About the Artists
Pace Bend
Pace Bend (named after a park outside Austin), signed to indie label Blue Rose Records in 1995. Led by singer/songwriter Ann Hudspeth, Pace Bend recorded Like a Drink at West Heath Studios in London with Sven Copeland (yes, Stuart’s son) and Graeme Holloway (the producer credited with discovering Blur). They toured England, Scotland, Wales, Belgium and Holland on the “Triple Scoop Tour” with letitia (fellow Blue Rose recording artist) and the Violets (Schizophonic recording artists from Portland, Oregon). As indie labels often do, Blue Rose folded before releasing Like a Drink in the United States. Hudspeth created her own label, Little Sureshot Records, in 1998, and released many of Pace Bend's songs on her solo album. More of Pace Bend's songs can be heard here.
Ann Hudspeth
Ann Hudspeth began performing in clubs and cafes around her hometown of Austin, Texas, and all over the Hudson River Valley in New York during her college years (opening for Ani Difranco on several occasions). After graduating in 1992 from Vassar College, she headed to Seattle, Washington, where she put together several bands and served not only as singer, songwriter and instrumentalist, but also as producer and engineer. Her solo release Curve of Step (which is “Pace Bend” translated to French and back to English using an online translator) is a compilation of Hudspeth’s best studio works. Currently Ann is the leader of the band, Plenty (see below).
UkeTrance
UkeTrance was the brainchild of Ukulele Freedom Front leader Jacob Austin and Ann's alter-ego Ann Austin. They played in cafes and on beaches around Seattle and recorded a 16-song album in Ann's bedroom called UKEN FEELIT. Eventually they went electric and Ann played a baritone uke through a bass amp and used a wah-pedal and Jacob alternated between his Martin soprano uke and an experimental electric uke. Their shows were quite memorable and featured wacky costumes, improvised music and interpretive dancers. Ann left the band to focus on her solo efforts and Jacob continued with the Ukulele Freedom Front. Ann has still been known to pick up a uke now and then.
Plenty
Plenty's current lineup features Ann Hudspeth on vocals and acoustic guitar, former Pace Bend guitarist Josh Colangelo-Bryan, bassist Dave Sommers of Easy Big Fella, and percussionist Chris Stromquist of Samba Tuque. Their self-titled CD of all original material written by Ann and Josh will be released in October 2004.
For a sneak preview, click here.
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