The Austrian quartet Elsa Tootsie and the Mini Band combines complex sounds with
expressive songwriting and unusual arrangements. Elsa Tootsie (guitar, vocals),
Artur Nutz (lap steel guitar), Dieter Kienast (bass), and Michael Prehofer (drums) follow
in the footsteps of such idiosyncratic musicians as Syd Barrett, Karen Dalton, Rowland S.
Howard, and Swans, yet defy easy categorization. To
describe their music, they unabashedly borrow a term from American literature: country noir. It's
an exceptionally accentuated, raw, and gritty blend of dark melodies and
heartfelt folk litany. With guest appearances from Inga Lynch (vocals, guitar) and Claudia Fenzl (violin), Elsa Tootsie & The Mini Band expand to a sextet for selected songs.
The Live on Stage concert is curated by Klaus Totzler ( Blue Bird Vienna ).
