My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard and tUnE-yArDs’ Merrill Garbus took to NBC’s Jimmy Fallon Show, Backed by Fallon’s house band, The Roots, to perform their version of late Nigerian bandleader Fela Anikulapo Kuti ‘s “Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am.”
The band wonderfully reflects Fela’s love for American R&B blended with a classic African afro-pop style.
The cut can be found on Red Hot + Riot, with this second volume celebrating Fela’s music. This , and all their excellent releases, help fund the not-for-profit Red Hot organization fight AIDS worldwide.
John Murry’s life could have been a Southern tragedy penned by his second cousin William Faulkner. An addict who lost his wife. child, home and before cleaning up, almost his life. These harrowing experiences are reflected back darkly, but not bleakly, in “The Graceless Age.”
Murry’s brand of fuzzed-out pop-Americana take you through uncomfortable landscapes while not pushing to alienation. His emotional warble is reminiscent of Jay Farrar and Bruce Cockburn and it fits around the songs perfectly. The bittersweet kaleidoscope aesthetic Murry conjures recalls Elliot Smith’s introspective dark pop.
“California†is a menacing psychedelic ditty that that is hapless and hopeless as he tries to forget his ex in the city that won’t let him do it as sweet melody swirls with tense percussion and guitars. “Little Colored Balloons” recalls his near overdose “Off of 16th and Mission, i took an ambulance ride, they said I have died” as female backgrounds and piano and organ swell around his passionate build.
“Southern Sky†swings out with a xylophone (again, fuzzily) to tell a take of redemption through rebirth and renewal. “Things We Lost In The Fire,†starts simple enough with acoustic guitar and pedal steel to then crescendo into a pixies wave of wailing crunch guitar. .
The last words on The Graceless Age, sung in a dreamy falsetto, are “Maybe someday, some way.†It’s the perfect closing moment, as the guy who has suffered so much throughout the album drags himself out of the gutter to look to the stars. John Murry’s past may not be far behind, but his future as a songwriter and artist of major stature and authority is right now.
This is not an easy records, but it’s one Murry had to make and holds the characteristics of stark inevitability. this is the sound of a souls purged.
‘The Graceless Age’ might have saved Murry’s life. Is there any greater testament to music than that?
Boo Ray’s “Boots and Blue Jeans,” from his current release “Six Weeks In A Motel” carries a heap of grit and soul. The video filmed at the legendary Johnny’s Tavern in Nashville, TN by Daniel Henry & Price Harrison show folks having a high time. The kind of folks that would drop quarter after quarter to play this hotnumber.
Ray’s time raised in the western mountains of North Carolina has given him a sensibility for southern and roots rock in the vein of Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Faces. melody with bite and brawn. This is 100 proof with an ear for a hook.
“Six Weeks In A Motel,” the Boo Ray’s follow up to 2010 release “Bad News Travels Fast.”
The musicians featured include Steve Ferrone on drums (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Jimmie Lee Sloas on bass (Keith Urban, Reba McEntire), British guitar virtuoso Sol Philcox, and Bruce Bouton (Randy Travis, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs) on pedal steel.
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.
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
Two musical loves of mine is classic heavy metal and Americana music. I know this skit from from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, featuring the Avett brothers covering Iron Maiden’s “Run to the Hills,” Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man,” and Metallica’S “One” is done for laughs, but part of me would love for it to be real. I mean if Ryan Adams can do Iron maiden straight why not?
The fake release is described thusly “If you’re looking for a sunnier, gentler sound of heavy metal classics like Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man,” then pick up a copy of “The Avett Brothers Sing Heavy Metal.”
In Texas, the surname Robison carries with it a tone of songwriter reverence. Charlie, his brother Bruce, and sister Robyn Ludwick have created a long legacy as Hill Country singer/songwriters working in the local community as well as being covered by Music City.
On his new release “High Life,” Charlie has some fun with classic and new songs. Band’s Robbie Robertson’s “Look Out Cleveland†and Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece.†Robison also covers Austin legend Doug Sahm’s “Nuevo Laredo.†Of Sahm, Charlie says “My uncle was like a hippie around that time, and I remember cruising around Austin with him listening to Doug Sahm records and it was just so wild, the sounds he was getting. All that Sir Doug stuff just hit me really hard.â€
There are also a few gems by his siblings “Brand New Me†by Bruce and “Monte Carlo†and “Out of These Blues†by Ludwick. He also covers friend Bobby Bare Jr.’s rocking study on celebrity “Patty McBride.â€
Charlie seems to be having a lot more fun on this follow-up to the wonderfully introspective “Beautiful Day,” My only question is, with a title like “High Life,” (complete with Mr. Natural style cover art) where the obligatory Willie Nelson cover?
‘To All The Girls….’ (Oct. 15 on Legacy Recordings) features with some of Willie’s favorite female performers. Like Dolly Parton and Rosanne Cash, Norah Jones and Miranda Lambert and many more covering songs that, like Willie’s own, transcend genre approaching something more akin to cuts from the American songbook. Cits that echo the gages like the below cover of Sam Cooke’s moving spiritual featuring country traditionalists duo the Secret Sisters.
Muscle Shoals-natives Laura and Lydia Rogers lend their lovely harmony as a silk backdrop to Willie’s grainy phrasing and winding delivery.
1. Dolly Parton — From Here To The Moon And Back
2. Miranda Lambert — She Was No Good For Me
3. Secret Sisters — It Won’t Be Very Long
4. Rosanne Cash — Please Don’t Tell Me
5. Sheryl Crow — Far Away Places
6. Wynonna Judd — Bloody Mary Morning
7. Carrie Underwood — Always On My Mind
8. Loretta Lynn — Somewhere Between
9. Alison Krauss — No Mas Amor
10. Melonie Cannon — Back To Earth
11. Mavis Staples — Grandma’s Hands
12. Norah Jones — Walkin’
13. Shelby Lynne — Til The End Of The World
14. Lily Meola — Will You Remember Mine
15. Emmylou Harris — Dry Lightning
16. Brandi Carlile — Making Believe
17. Paula Nelson — Have You Ever Seen The Rain
18. Tina Rose — After The Fire Is Gone
Fresh off his win for the Artist of the Year award win at the 12th Annual Americana Music Honors and Awards in Nashville comes the news of a spanking new Dwight Yoakam compilation.
New West Records will release the new Dwight Yoakam compilation, 21st Century Hits: Best of 2000-12, on October 1. The album spans a choice selection of songs Yoakam recorded while signed to New West Records, Warner Brothers and Koch between 2000-12.
Included are singles from five albums including Tomorrow’s Sound Today, Population Me, Blame The Vain, Dwight Sings Buck and 3 Pears as well as the cover the Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” as featured in the film “The Break-Up.” Also included is a never before commercially released duet with Michelle Branch, “Long Goodbye” and the Willie Nelson duet “If Teardrops Were Diamonds.”
Even after a three-decade long career, more than 25 million albums worldwide, 12 gold albums and nine platinum or multi-platinum albums and is a 21-time nominated Grammy award winner
Yoakam still appears to be at the top of his game as a standard bearer and trail-blazer.
DWIGHT YOAKAM’S 21ST CENTURY HITS: BEST OF 2000-12 TRACK LIST
1. The Sad Side Of Town (Tomorrow’s Sounds Today)
2. Late Great Golden State (Population Me)
3. The Back Of Your Hand (Population Me)
4. If Teardrops Were Diamonds (with Willie Nelson) (Population Me)
5. Long Goodbye (with Michelle Branch) (Previously Unreleased)
6. Intentional Heartache (Blame The Vain)
7. Blame The Vain (Blame The Vain)
8. I Wanna Love Again (Blame The Vain)
9. Just Passin’ Time (Blame The Vain)
10. Crazy Little Thing Called Love (The Break-Up Soundtrack)
11. Close Up The Honky Tonks (Dwight Sings Buck)
12. My Heart Skips A Beat (Dwight Sings Buck)
13. Act Naturally (Dwight Sings Buck)
14. A Heart Like Mine (3 Pears)
Bonus DVD
1. Close Up The Honky Tonks
2. Intentional Heartache
3. Blame The Vain
4. Back of Your Hand
5. Late Great Golden State
* Bonus DVD also contains hi-res 24/96 audio playback of the album
