Tonight: Cotton Jones at the hi-dive

Sometimes, a songwriter's first acknowledged endeavor is just the primer for better work to come. Moving from the more folk and pop-oriented quartet Page France to gospel-inspired melancholy of Cotton Jones -- who plays tonight at the Hi-Dive with Jay J Matott and Sunshine House -- it seems Michael Nau...

By Bree Davies

February 7, 2011

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Sometimes, a songwriter's first acknowledged endeavor is just the primer for better work to come. Moving from the more folk and pop-oriented quartet Page France to gospel-inspired melancholy of Cotton Jones -- who plays tonight at the Hi-Dive with Jay J Matott and Sunshine House -- it seems Michael Nau has found the best perch for his haunting voice to rest.

Like a gothic Tammy Wynette and George Jones, Nau and his musical partner Whitney McGraw have voices that intertwine in contrasting tonal perfection. Starting as a side project for Nau in 2005, Cotton Jones grew into a four-piece, but it matured in the current duo, whose simplicity creates a much more interesting and complex whole. Together, Nau and McGraw shine a light on the dark side of stripped-down Americana. This show is eighteen and up and tickets are $10. Doors open at 8 p.m., show begins at 9 p.m.

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Bree Davies is a multimedia journalist, artist advocate and community organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of Do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, is host of the local music and comedy show Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television and is creator and host of the civic and social issue-focused podcast, Hello? Denver? Are You Still There? Her work is centered on a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

Contact: Bree Davies

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Twitter: @cocodavies