ModernFormations, one of the smaller makeshift concert venues in Pittsburgh, could best described as a closet with character. An amalgamation of wallpaper ranging from farm animals to pastel flowers haphazardly line the walls. There’s about fifteen feet width and fifty feet length to fit maybe twenty people comfortably, and one functional restroom in the back. The stage is a dreary blend of back-alley deco; the stage may or may not have been put together with milk crates and plywood. In the dimly lit wings of the stage, the neck of a guitar casts a shadow on the back wall. Realizing that trying to do things in the dark if difficult, the owner of the venue flips the stage lights on. Now out of the dark, with the grace of Emmylou Harris and demeanor of Janis Joplin, is Sasha Colette confidently smiling at the near capacity crowd of eleven; a crowd's a crowd after all.
Sasha holds a belief that a place is only as good as what you put inside of it. As she strums out the first few chords of the bittersweet “Fall a Little More in Love With You,” an extreme Kentucky makeover starts to take over. The random assortment of wallpaper now seems to have been purposely used because it was good for a conversation stimulator. The makeshift nature of the room feels as if it were put together over a late night of beer, mixtapes, and good laughs. A warm feeling of home begins to take over. You’re suddenly safe with your best friend, kicking back and drinking your favorite brand of cheap liquor regaling of good times gone and good times to come. This is Sasha’s house now, and everybody is welcome.
As folk acts like Bob Dylan sang about the condition of the American spirit, and Tom Waits about the condition of his broken spirit, Sasha sings from her personally carved niche somewhere in-between. Her music is seeded with stories and hometown roots of her life in eastern Kentucky, a bluesy, folksy blend of Americana. Miss Colette has no reservations to her song writing, from thoughtful takes on the chaos of the world in “Come Together (Yes, Peace),” to soulful blues tales like “Happy Hippie”, upbeat folk in "Lou Easy," and sweet heartfelt tunes like “French.” There’s a complete a lack of pretension in her and her music, just an appreciative smile with the hope of a dollar or two for gas, or new string for her banjo.Although Sasha can stand on her own two feet, she also heads the band Sasha Colette and the Magnolias. The group recently recorded a three songs EP titled “3 songs, no waiting, ” that is soon to be released as a full album winter of this year. The three powerful tracks are beautifully arranged with the help of her boys. Notably, José Oreta, complementing Colette with bluesy rhythm and control on upright base. Of all the standout tracks, “Victory” stands as a big attention grabber. Building from Sasha’s gentle vocals and guitar to a slow burn of a crescendo, the track is a fine example of her simple and sweet lyrics built around a mature and unique sound.
Carrying a humble nature like an old suitcase, Sasha drops insightful, yet simple philosophies on herself and life. Explaining one of the songs on the upcoming album, “Saints Marching Drum,” she goes on to say, “It’s forgetting to worry about not knowing where you’re going, but you’ll be okay wherever you are as long as you have a place to stay.” There’s no worry in her tone or attitude, nor should there be. It’s fine hitting the road to the unknown, it’s okay to fall in love, and it’s okay to have heartbreak; there’s always a story there waiting to be told.
Want more? Roll the windows down, grab the last bit of summer you can, and take a road trip to wherever with Sasha Colette and The Magnolias.
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