Check this searing performance Laura and Lydia Rogers (The Secret Sisters) from last nights Tonight Show of their contemporary murder ballad ‘Iuka.”
“Iuka” can be found on their newest release Put Your Needle Down
Category Archives: Country Music
Music Review – The Ben Miller Band – ‘Any Way, Shape or Form’ (New West)
Performers like Konrad Wert (Possessed By Paul James) , Scott H. Biram and Hillstomp have been spectacularly creating Depression era country, bluegrass, folk, gospel, and blues music for years by jolting the dusty form with a furious intensity and emotional directness that would make Marcus Mumford sob into his vintage hanky.
We can now add to that the Joplin, Mo. trio of Ben Miller, Doug Dicharry and Scott Leeper, collectively known as The Ben Miller Band.
Producer Vance Powell ( Wanda Jackson,Buddy Guy, Jack White) is just the right man to steward ‘Any Way, Shape or Form,’ TBMB’s debut for New West records, though the many influences that make up what the band calls “Ozark Stomp” and bring out the band’s best effort to date.
Opener “The Outsider” evokes Dock Boggs and split Lip Rayfield as Miller’s clawhammer banjo, Dicharry’s percussion and Leeper’s washtub bass kick up a foggy mountian moshpit accenting by a hot guest slide guitar break by Chad “Gravy” Graves. The spirit of John Lee Hooker is raised in the jump boogie of “You Don’t Know” with a nasty little guitar break in the middle, and in the greasy/sleazy ‘Hurry Up And Wait” which features Dicharry’s blazing washboard work. Things gear down on the melancholy “I Feel for You” which is given a a dreamy quality from the inclusion of Graves pedal steel and Dicharry’s mandoline. The inclusion of the vaudeville-jazz ditty “23 Skidoo”, a 1920’s slang phrase for getting while the getting’s good is an odd twist especially when it grows into a dramatic swell. “Burning Building” is an Appalachian-meets-garage rocker that would make Jack White give a pasty smile.
the treatment given to the traditional folk ballad “The Cuckoo.” The internal dialogue of the piece occurs in a fever dream of roots-psychedelic, stabbing guitar, musical spoons and furious percussion. “Twinkle Toes,” is a jaunty lock-down break-down sing-along featuring blistering dobro. “Life on Wheels” kicks off like a “Whiskey River” remake but quickly breaks another direction as harmonica brings to mind a whining train whistle. “No War,” is a lofty Phil Ochs-style topical folk song calling out corruption and ponders the metaphysical.
“Any Way, Shape or Form” is work of considerable scope executed into a whole of rambunctious cohesion. It leaves you wondering what else Ben Miller Band might have up their sleeves.
Official Site | Amazon
Music Review: Cory Branan – “The No-Hit Wonder” (Bloodshot Records)
Nashville in the 70’s was a place of wandering, dusty minstrels tripping into town from distant small towns with little more than cheap guitars, grand dreams and a reverent yet defiant attitude regarding the power structure of Nashville music industry. The ripples where felt and absorbed back into the system and the result was the “Urban Cowboy” era. This was not an innovative time. Now that Music Row has again fell into lockstep with the sound of the cash register the bustling community of East Nashville is rekindling those early days.
In many respects Cory Branan’s “The No-Hit Wonder,” is the face of this rekindled spirit. Smart, sonic landscapes offering a deep stratum that delivers a bounty of country, pop (“Missing You Fierce”) and Southern soul (“Missing You Fierce”) gems as each song is sifted through. The record also benefits from having some of the finest backing musicians working – John Radford (Justin Townes Earle, Luella and The Sun), Sadler Vaden (The 400 Unit, Drivin and Cryin), Audley Freed (The Black Crowes) and Robbie Turner (Waylon Jennings, Charlie Rich.) as well as being supported by some of Americana and indy rock’s best talent.
No better example of that is the opener “You Make Me” which features none other than Jason Isbell on back-up vocals. A song for his new bride it strikes a fine balance of romance, rock-heat with ear-worm hooks as Isbell provides just the right amount of guitar and vocal support.
The title cut recalls hard times for a troubadore that burns bright instead of belly-aches as Craig Finn & Steve Selvidge of The Hold Steady providing further retained support. “The Only You” Shows the nuance of Branan’s craft – “I hear you got another boy and he looks a lot like me / And this one come with some kind of guarantee / Well I got me another girl and she looks like you at 23 / And while she sleeps I trace the places where your tattoos used to be.” This playful poignancy is straight from the book of Kristofferson.
Branan vocal style like Ryan Bingham with better range. This is most apparent in the Bakersfield-by-way-of-Uncle-Tupelo “Sour Mash.” Another furiously paced number that wears it’s hillbilly pedigree proudly, featuring more subtle accompaniment by Tim Easton. “C’mon Shadow” is a ragtime jubilation masking heartbreak that’ll have you tapping a toe and crying in your beer.
“All The Rivers In Colorado” is pure jukebox gold. A barroom weeper of tears and waterways made even more delightful with Caitlin Rose and Austin Lucas lending background vocals. “Daddy Was A Skywriter” is a Cajun-spiced tune about finding your way in this world with the guidance and love from mama and daddy.
“The No-Hit Wonder” is a work both expansive in influence as it is grounded in history. Smart song-craft, road-tested instinct of instrumentation and an ear for the attentive hook is it’s flesh and bone. This is not a stright-up country record in contemporary or classic terms. Its an Americana record – and all that comes with that gloriously, messy label.
And a damn fine one at that.
Glen Campbell “I’ll Be Me” Official Movie Trailer
One of the most heart-breaking moments of my life was seeing Glen Campbell accept his lifetime Achievement Grammy due to the already evident effects of his Alzheimers. Talking to him and his wife, Kim Woollen, afterword gave me hope. As dire as his future looked he was still in good spirits and was surrounded by people who love him.
Below is the trailer for the Glen Campbell documentary, ‘Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me,’ which will be released on Oct. 24 in New York and Nashville.
‘I’ll Be Me’ features footage from Campbell’s Goodbye Tour mixed with stories from artists and celebrities who know and love him, including Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, Steve Martin, Bruce Springsteen, Bill Clinton, the Edge, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Webb and Jay Leno.
The documentary won the Gibson Music City/Music City Films Grand Jury Prize at the 2014 Nashville Film Festival, where it premiered. It was directed by James Keach and produced by Keach and Trevor Albert.
More information can be found at the film’s official site.
Watch Out! Sturgill Simpson – “Life of Sin: Live at RCA Studio A” [VIDEO]
Neo-Trad Outlaw and reluctant savior of country music, Sturgill Simpson turned out a sizzling rendition of ‘Life of Sin” recorded at the Nashville’s historic RCA recording studio.
This is the very same studio that Ben Folds has been trying to save from potential raising. let’s hope this RL Bagg’s Handcrafted Video Series is a sign of new life for the storied space.
‘Life of Sin” is from Simpson’s newest release “Metamodern Sounds in Country Music.â€
George Strait Will Release Live “Cowboy Rides Away” Album September 16th
I was lucky to be one of 104,793 people packed AT&T Stadium for the final show of George Strait’s Cowboy Rides Away Tour.
it just blows me away how easy he makes it look no matter the size of the venue.
If you weren’t able to attend the event not to worry, this was too big a deal not to capitalize on. A 20-track live album recorded of the event will be released September 16th and a two-hour “George Strait: The Cowboy Rides Away†concert special airing Aug. 29 exclusively on CMT. (check local listings).
The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium Track Listing:
1. Check Yes Or No
2. The Love Bug (with Vince Gill)
3. Fool Hearted Memory (with Jason Aldean)
4. Arkansas Dave (with Bubba Strait)
5. Cowboys Like Us (with Eric Church)
6. That’s What Breaking Hearts Do
7. Marina Del Rey
8. Here For A Good Time (with Sheryl Crow)
9. I Can Still Make Cheyenne
10. Jackson (with Martina McBride)
11. A Showman’s Life (with Faith Hill)
12. Murder On Music Row (with Alan Jackson)
13. The Chair
14. Give It All We Got Tonight
15. Run (with Miranda Lambert)
16. I’ll Always Remember You
17. Ocean Front Property (with Kenny Chesney)
18. Troubadour
19. All My Ex’s Live In Texas (with Jason Aldean, Ray Benson, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow,
Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride)
20. The Cowboy Rides Away
Watch Out! Ray Benson (feat. Willie Nelson) – “It Ain’t You” [VIDEO]
the newest video for “It Ain’t You” from Asleep at the Wheel front-man Ray Benson’s latest solo release “A Little Piece” (Bismeaux Records.) The vide is a video scrapbook of Benson and Willie Nelson’s 40-plus year friendship. A friendship that started when Willie suggested AATW move from their hometown in Philadelphia to Austin, Texas in 1973.
Ray and Willie duel on “It Ain’t You” and, as it is an old Waylon Jennings co-write, it recognizes the influence all three have had on the Texas music scene from a rear-view mirror if age and wisdom.
Ray Benson says of the song/video:
“When Sam, co-producer of my solo CD, played me this song written by Waylon Jennings and Gary Nicholson, I was amazed that no one had ever recorded it! It’s definitely an undiscovered gem and strikes an emotional response with many people. After listening, I called up my pal Willie Nelson and asked if he would sing the song with me. He agreed and we went out to Luck, TX and recorded his vocal.”
“Willie is 81 years young and I’m close to turning 64. The song is about growing old and yet feeling and acting young…it felt so appropriate for us to do. The video has captured the feeling of the song with its slow motion effects, an inside look at the backstage concert preparation and a peak of our long history together as friends. Hope you all enjoy it.”
Enjoy this lovely tune from two masters trading wistful recollections. The cut also features some of Willie’s signature jazz-tajanzo guitar licks.
Buy “A Little Piece.”
Songs Ryan Adams and Taylor Swift Should Do Together
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Tomorrow night, 8/13, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon has booked both Ryan Adams and Taylor Swift.
I think this has potential to be a fanatic opportunity for both performers.
Swift is appearing to promote her role in the upcoming movie ‘The Giver†and Adams booked as musical guest and is there to promote his upcoming self-titled release. I believe a few songs performed together would do a lot to gain Adams some mainstream exposure and allow Swift to gain a little indie creed.
Both performers are known for covering musicians that they respect. Ryan adams does a great interpretation of Iron Maiden’s “Wasted Years†and Swift really won be cover with her version of Mumford & Sons’ “Blank White Page.â€
Aside from the image potential, I believe that interpreting eachother’s songs as duets or trade-offs would bring new dimensions to the work not head in it’s current form.
“Love Story” – Sure it’s sappy and naive, but Adams counts melt any jaded heart.
“Teardrops on My Guitar” – See above re: sappy and naive
“Back to December” – No one handles regret and heartbreak like Adams. This would kill.
“White Horse” – See above re: regret and heartbreak
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” – Adams’ would deconstruct this pop ditty and lay it’s dark, fatalistic core out odor all to see.
“Safe & Sound” – This is an obvious one. This Swift/Civil Wars collaboration for the Hunger Games is half-way to being in Adams’ style wheelhouse. The other half is in Tori Amos’ .
Ryan Adams songs I’d like to see Taylor Swift cover
“When the Stars Go Blue” – Arguably the best song from “Gold.” Perfect for a duet. Obvious connection since Tim McGraw
covered this one.
“16 Days†– A gem from Strangers Almanac. A duet and a single of this radio-friendly cut would surely sell a ton. I wonder if Adam’s would torpedo this song’s climb up the charts twice?
To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High) – From Heartbreaker. It’s fun. Swift knows fun.
“Two†– His best off “Easy Tiger,” and one of his biggest hits. A duet with swift would bring out the song’s sweetness.
“So Alive†– Also off Gold. This song rocks U2-style. Swift has been known to rock out on occasion.
“Lucky Now†– From 2011’s “Ashes & Fire,” another of Adam’s most radio-friendly, and optimistic, love songs.
I can imagine the eye-rolls and sneers resulting from this post by Swifties and whatever Adams fans call themselves. But i believe that both sWIFT AND adams have an independent streak and a love of musical history that would suit them.
If nothing else I got fans in each camp to hear the other’s music, probably for the very first time.
Watch Out! Grace Askew – “Cinnamon” [VIDEO]
Common sentiment has you believe that TV singing competitions are a cultural wasteland not worth our attention.
Grace Askew is proof that sometimes paying attention pays off.
“The Voice” Season 4 contestant Grace Askew delighted when she did a excellently brash cover of Lee Hazlewood’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin,'” made famous by Nancy Sinatra
Twangers, ya know I like it greasy. If you give me swampy and greasy at the same time you’ll have a hard time sending me home.
Recorded at the legendary Sun Studio, “Cinnamon” is a woozy slice of what Askew has coined “bluntry” (blues+country, or perhaps stoned country) Labels aside, it’s a greasy, swampy delight made more so by Askew’s marble-mouthed delivery in her native Memphis country grammar.
Shot in an abandoned house , with single-source light saturated clack-and-white, Askew dances as she sings this sexually-charged come-on.
Askew embodies a potent blend of charisma and authenticity that makes her a force to keep your eye on.
“Cinnamon” is from Askew’s debut newest release ‘Scaredy Cat
The Civil Wars Officially Disband, Offers Free Download
And in the no surprise to anyone category today The Civil Wars’ Joy Williams and John Paul White made their “indefinite hiatus‘ into a musical conscious uncoupling.
the folk-pop duo took to thecivilwars.com to announce the news. As a farewell and thank you to fans, the two are offering a download of their 2010 rendition of the classic “You Are My Sunshine.†The track was originally a b-side to the band’s limited edition Barton Hollow 7″ vinyl. This is the first time the song is available digitally in the U.S.
Joy Williams comments, “I am saddened and disappointed by the ending of this duo, to say the very least. JP is a tremendous musician, and I will always be grateful for the music we were able to create together.I sincerely hope that ‘You Are My Sunshine’ will be accepted as a token of my gratitude for every single person that has supported our duo throughout the years. I’m so thankful and my heart is full. Looking ahead, I’m excited to share the music that I am writing and recording in the midst of this difficult transition. I’ve loved being back in the studio, and have missed performing live. I look forward to seeing you soon.â€
John Paul adds, “I would like to express sincere thanks to all who were a part of the arc of The Civil Wars—from the beginning, to the end, and all points in between. My deep appreciation goes out to all who supported, disseminated, and enjoyed the music. Whatever shape or form the next chapter takes, thanks for being a large part of this one.â€
Williams and White were already music industry veterans in 2008 when a chance pairing at a Nashville group writing camp shows potential chemistry. In their brief career The Civil Wars helped bring Americana to the mainstream with their best-selling, Grammy-winning, releases and intimate but rousing live performances.
I was lucky to be able to speak to Joy and John Paul in 2009. They showed me the upmost generosity and kindness. “We Really Don’t Fit Anywhere†– The Civil Wars Interview
Here are a few of my favorite Civil Wars performances:
Barton Hollow (Later with Jools Holland)
Poison & Wine (on David Letterman)
“From This Valley” (Live at the Grand Ole Opry)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBygKZqc3ls
“Between the Bars” (Elliott Smith cover)
“Sour Times” (Portishead cover)
“Billie Jean” (Michael Jackson Cover)
“You Are My Sunshine” (Live)
And the time I won a bottle of bourbon and they won some Grammys.
http://www.grammy.com/news/and-the-grammy-went-to-the-civil-wars#ooid=05bXZoMzq2-pDksz0DznPVSCPspq72pZ