Ivy and the Wicker Suitcase @ KUTX 11.6.14

What exactly is Ivy and the Wicker Suitcase? A book? A record? A movie for your ears?

According to Austin-based musician/producer Brian Beattie and visual artist Valerie Fowler, it’s all of the above. The project, described as a “modern folk mythic musical,” is an amalgamation of songs, voice over narration, sound effects, and incidental music, all gathered in a multimedia package that includes a CD and a fully illustrated hardcover book. Though the story and songs were penned by Beattie, the project features vocal performances by Grace London, Daniel Johnston, Bill Callahan, James Hand and Okkervil River’s Will Sheff, as well as Glass Eye’s K. McCarty and Scott Marcus.

The decidedly cinematic tone of the audio is accomodated by Fowler’s illustrations, taking the listener deeper into the world of the story as the narrative progresses. Though you can enjoy the story of Ivy and the Wicker Suitcase at home, it’s well worth seeing it performed live. You can catch Ivy and the Wicker Suitcase on Saturday, November 8th at the Paramount!

– Jack Anderson

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