Missing NMWG

Maybe 7 or 8 years ago, my friend Dave said, "You have to go check out this band I heard in Plush during the 4th Ave. Street Fair.  Her voice is out of this world and you will love them!"  I have been ever grateful that Dave introduced me to Derrick and Amy Ross, otherwise known as Nowhere Man and a Whiskey Girl (NMWG).  As soon as I heard them, either at Plush or Delectables, I wondered why they weren't known nationally, like Tori Amos or Neko Case.  But I was very happy to see them whenever they drove in from Willcox, and then Bisbee, to play.
Their shows were a mix of originals and covers, obscure and popular.  You were always encouraged to buy a CD for twelve tiny dollars.  And there would often be a time or three when they would look at each other and ask what do you want to play, and the other would respond, I don't know what do you want to play and someone from the audience would ask for Pink Floyd, or Joni Mitchell, or Wham, or Harper Valley PTA and Amy would gladly oblige.  She could play or sing anything, seriously.  It was astounding how many songs were in her head.  And the one time they played at the Main Library, she very adeptly changed the words so her "daddy was a horse loving man" to better fit the all ages audience.


NMWG played at many weddings, including my own.  Their love for each other was always evident and added a beautiful layer to the music they shared.  Every time we saw them they always wanted to check and make sure we were still happily married.  This might have come from the time they played at someone's wedding and not much later played at their divorce party.  Or it might have come from their thought that you married someone for a lifetime.
For those looking for a way to work through their sadness, there is a group putting together a float for the Procession.  You can find more information on Facebook if you search for Nowhere and a Whiskey Girl float.  There will also be a second gathering of folks on the patio at Delectables this Saturday Oct. 26 as members of The Tryst and Leila Lopez pay tribute to Amy and Derrick.  And I heard on Locals Only on KXCI last night that a benefit is being planned for Saturday November 23rd.
Sometimes a series of coincidences can result in a miracle.  Like finding true love in this life, filled with an endless sea of others.  Doing that ought to be impossible, really.  The odds are so stacked against it that most people don't, I'm sure.  I know that being part of Derrick and Amy's community and enjoying their art and witnessing the rarity of their togetherness is something I'll always remember and appreciate.  And because of knowing them I'll always know that miracles can exist, like true love.
~Karen G. (and John M.)