Mary Sarah to Release “Bridges,” duets with Dolly, Willie, Merle, Ray Price

Sarah Mary

It’s fashionable to gripe about the current sorry state of contemporary country music and for good reason. In it’s single-minded obsession for hits and radio charting Music Row often appears to be like an Chinese iPad factory (with better clothes.) A casual listen of country music hits from the last 40 years clearly shows that the industry often tilts the cultural scales toward stacks of commerce over the beauty of craft.

Mary Sarah has the looks and the pipes to shoot for the denim and glitter of Country Music stardom. She even toured with the lucrative Kidz Bop franchise as a singer and dancer when she was 12 years old. The lady’s got options

But performing in the Texas near her home in Richmond TX home (outside Houston) put her in a unique position to be steeped in tradition and to meet some of the legends that created that music.

Her upcoming release, “Bridges,” is a collection iconic songs done as duets with the legends that made them famous. Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Vince Gill, recorded over the last two-and-a-half years.

“I never imagined that singing these songs in the Texas Oprys would lead to one day recording them with some of the greatest country legends of our time,” Mary Sarah says. “Working on this album and with these legends has changed my life. Not only did I learn more about traditional country music, it has led me to have a clearer vision of what I want to accomplish in country music.”

That doesn’t sound like a crass money grab to grease the path to maga-stardom. It does sound like a smart move in a genre starving for substance to set herself up for longevity and, dare I say, a shot as legend.

Yes, Loretta there is hope for Music City.

“Bridges” is expected to be released in early April.

“Bridges” track listing

“Jolene” with Dolly Parton
“Crazy” with Willie Nelson
“Fightin’ Side of Me” with Merle Haggard
“Heartaches by the Number” with Ray Price
“What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life” with Ronnie Milsap
“Texas, When I Die” with Tanya Tucker
“Rose Garden” with Lynn Anderson
“Go Rest High on That Mountain” with Vince Gill
“Dream On” with the Oak Ridge Boys
All I Wanna Do Is Sing My Song” with Freddy Powers
“Where the Boys Are” with Neil Sedaka
“My Great Escape” with Big & Rich (original song)
“I’m Sorry” (solo version of Brenda Lee classic)

Watch Out! Neil Young – “Mother Earth” [VIDEO]

NYhonortreaties

Neil Young has released a pump organ view new video for his song “Mother Earth”.
The video begins with footage from Young’s January 19, 2014 show at the Jack Singer Hall in Calgary, Alberta as part of his recent Honor The Treaties run of dates.

The video also features majestic footage from Peter Mettler’s documentary Petropolis: Aerial Perspectives on the Alberta Tar Sands. At a press conference ahead of the first Honor The Treaties date, Young launched a blistering attack on Canada’s federal government and Alberta’s oilsands development, accusing officials of “killing” First Nations through their exploitation of the Alberta tar sands. [Uncut]

“Mother Earth” first appeared on Young’s 1990 album, Ragged Glory.

Kris Kristofferson Receives the Grammy for Lifetime Achievement [VIDEO]

Kris Kristofferson Receives the Grammy for Lifetime Achievement

I was fortunate to attend this emotional honoring of an American music legend.

After a lovely video introduction , National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) president presented Kris Kristofferson with the GRAMMY award for a Lifetime of Achievement.

My only question is, what took so long?

Kristofferson’s acceptance speech is brief, but heartfelt. In it he alludes to the his memory loss from years of head injuries from boxing and football when he was younger.

EDIT: A piece Rodney Crowell wrote for Kris’s lifetime achievement award for the Grammy awards magazine.

Tribute “Bob Dylan In The 80s” Out March 25

Bob Dylan 80s

Okay, this is cool. A tribute album from preeminent indy-roots artists focusing on Dylan’s under appreciated 80’s era.

ATO Records will release Bob Dylan In The 80s: Volume One on March 25. The brainchild of producers Jesse Lauter (Elvis Perkins, The Low Anthem) and Sean O’Brien (Dawes, PAPA), the mission of Bob Dylan In The 80s: Volume One is to shed new light on a large cache of Bob Dylan songs that have long gone ignored, covering the period starting with 1980’s Saved and ending with 1990’s Under The Red Sky (including unreleased material — the “80s Basement Tapes” — and The Traveling Wilburys).

Album contributors include: Built To Spill, Aaron Freeman of Ween & Slash, Glen Hansard, Reggie Watts, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Lucius, Langhorne Slim, Craig Finn Of The Hold Steady, Deer Tick, Dawn Landes, Blitzen Trapper, Carl Broemel Of My Morning Jacket, Elvis Perkins and more. The album is available for pre-order now.

Hear the first track from the record, Jokerman by Built to Spill, below.

“80s Dylan is by no means a celebrated period in his career,” says co-producer Lauter. “It was, in fact, the lowest point of his commercial success even though he released eight studio albums.” He continues, “Our goal was to showcase one of the greatest artists of our time during an off-rhythm period and bring a stronger sense of harmony to the material at hand. Sean and I did everything we could to make this album flow together sonically as if you were listening to a concept album.”

Portions of proceeds from album sales will go to the charity, Pencils of Promise. Pencils of Promise is a non-profit organization that builds schools and increases educational opportunities in the developing world. The charity has built more than 150 schools in Asia, Africa and Latin America. For more information on Pencils of Promise, visit www.pencilsofpromise.org.

COMPLETE TRACK LISTING:

1. Langhorne Slim & The Law – “Got My Mind Made Up”(from Knocked Out Loaded, 1986)
2. Built To Spill – “Jokerman” (from Infidels, 1983)
3. Reggie Watts – “Brownsville Girl (Reprise)” (from Knocked Out Loaded, 1986)
4. Craig Finn (The Hold Steady) – “Sweetheart Like You” (from Infidels, 1983)
5. Ivan & Alyosha – “You Changed My Life” (from Shot Of Love outtakes, 1981)
6. Deer Tick – “Night After Night” (from Hearts of Fire Soundtrack, 1987)
7. Dawn Landes & Bonnie “Prince” Billy – “Dark Eyes” (from Empire Burlesque, 1985)
8. Tea Leaf Green – “Waiting To Get Beat” (from Empire Burlesque outtakes, 1985)
9. Aaron Freeman of Ween & Slash – “Wiggle Wiggle (from Under The Red Sky, 1990)
10. Elvis Perkins – “Congratulations” (from Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, 1988)
11. Hannah Cohen – “Covenant Woman” (from Saved, 1980)
12. Marco Benevento – “Every Grain Of Sand” (from Shot Of Love, 1981)
13. Yellowbirds – “Series Of Dreams” (from Oh Mercy outtakes, 1989)
14. Blitzen Trapper – “Unbelievable” (from Under The Red Sky, 1990)
15. Lucius – “When The Night Comes Falling From The Sky” (from Empire Burlesque, 1985)
16. Glen Hansard – “Pressing On” (from Saved, 1980)
17. Carl Broemel (My Morning Jacket) – “Death Is Not The End” (from Down In The Groove, 1988)

In addition, there will be seven bonus tracks available exclusively via iTunes as a Deluxe Edition and will also be included on the digital download card that accompanies the vinyl. The seven bonus tracks are listen below:

1. Spirit Family Reunion – “Man Of Peace” (from Infidels, 1983)
2. Widespread Panic – “Solid Rock” (from Saved, 1980)
3. Grayson Capps – “Silvio” (from Down In The Groove, 1988)
4. Neal Casal – “Property Of Jesus” (from Shot Of Love, 1981)
5. The Low Anthem – “Lenny Bruce” (from Shot Of Love, 1981)
6. Jesse Elliott (These United States) – “Handy Dandy” (from Under The Red Sky, 1990)
7. Chastity Brown – “Saving Grace” (from Saved, 1980)

Ken Burns’ Country Music Documentary Coming to PBS in 2018

Ken Burns

I’ve been hearing about Ken Burns’ new project focusing on Country Music for over a ear. Now PBS has made it a realty b announcing that the anticipated documentary, succinctly called called “Country Music,” will air in 2018.

That will be about 5 years worth of work on the one series. Sure that’s a long time
but it helpes to keep in mind that it’s a year less than he spent on his ten-episode miniseries detailing jazz. And given Burn’s attention to detail ranging from The Civil War and the history of baseball it’s satisfying to see that there is care being applied ot a genre we all love.

The origins and fundamentals of roots, folk and country music are vast . deep at least as deep and vast as many of the topics Burns has tackled before. I have faith that this is going to be a fascinating (and lengthy) series.

From the release “The country series explores the question, “what is country music.” It will track the careers of the Carter family, Jimmie Rodgers, Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and others.”

“For over a century, country music has been a pivotal force in American culture, expressing the hopes, joys, fears and hardships of everyday people in songs lyrical, poignant and honest,” said PBS President Paula A. Kerger. “It is fitting that we have two of America’s master storytellers, Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan, tell the story on film of an art form that for generations has told America’s story in song.”

The documentary will follow the rise of bluegrass music with Bill Monroe and note how one of country music’s offspring – rockabilly – mutated into rock and roll in Memphis. It will show how Nashville slowly became not just the mecca of country music, but “Music City USA.” All the while, it will highlight the constant tug of war between the desire to make country music as mainstream as possible and the periodic reflexes to take it back to its roots.

That;s the part that will be interesting to me, how Burns handles the splinter threads of the genre. The aforementioned Bluegrass The Outlaws, Bakersfield and, as Steve Earle helped shepherd and deemed, “Great Credibility Scare of the Mid-1980s.”

Listen Up! Hear New Beck Song, “Blue Moon”

Beck Morning Phase

The L.A.-based singer and songwriter on Friday posted a clip on his website depicted “Morning Phase” being rendered in the petroleum by-product so popular with the kids these days, vinyl.

“Morning Phase” set for release on Feb. 25 through Capitol Records, his first studio disc since “Modern Guilt” in 2008. Backed by players including Smokey Hormel, Justin Meldal-Johnsen and Joey Waronker.

Beck is a master at revamping music style – soul, funk, folk. His upcoming release “Morning Phase” is reported continue the gauzy forlorn-folk theme so brilliantly captured in 2002’s “Sea Change.”

In the current issue of Uncut magazie, Beck said: “I set out to make a gritty king of record, along the lines of those early ’70s singer-songwriter records. But the songs ended up having another quality to them. There are harmonies there: Simon & Garfunkel, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Everly Brothers, The Stanley Brothers. The Mamas & The Papas, even.”

Judging by the the clip below it appears that that is a correct assessment of style.

Really looking forward this one.

“The Morning Phase” tracklist:
‘Morning’
‘Heart Is A Drum’
‘Say Goodbye’
‘Waking Light’
‘Unforgiven’
‘Wave’
‘Don’t Let It Go’
‘Blackbird Chain’
‘Evil Things’
‘Blue Moon’
‘Turn Away’
‘Country Down’

Americana Music Association Presents Everly Brothers Tribute

 Everly Brothers Tribute J

One event I’m most looking forward to while covering the GRAMMYs this year is one that is not an official GRAMMY event.

The Franklin TN -based Americana Music Association is presenting “a tribute to the Everly Brothers during a celebration of American Roots Music.”

Now who will be performing and how a Everly Brothers tribute will be worked into a larger salute to roots music at the sold-out event is not detailed, but I’m excited to find out!

The event will take place at the legendary Los Angeles venue, the Troubadour, Saturday, January 25.

Phil Everly was a friend of the AMA. In 20019 he wrote down the lyrics of “When Will I Be Loved” on parchment paper and donated the work for auction which raised money for the non-profit organization.

Stand by Your Dream: The Tammy Wynette Story [VIDEO]

Tammy Wynette

I saw these clips on YouTube and needed to share them.

In this 1987 BBC Arena produced documentary Tammy Wynette discusses her rough and poor upbringing in Itawamba County, Mississippi, her troubled, richly creative but doomed marriage to George Jones and the glory and cost of fame.

It’s a wonderfully intimate glimpse at the Fist Lady of Country Music.

Jason Isbell “Cover Me Up” – Austin City Limits

Jason Isbell

Jason Isbell will make his Austin City Limits debut this Saturday, January 11th on PBS. Here’s a taste of the performance, Isbell plays “Cover Me Up” from his latest excellent release “Southeastern.”

Check your local PBS listings for dates and times in your area.

5 Iconic Americana / Roots Music GRAMMY Moments

Johnny Cash

The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards draws nigh. That famous night that the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences put on the most glitzy industry trade show. Though Americana and roots music comes to mind when you think of the GRAMMYs but there have been some great moments if you were paying attention.

Here are a few of my favorite GRAMMY moments over the years. Leave your in the comments, I’d love to hear about them.

Boston-based folk-pop performer Linda Chorney does the seemingly impossible and snags a 2011 nomination for the GRAMMY for Americana Album of the Year by employing elbow grease, sleepless nights and the Internet. This sets social media tongues wagging and puts PR pros and other music industry gatekeepers on their heels.

Extraordinary newcomer John Fullbright was nominated for a 2012 Americana Album of the Year GRAMMY for his debut studio full-length “From The Ground Up.” After his passionate performance of “Gawd Above” he lost out to the legendary Bonnie Raitt. Afterwords he said with a smile “If I’m going to lose Bonnie Raitt is the one I want to lose to.”


HD John Fullbright performance 2013 Grammys by dm_51188e7423dd3

It appeared to be just a jam between two great roots acts, Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers. The ands joined together and the true intension was revealed as they backed Bob Dylan on “Maggie’s Farm” at the 2011 GRAMMYS.

https://vimeo.com/20567315

In a heartfelt 2012 GRAMMY tribute in honor of Levon Helm and the victims of Sandy Hook shooting Elton John, Mumford & Sons, Mavis Staples, Zac Brown , Alabama Shakes singer Brittany Howard and T Bone Burnett came together for a passionate rendition of The Band’s ” classic ” The Weight.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yunfRRZXRuc

After years of lingering in a career slump Johnny Cash scores the GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 1995 giving the latter part of Cash’s career much deserved attention and a spirit of vitality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuRYmUBUwCo

This bonus moment goes out to Arlene – “O Brother Where Art Thou” Grammy Performance (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-C_HVoiJpY