Six Degrees of Wendy & Lisa

So, I was listening to MeShell Ndegeocello's Bitter on the ride to work, and to amuse myself started thinking of all the different little configurations this Pacifico band have played as over the years.

I came up with a decent list in my head and then spent a few minutes Googling to come up with this list:

The object - to find as many bands as possible with three out of the six Pacifico members (Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Doyle Bramhall II, Susannah Melvoin, Abe Laboriel Jr. and Mike Elizondo).

I had to make the cut off at three or more members, as two is sort of a no brainer. Wither Lisa goest, there goest Wendy, or something like that.

I came up with . . .

6
Pacifico (duh)

5
Bramhall (DBII, W, L, S, AL Jr.)
Girl Bros. (Roxy Lineup, DBII, W, L, S, AL Jr.)
Seal (1994, W, L, S, AL Jr.)
Eric Clapton, (as yet unreleased, DBII, W, S, ME, AL Jr.)

4
MeShell Ndegeocello (Bitter, DBII, W, L, AL Jr.)
Neil Finn (One Nil, One All, DBII, W, L, S)
Sheryl Crow (C'mon, C'mon, DBII, W, ME)

3
Wendy & Lisa ('87-'90, W, L, S)
Prince & the Revolution ('85-'87, W, L, S)
Seal (1990, W, L, S)
Eric Clapton & B. B. King (Riding with the King, W, S, DBII)
Lisa Marie Presley (DBII, W, ME)

I could have done a LOT more with going down to 2 not only with W&L stuff but W&DBII, DBII & Abe Laboriel, DBII and Susannah (Roger Waters!!), etc. But that way lies madness.

I also learned that Mike Elizondo co-wrote some of my favorite Eminem singles and the "In Da Club" song - and has a band on the Verve label with Sean Lennon and Miho Hatori of Cibo Matto. Much coolness.

I am so having the jones to watch my Girl Bros. concert before I go, but no time!

One Nil import available in US

Neil Finn's long awaited One Nil is now available as an import title. The album prominently features Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman of Wendy & Lisa. The two spent much of last summer down under working on the album.

The first single from the album, "Wherever You Are," is listed by CDNow as "a classic dream pop song co-written by Wendy Melvoin." Yum.

New Jill Jones / Chris Bruce album released

The new full album from Jill Jones and Chris Bruce is due to ship April 30. Former Prince associate Jill Jones and Wendy and Lisa / Seal collaborator Chris Bruce marry their talents on this beautifully rich new album.

The album is called Two and will be on the Dav Music label (DAV22465-2 ).

Here's a tracklisting: Station, The Mission, Head Over Heels, Sleepy Daydream, Gorgeous Wonder, Kanga Roo, Pissin' All Over The Sun, Run Scared, Station (Radio Edit).

New Neil Finn album: One Nil

The name has been revealed for the upcoming Neil Finn album. One Nil is still without a release date, but Finn has scheduled a number of promo shows to support the album. Look for Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman among the featured Friends. For more information, check out: www.frenz.com

Thanks to Katie for the heads up!

Doyle II to join Trouble in concert

Doyle Bramhall II is among the artists slated to make a guest appearance January 12 at the Double Trouble and Friends show at Austin City Music Hall. Other guests include Susan Tedeschi, Jonny Lang, Charlie Sexton, Jimmie Vaughan, Lou Ann Barton, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Whew! No word yet as to whether Wendy & Lisa will be part of the Bramhall lineup for the show.

Fans of Double Trouble can also see them at Sweet Mary Aid at La Zona Rosa on January 10. Shawn Colvin, Double Trouble, Marcia Ball, Mojo Nixon, Asleep at the Wheel, and a slate of others are scheduled to appear, along with "very special guests."

For ticket information on either show, you can go directly to StarTickets.com, or for more information, check out the Austin Music Hall website.

Neil Finn Concert with Wendy & Lisa

Prince.org currently has a fan review of a recent performance down under by Neil Finn. Finn was joined by Wendy & Lisa, who are currently contributing studio work to an upcoming Finn album. In addition to backing Finn on his own work, the duo played a few songs of their own, including "Mother of Pearl," "I Will," and what seem to be additional tracks from the Girl Bros. album.

Finn also hinted about possible upcoming performances, so New Zealander readers should keep their ears perked up for more.

Bramhall to play at the Roxy

Bramhall is scheduled to open for Shannon Curfman on Feb 2 at the Roxy in Los Angeles. Wendy & Lisa have often been part of Bramhall's live band, so keep your eyes peeled for a possible surprise appearance. For ticket information, contact the Roxy Theater at (310) 278-9457. For more information on upcoming Bramhall tour dates, keep checking the tour section at the official Bramhall site.

Branhall taping to air on ACL

Those of you interested in seeing the Austin City Limits featuring Bramhall should set your VCRs. The show, taped last fall, is tentatively scheduled to air on PBS on February 12. (Check local listings for details.) The Bramhall lineup for the show does include Wendy, Lisa, and Susannah, and it's rumored to have been an excellent show.

Bramhall tour dates announced

New Bramhall tour dates have just been announced for the month of October. Bramhall will be opening for Kenny Wayne Shepard throughout the southern US. According to Doyle Bramhall II maven Nickie Davis, Wendy & Lisa will not be on the lineup for these dates.

Austin City Limits taping

Bramhall will be taping for Austin City Limits on September 30, in Austin. The show will include Wendy and Susannah Melvoin and Lisa Coleman, and is being taped for the new season to begin in February 2000. We'll keep you posted as we know more.

Bramhall, Jeff Beck in Vegas

Bramhall played a short but intense set at Las Vegas' House of Blues on Saturday, Sept. 25, opening for Jeff Beck. The band included Wendy Melvoin on bass, Lisa Coleman on organ, and Susannah Melvoin on percussion, using their skills to showcase lead man Doyle Bramhall II's guitar lines. All three contributed backing vocals as well, with Susannah taking on most of the vocal work. Look for a full review of the show at Musiczone soon.

Bramhall mention in Dallas Morning News

A Dallas Morning News review of Doyle Bramhall II's recent tour opener there gives wonderful press to band members Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman. The Sept 15 review gives props to Wendy & Lisa lending some "big-time talent onstage," and is very favorable overall regarding the entire band and set.

Bramhall's Jellycream hits stores

Doyle Bramhall II's Jellycream hits retail outlets today. The album, produced by Tchad Blake, features songwriting and session work by Wendy & Lisa, Chris Bruce, MeShell Ndegeocello, and (Mrs. Doyle Bramhall II) Susannah Melvoin. For sound samples or to purchase the album, you can check out the Jellycream page at Amazon.com.