4 Letter Word at Mary’s Place
WHEN MARY DOMITO OPENED her new Taos Lifestyle store — a destination in itself — she not only expanded her furniture and bedding capacity, but also made room for a provisions and gift shop and a soon-tobe-unveiled gallery. She also set the literal stage for Mary's Place, an in-house music venue with a listening room (with arguably the most comfortable seats in Taos) and a dedicated dance floor. Word soon spread that Domito was presenting high-quality musicians and bands — some on the verge of stardom. Musicians quickly learned that the size of the stage and quality of the sound system at Mary's Place is among the best.
Already in demand, Mary's Place has a healthy schedule of out-of-town and out-of-state acts planned. Most recently, she has hosted local bands: Taos' own Foggy Memory Boys and Chicken Sedan. Up next on Saturday, March 30 is 4 Letter Word, a local cover band.
4 Letter Word was founded by bass player Louis Rivoli and was soon joined by Chris Burton on guitar. Rounding out the band is Mike Caron on drums, Mike Stauffer on keyboards, and lead singer Meesha Evans, who according to Burton, “is our powerhouse. She is an incredibly talented singer.”
“This is the first cover band I've had on the Mary's Place stage,” said Domito, “which all but guarantees that the audience will recognize the songs. Everyone enjoys hearing music they can sing along to.”
The band plays an array of covers across genres and generations. Evans' range includes everything from Adele to Steve Miller, Shawn Mendez and Black Sabbath. “We've got a lot of favorite songs and we like to play songs that showcase every band member's talent,” said Burton. Among the band's favorites is, “The Logical Song” by Super Tramp, “Stepping Out” by Joe Jackson and “I Can't Make You Love Me,” by Bonnie Raitt.
The band is currently working on original songs and each member has an interesting and original story. Burton, with Frederick Aragón, won the 2022 New Mexico Music Awards for the album, “Frontiers.” The album includes original compositions by Burton. The duo won in the Native American category
4 Letter Word
and was also nominated in the New Age and World categories.
Described as “the heart of the band,” Louis Rivoli played with Burton before forming 4 Letter Word. Rivoli, who many recognize as the owner of the Rocky Mountain Forest & Garden shop in Taos, also plays bass with Melody Stallions.
Burton described drummer Caron as, “the most advanced musician in the group.” Caron, who played with Sticky Pistol at Woodstock '99, is recognized for his skills on the skins and his brilliance repairing instruments. Local musicians including Chris Morel and Jimmy Stadler rely on him anytime an instrument needs work.
Keyboardist Stauffer has played in many local bands and had a 15-year stint as an assistant editor, sports editor and photographer for the Taos News. Lead singer Evans has had two years of formal vocal training at Cameron University in Oklahoma and also works as a case manager in Taos — another common denominator she and Burton share.
In addition to being bandmates, Evans and Burton share similar day jobs. She supports underserved Taoseños with case management services while Burton works as a social worker providing support to locals experiencing serious mental illness, homelessness and other disadvantages. Perhaps the positive, life-enhancing work that Burton does off the stage led to his idea for the band's name.
“I was on a hike, and I'm not the most spiritual, but I believe in love and kindness and helping others. I knew I couldn't name the band ‘Love,' but the premise is everyone can feel love. Love is a four-letter word, and that's how we got our name,” said the composer, guitarist and social worker. “We've had positive responses to our performance. With us, you'll see a group that leaves you feeling moved.”
Burton was quick to share his gratitude for Domito and Mary's Place. “The space Mary created shows she's mindful of our needs as musicians. We appreciate her support of local and regional music and for music in general.”