Sister Sparrow

Arleigh Kincheloe performs as Sister Sparrow and first gained recognition as the commanding lead singer of the New York soul-funk collective Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds. Following several well-received group releases, she launched a solo path in 2018 that merged her established R&B and soul leanings with current pop elements.

She assembled the Dirty Birds in 2008. Along with her brother Jackson on harmonica, the Catskill Mountains natives relocated to New York City, where they recruited guitarist Sasha Brown, bassist Josh Myers, drummer Dan Boyden, trumpeter Phil Rodriguez, and saxophonist Brian Graham to form a complete soul unit. Their weekly shows at Rockwood Music Hall during summer 2009 quickly established them as a potent live act blending soul, funk, blues, rock, and country. That onstage cohesion was captured on the self-titled 2010 debut, cut in a single 12-hour session at Avatar Studios. Extensive touring the next year expanded their reach nationwide and secured opening slots alongside Dr. John, Gov't Mule, and Counting Crows. The 2012 full-length Pound of Dirt preceded the Fight EP, which arrived in 2013 under the guidance of Grammy-winning American Idol judge Randy Jackson. Continued road work led to festival appearances at Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and the Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans. Producer Ryan Hadlock, known for his work with Vance Joy and the Lumineers, oversaw the third album at Bear Creek studio outside Seattle; The Weather Below appeared in summer 2015. Kincheloe later collaborated with Carter Matschullat, whose credits include Chef'Special and Secret Weapons, on her first solo project. Issued in 2018, Gold retained the brass emphasis of the Dirty Birds while incorporating additional soulful pop textures.