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Urban Twang’s quixotic songwriting team of Lead Vocalist Trish Clausen and guitarist Max Horwitz have been working together since 1982 . Vocalist/flautist Karla Sue Bonkowski Magnan (or is it Karla Sue Magnan Bonkowski?) joined Urban Twang in 1995 and has been a key component of the band’s sound since then.
Beginning in the early ’80s Trish and Max’s first project was a pop ska band called The Eccentrics. Their next venture was Price of Passion and in 1987, they managed to muster enough enthusiasm to relocate to Boston. However, one harrowing night they suffered a major setback when Trish was unable to procure a drink. They promptly returned to their hometown of Chicago and were embraced by a large network of friendly bartenders who provided them with complimentary libations.
In the early ’90s they redefined themselves with an Americana influence to their music and became Urban Twang. Urban Twang has been performing in Chicago since 1991. They have released three CDs. The first, on A. E. M. M. P. Records, entitled “Nothing You Can Do” was released in 1994. The second, “Go Call Delia,” ranges from traditional country inspired tunes such as “If Liquor Were a Women” to the smoky jazz sound of “Weatherman’s Blues.” The most recent disc, “Vintage” (released by Sweet Pickle Music) has the band affectionately nodding to the early Seventies. Lead singer Trish Clausen’s versatile vocal style easily switches from haunting melancholy to lighthearted playfulness without losing her signature sultriness. Besides her harmonies, and playing flute, Karla Sue also makes her presence known on “Vintage” by adding her lead vocals to two of the disc’s tracks. Karla Sue no longer makes her presence known after she stormed out of the last rehearsal and vowed never to be back. It seems Max said she looked a little puffy and Karla Sue interpreted that as he was calling her fat. That being an unpardonable sin, she kicked his leg, knocked his guitar to the floor and she stormed out in to the night screaming obscenities and, “Where’s my car?” After the cab ride home, Karla Sue still had not calmed her anger or found her 1983 Ford Fiesta. Thus ended the three-part harmonies, that were enjoyed too briefly. They sounded outstanding because Laura Glyda has joined in on vocals and guitar. Laura does solo gigs too. You should check her out. But you can’t check Karla Sue out because has quit Urban Twang and left with the third harmony part. Just when the three-part harmonies were so good they would give you chills, Max makes his little joke and Karla Sue becomes indignant and storms off. Actually we’re just kidding Karla Sue did not storm out, kick Max, drive a Ford Fiesta and most importantly does not and has not looked bloated. In fact she is rather fit and trim. Karla Sue is currently working on her project Karla Sue and the Very Blue.
Urban Twang’s compelling songs and engaging (if by engaging you mean tipsy) stage presence has inspired a loyal following.
Please visit the accomplishments page to learn more about us and see why we have big egos.
