Steve McWilliams and Debra Buonaccorsi are an Americana folk music duo originally from Washington DC who began writing together in 2008 with their accomplished creation Dizzy Miss Lizzie’s Roadside Revue, appearing at the Kennedy Center, NYMF Festival in NYC, and along the way packing houses to enthusiastic crowds. During this time together they have written and recorded some of the most dynamic Americana Folk songs you’ll ever have the pleasure of listening to.
I asked Steve and Debra where the name Hummingbyrd came from. The name came from the unbelievable harmony that the two share together. Together they have an intimacy, a flow, this natural with the harmony and melodies that come forth, harmonies and vocals that really set them apart.
Our songs are very impressionistic~ Steve McWilliams~
As a solo artist Steve has five critically acclaimed albums to his credit. He has toured Europe and the US and has charted in Italy and Ireland. Debra is a phenomenal songwriter who has a degree in theater from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and has received critical acclaim as a songwriter and playwright.
Not only are they one of the industry’s fastest rising Americana Duo’s but they are also gifted in the art of composing fresh and exciting scores for theater plays and musicals.
Musical theater credits and accolades include: In 2013 the New York Music Festival for Dizzy Miss Lizzie’s Roadside Revue presents “The Brontes” Book and 2016/17 Kennedy Center and United States Botanic Garden presents “Flowers Stink”. These are just a mere mention of the many inspirational scores they have written together.
Steve and Debra told me that they actually met through their work with the theater. Through that meeting they made Hummingbyrd history, by becoming a highly sought after folk rock/roots Americana duo. McWilliams passionate guitar finger-picking and Debra’s earthy vocals and saucy accordion talents are a perfect accompaniment. They’re like jam and bread without intention.
Both hold a deep love of music. They are passionate and devoted to mastery of their work. Their work exudes a distinctively rich and driving energy that is shown in the quality of the music they make. Their hope for the future is that their music will inspire others. The essence is organic. They both described their relationship and their art of writing as organic, real, genuine.
Every song we do can transport us to the moment we wrote it” ~Steve McWilliams~
The lyrics and ideas for their music come from so many different places and most especially from life experiences. There must be a strong and soulful vibe that draws them toward a sound or a lyric or an idea. They have a natural born chemistry that connects them not only to the music and the lyrics of a song but to the magic that happens in the performance.
As for how we select our songs we just let things flow organically and we go with the musical vibe~The Hummingbyrds~
As we talked both Steve and Debra spoke of how they might take a drive through a scenic town or see a particular name of a place that stands out, or it could be a special moment shared with family or friends and that in one of those moments, something they saw might inspire them to write new material. What ever the inspiration might be both share equally together in the composition of the music and the lyrics.
All our songs have special meanings to us. Greyhound and Rosemarie, are especially near and dear to us. Both are true favorites.~ Debra Buonaccorsi ~
They strive to keep things organic and real when it comes to the creation of their music. It’s not synthetically processed at all. It’s not fabricated by a machine. Their music is solid, attractive and alluring. The energy of the stage presence of both is what makes it so easy to love what you hear and what you see.
Having our own distinctive sound is very important to us. We want to stay true to ourselves. ~Debra Buonaccorsi ~
Currently The Hummingbyrds are working on a new CD due out hopefully in November. For more information on how you can help support the new project you can visit them at www.thehummingbyrds.com
It’s true fell good music. A mix of folk rock, country and roots rock. No matter how down you may be or what ails you. It will all be gone and done when you sit for an evening with these two absolutely amazing folks. Please enjoy “The Hummingbyrds”………….
*The material included in this article is the sole property of the writer, (Sherryl Craig,) and the photographer, (Cilene Bosch.) All elements may be used in other publications as determined by the owners. Permission must be obtained for reproduction.
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