About

“The planet is plagued with disconnectedness and music can be a large part of the cure,” declares Barbara Gettes, co-architect of the natural, personal sounds belonging to The Spinning Leaves along with fellow bandmember, Michael Baker. Igniting a fiery revolution for unity through music, The Spinning Leaves establish this spark through a masterful connection with the lilting, ethereal vibes of fellow local Philadelphia artist, Hezekiah Jones (the musical nom-de-plum of Raphael Cutrufello). This highly anticipated collaboration entitled “The Spinning Leaves & Hezekiah Jones Performing as… Hezekiah Leaves & The Spinning Joneses” is set for release through Drexel University’s MAD Dragon Records on March 8th as a dual EP. Part one (the first seven tracks) is Hezekiah Leaves which soulfully generates an eccentric wit while Part Two (the second seven tracks) presents The Spinning Joneses which explores contemplative thoughts of “fear, sadness, and the continued wonder of it all,” as Gettes describes.

“Cutrufello’s songs are filled with outlandish characters, imagined landscapes, ringing harmonies, and baroque instrumental flourishes, but never disconnect from the tangible feelings at their center,” describes Peter Marinari of CBS Local. Gettes’ instant attraction to these distinguishable qualities of Cutrufello’s craft paralleled by his admiration for her own unique flair were what initially planted the seeds from which this collaboration ultimately blossomed. Gettes and Cutrufello met for the first time in the summer of 2006 in a local park and began what would become the first of many symbiotic jam sessions. They then immediately shifted to performances together at the various open mics throughout the city.

In October of the same year, Gettes then came across southern transplant, Baker, at her own birthday party and shortly thereafter, the pair embarked upon what could only be deemed as a predestined journey which also started in a park. From that moment on, Baker and Gettes have consistently created tunes incorporating a high-spirited and undaunted mix of gang vocals, stomps, and horns including instrumentation such as the sitar, oud, pump organ and even the delicate whispers of children. The Spinning Leaves’ sounds are as organic as that very park in which it all began.

Faithful to the hope of building bridges in the folk community through the use of music, this new collaborative album showcases an enchanting blend of various personal and communal relationships. Each track encapsulates the essence of “bohemian folkster” Cutrufello along with Baker’s small-town, authentic talent and Gettes’ undeniable passion. Easily considered by many the epicenter of Philadelphia’s burgeoning folk community, The Spinning Leaves & Hezekiah Jones together founded The Philadelphia Folk Parade. Quickly becoming a powerful force for the folk community, The Philadelphia Folk Parade consists of a rotating lineup of over 40 of the area’s best musicians and has already been featured in Philly Weekly, 6ABC’s “Tuned In”, has been showcased on the main stage at the 2010 Philadelphia Folk Festival, and most recently received an Honorable Mention in the City Paper’s “Big Vision Awards.”

As Hezekiah Leaves & The Spinning Joneses, the trio will share their mesmerizing folk prowess as an enjoyable keystone for the inevitable conception of the new, roaring folk era that has already captured the attention of music folkies all over.

**“This album is dedicated to Barbara’s beloved father, Andy Gettes, for his endless kindness, compassion, gentleness, and love. May his spirit continue to shine on with the songs in this album….”