Simply Still

Show at Sarah Jane

2009-04-08T06:06:00.000-07:00

We were asked to come play at the cafe inside of Sarah Jane Johnson church on March 27. It went great!

Warming up...

Christian's husband Rob joined us for a few songs and even played one he wrote

Her children joined in too!

Thanks for having us Sarah Jane!

Davis College Show

2008-12-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

Our show at Davis College occured during a snow storm so we played for a very small crowd but it was very fun!

(Below is our large crowd - plus Sara's Mom and Step Dad)

Our First Show

2008-12-03T05:44:00.000-08:00

We had our first show Sunday night and it went well. We even received our first review (someone talked about the show on their blog). Here are their positive comments:

"Last night our community was treated to a Christmas concert by the newly formed band, Simply Still. Most of my readers already know Sara and Christian, so I won’t bother with introductions here, except to say that Sara and Christian used to sing and play together when they were teens and now as young women have gotten back together to ply their craft.

The concert was a collection of Christmas music consisting of carols, worship songs, and traditional folk tunes. Sara kicked off the concert in one of the most challenging methods any artist can tackle... starting the song acappella, and actually staying on pitch for when the music comes in! It was a wonderful crisp clear opening to the concert. That song was Silent Night. They both played guitar and Christian also played a small hand drum which was a terrific addition on various songs.

A version of one of our favorite family songs, Christmas In Killarney, was accompanied by Christian playing the drum and actually rapping a part of the song! Crazy! And so fun! She pulled it off and it sounded great!

Sara sang “Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella”, mostly in french...beautifully done, and Christian gave a version of “O Holy Night” that really showed up her low tones.
There were a few worship type songs that I was not really familiar with but they sounded wonderful. There was also an especially lovely version of “Silver Bells”, which they actually stuck in at the last minute.

I was most amazed by how far they have both come in their art. Their voices both had such lyrical long tones, pure and clear, with just that tiny hint of vibrato and lilt that adds so much to a singers sound. I could find no fault with their guitar work. I think they will just get better and better.

We estimated there were a little over 100 people in attendance, the girls received a generous collection, and got thumbs up from local artist, Gene Raymond. And as Christian commented was the ultimate compliment for any artist, rebooking! Our church has already asked them to return for our Valentine Dinner in February.

The various grass roots movements in this country, whether it be politics, local farm co-ops, church outreaches or whatever, are spilling over into the arts as well. People are coming back to appreciating their own local talent rather than only running to the big shows. It’s a wonderful sense of that ancient concept of “the bard”, “the storyteller”, of a time when there was no TV and internet... when we actually knew how to entertain and inspire each other face to face right in the midst of our small daily lives. It was a happy evening for me."

Here is a beautiful photo snapped of Sara during ther show:

Who We Are

2008-09-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Sara Chaffee (30) and I, Christian Abell (27), are first cousins and we grew up in a musical family. Our mothers (who are sisters) traveled together singing as young women and so, naturally, music was always a part of our lives. It served as a catalyst for creativity in both Sara and I from early childhood on manifesting it's self mostly through dance for Sara and video production/visual arts for myself. We were extremely close and started a band as teenagers (but that was a short lived venture).

As adults we moved away from one another but always kept a soft spot in our hearts for each other. Separately we began to play live music more and more (mostly in church settings) as a creative outlet - a way to connect with God and others. Now, no longer being willing to keep the song in our hearts to ourselves we have reunited to form Simply Still.

Currently we are putting together an hour long Christmas show and to let you hear the style of music we play above is a recording of a recent practice. It's obviously not a polished song yet or professional sounding video but we wanted to give you something to help you get a feel for who we are.

We play acoustic guitars, piano, some percussion. We have a set worked up with both traditional Christmas songs as well as some new ones and are currently looking for places to play during the Christmas season. We come with all of our own equipment. We do not ask a set fee but would rather take an offering so that those who have the money can give as they see fit and those who don't can still attend (since we have both been there!)

If you are interested contact us today!