The Legendary Shack Shakers – Mercury Lounge – New York City – 11/08/07

If you’re a Legendary Shack Shakers fan try and describe the band to a friend when they ask predictable “What do they sound like?” Just watch as their eyes glaze over and smoke pours out of their ears when you say “They’re kind of a blues, rockabilly, country, punk-rock, Gothic (not goth) with a touch of the occasional klezmer influence.”

The whole sonic-stew is seamless at the ear-splitting, breakneck-pace of a LSS show. Featuring Paducah, Kentucky’s featherweight front-man Colonel J.D. Wilkes singing, playing harmonica and mugging like a vaudeville performer on meth. Stalking the stage, contorting his stringbean form, speaking in tongues and testifying about drifters, the Devil and elusive salvation. Think a Pentecostal Iggy Pop.

South Carolina’s David Lee, the LSS’s heavily tattooed guitarist, mercilessly punished his Gretsch White Falcon guitar like it needed a lesson learned. Lee’s not a flash kind of guy, he approaches the guitar like a construction worker does a jackhammer. He makes the machine a part of him to change the characteristics of the landscape surrounding him.

Mark Robertson slapped his stand-up “outhouse” bass laying a solid slab for Brett Whitacre’s frenetically-controlled drum work.

The hour-and-a-half show packed in cuts from the newly released “Swampblood” (“Old Spur Line,” “Hellwater“) as well as the excellent “Believe” (“Agony Wagon,” “Where’s the Devil When You Need Him?”) and the rest of the bands history that the time seemed go by in a sweaty, frantic, split-second.

For such an aggressive show the New York crowd was impressively animated yet subdued. Lots of yelling and fist-pumping but no moshing in sight.

For most right-thinking folk the Shack Shakers’ firebrand of Dixie-core might be a bit too potent a brew. For others that can trace the cultural link between the 50’s Sun Studio and the 70’s CBGBs, and has a wondering lust for genres, then it’s tonic for the soul.

Alabama’s Pine Hill Haints opened the show with their own brand of backwoods honky-Gothic tunes.

Country Singer Hank Thompson Dies at 82

Another country great has left us. Hank Thompson died from lung cancer late Tuesday at his home in the Fort Worth suburb of Keller. Thompson died just days after canceling his tour and announcing his retirement.

The last show Thompson played was Oct. 8 in his native Waco. That day was declared “Hank Thompson Day” by Gov. Rick Perry and Waco Mayor Virginia DuPuy.

Fans loved Thompson’s distinctive voice and his musical style, which drew on the Western swing first developed in the 1930s by fellow Texan Bob Wills. Thompson was named to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989.

His first hit record was “Whoa, Sailor” in 1946. That year, he started a band called the Brazos Valley Boys, which won Billboard magazine’s touring band of the year award 14 consecutive times.

A “celebration of life,” open to fans and friends, will be held Nov. 14 at Billy Bob’s Texas, a Fort Worth honky-tonk.

Survivors include his wife, Ann. He had no children.

Porter Wagoner Tribute – Nashville 10/31

A few months before the Americana Music Conference I had received an email baring a Hatch Show Print image of a young Porter Wagoner beaming and smiling and holding his guitar. he seemed to be thinking “I am the man, and kiss my ass.” This was an invitation to a tribute to the country music legend, Hall Of Fame member and and Opry fixture.

The tribute became a eulogy after Wagoner succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 80 on Sunday, October 28th.

Wagoner was riding high on the release of his Anti records album “Wagonmaster.” The album was produced, played on and shepherded by the patron saint of country music’s legacy Marty Stuart.

I made my way downtown from the Convention Center conference check in to the Tennessee State Museum where the amidst the current exhibit of Marty Stuart’s Sparkle & Twang a tribute was to be held. There was already a line forming, 20 or 25 of the faithful, and I sauntered up to the end of the line. There I met fiddler extraordinaire Barbara Lamb and her friend from Seattle (who’s name escapes me) munching on the remnants of a Subway sandwich. Lamb proved to be charming company and took time to point out the Nashville who’s who growing crowd.

With the price of admission (a $5 donation for the Museum really) came a ticket for a free beverage. As I was waining in line for my free Bub longneck I was fortunate to recognize Austin, Texas chanteuse Sunny Sweeney ahead of me. I told Sunny who I was and told her that I run this blog and she was sweet enough to state that she had seen my site. What a gal!

Then Rodney Crowell came walking around the side of the bar and I was barely able to mutter a hello and grab a handshake. But I did my best.

By the time I made my way back to my chair I noticed that the room was filled with hundreds of folks most of which where standing around the stage and seating area. Then there was a brief clamor and I saw Attorney General Janet Reno. Reno had been involved in the “Song of America” project and was in town to appear on a panel of the same name. The cool factor of the room just amped way up for me.

The show started with Jim Lauderdale doing what he does naturally, MCing the event. Singing “Slewfoot,” telling corny jokes (“I once told a the Grand Old Opry crowd, “I like classical music, like Wagner, Porter Wagoner.” – HAW!) and wearing a spangled Nudie suit Porter would be proud of, Jim mentioned that Marty Stuart was stuck out of town and not able to attend the event honoring his friend and colleague. It might have been true, but I just figured Marty was naturally too tore up to appear.

Wearing a Nudie inspired baseball cap Wagoner’s daughter, Denise, was in at a table up front with some other family members. She briefly spoke at the event and was clearly pleased with the turnout and the opportunity to pay respect to her father and receive the Americana Music Association “Americana Original Award” given to Porter posthumously.

Also in the audience was Wagoner’s pre-Dolly duet partner, a youthful appearing Norma Jean, who waived and smiled sweetly when announced.

Rodney Crowell, Jim Lauderdale, the Hacienda Brothers’ Chris Gaffney, Buddy Miller and Emmylou Harris (who felt moved to attend the event though she was not initially on the bill) all appeared to cover Porter songs and pay respect. Harris and Crowell sang “If Teardrops Were Pennies” as a duet as Porter and Dolly had done many years before. And Harris sweetly sang “Someone I Used To Know” with Miller on backing vocals. “We’ve been so inspired by him for so long,” said Emmylou, who sang two more Porter songs with Buddy before inviting Jim up for a lovely version of “Satisfied Mind.”

Mike Farris (late of the Screaming Cheetah Wheelies) hushed the crowd with a soulfully rousing version of “Green Green Grass Of Home.”

I had a chanced to see Wagoner and Stuart perform many of the songs on “Wagonmaster” in an intimate sold out show at Joe’s Pub on the East side last March and then briefly meet him backstage. I was then able to see him open for the White Stripes at Madison Square Garden a few days before my birthday last July. I attended specifilally to see Poter since I really can’t understand what the big deal is with the White Stripes, though I do respect Jack White for hand-picking Porter to open for them

I consider myself very fortunate to have had these events take place in my life and will treasure those memories.

In his brief but spectacular comeback period Porter reminded us all how elegant and eloquent country music can be.

 

 

Porter Wagoner Photo Near Stage

 

 

Rodney  Crowell

 

 

Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris and Jim Lauderdale

 

Wagoner’s daughter, Denise and  Jim Lauderdale

Me and Porter

30 Years on the Road with Gene Autry – Book Event

Something else to to do if you;re headed to the Americana Music Conference.

Nashville, TN (October 16, 2007) – Sherry Bond, the daughter of the late Johnny Bond, will unveil her father’s newly published book, 30 YEARS ON THE ROAD WITH GENE AUTRY, in the SunTrust Community Room at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 2. This free event includes a discussion of the book (led by Sherry) and a live music performance by Ranger Doug of Riders in the Sky, followed by a book signing in the Museum Store.

Bond, an Oklahoma-born singer-songwriter, was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame (1999) and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (1970).  He was a gifted entertainer and comedian who joined Autry’s entourage in 1940 as part of the Jimmy Wakely Trio.  Johnny appeared on countless radio programs and numerous films; performed as a country artist in his own right (“Hot Rod Lincoln”); and wrote hits such as “Cimarron” and “Ten Little Bottles.”

Published by Riverwood Press and the Beverly and Jim Rogers Museum of Lone Pine Film History, the book is a boon to lovers of the “Western” in “Country and Western” music.  Tales of the road; insights into the long Bond and Autry association; and Autry’s personal side are explored in a warm, conversational style.  Johnny’s admiration for Gene is evident; priceless photographs abound; and this memoir offers us, finally, a wealth of information on both men – and the times they shared.

Buy the book here.

Hank III New Release – Damn Right Rebel Proud – December 18.

Right from the dreaded Curb site, Hank III’s new release , Damn Right Rebel Proud, will be unleashed December 18 on edit: now the site reads “Coming Soon.” Mike Curb is already pulling the same shit.

It’ll come in raunchy and wussy flavors.

Let’ s hope Curb is smart enough to drop this baby on schedule.

the tracklist:

1. The Grand Ole Opry
2. Wild & Free
3. Me & My Friends
4. 6 Pack Of Beer
5. I Wish I Knew
6. If You Can’t Help Your Own
7. Candidate For Suicide
8. H8 Line
9. Long Hauls And Close Calls
10. Stoned & Alone
11. P.F.F.

Props to Ninebullets.net for the news.

Hank III – Dick In Dixie-Cunt In County – Allentown PA – 9/26/07

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jsMMUDlXmU[/youtube]

8th Annual Americana Music Festival and Conference – 10/31 – 11/04

This years Americana Music Association Festival and Conference, which runs from Halloween, Wednesday October 31st to November 4th, is shaping up to be finer than last year’s.

On top of the excellent daytime panels hosted at the Nashville Convention Center featuring seminars for artists, industry
members and those with a passion for music there is the excellent nightly showcases at local clubs.

And the whole enchilada wraps up with the Americana Honors & Awards presented at the Historic Ryman Auditorium, hosted by Jim Lauderdale and backed with a house band led by Buddy Miller. The line-up so far includes Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby, Old Crow Medicine Show, Emmylou Harris, Todd Snider, Joe Ely, Sunny Sweeney, The Avett Brothers, Gurf Morlix, Amy LaVere and Guy Clark with an after party hosted by Lost Highway Records, Proper Records, Six Shooter and Starfish Entertainment, New Frontier Touring / Ramseur Records / Full Light Records and Yep Roc Records. The party will feature Blue Rodeo, the Hacienda Brothers, John Doe, the Avett Brothers and Hayes Carll and other. See you there!

It Burns When I Pee Episode #7 Featuring William Elliott Whitmore

Hello friends. Felling run down? Feeling listless and blue? Twang Nation has the remedy for you! Our buds over at “It Burns When I Pee” have unleashed Episode #7 on an unsuspecting public, and it’s the best (and raunchiest) one yet. This episode offers songs and a great interview with singer, songwriter William Elliott Whitmore and other goodies, including that online honky-tonk angel, Cheyenne. And with 1828 downloads it’s no longer my dirty little secret…DAMMIT!!!

Popmatters Counts Down Country’s Top 100 All-Time Best Songs

Popmatters.com is in the midst of doing the contentious and thankless job of counting down the “Top 100 All-Time Best Country Songs.” As they mention:

We kept this list, in the words of Strait, pure country: No Wilco. No Flying Burrito Brothers. No Old 97’s. No alt-country—there’s a time and place for honoring those heroes, and this ain’t it.

We based this list on two things: popularity and our own opinions. Just because a song was popular, however, doesn’t mean it made the cut. Same goes for the quality of the songs; because of space restrictions, we had to leave a bunch of our faves on the editing-room floor.

Still, in our opinions, these are indeed the 100 best country songs of all time. Let the disagreeing begin.

Yeah it’s the list is littered with pop-country drek like Garth, McGraw and the Judds but with #45 bing Jerry Lee Lewis’ “39 and Holding” and  # 64 being Emmylou Harris’ & Gram Parsons’ “Love Hurts” it ain’t all bad….so far