The Short Story
Tucson, AZ based duo, Miss Lana Rebel and Kevin Mayfield’s original songs quietly honor the simple beauty of early American folk, blues, and country. Guitars, sweet harmonies, and the occasional harmonica, fiddle, steel guitar or singing saw blend together to result in a perfect tranquil soundtrack for a long road trip, or a late- night porch gathering on a quiet summer night.
Tired of writing the super long and letter-y “Miss Lana Rebel and Kevin Michael Mayfield” on flyers, and also, wanting a good response for folks asking what their band was called, the two have dubbed themselves “Pinecone Manzanita.” They can be billed as such from now on….
The Long Story
Miss Lana Rebel has been called “the badass matriarch of local dustbowl country.” It’s an appreciative nod to a songwriter whose presence can cut through the din of a crowded honky-tonk, and a voice that has been likened to ladies such as Loretta Lynn and June Carter. But it’s her stripped-down format and a less brassy vocal style that gives her recordings and performances that warm-fuzzy feeling, and for some, an addictive quality.
The songs channel a bit of Golden Era country (think Lefty Frizzell and Hank Williams Sr.) and stay pretty true to traditional arrangements, with influences from early folk and blues artists like Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie. Lyrically, she shares the narrative qualities of character songwriters such as Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Townes Van Zandt. Stir in a few of her simple yet contemplative guitar solos, and the outcome is a dusty lonesome sound that is uniquely her own.
Since the early 2000’s, Miss Lana has done extensive touring with various backing bands, and has gained life-long fans in all corners of the states (and some other countries, to boot). Her recordings have enjoyed acclaim from top Country and Americana radio programs including BBC Radio Ulster in Ireland, and Bob Harris Country (seminal presenter for The Old Grey Whistle Test) on BBC Radio 2. She has recorded a live session for BBC Radio One at the legendary Maida Vaile studio in London. She was featured on All Songs Considered for NPR, was chosen as best Northwest Country Artist by KBCS (Seattle) and has charted in the Top 10’s at college radio stations in the US.
Before meeting Miss Lana Rebel and joining her band, Kevin Mayfield worked alongside (ex-Kill Rockstars) artist Ryland Bouchard, on his solo release, “Seeds” and with whom he did a small tour of Mexico. He also recorded a psychedelic spaghetti western-esque album with Gavin Blackstock in their collaboration, Feathers and Spurs. Now Kevin is not only an integral aspect of Lana Rebel’s live show, where the two showcase and support each others’ material, but an indispensable partner as well.
Since Kevin Mayfield teamed up with Lana, (originally to play the Wurlitzer organ in her group, The Broken Promises) his contributions have added even more character and depth to her material. His songwriting is as rugged and laid back as the little mountain town in Southern California that he grew up in, and his offbeat style is reminiscent of Flying Burrito Brothers, Holy Modal Rounders, and Beck’s acoustic material.
Lana and Kevin currently reside in Tucson, Arizona.They have one self-released home recording called “A real subtle beauty, and an LP, “Midtown Island Sessions,” recorded for Chicago’s FPE records. They have recently dubbed themselves “Pinecone Manzanita” for billing of live performances. They co-own and operate the beloved record shop, Old Paint, in Tucson’s historic Presidio neighborhood.
REVIEWS
“Rebel is an excellent lyricist, with words that will knock you down where you stand…Rebel and Mayfield are making country music as it should be made: simple, beautiful and timeless.” -Richard Young, Tucson Weekly - Richard Young's Full Review
“On what may be my favorite addition to the newest CDs in our local music collection, The Midtown Island Sessions, Miss Lana Rebel and Kevin Michael Mayfield serve up some outstanding country music. The duo is augmented on the recording by a full band…The entire ensemble brings a classic country sound that is irresistible.” -Bryan Chaneka, Pima County Library - Bryan Chaneka’s full review
“A true Tucson original, Lana Rebel has been playing in bands since her teens, both here in the Old Pueblo and on the West coast. Over that time, she's evolved from scrappy punk-rock badass to nuanced old-school country outlaw, but with a strength and grit appropriate to her chosen stage name.” - Julie Jennings Patterson, Tucson Sentinel - Full Tucson Sentinel article
“With a timeless croon that recalls Dolly Parton and June Carter Cash at their most gloriously downtrodden and angelic, Portland country siren Lana Rebel is a wonder to behold. The tiny singer-guitarist belts out stripped-down country that defines the genre in its most pristine and classic form, with ambling songs of drinking, love lost and found, highways, sadness and glory. Rebel’s the real deal: a passionate singer whose earnest songwriting and haunting voice seem transplanted from a bygone era yet ring true in the present.” - AP KRYZA Willamette Week, July 2010
“Lana Rebel is the badass matriarch of local dust bowl country. Sounding like the coal miner's daughter trapped in a collapsed mine, the music of Rebel is gorgeous and morose, a sad waltz of cowgirl balladry that can't be cured by even the most generous whiskey pour.” -EAC Portland Mercury