By Danny Coleman
originally published: 12/22/2016
"Jenny, Katie and I had all come together, we all had solo things but Katie and I met Jenny at a musicians cooperative. We talked and hit it off and Jenny had a big show coming up as part of a large singer/songwriter event at the "Falcon Ridge Folk Festival" and Katie and I were asked to join her on backing vocals," explained current Massachusetts resident and former Lambertville, NJ musician Stephanie Marshall as she discussed the formation and the name of the exquisite all female trio known as, "The Boxcar Lilies." "This was a pivotal moment for us because we realized immediately that we had something here."
Once they came to realize the potential of this newly formed triumvirate, the ladies got right down to work and the gigs seemed to come quickly thereafter. "So here we are with this new band and we have some shows coming up and no name," laughed Marshall as she elaborated on the origin of group's name. So we decided to meet at this cute little local bar and we decided that we were not leaving until we had a name. So we all had our list of suggestions and we had put a thing on Facebook asking for ideas and somehow during the discussion "Back-roads," was thrown into the mix and I said yeah, we're like the lilies that are found on those back-roads. I forget who but one of them or someone said that it sounded familiar and I said, oh never mind I was thinking of "Boxcar Willie" and we all kind of looked at each other; we combined the two and said that's it! Although I will admit, we've never done a Boxcar Willie song (laughs)."
Together, Stephanie Marshall (guitar, vocals, washboard and percussion), Jenny Goodspeed (guitar, bass guitar, vocals) and now former member Katie Clarke (guitar, banjo, vocals) have produced three six song EPs. The first of which was "Heartwood," the second being "Sugar Shack" and the third and most recent, "Knockout Rose." The three records are well orchestrated pieces showcasing their talented individual and collective styles, best labeled (If one must do such a thing) as "Americana." The Lilies, as they are sometimes affectionately known, are a combination of sounds and genres. Bluegrass, folk, country, blues and other attempts to define them have been bandied about but there is truly one thing that is undeniable; their vocal ability.
However, as is usually the case, just when things are going well ; turmoil seems to strike. Clarke decided to leave the unit just after "Knockout Rose" was completed, choosing to follow a different career path other than that of music. "After we made the record, we lost Katie," said a reflective Marshall. "The career and the music created no down time for her and she chose to leave. We understood but now we were faced with a new CD and no third member."
Enter the pride of Pluckemin, NJ and the newest Lilie; Susan Cattaneo. "I officially became a member in April of this year," said an excited Cattaneo. "I was in the right place at the right time kind of thing. My producer, Lorne Entress is also their producer and he is just fabulous; as a matter of fact I've done all of my work with him. I met them at a festival and we hung out and had a really good time and then a short time later Lorne e-mailed me that he'd heard that the one girl was leaving. So the three of us started e-mailing and I remember thinking to myself that I really like them a lot and we just took it from there."
Cattaneo, who attended Berklee College of Music and just,"Never left," has a highly successful solo career of her own and is still at Berklee as a teacher of songwriting. Cattaneo has garnered many accolades herself over the course of her career including being selected as a finalist in multiple songwriting and music award competitions. "My solo career is going well and I'm still going forward with that. I am running a parallel life with that and the Lilies and I'm sure it'll cross over at some point as I become more involved with the group."
The most noticeable thing about these ladies, is the emphasis on and their ability to harmonize. Terms such as "Angelic," "Heavenly" and "Twining" have all been used to describe their vocals and all aptly applied. Even with the loss of Clarke, the trio lost no steam as Cattaneo slid seamlessly in and brings an even more diverse sound to the group. "It is so cool for me to sing with them," she gushed as she seemed to be searching for the exact words to describe the experience. "Even though our voices are all so different, I have the rock style, Jenny is ethereal, Steph is on the rock side too but also the softer side; together they blend so well. We try to achieve as close to perfection as possible with our harmonies and so far it has been wonderful how well we sing together; I can't wait to see what lies ahead."
In addition to their attractive looks and simply captivating vocals, these ladies bring a stage presence that is genuine, real, funny and so interactive that one gets the feeling they are performing solely for you, the individual, as opposed to a collective group.
A recent show at home in the state of NJ at the 1867 Sanctuary, a renovated centuries old church, really highlighted their abilities and likable personalities. Located just outside of Trenton in Ewing Township NJ, the acoustics served to enhance their overall sound but it's their verbal interactions that put the icing on this cake. "Funny," explains Marshall. "We support each other, especially on stage. Jenny is the funniest of us all; the more pressure out there the better she gets. It takes me a while to get going up there but then I relax and we play off of each other and with Susan; she's great. She is the same on stage as she is back stage. She always has such good energy."
Opening the first of two sets in Ewing with the title cut from their second disc, "Sugar Shack," the ladies had the crowd in their collective palms from the opening note. Singing, strumming and smiling in sync like a well oiled machine; if this was a war, they'd win without firing a shot. With titles such as "Put The Top Down," "Worth The Whiskey" and "S-Curve Roads," combined with mild self deprecating humor and the uncanny ability to communicate so well with their audience; one finds themselves wanting to invite them home for a family dinner. "What is great," stated a laughing Cattaneo; "Is that the camaraderie that we have on stage came through in the first show that we ever did together. They honestly make me laugh and we have the same chemistry on stage and off. It is very natural for us and not at all forced. I feel like a newlywed at the moment with so much potential in front of us. I am very excited to see what we evolve into."
According to Marshall, the trio will be returning to the New Jersey area near the end of April or May of 2017 and she states that they are just in the beginnings of the planning stages of the tour.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
Amarones Windsor Inn29 Church Street Windsor
(609) 448-7144
Fri. 8 p.m. Larry D
Artworks Trenton19 Everett Alley Trenton
(609) 394-9436
""The 10 x 10 Red Dot Exhibition"
Backstage at Championship Bar 931 Chambers Street Trenton
Fri. 7 p.m. Broken Angels, (TBA). All ages, $10
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Shaun Ruymen
Bowman's Tavern1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6 p.m. Dave Dales Trio
Fri./Sat. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Brad Staudle
Wed. 6 p.m. Lorenzo
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. James Stewart Sax Quartet. $10 (cover charge includes buffet)
Chickie's & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
City Streets 510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" w/ DJ Brett Gash
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie and Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval
Dempster's Pub437 Pine Street Mount Holly
(609) 261-0500
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. DJ DNIAL
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Chris
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Soul Kitchen
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. Keli Vale Jazz (9 p.m.) "Holiday Party" w/ Soul Custody Trio
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. Michael Leggerie
Mon. 7 a.m. "Boxing Day Buffet." $30 (All you can eat and two free drinks)
Wed. 8 p.m. Shawn Byrne
Fran's Pub116 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam
All shows age 21+
Freddies Tavern12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Holiday Party Fundraiser to Benefit TOPAC" feat. Ed Wall, Billy Hill & The 80's Band, Jody Giambelluca, Jerry Monk, Joe Kramer, Shaun Ruymen, The Girl Band, Dave Orban, Herd Of Blues, Jerry Steele, Mario DiBartolo, Hal Selzer, Lisa Bouchelle, Paul Plumeri, Mary Fowle, John Bushnell, Ed Wilson, Rich Scanella, Duke Williams, Gene Boccia, Mark Sacco, Joe Vadala, Harry Filkin, Jerry Ressler. $25 (Adults/kids under 12 free)
Fri. 8 p.m. Dave Boyd
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Fri. 8:30 p.m. Bigg Romeo
Sat./Sun. Closed
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music Series" Hosted by Pat Foran
Hopewell Valley Vineyards46 Yard Avenue Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Thurs. 6 p.m. Dave Homan
Fri. 6 p.m. Marie Charlton Duo w/ J. Judy Janetta
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. Gregg Parker
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 9 p.m. Slo Motion
All shows 21+
Jake's Pub869 Bustleton Pike Richboro, PA
(215) 876-9000
Thurs. 7 p.m. Danny Lynch "Christmas Tunes"
Tues. 5 p.m. "Acoustic Happy Hour" feat. Bill Shannon
Wed. 7 p.m. Trivia Night
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Mike Dialto's Stand Up Comedy
Fri. 9 p.m. The Hot Hedz
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Sage
Mon. 9 p.m. Sinking Ship
Tues. 9 p.m. The Jean Therapy Combo
Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Laurita Winery85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Wed. 6 p.m. "Girl's Night Out"
Mamma Rosa's 572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Fri. 8 p.m. The Ramparts Rebel, The Cryptkeeper 5, The Vansaders, Meeko Brando
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
Palermo's Of Hamilton310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 +
PANJ RadioBridge Street Lambertville
(609) 460-4673
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" is off the air due to the Christmas Holiday
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. The Polish Nannies
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Check web page for upcoming events.
South Rio120 South Warren Street Trenton
(609) 943-2123
Thurs. 7 p.m. "All You Can eat Crabs." Music, Drink Specials, Sports on TV
Tues. "$2 Tuesday"
1867 Sanctuary 101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Fri. 7 p.m. "4th Friday Open Mic Night"
Sat. 8 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Wed. 7:30 p.m. Theater To Go Presents: " An American Christmas Story: The Trial Of Abraham Hunt" feat. Larry Kidder. $10
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Black Brant
Tavern On The Lake101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Pop Comics
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The Cool Cricket216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. John & Maggs
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. River Dogs
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Record Collector358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Mon. 8 p.m. Uncle Floyd "His Annual Day After Christmas Comedy Show." All ages, Doors at 7:30 p.m., $18 (Advance)
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. 80's Undercover
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. "Rockers Against Leukemia Round 2: A Benefit For Shawn Lydon Jr." feat. Midnite Hellion, Depraved Indifference, Mikell's Plot. $10
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
The Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Mass Folk Commons
Tues. 7 p.m. "One More Rockin' Happy Hour" Hosted by Danny Coleman
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Fri. 4 p.m. First Friday
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. Skunkmello. ($5 cover charge)
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Tues. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson
All shows 21+
Photo by Rose Martin
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled 'Rock On Radio' airing Sunday evenings at 7:00pm EST on ThePenguinRocks.com where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
