The Norman Transcript (5/18/2007)

The Norman Transcript, 5/18/2007

Oh Mama, how Sweet it is!

Local Red Dirt rockers opening act Saturday at Wormy Dog Jam III

By Andrew W. Griffin

It's a Tuesday night at The Deli in Norman's Campus Corner district. Thunder and lightning do their cacophonous dance outside and inside The Deli, a small crowd is settling in for drinks and a little music.

Tonight, the music is being offered by members of the Norman-based Red Dirt/alt-country band Mama Sweet.

I say "members" because tonight's show isn't an official Mama Sweet gig. Rather, it's an acoustic show featuring singer-songwriter-guitarist Aron Holt and lead guitar player Alan Orebaugh.

Before taking the stage, the two guys, along with Mama Sweet drummer Giovanni "Nooch" Carnuccio, sat at a table, along with band promoter Whitney Weingartner, (missing was bassist Boyd Littell) and talked about their music and dreams about the future.

Holt, the clear leader of the quartet, said the band, christened "Mama Sweet" after a reference to his mother's popular sweet tea, said the guys have been paying their dues for several years now and finally had a chance to record "Welcome to the Well," with popular Red Dirt producer Travis Linville at Mike McClure's Dirty Bird Studios, east of Norman.

"It's our first true product," Holt says. "We're happy with it."

Holt said when he was a college student at the University of Oklahoma, he would sneak into Orebaugh's dorm room and check out his guitars. The two music enthusiasts soon became fast friends.

And playing music with a Orebaugh, a fellow lover of all that is rock music, this provided Holt an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream.

"I've always grown up wanting to be David Lee Roth," Holt said with a grin. "I've always wated to be a rock star."

Mama Sweet held an album release party for the 13-track "Welcome ..." this past March. The album is an amazing collection of heartfelt Okie alt-country. "Angels and Devils," which Holt and Orebaugh open up with on this particular night, is appealing and haunting. This was followed by the equally excellent song "The Impossible."

"A lot of the (songs) are love song, not cheesy and happy songs but songs showing the other side, you know, the dark, smoky side of breatbreak," Holt said, adding, "And some social commentary."

Holt looks down at the table and smiles slightly.

"I like to write dark stuff," he says. "I like being antagonistic."

Weingartner, ever the fan in her black "Listen to more Mama Sweet" T-shirt, says, "It's honest ... not fake."

Carnuccio agrees.

"From a lyrical standpoint, Aron has a unique perspective on that stuff," he said. "Aron's got a really honest, pure, singer-songwriter style."

And Holt is honest enough to admit that while Mama Sweet is doing well locally and still earning their stripes as a performing act, he says, "Getting into this music scene, we're realizing how green we are."

As for touring, Mama Sweet has been playing Oklahoma, of course, and are trying to break more into the competitive Texas market. Of course they'll be taking the stage at the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheater as an opener at the Wormy Dog Saloon's Spring Jam 3.

The bill is a collection of some of Red Dirt/Texas music's best-known artists including headliner Randy Rogers Band, along with Stillwater's No Justice, Norman-based Mike McClure Band, and Texas bands Eli Young Band, Roger Creager and Ryan Bales Band.

Holt said that so far, Mama Sweet has been receiving good exposure in the Oklahoma press and are getting the discs spun at a couple of Oklahoma City area rock stations.

Carnuccio, who comes across as an upbeat, Ringo Starr-esque sort of guy, smiles about their recent recognition and success.

"It's going to be really interesting to see what happens," he said.

For more information on tickets, go online to Tickets.com or call 1-800-511-1552. They're also available at local, participating Homeland grocery stores.

Doors open at 1 p.m. and the show kicks off with Mama Sweet at 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, 5/19/07, Doors: 1:00 show: 2:30PM

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The Set (4/25/2007)

The Set (4/25/2007)

Mama Sweet was featured on The Set, a musical program put on by the Gaylord School of Broadcasting at the University of Oklahoma.  Click the link below to watch the program.

Click here to watch Mama Sweet on The Set!

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The Oklahoman (4/21/2007)

The Oklahoman (4/21/2007)

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The Hub, The University of Oklahoma website (4/15/2007)

The Hub, University of Oklahoma website (4/15/2007)

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The Oklahoman (3/30/2007)

The Oklahoman (3/30/2007)

LOCAL BAND Q&A: Mama Sweet

Local band Q&A: Mama Sweet

•Why: Soulful lyrics set off by amazing guitar equal the unique music of Mama Sweet, named because the musicians used to practice at singer-guitarist Aron Holt's house and his mother would serve them sweet tea. The other members are guitarist Alan Orebaugh, bassist Boyd Littell and drummer Giovanni "Nooch" Carnuccio.
•When: 10 p.m. Thursday.
•Where: The Roadhouse, 3015 S Highway 69, Durant.

At what age did you decide you wanted to be in a band?

Holt: Everything else was really boring, so I decided to become self-employed. Set your own hours, it's like a dream come true.

Sixteen is the answer to your question.

Have you been doing a lot of out-of-state touring?

Holt: We are just now starting to dip down into Texas more than we have in the past. We're born and raised Oklahoman and very proud to be from this state and we'd like to see the scene flourish here, but there's a lot more ears, a lot more heads turn on to it down there.

What musician would you most want to party with?

Carnuccio: Maybe Ozzy while he can still talk, sort of.

Holt: Yeah, that wouldn't be bad. I don't feel like snorting any ants. And I'm much more a Diet Coke drinker rather than Diet Pepsi drinker, so I don't know.

Carnuccio: Iggy.

Holt: I just got back from South by Southwest and got to see the Stooges for the first time and was completely blown away by this 60-year-old man diving into a group of completely insane, blood thirsty animals and coming out alive. So I wouldn't mind partying with Iggy, but it would probably be for about 15 minutes full on, hard core, and then we would both fall asleep immediately.

When do you know that a song is done?

Holt: That's the thing: you can take that elevator as far down as you want, man. I don't think a song is ever done…We have slow songs on the record that are fast songs on the live show and vice versa.

— Chris Colberg

Click here to listen to the full interview via the NewsOK podcast

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NONzine Magazine (3/16/2007)

NONzine Magazine (3/16/2007)

Mama Sweet

Welcome to the Well

by Graham Brewer

The self proclaimed 'garage country' band Mama Sweet has been spinning guitar heavy Oklahoma ballads to audiences bewildered by Aron Holt's amazing lyricism and Alan Orebaugh's even more amazing guitar work for years. Welcome to the Well is easily one of the most accessible and impressive albums I have ever heard. Mama Sweet is one of those bands that you feel lucky to see live because deep down inside you know they're way too talented to stay local. The album captures the best of both worlds. Songs like "First Last Stand" and "Whiskey Breath" are captivating and energetic, while "Best of the Situation" and "Prettiest Girl at the Dance" will make your heart bleed.

myspace.com/mamasweetrocks

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Norman Transcript (3/2/2007)

Norman Transcript, (3/2/2007)

Mama Sweet CD review

By Adam Scott

Mama Sweet
Welcome to the Well ...
Dirty Bird Studios/Bell Labs/Lady Tree Studios


It's another awesome plate of triple-battered chicken fry with a large, smooth drink of strange, spiced whiskey by local garage country rockers Mama Sweet.

"First Last Stand" testifies faithfully to the band's driven, Southern-fried sound that, if it hasn't been going in the background yet on an episode of "Friday Night Lights," really, really should.

More pensive stretches like the start of "Willow Tree," "Truckstop," "I'll Do It Again" and "Prettiest Girl at the Dance" show the band dialing it back a bit. These tracks stray closer to the country side of country-rock, but Mama Sweet shines on slow work as well. The last one may encourage spontaneous waltzing among those who know how if Mama Sweet should bust it out at their next local show Saturday at Pepe Delgado's.

The standout stars on this album to this reviewer's ears are "Whiskey Breath" (just a great cut-loose tune; play it while getting dressed for a Saturday night on the town and you will find yourself dancing in front of a mirror), "Sara" (sounds like something Counting Crows could have done if they'd just been willing to let themselves have more fun); "Hello Moon" (listen to it and don't feel a little haunted by a memory of an autumn night when nothing seemed to make a sound; I dare you); and "Virgin in the Fire" (while it may have run on the Fox 25 "Name In Lights" segment, if this track had been on the "Ghost Rider" movie soundtrack it would have improved the film by 7 percent, easily).

"Best of the Situation" and "Storm is on Its Way" take a more serious tone, which isn't bad, but they rambled on a little long for my liking. Still, maybe I just have ADHD and don't know it.

As always, it's great music for just driving around in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night in the middle of the summer.

Also, it's oh so smooth. The work of Aron Holt on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, electric guitarist Alan Orebaugh, bassist Boyd Littell and drummer Giovanni "Nooch" Carnuccio (the last two guys do harmonies too), are just so tight I'm just plain amazed this is their second studio album; this may have something to do with various band members' experience as vital elements of other bands including but not limited to Tincture, McSalty and the iLLs, I'm sure their live show is not this polished but that's not what it's about. It's about their rich, mellow sound that's all Oklahoma, goes great with a beer and is hard to find anywhere else.

"Welcome To The Well" drops at a release party at the Wormy Dog Saloon Thursday.

For more information, visit myspace.com/mamasweetrocks.

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OUr Page, The OU webpage (2/20/2007)

OUr Page, The University of Oklahoma webpage (2/20/2007)

Mama Sweet: A New Sound that Defies Labeling
By Marz Price

Attending my first live show at the Deli in Norman , Oklahoma , proved to be a unique experience.  The band Mama Sweet, self-described as a "garage country" band, exceeded my expectations by offering what few bands today have to offer – originality.  With a unique sound that blended hard driving riff-heavy rock with moving grassroots ballads, all brimming with intelligence and an ear for poetry, Mama Sweet reminded me of some of the best original music this country has to offer.  I am always wary of articles that compare and contrast talents when attempting to describe a new band, but if you can imagine Bruce "the Boss" Springsteen meets The Foo Fighters then you're probably on the right track. 

Even before the show was to begin, I approached a Deli employee to ask about the band and was pointed in several directions.  Finding lead singer and guitarist Aron Holt, I was shocked to discover that we knew each other and had worked together for the better part of a year (albeit years ago).  Having sampled his music then, I am pleased to report that what I heard Saturday night in the smoky confines of the Deli showed his growth as a musician, with an improved professionalism and maturity I don't remember hearing before.

Far from being a country music fan, I was hesitant heading down to join the nightlife of Campus Corner, but I was immediately swept up into the dark atmosphere of the Deli.  Though I was surprised by the relatively small size of the Deli, the room's odd curves and multi-leveled seating provided a rich acoustical environment that Mama Sweet utilized with ease.  If I had to describe Mama Sweet's sound, "country" would hardly be an adequate word to describe the complexity of their arrangements.  Mixing rock and folk, the band enriches their deep lyrical content with riveting acoustic guitars that wrap nicely around the metallic speed of the electric guitar solos.  Aron Holt's husky vocals flow effortlessly over the melodies and harmonies provided by his band mates, and from the reaction of the crowd, there wasn't anybody present that wasn't drawn to the music.  Delivering songs from their second album, entitled "Welcome to the Well…" as well as earlier tunes, Mama Sweet appeared to please old and new fans alike. 

What was also very impressive was the diversity evident in the styles of each of the members.  It is easy to hear the folk background that Holt brings vocally to the table, but how lead guitarist Alan Orebaugh is able to infuse each song with his heavy riffs and still keep everything from becoming overly oppressive to the melody, is a bewildering accomplishment.  Bassist Boyd Littell and percussionist Giovanni Carnuccio add their harmonics to help smooth out the deeper resonant vocals of Holt, and when the band becomes one on stage, the audience is left with a sound that defies commercial labeling.

There was neither a dull note, nor a misstep in Mama Sweet's performance Saturday night at the Deli.  The group responded expertly to the audience, drawing them in with a spirited show that came as close to perfect as I have seen lately.  Some danced and some merely tapped their feet, but all were active and attentive to the act.  To get a better perspective of the band following the show, I discovered the bands link via myspace.com (who would've guessed?), where I could continue my evening getting up close and personal with their music from behind my computer.  Listening to powerful titles such as "First Last Stand" and "Whiskey Breath," I concluded that they passed the final test in my book of what makes a great band: Mama Sweet sounds as good live as they do in the studio. 

For anyone looking for that next "new" sound that is not afraid of an eclectic mix of musical genres, Mama Sweet is a great place to start.  Playing several more shows in February including a stint at Norman 's club Seven47, Mama Sweet will once again be at the Deli March 9 and 24, and again in April.  To find information about upcoming shows and how to purchase their second album "Welcome to the Well" (which, at the time of this publication was unavailable due to back-orders), just click the link below.  Like me, you might find yourself an immediate fan of Mama Sweet.  At the very least, it will be well worth your time to give this talented band a chance to work their magic on you…  If they don't, sue me, but first check your pulse. 

Visit Mama Sweet online at http://www.myspace.com/MAMASWEETROCKS

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Texas Music Times (2/1/2007)

Texas Music Times (2/1/2007)

Mama Sweet
by Gina Stricklin

Emerson once wrote, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." And if there was ever a band that could be defined by those words, it would be Mama Sweet.

Dedication, hard work, and pure energy are just a few other ways of describing one of the hardest working bands in this genre. The band consists of four very talented guys. They are vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aron Holt, lead guitarist Alan Orebaugh, drummer Giovanni Carnucci, and bassist Boyd Littell.

Famous for the red cup and great music, The Deli has been home to Mama Sweet for some time now, but as Aron Holt will say, "It's not where you were born, but where you come to life that matters." And with that said, Norman, Oklahoma is that place. While working together at Campus Corner in Norman, Aron Holt and Giovanni Carnuccio initiated the creation of Mama Sweet in the spring of 2002. Alan Orebaugh, who brought along his tremendous talent on the guitar, was soon a part of the band. To fill the need of a bass player, Boyd Littell was the final addition to their band.

Mama Sweet? Where did the name come from? Aron explains that contrary to the name, people sometimes expected to see a prominent female singer in the band. But the "mama" comes from meeting at mom's house every so often and her welcoming them with her famous sweet tea. They would always drink mama's sweet tea during those early years and the name kind of stuck with them. Aron is quoted saying, "It represents us at our core, in our rawest form. If you are from the South, there two things you can relate to; homemade sweet tea and remaining true to your roots. That is Mama Sweet."

Believing that roots are where the soul is, I believe Mama Sweet has an advantage in songwriting. They are big believers in family and the stories that unfold throughout their lives. And it shows in songs that will make up their first debut CD, Welcome to the Well. Songs like "Truck Stop," "Angels and Devils," and my personal favorite, "First Last Stand," have proven to be the distinctive songs that make an immediate impact on a listener. As up and comers, others have faithfully followed these guys, knowing each show will continue to give them that satisfaction of being taken to another level.

When asked what makes a band successful in the Red Dirt/Texas scene, Aron answered, "Gut level honesty. The ability to relate to your audience, to say, 'Been there, done that, wrote a song about it.' I honestly think [that with] the type of music we're making, we have just got to bring the horse to the water. The songs on the album are hard to ignore and they're hard to walk away from. I think that is because, deep down, the listener can relate to these songs."

Mama Sweet, with such strong convictions in their songs, is going to be a great addition to the Red Dirt/Texas family. Aron's soul-capturing vocals, Alan's truly amazing guitar licks, Giovanni's non-stop energy, and Boyd's welcoming flare, are just a few things that will help this band be a big part of the movement that has many of us hooked for life. Oh how sweet it is!

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The Oklahoman (10/25/2006)

The Oklahoman 10/25/2006

Local band hosts fund-raiser

NORMAN — Local band Mama Sweet will host "Tunes for Tomorrow," a fund-raiser for Jefferson Elementary School, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday at The Deli, 309 White St.
The show's $5 cover charge and any additional donations will go to support the school's music education program. Also performing will be McSalty and The Gunship.
For more information, call 306-5886 or go to mamasweetrocks.com.

To watch Aron talk about "Tunes for Tomorrows" on OK's News9 click here!

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