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Sister Sparrow: Gold Dust Woman
“My brother’s evolution has been something really marvelous to watch—he works harder than anybody. He wouldn’t say this, but he basically taught himself how to rip on the harmonica,” she says, adding that Jackson has recently incorporated lap-steel guitar into his repertoire. “He’s crushing it. He just gets better and better. Every time I turn around, I’m like, ‘Man, you’re my brother! I’m so proud of you.”
“It’s been a wild ride since Arleigh and I started playing music together on an out-of-tune piano in our childhood home,” Jackson adds. “I’ve learned a lot and I am constantly trying to grow and learn more. Watching Arleigh progress as a songwriter and vocalist has been so important to my approach to music, and playing with the guys in The Dirty Birds has been an endless source of inspiration. I’m constantly picking their brains for all my theory questions and trying to copy vocal runs that Arleigh does—usually to no avail.”
BOLD LIFE // ALL IN THE FAMILY
“Arleigh and Jackson Kincheloe were born to it. The band has honed its craft through extensive live performance, and today they’re a fixture on the North American festival circuit. Since forming in 2008, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds have released three studio albums, an EP, and Fowl Play, a 2016 audio document of the band’s high-energy live set.”
Arleigh Kincheloe and her brother Jackson were born to the touring life, though “Sister Sparrow,” as she’s known, is increasingly stepping into the spotlight.
PANCAKES AND WHISKEY //ALBUM REVIEW “THE WEATHER BELOW”
“Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds have consistently produced impressive albums over the years with their soulful sound paired with the driving vocals of the lead singer, Arleigh Kincheloe and the electrifying harmonica skills of her brother, Jackson. “The Weather Below” is their most sophisticated album yet composed of rhythmic horns, a strong soul and funk influence and Arleigh’s powerful voice which compels you to listen to each and every track.”
What people are saying.
“Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds' punchy horn section, bluesy vocals and uniquely transformative harmonica solos instantly demand attention. Their obvious joy in playing music together is contagious, and they brought the party to Bob Boilen's desk in a big way.”
- NPR Music, Tiny Desk
“I clicked on this video because I saw a harmonica player and those are rare these days even in blues and I was not disappointed. At the beginning I was looking around for a Hammond organ and it took me a while to realize the sound was actually coming from the harmonica. That shit's insane!”
— K Whitehead
“Fowl Play beautifully captures the energy that explodes when you release Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds into a sold-out room full of people who adore them. From the first notes of Jackson’s harmonica and Sister Sparrow’s voice, you know you are in for a show like no other.”
“Jackson is masterful as he shows us what a harmonica can do in the hands of an innovative, relentless artist blessed by the harp gods”
— JH
“Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds is an eight-piece powerhouse that puts a modern spin on classic soul. The band is led by Arleigh Kincheloe (Sister Sparrow), whose astoundingly powerful voice and sly demeanor make for a spellbinding presence onstage. She is backed by the mighty force of The Dirty Birds, a flock of seven men who masterfully lay down thundering grooves and soaring melodies. While each of the Birds are capable of lighting up the stage with jaw-dropping displays of musicianship, it’s clear they’re focused on delivering the band’s infectious music as a single entity. Simply put, the band’s live show is explosive. They debuted new material as official performers of this year’s SXSW and were well received. Their blend of seductive soul and dirty blues-rock will remind audiences that great live music still exists.”
-Contributer Zerbert Music, Grateful Web