Mo Pair

"He can do just about anything musically," said fan Janna Fulbright.

But his versatile musical prowess and stage presence might change the perception of most any audience on most any occasion he chooses. - Beaumont Journal

You may know Mo Pair as the bassist and vocalist from the Austin based group, Grass, but there is more to Mo then meets the ear at a Grass show. His solo show brings the listener into a world of melodic vocals and intense yet sweet lyrical styles. Over the decade Mo has spent much of his free time participating in American Indian pow-wows learning traditional songs and rhythms, which naturally wells up in his music. At his live shows, he seems to shed his skin on stage while still being uniquely Mo. His solo album, Friday Nights at Danny's was recorded in early 1999 over many Friday nights at Danny Phillips' home studio and pressed one year later. The entire album is one of the most soothing and enchanting pieces of work since Mazzy Star and James Taylor(70's). Most of the songs contain acoustic guitar, bass, flute, and layers of beautiful harmonies. It is a definite must for those relaxing weekends at the beach or the lake. The Logon Café Crew gives it six stars.
- www.logoncafe.net

From his solo singer/songwriter career to the progressive rock of Grass or the jam rock of Groovin' Ground, from the folky seasonal "Xmas in TX" to the psychedelic pop rock of Bright Star Catalogue's "Disappear Slowly," what has the gentle-voiced Pair not conquered? In 2006 Mo released his most recent album, a collection of mostly early Pink Floyd covers performed live in concert in Houston, and dedicated to legendary founding member of Floyd, Syd Barrett, who died last year. - Charlie Martin, KOOP Radio DJ, Austin, www.koop.org

Houston Press
Jan. 4-10, 2007
Vol. 19, No. 1

That's mo like it
From Joni Mitchell in Toronto to Richie Havens in New York to Townes Van Zandt here in Houston, every major folk singer of the Baby Boom generation got their start in a coffeehouse circuit. But since Starbucks did to java shops what McDonald's did to burger joints, most people who go out for a cup of joe get only the tepid voices of Diana Krall or Madeleine Peyroux from overhead speakers. Today at Mojo Risin', though, it'll be like nothing ever changed. Austin's bearded folk troubadour Mo Pair will be strumming his spacey, emotive tunes (he recently did a tribute concert to psychedelic legend Syd Barrett). If you brought a time-tossed hippie to the show, he'd feel right at home. Take him to Starbucks, and he'd probably freak out, renounce nonviolence and call for the preemptive assassination of chairman Howard Schultz. 8pm. 1600 Shepherd. For information, call 713-426-1505 or visit www.myspace.com/mojorisincoffee
- Houston Press

http://www.shotgunreviews.com/category/music/the-kiosk/


Mo Pair - “Pink Floyd Happy Hour”
Tuesday, April 24th, 2007

Mo Pair
Reviewed by Kyrby Raine

Pink Floyd were the quintessential English band; no matter who was at the helm, Pink Floyd screamed British not only because of the singing but their subject matter and elegant, arty arrangements. And most of the time, when Pink Floyd are covered, they are given this treatment, creating little distance between the originals and the new versions.

Not so with Mo Pair.

This Texas musician has taken a handful of Pink Floyd classics and made him his own, stripping away their layers of dark atmosphere and English quirks. In their place, Pair plays a ragged acoustic guitar and harmonica, transforming these classic-rock radio staples into rootsy, folk-inflected confessions.

From the opening cut, “Fat Old Sun,” it sounds as if Neil Young had suddenly fronted Pink Floyd, not just in terms of Pair’s nasally voice but in the raw, unplugged arrangements as well. There are times when this approach sounds downright beautiful, as in the fragile glow of “Wots…Uh the Deal,” or bluesy, like on the often-remade “Wish You Were Here.” “Wish You Were Here” is probably the most special simply because so many young bands, especially alt rockers, attempt to ape the original. However, Pair actually has the courage to subtly rework it, bringing it into an Americana context I never thought possible.

“Bike” certainly doesn’t have the quirks of Syd Barrett’s classic, but then again that something which can’t be duplicated. In Pair’s folksy style, it works wonderfully well.

http://www.mopair.com

Categories: Music, The Kiosk (Pop/General Music), Kyrby Raine
Comments: Be the first to comment
- Shotgunreviews.com

Houston Press
Jan. 4-10, 2007
Vol. 19, No. 1

That's mo like it
From Joni Mitchell in Toronto to Richie Havens in New York to Townes Van Zandt here in Houston, every major folk singer of the Baby Boom generation got their start in a coffeehouse circuit. But since Starbucks did to java shops what McDonald's did to burger joints, most people who go out for a cup of joe get only the tepid voices of Diana Krall or Madeleine Peyroux from overhead speakers. Today at Mojo Risin', though, it'll be like nothing ever changed. Austin's bearded folk troubadour Mo Pair will be strumming his spacey, emotive tunes (he recently did a tribute concert to psychedelic legend Syd Barrett). If you brought a time-tossed hippie to the show, he'd feel right at home. Take him to Starbucks, and he'd probably freak out, renounce nonviolence and call for the preemptive assassination of chairman Howard Schultz. 8pm. 1600 Shepherd. For information, call 713-426-1505 or visit www.myspace.com/mojorisincoffee
- Houston Press

Equally talented, Mo Pair has become a local favorite for many reasons-he's a great performer, an amazing songwriter and super nice guy. No one plays folk guitar quite like him. His vocal range is wide, from deep, gravelly bass to a high, keening soprano. His repetoire include originals from his 3 solo cds and other projects, and crowd pleasing classics by Woody Guthrie, Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead.

www.johnfulbright.com - John Fullbright, Promoter/Photographer

"His otherworldly melodies and elusive harmonies evoke the impressionistic sonic worlds of Crosby Stills and Nash, Debussy, and Ravel." - Hill Country Strings

Equally talented, Mo Pair has become a local favorite for many reasons-he's a great performer, an amazing songwriter and super nice guy. No one plays folk guitar quite like him. His vocal range is wide, from deep, gravelly bass to a high, keening soprano. His repetoire include originals from his 3 solo cds and other projects, and crowd pleasing classics by Woody Guthrie, Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead.

www.johnfulbright.com - John Fullbright, Promoter/Photographer

Just Because!
July 10, 2007 - 1:33 pm | Posted by DanDIppolito


Sometimes, less is more. This is one of those times. Sometimes when people ask me about something "Well, what do you like about it?" the ultimate fighter in me wants to feed them my knuckles. All I really know about music is how it makes me feel. Some music makes me feel like I'm being trampled by bulls; some music makes me feel like I do in those dreams where I'm naked in public; and other music makes me feel anywhere from wrapped in a cozy warm blanket to dizzy with euphoria. Somewhere between the latter two conditions is how Mo Pair makes me feel. Click here, listen to "Child", and see what happens. And while you're at it, come to the free July 11 Songwriter Showcase.

I lied. There are some things I can tell you about Mo Pair that I like. First, the style of his songs, or at least the way they're recorded, is considerably laid back, like his influences (Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, etc). The mood is especially appropriate for hot weather; preferably a relaxed, rural setting. My buddies in Maine would love it. Second, Mo's voice can be Sam Beam soft, but still maintains bright, unique annunciation. Third, some seriously heavy harmonies come into play, giving the overall sound of his recordings attractive depth. Fourth, if you read up a little on Mo Pair, you'll learn that his usual/original setting is within full bands, but now he's decided to take the mellow road, a path I particularly enjoy. And fifth, the words he sings have meaning, and are certainly worth reading.

So, there you have it, five reasons to quantify "good." Are you happy?

Jezebel Music
Made in Williamsburg, NY
www.jezebelmusic.com

- Jezebel Music

Just Because!
July 10, 2007 - 1:33 pm | Posted by DanDIppolito


Sometimes, less is more. This is one of those times. Sometimes when people ask me about something "Well, what do you like about it?" the ultimate fighter in me wants to feed them my knuckles. All I really know about music is how it makes me feel. Some music makes me feel like I'm being trampled by bulls; some music makes me feel like I do in those dreams where I'm naked in public; and other music makes me feel anywhere from wrapped in a cozy warm blanket to dizzy with euphoria. Somewhere between the latter two conditions is how Mo Pair makes me feel. Click here, listen to "Child", and see what happens. And while you're at it, come to the free July 11 Songwriter Showcase.

I lied. There are some things I can tell you about Mo Pair that I like. First, the style of his songs, or at least the way they're recorded, is considerably laid back, like his influences (Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, etc). The mood is especially appropriate for hot weather; preferably a relaxed, rural setting. My buddies in Maine would love it. Second, Mo's voice can be Sam Beam soft, but still maintains bright, unique annunciation. Third, some seriously heavy harmonies come into play, giving the overall sound of his recordings attractive depth. Fourth, if you read up a little on Mo Pair, you'll learn that his usual/original setting is within full bands, but now he's decided to take the mellow road, a path I particularly enjoy. And fifth, the words he sings have meaning, and are certainly worth reading.

So, there you have it, five reasons to quantify "good." Are you happy?

Jezebel Music
Made in Williamsburg, NY
www.jezebelmusic.com

- Jezebel Music

Showcase Journal: Mo Pair, Craig Chin, The Billies, Jon Fickes
July 14, 2007 - 07:57 am | Posted by BenKrieger

Mo Pair starts out his set with confident finger picking and a wavering voice that slips lazily around the consonants. He has an excellent collection of stickers on his guitar. "Dancing in the rain without a care in the world." Did he pick this song specifically for this night? And how about those unexpected...

breaks and chord changes that drop out of nowhere, eh? Is that the infamous Rush F# Major that I hear? He mentioned Rush in our pre-show conversation. And as I finish that sentence, the guy goes out of his way to dedicate "Panacea" in my direction! Anyone who can call up the most obscure track from Caress of Steel (it's actually a segment in a longer song cycle entitled "The Fountain of Lamneth" for those of you following along at home) is a true, true friend. The rest of the set maintains a similar tone. Mo Pair has a very good sense of when to get in and when to get out. Some of his songs resemble haikus and are barely a minute long. It's all that is needed. Lovely melodies. Choruses filled with simple statements. "When you finally arrive, you'll be there." This song is a great meditation on death…it makes death seem fun, actually. Buckaroo Bonzai would be proud. And then an obscure Pink Floyd tune. From Obscured by Clouds! Jesus, this guy knows how to work system! There are more than a few covers in this set, and more than one close-minded NYC booker would scoff at this. But you can't beat interpretation like the kind that Mo Pair delivers. And one of the covers was written by his cousin. Awesome. The man is from Austin, Texas, currently on tour and passing through NYC. Come back, Mo, come back. I love you.

-jezebelmusic.com

- Jezebel Music

Showcase Journal: Mo Pair, Craig Chin, The Billies, Jon Fickes
July 14, 2007 - 07:57 am | Posted by BenKrieger

Mo Pair starts out his set with confident finger picking and a wavering voice that slips lazily around the consonants. He has an excellent collection of stickers on his guitar. "Dancing in the rain without a care in the world." Did he pick this song specifically for this night? And how about those unexpected...

breaks and chord changes that drop out of nowhere, eh? Is that the infamous Rush F# Major that I hear? He mentioned Rush in our pre-show conversation. And as I finish that sentence, the guy goes out of his way to dedicate "Panacea" in my direction! Anyone who can call up the most obscure track from Caress of Steel (it's actually a segment in a longer song cycle entitled "The Fountain of Lamneth" for those of you following along at home) is a true, true friend. The rest of the set maintains a similar tone. Mo Pair has a very good sense of when to get in and when to get out. Some of his songs resemble haikus and are barely a minute long. It's all that is needed. Lovely melodies. Choruses filled with simple statements. "When you finally arrive, you'll be there." This song is a great meditation on death…it makes death seem fun, actually. Buckaroo Bonzai would be proud. And then an obscure Pink Floyd tune. From Obscured by Clouds! Jesus, this guy knows how to work system! There are more than a few covers in this set, and more than one close-minded NYC booker would scoff at this. But you can't beat interpretation like the kind that Mo Pair delivers. And one of the covers was written by his cousin. Awesome. The man is from Austin, Texas, currently on tour and passing through NYC. Come back, Mo, come back. I love you.

-jezebelmusic.com

- Jezebel Music