Willie Nelson, and his talented daughter Paula, duet beautifully on this languid version of the Creedance Clearwater Revival classic. You can almost imagine sitting on the porch and watching a spring shower.
Like many of his recent music videos this was one was shot at Willie Nelson’s replica western town in Luck, TX, (about a 45 minute ride from downtown Austin) for his own Luck Films. The video is shot in a rich black-and-white and features Paula looking lovely, Willie looking pensive riding a horse and looking pensive playing cards.
There’s also some pretty great family photos. Baby Paula ( I assume,) Willie’s pianist and sister Bobbie Nelson, Waylon and the Appalachian moonshiner legend, Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton
Hello ghouls and goblins! Halloween celebrations in some form has a long and rich tradition in 16th century European and Scandinavia. At roughly the same time the murder ballad evolved right along with it. Both washed up on these US shores with the pilgrims and were shaped, over time, with our own uniques cultural influences and musical styles.
Gallons of blood, and scores of lifeless bodies, have been detailed in many harrowing ditties. The genres of folk, bluegrass and country music count more death and malice
than in metal and gangster rap combined (to be fair, they have had centuries to stack up bodies.)
I bring to you this spooky season some contemporary versions and variations of the murder ballad. From the Wilburn Brothers’ version of “The Knoxville Girl,” an Appalachian murder ballad, derived from the 19th-century Irish ballad The Wexford Girl. There also modern takes like Lindi Ortega’s menacing “Murder Of Crows.”
Enjoy these dark treats and leave your favorites in the comments.
Wilburn Brothers – Knoxville Girl
Rachel Brooke – The Black Bird
Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers – Where’s the Devil?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgphO4JJIrw
Lera Lynn – Bobby, Baby
O’Death – Lowtide – Video
Stab – The Pine Box Boys
Lindi Ortega – Murder Of Crows
Porter Wagoner – Cold Hard Facts Of Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl4yjGzWOvI
ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons joined John Fogerty on stage in Tulsa, Oklahoma for a swamp-meets-grease version of classic Credence Clearwater Revival’s “Born on the Bayou.”
These “Special guests” turn out to be some roots music heavy-hitters. Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Sam Bush, bassist Edgar Meyer and percussionist Eric Darken. They will join Swift for on the Country Music Awards “special version” of her hit song “Red.”
Swift has worked with Americana musicians in the past, most notably her Grammy-wining collaboration withe The Civil Wars for the song “Safe and Sound” for the Hunger Games soundtrack.
This allows huge exposure for these participating artists, and give Swift some gravitas and Americana cred for a future career move.
How do you feel about this announcement?
Tune in to find out November 6th on ABC. Follow me on twitter as I will live tweet thsi awards
On March 13th of this year, Ryan Bingham took the stage at the historic Gruene Hall, the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas. The hall echoes the songs of Texas legends Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt, Doug Sahm, Lyle Lovett and others.
Captured in glorious sepia by TourGigs, this sold-out, intimate performance that features renditions of: “Tell My Mother I Miss Her So,” “Boracho Station” and “Hallelujah.”
With one platinum and four gold records in the UK Seasick Steve might be the most popular performer you’ve never heard of. he’s probably fine with that. seasick doesn’t cater to fads or trends, he’s worked his brand of greasy gut-bucket blues throughout his career.
Today he releases “Hubcap Music,” his Third Man records debut produced by the man himself. the album features long-time drummer and frying pan virtuoso Dan Magnusson as well as John Paul Jones, Jack White, Luther Dickinson, Elizabeth Cook and Fats Kaplin. The record marks Seasick Steve’s second full-length on Third Man Records, and joins a blue series 7″ (“Write Me a Few Lines”) and a live, direct-to-acetate recording (Seasick Steve Live at Third Man Records) to make up his Third Man catalog.
Hubcap Music derives its title from Seasick’s 4-stringed Morris Minor guitar, fashioned from two Minor 1000 hubcaps and a garden hoe, and his second similarly made instrument using Hudson Terraplane hubcaps, given to him by Jack White. The Morris Minor guitar made its first appearance on the TV show “Top Gear,” and rivals Seasick’s Didley Bo for the title of baddest junk’strument ever to grace (and sell out) such stages as Royal Albert Hall, Manchester Theatre and Hammersmith Apollo Theaters.
The below cut, “Home,” features Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars fame on wailing slide guitar. This gritty stmopfest recalling the place there’s nowhere like gives you a sample for this release and well reflects Steve’s frenetic live performances he’s famous for.
the Late Show with David Letterman continued it’s support of great music by featuring a special musical performance in honor of the film Muscle Shoals, featuring R&B legend Candi Staton, Jason Isbell, John Paul White (The Civil Wars) and The Swampers (Spooner Oldham, Jimmy Johnson & David Hood).
the ensemble performed “I Ain’t Easy To Love” written by James Leblanc and Angela Hacke, is featured in the Magnolia Pictures film Muscle Shoals, in theaters now & available on iTunes and On Demand.
About the film:
“Located alongside the Tennessee River, Muscle Shoals, Alabama is the unlikely breeding ground for some of America’s most creative and defiant music. Under the spiritual influence of the “Singing River,” as Native Americans called it, the music of Muscle Shoals has helped create some of the most important and resonant songs of all time. At its heart is Rick Hall who founded FAME Studios.
Overcoming crushing poverty and staggering tragedies, Hall brought black and white together in Alabama’s cauldron of racial hostility to create music for the generations. He is responsible for creating the “Muscle Shoals sound” and The Swampers, the house band at FAME that eventually left to start their own successful studio, known as Muscle Shoals Sound. Greg Allman, Bono, Clarence Carter, Mick Jagger, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Keith Richards, Candi Staton, Percy Sledge and others bear witness to Muscle Shoals’ magnetism, mystery and why it remains influential today.”
There’s no denying the amount and quality of talent on the bill every year at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival. Act-for-act no other festival only event can touch it for some of the finest Americana and roots. Then there’s the breathtaking backdrop of Hellman Hollow in San Francisco’sGolden Gate Park. Oh, and it’s free.
This combination is both good and bad. The quality is high and music plentiful, but the free access brings in droves of folks, and they increase every year.
This 13th year of the free festival does it’s benefactor, the late, great Warren Hellman, proud. I imagine him sitting in heaven, his lanky legs hanging off a cloud, strumming with his banjo with the bands playing below.
With 6 stages many folks choose to pay a blanket at a single stage and stay put. Some, like me, travel through the ocean of humanity to catch key acts and serendipitous discoveries.
With 6 stages brimming with greatness you really can’t go wrong setting up a blanket with refreshments at a single stage. Some (like me) prefer wandering stage to stage through the ocean of humanity sampling the ample musical ware and happening upon serendipitous discoveries.. The full bill really is a bounty to satisfy any roots music vet or for greenhorns looking for an crash introductory course.
Here re some well-known and less well-known acts I’ve circled on my must-see list.
Friday:
The Felice Brothers: The grittier, and more literate, alternative to Mumford and The Lumineers. Sometimes woozy, oftentimes chaotic, their performances are always passionate and their songs of common desperation and love is reminiscent of The Boss. 2:10pm – Rooster Stage
First Aid Kit: I’m not typically a fan of winsome singers, I’m more of a belter fan. But this Swedish indie-folk duo has won me over Sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg, are winning over U.S. fans with their brand of breezy pop-Americana. 4:30pm – Rooster Stage.
Father John Misty: This ex-Fleet Fox first appeared on Bay Areas musical map after his exhilarating performance at last year’s Outside Lands. Roots stamped with psychedelic overtones and general weirdness. No telling where this could lead. 4:15pm – Arrow Stage
Bonnie Raitt: Is blues Americana? i have my opinion, bit there’s no denying the legendary talent of last year’s Grammys for Americana Album of the year. Expect catchy blues-rock with spicy guitar chops sprinkled. 5:45pm – Banjo Stage
Saturday:
Patty Griffin: This Austin, Texas treasure is touring behind her extraordinary “American Kid” and just before the proper release of her lost gem “Silver Bell.†Show up to hear cuts from these, and her extensive catalog. Also Buddy and “Percy” might show up. 4:05pm – Rooster Stage.
Robert Earl Keen: Many HSB faithful arrive just to see this Aggie put on one of the best truckless tailgate parties ever. Prepare to drink and sing at the top of your lungs. 5:30pm – Rooster Stage
Sturgill Simpson: Simpson is a reluctant contemporary agent of the Outlaw Country aesthetic. This is what makes him perfect for the role. Come hear him and his hot-brand band single-handedly put Music Row to shame. 6:05pm – Porch Stage
Sunday:
Shovels & Rope: The Charleston, South Carolina duo Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent of Shovels & Rope won the song of the year for “Birmingham” and emerging artist of the year at the recent Americana Awards. Come to see why their brand of gritty soul , ramshackle performance and engaging stage banter make them a fan favorite. 11:00am – Arrow Stage
Mike Farris & the Roseland Rhythm Revue: Like soul? Like Gospel? This is where you need to be. Ferris’
heavely vocals matched with the McCrary Sisters will assure a toe-tapping and booty shaking great time. 11:00am – Banjo Stage
Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott: A decade after their first collaboration these master craftsmen are back with their latest “Memories & Moments.” Come gather around children and sit at the feet of lends and take note at how it is done. – 3:05pm – Banjo Stage
Della Mae: Sure their a band of hotties. But what’s hotter is their chops. Come for a heavy does of strictly bluegrass hold the hardly.
In 1956 The Grand Ole Opry invited a young country singer named George Jones to perform on their popular radio show.The 25 year-old Marine Corp veteran was already picking up momentum in his home state of Texas, where he was signed to Starday Records, where a year earlier, his song “Why Baby, Why†had become his first hit. However in his estimation, and many young country performers at the time, an appearance on the Opry was proof you had really hit the big time.
In Jone’s own words, “My success as a country singer, no matter how big it became, would always be limited unless I appeared on the Grand Ole Opry.†When that call from Nashville finally came he drove almost 800 miles from Houston, borrowed a guitar from Jimmy Dickens, and performed one song. His appearance was a success and he was quickly asked to come back and become a member.
Starday Records owners, Jack Starnes and Pappy Daily, knew they had to move quickly if their label was going to keep up with Jones’ newfound popularity. In early 1957 they released George Jones’ first album, Grand Ole Opry’s New Star, which also happened to be Starday’s first LP.
On October 15th this collectable release will be reissued in its entirety for the first time. The first 250 copies of this album will be pressed on Blue Vinyl and come with a bonus reissue of George’s only rockabilly record, an ultra-rare 45 he cut under the name ‘Thumper Jones.’
TRACKS
01. Why Baby Why
02. Seasons Of My Heart
03. It’s OK
04. Let Him Know
05. Play It Cool
06. Hold Everything
07. Boat Of Life
08. You Gotta Be My Baby
09. What Am I Worth
10. Your Heart
11. Ragged But Right
12. Yearning
13. Still Hurtin’
14. Taggin’ Along
