Deering and Down

A curious condition by the name of 'synaesthesia' exists in some people. 'Synaesthetes', as they are called, have some peculiar connections between the different perceptual areas of their brains. They may see shapes or colors when they listen to music. Captain Beefheart has this condition. Jimi Hendrix did as well. Captain Beefheart has described some of his songs as being particular colors.

Lahna Deering and The Rev Neil Down may be synaesthetes though, to date, they have not revealed this curious bit of information and may never.

The duo has dedicated several years to expanding their horizons and absorbing some great regional influences. They also have a knack for connecting with some of the world’s finest sidemen and artists.

They traipsed the Streets of Baltimore after the release of their debut album “Coupe de Villa”, and ended up with a song from this release on the soundtrack to an award-winning Indie film. They then absorbed the greens of Ireland and collaborated with legendary sideman Henry McCullough in creating 'When A Wrong Turns Right' - which garnered enough notice from Public Radio International to earn a feature on their highly regarded music series.

This last couple of years have found Deering and Down immersed in the muddy browns and Blues of Memphis and the Mighty Mississippi River. This, along with the occasional forays back to Alaska and Canada has allowed them to expand their experience while remaining in touch with their original roots where they had the whole Aurora Borealis palate to work with. All this makes for a blend of smoky Memphis flavor cast in a glow of shimmering light.