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Markley & Balmer

- Dallas, TX Other / Acoustic / Singer/Songwriter

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About

Members: Lisa Markley, Bruce Balmer

Label: Soona Songs

Bio: BRUCE BALMER was born a guitar player in Margaretville, NY, from a musical family. After music at Marlboro college, he played lead guitar for rock, jazz, and country bands, and composed for dance performance and film (including credits on a Bill Plympton animated film). He is a singer/songwriter ... See Full Bio

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Status

setting up a new reverbnation account for Markley & Balmer!! (It's about time)

Press

“These Dallas singers were married at the Kerrville Folk Festival--a perfect site for their wedding, given the freewheeling acoustic vibe of their music. Mr. Balmer fuels their debut cd with spirited guitar work that owes as much to Django Reinhardt as it does to Mississippi John Hurt. But the real draw is the duo's songwriting, which is full of wry lyrics and melancholy melodies. Or as Ms. Markley puts it in one song: "Happiness is a minor key". ---Thor Christensen ”

— Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News

"...some of the most accomplished musicians I've ever heard. The Tuck and Patti of the singer-songwriter world." Tom Prasada-Rao

— Tom Prasada-Rao, tomprasadarao.com

“Markley's other worldly, folk-tinged vocals mesh perfectly with new husband Balmer's fiery guitar--but the songs themselves are the real standouts here. From the quirky "Landing on the Moon" to the spirited "Don't Make Me Do It", the husband-wife team seamlessly blend country, folk, blues, jazz and funk, creating a signature sound that's impossible to listen to without smiling or tapping a foot.”

— Melody Townsel, Cliff Dweller Magazine

“Somewhere, wherever the musical gods hang out, there is rejoicing. Lisa Markley and Bruce Balmer met each other, fell in love and got married. Lisa is one of the three amazing Malvinas, currently on hiatus . We knew Bruce as a habitue of the Fast Folk scene, a singer/songwriter and monster guitar player. This was before he moved to Texas. Their self-titled CD is sophisticated and chock full of depth. Their voices blend together like two strains of rich honey. There are wicked, jazzy guitar riffs by Bruce over their rich harmonies. Bruce's songs tend to be hard-charging, propelled by fast-fretted patterns and jaunty strumming. Lisa's are playfully relaxed. She's almost languid as she sings in "Overhand Knot," "Wrap your arms around me / lace your arms around me / tie your arms around me / let your love be an overhead knot." They have each other. We have the songs and we'll wrap them around us. Often.”

— Richard Cuccaro, Acoustic Live

“Elements written by guitarist Bruce Balmer reveals another talent of Lisa Markley. A remarkable ability to interpret new songs, an adroit rarity. ”

— Dick Crockett, The Voice, 88.7fm, Sacramento

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Songs

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Coattails

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Mom & Dad's Polka

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Overhand Knot

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Against the Grain

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Landing on the Moon

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Videos

"Resurrecting The Kessler" - Markley and Balmer

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Shows

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2012
Nov 16

Uncle Calvin's Coffeeho…
Dallas, TX, US | 8:00pm
Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse
Dallas, TX, US
Fri Nov 16, 2012 8:00pm
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30th anniversary show (3 of 4)
2012
Oct 13

Neuhaus Cafe
Dallas, TX, US | 6:30pm
Neuhaus Cafe
Dallas, TX, US
Sat Oct 13, 2012 6:30pm
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Bar, Restaurant. Desserts, and Oh! The Chocolate!!! www.neuhauscafe.com/ #626, 5959 Royal Lane Dallas, TX 75230 (214) 739-4600
2012
Aug 26

Boomers Deli
Dallas, TX, US | 11:00am
Boomers Deli
Dallas, TX, US
Sun Aug 26, 2012 11:00am
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"Sunday Deli Brunch" :) Markley & Balmer Weekly
2011
Dec 29

Lincoln Theatre
Mount Vernon, WA, US | 7:00pm
Lincoln Theatre
Mount Vernon, WA, US
Thu Dec 29, 2011 7:00pm
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fundraiser for Lisa's high school band program at Mount Vernon High School. Honoring John Babraitis. Various Alumni of the band program under Mr. B will be performing.
2011
Dec 23

LUCID Jazz Lounge
Seattle, WA, US | 9:00pm
LUCID Jazz Lounge
Seattle, WA, US
Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:00pm
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Lisa, jazz show, featuring the lovely and talented Bruce Balmer on guitars. This is a fantastic intimate venue. Our favorite Seattle gig! Seating is limited. Come early, or make a reservation. (206)-402-3042. http://lucidseattle.com/