MUSIC

McGonigel's Mucky Duck presents The Mastersons.

There’s no harmony quite like that of two people in love—not only with each other but with the music they share. The Mastersons formed in 2006 but have collectively spent more than a lifetime (six decades) making and performing music. Both children of musical families in Texas, they were handed instruments before they could walk. Eleanor, a cracker-jack violin. Chris, a guitar. The universe so picking their fates that 20 odd years later, backstage at a festival, lighting would strike. They were fans of each other's music before they were anything else.

For two youngsters, the list of artists they’ve performed with is staggering: Steve Earle, Son Volt, Diana Ross, Regina Spector, Angus and Julia Stone, Allison Moorer, Kelly Willis, Bruce Robison, Shooter Jennings, Hank Williams III, Bobby Bare Jr. and Jack Ingram. That’s just getting started.

But one spin of Birds Fly South and you’ll understand why. The talent—abundant. The appeal—obvious. They deliver the magic in the form of rootsy, melodic, twangy, pop songs. Eleanor’s whimsy meeting Chris’ angular guitar playing. Their two voices tangled throughout. The result? Supernatural voodoo, yet it’s astonishingly simple. Dark words dressed in bright melodies. The music is organic and down to earth while some of the characters in the songs could benefit from prozac.

It’s honest. It’s sincere. It might just melt your heart.

Written by: Theresa Coulter