Honey

The powerhouse duo, Honey, is comprised of award-winning songwriter and performer Mary Tebbs and world-renowned, multi-instrumentalist Leraine Horstsmanshoff. On their own these two women’s musical genius exceeds expectation and when they come together to form the delicious music of Honey, they are a tasty delight.

Mary has been called "The Ellen DeGeneres of singer/songwriter's" and for good reason. Her off-the-cuff, quick-witted and endearing performance style will have you laughing in one moment and then she'll surprise you with a lyrical depth and wisdom that will have you embracing each melodic word.

Leraine is a modern-day Mozart of funk and groove. Like Mozart, Leraine is proficient on many instruments. Unlike Mozart, however, she’ll have you wanting to jump out of your seat with her earthy, percussive style of singing and playing while pleasantly surprising you with her accomplished attunement to whatever instrument is her flavor of the moment – guitar, flute, bamboo saxophone, djembe, didgeridoo (to name a few).

With many years and many miles under their musical belts, Honey is a seasoned and highly entertaining harmonious experience. Their shows are full of playfulness, transparent authenticity, raw emotional connection to the music and a mutual respect that is a visual and auditory treat for the audience to partake in. And if you’re wondering about the quality and originality of their songs, rest assured that you will find much satisfaction in the caliber of professionalism and ingenuity that each song offers.

As veterans on the music scene, Mary and Leraine have had the opportunity to share the stage with such national acts as Weezer, Melissa Ferrick, Karma, Luscious Jackson, Blessid Union of Souls, Steel Pulse, Leo Kotke, Laura Love, The Young Dubliners and more. Their diversity allows them the good fortune for being a match for many different musical genres and styles.

Their music is infused with a little funk, folk, groove, rock and a whole lot of flair. Their distinctive sound creates a tapestry of inter-woven elements that will leave the listener with a sense of exhilaration and inspiration and hungry for more Honey.

“The creative energy that comes from both of us when we are playing together creates a soul-connection. We speak the same groove. Together there is an extra texture and dynamic expression that enriches the sound and gives it an added level of energy.

“I’ve also noticed that I am more in tune with humor and laughter and it brings out my comic genius to a greater degree when we play together.

“I’ve been told that there is a type of marriage in our two voices and I can feel that to be true when we play. The improvisation and spontaneity is through the roof when we play together. I believe the love and respect we have for each others’ individual artistry is what makes it all work so well.

“As I duo, I find so much pleasure and joy in generating music, love and laughter together. And the audience seems to respond so easily. It’s truly a delight for me to share Honey!”

“The true connected harmony we are able to experience as a musical partnership is paradise. I’ve found that in playing with Mary there is no fear within our music. Often, even when we are playing live, we just get so into the improvisation of the music that we don’t know where it’s going, we just let the musical spirit move us – and the magic just happens. It is during these times that the audience really gets involved, too. It gives us permission to laugh and be in the moment with our audience.

“I love these experiences – when we just look at one another and have the awe of ‘Wow! Did we just do that?’

“We play a lot of energetic music and in playing music together we have developed a type of synergy that just expands. It’s like doing the music that we already love with an extra bounce in our step!”

“Swinging music that’s not afraid to wear its heart on two or three sleeves.” (Salt Lake City Weekly)

“Mary Tebbs has a voice to die for: powerful, passionate and just as capable of belting out a hard rock song as sliding through a silky jazz ballad.” (Chuck Bunch, Q Salt Lake)

“Tebbs is full of weathered innocence, dealing with love, sensuality and heartache, building it all on a solid foundation of blues and slow mountain funk.” (Jeff Inman, Las Vegas Weekly)

“[She’s] part of what makes this place different...and yes, cool. It’s a groove thing. Go see it for yourself.” (Slug Magazine)

“Leraine Horstmanshoff, a world-renowned singer/songwriter, has been touted as having enough in her musical bag of tricks to defy almost any expectation.” (Brian Staker, The Event).

“Her vibrant physical presence offers no choice other than to listen and observe her inherent musical genius, which is her gift to humanity.” (Red Rock Women Fest, 2008)

“...a blessing for the world,’ (Ric Sharette, Salt Lake Center for Spiritual Living)

“A traveling minstrel from birth, Leraine has extensively traveled the world, becoming known for performances that are ‘honest, gritty [and] exude confidence and individuality.’” (Cathy Gardiner, Harbourlight, New Zealand).

“Whether together or performing singly these two are heart-centered, spirit-filled, excellent musicians. Their style of music is a contemporary blend of jazzy, folksy, bluesy stuff that never fails to appeal to a wide spectrum of people.

“They both bring a contemporary presence to the music, as well as deeply authentic original material. Our congregation at Salt Lake responds to their music with standing ovations, hand clapping, singing approval. These two are favorites here for the simple reason that people relate to their music and feel a sense of realness and beauty when they perform. (Rev. Elizabeth O’Day, Salt Lake Center for Spiritual Living)

“Ever fun, the adorable players and pleasant swing of Honey dazzled the...crowd who normally wouldn’t fart sideways at good local music.” (Twitch)

“Their heart-felt refrains feature nice harmonies, improvisation, stunning candidness and gripping sincerity.” (The Village Wire)