ABOUT
Mikayla Joseph - Vocals
Danny Gwinn - Guitar
Mac Dignam - Keys
John Menefee - Drums
Chris Reynolds - Bass, Harmonica, Vocals
Mallow Hill sparks a bright light into modern-day blues and rock & roll. The Baltimore based band creates music that fuses together a mesmerizing symphony of raw emotion, pulsating rhythms, and electrifying melodies. The band channels an eclectic mix of musical inspiration, drawing from the likes of Gary Clark Jr, The Black Pumas, Marcus King Band, Led Zeppelin, and The Black Keys, among others, to shape their unique sonic identity.
The Baltimore quintet – Mikayla Joseph, (vocals) Danny Gwinn, (guitar) Mac Dignam, (keys) John Menefee, (drums) and Chris Reynolds, (bass, vocals, harmonica) exudes an unbreakable bond of chemistry and musicianship, fortified through many years of friendship.
As Mallow Hill embarked on their debut album in 2023, their evolution in the music scene became palpable, bringing a fresh, distinctive sound to life, captivating audiences with both live performances and studio recordings. Guided by the soulful vocal stylings of Mikayla Joseph and the adept guitar work of Danny Gwinn, Mallow Hill is forging a vibrant and expanding fanbase in Baltimore and Beyond.
Mallow Hill is a name borrowed from a street in Baltimore that pays homage to the groups roots and origin story. The street “Mallow Hill” has always served a purpose as a “headquarters” for music creation and collaboration, with an “open door” policy that has been established by band leader and founder, Danny Gwinn. It was this framework that led to Gwinn’s introduction to Mikayla in May, 2020, which progressively emerged to become the band that is Mallow Hill.
Since meeting, Gwinn & Mikayla’s shared goals and artistic vision has given the group a more defined direction to their creativity and original music. The two being heavily influenced by blues and soul music from all decades, have found a way to combine elements of a vintage feel with a modern production. Alongside the help of producer, Dex Green (Margo Price, Elvis Costello, Devon Gilfillian), the debut record “Soul Candy” offers a wide range of listening experiences.
Among the album's highlights is “Thinkin Bout My Baby,” featuring an assertive bass line and weaving a timeless narrative of personal growth amidst the tumult of toxic relationships, individuals, and habits. The resonant tones in the track “Smoke” deeply convey the song's thematic essence, delving into the profound anguish and challenges faced by all parties entangled in the throes of substance abuse. In “Cryin” the contemporary blues production takes center stage, showcasing Mikayla's soulful vocals alongside an electrifying, almost psychedelic guitar solo. Closing out the record, “Fake Your Smile” casts a brooding, almost sinister atmosphere that leaves you yearning for more.
The record features some of Nashville’s best session players, including Jack Lawrence on bass (The Raconteurs, Dead Weather, Jack White), Meg Coleman on drums (Alison Russell, Brandi Carlisle, Jenny Lewis), Ray Jacildo (The Black Keys), Laura Mayo (backup vocals), Maureen Murphy (Zac Brown Band, Marcus King). Engineered by Joe Costa (Ben Folds) and produced by Dex Green.
Gwinn and Joseph were fortunate to have found their calling early on, allowing them to develop their skills and talents with their respective instruments. Building this foundation has shaped their musical journeys and influenced the direction of their careers.
Mikayla - “I can play/strum a couple of chords on guitar and piano, but I am a singer through and through. I have always been naturally drawn to music and singing since I was a kid. However, I do have to credit my grandmother for throwing me on stage at a young age. Because of her, I’ve never really suffered from any stage fright. Performing feels super natural for me, like I’ve always been meant to do it. So after I started, I never looked back. Like many singers, I learned a lot in churches and choirs, then I went on to an arts high school to further that experience. I spent years in several choirs, musical theater, and eventually went on to take private classical lessons. One thing I was never taught how to do was sing the blues but here I am, loving every minute of it. I feel so lucky to have had my grandmother, countless instructors, teachers, and friends that are all a part of my journey and made me the musician that I am today!”
Danny - “I first picked up a guitar in 6th grade. It was some dusty piece of junk that someone left behind in a house that my grandmother was selling. My grandmother, being a musician herself, promptly brought the guitar to me and just sort of left it in my eyesight. It was only a matter of days until I was banging on it, trying to learn chords and make sounds. Soon after, I began taking guitar lessons from my neighbor who studied at Berkeley. He was a huge influence to me learning how to play and also for me, just observing what a lifetime of honing a craft can become to someone. Since those first guitar lessons, I have been hooked on the idea of always becoming a better guitar player one day at a time, but also always trying to create something with the tools that I have in front of me.”
“As I entered high school and beyond, I built-out a jam space first in my parents garage, and then in the basement. I took the advice of my first guitar teacher, Craig, who told me “You build it and they will come” referring to a rehearsal space. That has pretty much been my motto for everything that I do now. It took about 15 years for things to start coming together, but eventually things did happen, and I credit that mindset to the formation of Mallow Hill.”
To see our tour schedule and to keep up with the band please visit mallowhillmusic.com
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