The Amida Bourbon Project on 'Tazday Twilight Blues' 4/12/11

Words by Julie Jay Seger. Photos by Sam Donnelly.

Matt Harpster (left) and Aya Inoue (right) of The Amida Bourbon Project made their first radio appearance at Big Heavy World on the 'Tazday Twilight Blues' show last week on 105.9 FM The Radiator. With an upcoming release of their debut self-titled EP, The Amida Bourbon Project has two performances in Burlington before they embark on a European tour this May. The Amida Bourbon Project appeals to anyone looking to give something beautiful a listen. Aya and Matt played four acoustic tunes for Radiator listeners and us in the studio:

1) "Growing Pain"

2) "Darkest Night"

3) "Tokyo"

4) "Ambivalence"

The Amida Bourbon Project features Aya on rhythm guitar and vocals and Matt on lead guitar and vocals. Aya's vocals and lyrics are rich, introspective and melodic. With Matt's melting guitar solos and vocal support, The Amida Bourbon Project has a rootsy sound all its own. Aya and Matt are frequently joined by Adam Frehm on lapsteel, Sean Cartney on electric bass and Jackie Buttolph on vocal harmonies. The band is also known to collaborate with local musicians around town. You can catch The Amida Bourbon Project in Burlington at Red Square on April 20th and at Nectar's on April 26th.

Above: Aya doing her thing on the acoustic guitar. Below: Matt rocking a solo on the Melodica.

In early May The Amida Bourbon Project heads to Germany to play a few shows featuring their acoustic set-up. During their time abroad, the band also plans to record a live album at Powerplay Studios in Switzerland. For more information about The Amida Bourbon Project, upcoming shows and their European tour, check out their website: www.theamidabourbonproject.com

A huge thanks again to Matt and Aya for performing on 'Tazday Twilight Blues,' happening every Tuesday from 8-9 P.M. on 105.9 FM The Radiator.

Matt, Aya, Shannon and Taz at Big Heavy World.