Purty Mouth
Seattle, Washington, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2002 | SELF
Music
Press
From the Seattle Weekly, May 2, 2012: "Purty Mouth, A Night at the Opry (out now, self-released): A solid old-school effort from twang purists Purty Mouth. Featuring dueling male and female vocalists, there is no "alternative" in this band's brand of country, as reverent to George Strait as to George Jones." - Seattle Weekly
"gay and lesbian alt-country band from Seattle. They're sort of like Hee Haw meets Queer Eye" - Isosceles Publishing, Inc
"the genius behind Purty Mouth is the band's respect for the music and the theatrical opportunities afforded by love songs that tell stories" - Index Newspapers, LLC
"Perched somewhere between cornpone kitsch and hardcore honky-tonk, local combo Purty Mouth certainly have found a unique niche in an otherwise crowded roots scene" - Seattle Weekly Media
"If you haven't already witnessed the genius that is "Seattle's premier almost all-gay country band," you'll thank me for the tip. While their set puts a new spin on some time-tested gems, PM have been spreading their wings and adding some great originals to the mix. Catch 'em in a small club while you can!" - Index Newspapers, LLC
"There is something for everyone at a Purty Mouth show as long as you like fun and cowboys. And having fun with cowboys. Especially if you are another cowboy." (December 2007) - James R. Baker
"These days, playfulness and touching ironies seem the mainstays of Purty Mouth's music" (February 2008) - James R. Baker
Aug 20-26, 2008: "Purty Mouth play up the humor of the stereotype with their entertaining lyrics, but never let the joke railroad their polished handle on their particular brand of country-tonk." - Seattle Weekly Media
Aug 20, 2008: "The band name Purty Mouth sounds like a bad, bad joke, but the music is excellent. The adorable Alyssa Keene and Lori Ramon have the sweetest voices since Jo Stafford and the whip-smart lyrics will have you smiling all night long. - Gothamist
Discography
In 2012 Purty Mouth released their first self-published full-length record, A Night at the Opry, featuring 11 original songs plus one cover tune chosen from their live repertoire. On the production end was Jamie Jones, producer and engineer at Tinderbox Productions, and Christian Heilman, independent producer/engineer (and veteran of Teatro ZinZanni). They also invited a number of friends and extended family to participate, including former Purty Mouth vocalist Alyssa Keene, Paul Anastasio on fiddle (Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard) and Bill Rieflin on drums (ex-R.E.M drummer and producer).
From the Seattle Weekly, May 2, 2012: "Purty Mouth, A Night at the Opry (out now, self-released): A solid old-school effort from twang purists Purty Mouth. Featuring dueling male and female vocalists, there is no "alternative" in this band's brand of country, as reverent to George Strait as to George Jones."
Leadoff track South Tacoma received airplay on Seattle's independent radio station 90.3 FM, KEXP.
Photos
Bio
Purty Mouth, Seattle's most colorful country-tonk combo has been performing in the Seattle area since 2002, their unique take on country and pop music dialed in from an alternate (better) universe where Brokeback Mountain shares equal space alongside John Wayne.
The combo includes Lori Ramon (vocals), Mikey Budd (vocals and guitar), Graham Short (vocals and guitars), Walter Harley (bass) and Mark Drake (vocals and drums). The Purty Mouth sound features three-part vocal harmony, classic melodic songwriting, musical references to classic honky-tonk, countrypolitan and rock 'n roll, and lyrics containing gender-bending twists and tongue-in-cheek fun, while still remaining heartfelt and emotionally direct.
Purty Mouth has headlined shows at the Tractor Tavern, Slim's Last Chance, the High Dive, the Mars Bar, Conor Byrne, Jules Maes Saloon, the Blue Moon Tavern, Highway 99 Blues Club, the Comet Tavern, and Marko's in Roslyn, WA. As support, Purty Mouth has proved itself as an exotic and entertaining opener for local and national touring acts recently including the Podunk Poets and Robbie Fulks, and in previous years Neko Case, the Hidden Cameras, Momus, the Moondoggies, the Meat Purveyors, Carolyn Mark, El Vez, the Ditty Bops and more.
Local acts sharing bills with Purty Mouth have included Strange Jerome, Knut Bell and the Blue Collars, the Modern Relics, the Rainieros, the 1Uppers, the Half Brothers, Brent Amaker & the Rodeo, Jo Miller and Her Burly Roughnecks and many, many more.
From the Seattle Weekly, May 2, 2012: "...twang purists Purty Mouth...Featuring dueling male and female vocalists, there is no "alternative" in this band's brand of country, as reverent to George Strait as to George Jones."
Band Members
Links
