s really eclectic. We have a good set of original tunes, and we’re the only band out there doing this kind of music.”
Despite the band’s longevity, limited finances have kept it from recording an album. Current favorite tracks dominating the group’s set include the jazz-oriented “Trick the Gypsy” and the swinging bluegrass tune “Little Katie may.”
The Silver String Band, which averages 40 shows annually, has booked a free show at 10 tonight at the Barking Spider Tavern, 11310 Juniper Road, Cleveland. Also on the bill are George Foley & Friends and Martin & Marshall. call 216-421-2863.
By John Benson
Are you in a local band? know of a great local band? Email local music news to the address below or send a fax to 216-999-6269, attn.: John Benson. To reach John Benson: music@plaind.com
Urban pop singer Maclyn Lucille is ready to explode
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