Sweet Acoustic Sounds of Time, Wandering, and Firelight

The band consists of Susan Bush on vocals, guitar and ukulele, with Phil Triolo on woodwinds, soprano saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet. Derek Wright picks guitar and Brad Armstrong plays bass. 

My first impression of the ensemble was a sense of clarity. The music allowed for the intricacies of the instrumentation and Susan‘s slightly smoky vocals to shine. They draw parallels to artists like Norah Jones and Patty Griffin, and there’s a good chance that fans of these artists will enjoy Susan and her band as well. 

Bringing the Band Together

The band has released two albums of original songs; Time Wandering, and the sophomore release, Firelight. Both albums were recorded locally in the avenues of Salt Lake City with the late Herc Ottenheimer.

Susan was always encouraged and supported by her parents from a young age to create music. Her father, Douglas E. Bush, was a music professor at Brigham Young University, and an internationally recognized master of the pipe organ. Her mother was a classical pianist. The two met in a practice room at the university. Susan’s childhood was alive with the sounds of music, as her mother taught both at home and work, and classical music was enjoyed in the home. It was a right of passage in the Bush home to begin piano lessons at age 6, and young Susan took to it immediately.

As many young musicians do, Susan lost interest in her studies during her teen years, but some auspicious encounters reinvigorated her love of live music in her mid to late 20s. Susan had moved to the university district while attending the university of Utah. It was there that she met her neighbors, Rex Flinner and Paige Merriweather. Rex is a national flatpicking champion and multi instrumentalist, while Paige is a vocal muse, vocal harmonizer, and guitarist. The duo currently host Bluegrass Express on KRCL 90.9. It was also at this time that she met Phil Triolo. 

The group regularly hosted gatherings during which the music making and merriment would often last well into the early morning hours. Susan recalled many times when she was “startled by dawn” (which I think would make an excellent third album title). These beautiful, organic, unscripted jams contrasted greatly with Susan‘s rigid musical training and inspired her to play guitar and sing.

In 2012, Phil, who was running whitewater kayaks and rafts, invited Susan on a river trip through the Grand Canyon. This life-changing experience, and the jam sessions during it, led to live performing for Susan and her band.

When Covid set in with its many social restrictions, some of Susan’s neighbors, Derek Wright and Sally Allgood, started a tiny porch community which fostered the experience of outdoor, socially-distanced live music performances.

Susan and her band began recording their first album, Time Wandering. Having no experience or knowledge of the process of making and recording an album, it was suggested they reach out to Herc. This began with live recordings of Susan on vocals and guitar, and the process of listening and critiquing began. She chose the best recording of each song to build around. Herc was patient and built a strong friendship with Susan. His talent and friendship are sorely missed as he passed away suddenly in January 2021. 

Performances

When asked about her most meaningful performances, it was difficult for Susan to choose, because her music has allowed her to enjoy so many memorable occasions, including the locals showcase at Star Hall in Moab for the Moab Folk Festival. Susan honored her friend and record producer Herc Ottenheimer at his celebration of life at the Garage on Beck. She also performed memorials for both of his parents.

Both of Susan’s album release shows were poignant for her. The Time Wandering release was held at the clubhouse (historically, the Ladies Literary Club) in Salt Lake City. The Firelight release party was held at Ken Sanders Rare Books. Susan also performed at the bookstore for a memorial for Katie Lee, a singer/songwriter, environmental activist, and Hollywood starlet.

Susan‘s love for rafting wild and scenic rivers gave her the opportunity to perform at the opening of Glen Canyon, A Riverguide Remembers, an exhibit at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum, where she got to sing with Ken Sleight, who was the inspiration for the character Seldom Seen Smith in Edward Abbey’s seminal work, The Monkey Wrench Gang. 

At a recent gig, Susan and her band played a brunch show at Haglund Ranch for the BrockStrong Foundation, which works to increase awareness for the need for local organ donation, and to provide private lessons for children who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity.

Such a vibrant life would lead many to incorrectly believe that Susan‘s time is completely occupied, but we haven’t addressed her day job. Susan is an ecologist with a PhD. She is currently a research scientist for the Research and Conservation Department at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. Similarly, her bandmate, Phil, has a PhD in biomedical engineering.

Open up a bottle of wine, put on some Susan Bush and her band, and let the dawn surprise you. It will be time well spent.

Feature Image: Susan Bush and her band performing. Photo by Golda Hukic-Markosian.