Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis - Two Men with the Blues

It has always amazed me that Willie Nelson will record with anyone no matter their background. This eclecticism is one of Willie's strengths but he has occasionally made questionable partnerships. However, the idea to combine Nelson with Wynton Marsalis was one of genius. These two men are living icons in their respective genres Country and Jazz. However, Willie is no stranger to singing the standards. His recently re-released "Stardust" which was originally recorded in 1978, shocked the Outlaw world when Willie recorded Ballads from the 30s and 40s. As for Marsalis he is a walking encyclopedia of music history, not just Jazz. So this pairing makes perfect sense. Two Men with the Blues was recorded in January of 2007 as part of a special series sponsored by Jazz at the Lincoln Center. It was recorded at the Allen Room on New York's Upper East Side. Joining the two legends were Marsalis' Quartet and Nelson's harmonica player, Mickey Raphael.

The results of the evening are best described in technical terms, un-freakin'-believable! In fact, technically I should probably add two or three more freakin's to aptly describe it. The album starts off with a Swing style rendition of "Bright Lights Big City." Swing Jazz and Blues are the base of most of the songs but the Harmonica gives the album a bit of country soul as well. However, the harmonica sounds natural with Jazz quartet as if it belongs permanently. Not that I think that Harmonica will replace the trumpet or saxophone anytime soon but in this case it adds a cool vibe. Willie's voice sounds great with these songs also. In fact, two of the songs "Stardust" and "Georgia on My Mind" were recorded by Willie on the above mentioned Stardust album. The album does have a bit of twang in it on the lighthearted cover of Hank Williams, "My Bucket's Got a Hole in It." The fact that these two Icons are able to be lighthearted and not tale themselves too seriously is one of the most endearing qualities about this project. For example, the vocal interplay between the two on "Ain't Nobody's Business" is classic. I am certainly glad they decided to release this project as a CD so I can get a feel for what the lucky few who were there got to experience. I suggest you do the same.

This Review also appears on Twangville

RIYL Reckles Kelly - Try John D. Hale and Austin Collins

For those of you who like their new album as much as I do, read the Austin Chronicle article on Reckless Kelly and the The 9513 review of Bulletproof. However, if you like the new Reckless Kelly I think you will also like two other artists starting to make some noise on the Texas scene. One is Austin Collins out of his Namesake city in the Lone Star State and The other is The John D. Hale band.

The John D. Hale Band is from Iowa but they are gaining notoriety on the Texas and Southwest circuit. In fact Ray Randall says they are practically the House Band at Americana Roots which is high praise indeed. Their album Lost will appeal to fans of the more Rocking side of Reckless Kelly. Although they have more country undertones than Reckless Kelly. John D. Hale's musical pedigree was formed early when his older brother gave him a Robert Earl Keen album when he was just 10 years old. He subsequently immersed himself in REK and his kindred spirits and the rest as they say, is history. He especially took after Keens ability to spin an outlaw tale. On "Pistol in Each Hand," a drug deal gone wrong song he sings "He rolled one while he waited for them to gun him down." Two other songs in this mold involve jealous lovers, "Love Pulled the Trigger" and "LA County." "Stake our Claim Again" (See video below.) is a lament song in the vain of Chris Knight that addresses the plight of the rural farmer, "Should we cash the farm on in. Just move on down the line. Tell 'em all to go to hell and buy us a little more time." The album also has a hilarious hidden track called "The Local First Assembly Church of Crystal Methodists." A church that reads from the Book of Jerry Jeff and has commandment like "Don't covet your neighbors weed and pass it to the left."

Austin Collins will appeal to those who like Reckless Kelly's more country singer-songwriter tunes, of which there aren't many on Bulletproof. Collins has always been interested in songwriting but upon graduation from college he tried to be practical an d became a financial analyst for a while. Being in the Corporate Finance and Accounting field myself, I was glad to here that we all aren't complete bean counter nerds. (Collins had the good sense to get out though.) Collins songwriting is powerful and engaging, and primarily addresses the complexities of relationship on Roses are Black. This songwriter certainly has staying power.

Old Crow Medicine Show to Release 2 New Projects

is prepping for two NEW releases! They're new Album "Tennessee Pusher" is out Sep. 23rd as well as a 3 Song EP "Caroline" out Aug. 29th.

Read OCMS Article on Billboard

Alejandro Escovedo - Real Animal

Alejandro Escovedo may finally be getting his due on his new album Real Animal. He is touring this Summer with Dave Matthews, he recently shared the stage in Houston with "The Boss" (see video below) and he has a Letterman appearance scheduled for early August. Considering he has been one of the most respected musicians among his peers, he has been in influential bands like Rank & File and True Believers, No Depression named him artist of the decade for the 90's and let's not forget the fact that he almost died a couple of years ago from complications from Hepatitis, it is about damn time. In 2006 he released Boxing Mirror which was a dark reflection on his life and near death experience. On Real Animal he has a new lease on life and is ready to Rock again.

Escovedo's latest release is as reflective as Boxing Mirror but is less dark and celebrates life. In fact, he addresses the subject of enjoying life in "People." However, he does not deny the harsh realities of his past and follows that song up with "Golden Bear" in which he seems to be addressing his recent health issues. The album is a career retrospective covering all of the genres he has crossed in the past. That is a daunting task when your consider that his career covers over 30 years and includes diverse genres like Punk, Post-Punk, Alt-Country, singer-songwriter and string quartet music. To pull this off he enlists the help of former David Bowie producer Tony Visconti. He is also joined on a few tracks by his friend Chick Prophet. Real Animal totally succeeds and even has a potential radio hit in "Always a Friend." It seems Escovedo has been reborn at age 57 and I bet he has a few more great albums in him.

Alejandro and the Boss:

The Waifs and Drew Emmit

Compass Records is on a roll. Earlier this year they put out The Waybacks new release Loaded. More recently, They released The Waifs Sundirtwater. Just so things don't get stale they will be releasing Drew Emmitt's Long Road on July 15th. I have previously posted on The Waybacks. However, equally deserving of praise are The Waifs and Drew Emmitt. Both albums were co-produced by Compass Co-Founder Garry West

The Waifs release is a new direction from their earlier album Up all Night. The new record for this Australian band is more eclectic. From the electric blues of the opener "Pony" to the Jazzy title cut "Sun, Dirt, Water" to the alt-country of "How Many Miles" or even the power-pop of "Goodbye," it seems no stone is left unturned. They seem to be comfortable in so many settings that they should avoid being type cast by industry marketing execs. Sundirtwater is a diverse platform from which to launch future projects. It is also a lot of fun.



Drew Emmitt's solo projects are always all-star affairs and Long Road certainly is no exception. Collaborators include Tim O'brien, John Cowan, Stuart Duncan, Reese Wynans, Darrell Scott, Ronnie McCoury and Billy Nershi of String Cheese Incident. The album will appeal to the New Grass crowd, The Jam Band hula hoop dancers and even traditionalists. Emmitt co-wrote most of the songs on the album, including the title cut co-written with John Cowan. However, there is also one stand out cover of Supertramp's "Take the Long Way Home." On his first solo release , Freedom Ride, Emmitt did the best cover of a Bob Dylan song I have ever heard, "Tangled Up in Blue." The Supertramp cover may not beat that but it is still a great cover. There is a positive energy on this album that really cuts loose at times. The musicianship is amazing and Long Road is extremely well crafted and produced. All of which makes it Drew Emmitt's best solo project.



This review also appears on Twangville

BEST OF 2008 SO FAR

This is my third list of the year. It is based on releases through June 17th. The Truckers are still number one and it will take a great album to knock them off the pedestal. The highest debut is Old 97's at #4. Other notable debuts are My Morning Jacket at #8, Sonny Landreth at #11 and John Hiatt at #14. Anyway as always leave comments and tell me what an idiot or genius I am. I've been called a lot worse. The list follows:

1) Drive By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark
2) Tift Merrit - Another Country
3) Hayes Carll - Trouble in Mind
4) Old 97's - Blame it on Gravity
5) The Waybacks - Loaded
6) Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
7) Shawn Mullins - Honeydew
8) My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges
9) The Whigs - Mission Control
10) Ashton Shepherd - Sounds so Good
11) Sonny Landreth - From the Reach
12) Justin Townes Earle - The Good Life
13) Griffin House - Flying Upside Down
14) John Hiatt - Same Old Man
15) The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
16) The Steeldrivers - The Steeldrivers
17) Band of Heathens - Self-Titled
18) John D. Hale - Lost
19) The Waifs - Sundirtwater
20) Gary Louris - Vagabonds
21) Sierra Hull - Secrets
22) South Austin Jug Band - Strange Invitation
23) Eleven Hundred Springs - Country Jam
24) Jim Lauderdale - Honey Songs
25) Black Crowes - Warpaint
26) Del McCoury Band - Moneyland
27) Chatham County Line - IV
28) Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet - Self-Titled
29) Allison Moorer - Mockingbird
30) R.E.M. - Accelerate
31) Railroad Earth - Amen Corner
32) Widespread Panic - Free Somehow
33) Jeb Loy Nichols - Days are Mighty
34) Stephen Malkmus - Real Emotional Trash
35) Mando Saenz - Bucket
36) The Weepies - Hideaway
37) Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin'
38) North Mississippi All-Stars - Hernando
39) Ralston Bowles - Rally at the Texas Hotel
40) Tim O'brien - Chameleon
41) Paul Thorn - Long Way from Tupelo
42) George Strait - Troubadour
43) American Gun - The Mean and the Machine
44) Wes Charlton - World on Fire
45) Twilight Hotel - Highway Prayer
46) Black Mountain - In the Future
47) Rhonda Vincent - Good Thing Goin'
48) Carlene Carter - Stronger
49) James McMurtry - Just us Kids
50) Jackie Greene - Giving Up the Ghost
51) Willie Nelson - Moment of Forever
52) Austin Collins - Roses are Black
53) Langhorne Slim - Self-Titled
54) The Hollyfelds - Saratoga
55) Malcom Holcombe - Gamblin' House
56) Jason Collett - Here's to Being There
57) Ben Sollee - Learning to Bend
58) Firewater - The Golden Hour
59) Tab Benoit - Night Train to Nashville
60) Marah - Angels of Destruction

Allow Me to Introduce You

Hang Jones (AKA Stephen Grillos) is a bay area singer-songwriter who has recorded an album based around an outlaw tale. I was hooked by the concept, but the results seem even better. The tale centers around the Outlaw William Bishop. The Ballad of Carlsbad County is the title of his self-released album due out in September. Check out his Website to get the complete tale. Also check out the video below. Based on what I see on his site this seems to be a well crafted project. I hope you agree. Register on his website to be e-mailed as to when you can buy the album.

ON LETTERMAN THIS WEEK

Tifft Merrit will appear tomorrow Wed. 25th



Fellow Brmingham natives Wild Sweet Orange, who I have posted on previously, will be on Friday June 27th.

We Can't Make it Here Anymore

DEL MCCOURY AND FRIENDS PAY TRIBUTE TO THE STRUGGLES OF RURAL AMERICA

Del McCoury has put out a compilation project that sings about the plight of rural America. The album enlists a stellar group of artists to tell this story. Moneyland, which is also the name of the title cut, invokes the spirit of FDR and his New Deal to tell this story. The first and last cut on the album are excerpts from a couple of FDR’s famous fireside chats, which makes this the first and likely last album review I will do which includes tracks by a dead president. Speaking of dead presidents, money is really the central subject on this project. Every song is really about either the lust for or lack of money, as the greedy are pushing the less fortunate to the margins, especially in rural America.

The songs and musicianship are as compelling as concept. The Del McCoury Band brings two original songs to the table. The first is the title cut "Moneyland" and the other is the hilarious "40 Acres and a Fool," about a new money poser. Country Music Hall of Famer Merle Haggard supplies the 1973 classic "If We Make It Through December" and the more recent "What Happened?," which appeared on his McCoury Music bluegrass debut of last year. The project also includes Emmylou Harris's and Rodney Crowell's glistening take on his "Mama's Hungry Eyes," Dan Tyminski's 2001 recording of "Carry Me Across The Mountain," based on a true Depression era story and Haggard and Marty Stuart's searing "Farmer's Blues." Chris Knight's "A Train Not Running," a more recent tale of economic devastation, is almost painful to listen to but is too compelling to skip.

The album will release on July 8th. The best way to sum it up is in Del's own words. "It's sad to me that country kids can't stay in their hometowns any more. There's no opportunity, there are no jobs, there's just nothing. And at the other end of life, there are a lot of people losing the pensions they worked for-that happened to my wife, Jean-and there are more people relying on Social Security than ever. You know, we have a little fun on this album with that Beatles song, 'When I'm 64,' but really, it's no joke. It used to seem like 60 was really old, but nowadays, it feels more like middle age, and to have a lot of years ahead of you without being sure that what you spent a lifetime working for, like a pension or Social Security, is going to be there-well, that just doesn't seem right... That hillbilly boy in Appalachia and that farm boy in the midwest and that black kid in the inner city, they're all looking for the same thing: a way out and up. One of these days, those kids are going to start working together on their common problems-and when they do, they'll fix them." I hope so Del.

City Stages Video Wrap Up

For all the hype Bonnaroo receives just a few hours south, we had a pretty good festival in Birmingham last weekend. For those whoa Aren't familiar with City Stages, it used to be one of the better festivals around. However, years of bad weather and debt trouble hurt the event and made it a shadow of it's former self. But Stages booked a deal with a national booking agency that also books for Bonnaroo and things turned for the better this year. While still not what it used to be, it had a great lineup this year. Here are some highlights of the weekend:

FRIDAY

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit - I'll let a quote from my son Charlie be the review here. "Daddy this is cool. It is so loud I feel like I have 2 hearts." In other words he rocked. Also, he gave me one of the best memories ever from a music festival. When they played the DBT song "outfit" and Jason dedicated it to his father and all fathers, my son crawled in my lap and said "Daddy I love you. You are a good dad." Folks it doesn't get any better than that.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - ''Grown,'' live at City Stages


Old Crow Medicine Show - It was late and already way past my son's bedtime so we had to miss OCMS but I heard they were good.

SATURDAY

I had unavoidable family obligations on Saturday. So I missed my 3rd day of Stages in the 18 years I have lived in Birmingham. I will share some video instead. I heard Grace Potter was the best act on Saturday from a couple of people the following day.

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - live at City Stages

Griffin House at City Stages

OCMS


Ben Harper on Saturday


SUNDAY

The lineup on the Songwriter stage was: Elizabeth Cook, Pieta Brown, Hackensaw Boys, Shooter Jennings and Robert Earl Keen. Not one of those artists disappointed. Elizabeth Cook got it started with her country flair and Keen closed it out as you would expect with his typical Texas showmanship. However, The Hackensaw Boys may have put on the best show and they certainly picked up a bunch of fans in the Magic City.

All that being said the Flaming Lips generated the biggest buzz of the entire weekend. I ran into a couple of freinds after the festival ended and received rave reviews from them.. Amazingly enough thay weren't even that familiar with their music. Howwever, in order to see the Flaming Lips I would have needed to skip Robert Earl and that would have been sacreligious.

The Flaming Lips

The Flaming Lips - live at City Stages

More Flaming Lips:

Signposts: Along the Information Super Highway

Here is some things being talked about in the Blogger community.

AmericanRoots Ray Randall reports that Jason & the Scorchers will be receiving a Lifetime Achievment Award from the Americana Music Association.

Nine Bullets has posted links to live recordings by Lucero.

The Boot does a great interview with Charlie Daniels who is celebrating 50 years in music.

Hickory Wind doesn't want anyone to tell Hayes Carll about the "death of alt-country."

Twangville's Mayer is the best there is at finding the underground bands. This week he introduces you to The Teenage Prayers.

The Infamous Stringdusters

The Infamous Stringdusters released there self-titled sophomore album on Sugar Hill this week. In a stroke of genius, they brought is Tim O’brien as producer. The Stringdusters like O’brien have a fairly uncommon ability to stand simultaneously in both the Traditional and New Grass camps with no apparent contradiction. Their previous release Fork in the Road was a very good album. However, the production was a bit too sterile. Not unlike jazz, Bluegrass is best when it has spontaneity, which was missing on Fork. What this sextet of virtuosity was missing on Fork is found on this new project. I have no doubt that O’brien is responsible for this.

The album starts out in a very inventive way, with three songs written by three different band members. Each of the songs is sung by their creator. “Won’t Be Coming Back” is sung and written by Bass player Travis Book. “Well, Well” is sung and written by Dobro player Andy Hall. “When Silence is the Only Sound” is sung and written by Fiddler Jeremy Garrett. Other songs of note are the phenomenal instrumental “Glass Elevator,” the more traditional “I Wonder” and the high octane “You Can’t Handle the Truth.” It seems that all the rave reviews bestowed on them has left them more comfortable and relaxed. They no longer need to prove they belong. They just need to relax and jam, which is exactly what they do.



This review also appears on Twangville

City Stages Preview !!!!

For my local Birmingham readers it is City Stages time. Also, it is time to eat some crow. Last year I predicted the death of the festival. I was so wrong. With a new booking agency helping out, this is the best lineup in years! In fact, on Saturday there are multiple times where acts are playing simultaneously and I am going to need to miss some good acts.

The folks at al.com and The Birmingham News have asked me for my recommendations. Many of the acts playing this year are already familiar to Birmingham. Will Hoge, North Mississippi All-Stars, Marc Broussard, Ben Harper and Robert Earl Keen do not require an introduction from anyone. What about the best of the rest? Here are some other bands that I am most excited about:

Friday:
Carolina Chocolate Drops - Three African-American musicians taking Appalachian music and mixing it with gospel and other traditional styles. Their set will be a musical melting pot. I have a feeling they will be the surprise hit of the festival.

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit - Many are familiar with his work with Drive-By-Truckers, but he has his own band now. His song "Dress Blues" is powerful live.

Old Crow Medicine Show - They have a high energy set of traditional tunes played with Rock n' Roll angst.

Saturday:
Act of Congress - This is a local New Grass band that is not getting the recognition they deserve. Their musicianship is excellent and they put on a really good live show. I hope It will be worth coming out early to see them on Saturday.

The Dexateens - This Tuscaloosa based band boasts an album produced by Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood of Drive-By-Truckers.

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals - This will be show stealer no doubt. A mixture of Blues and Soul delivered with an attitude.

Griffin House - His new album is one of the best singer-songwriter releases of the year.

Sunday:
Elizabeth Cook - Authentic country. She has great personality and a voice as real as Loretta. Her song "It Takes Balls to be a Woman" will be a crowd favorite.

Hackensaw Boys - This bluegrass act is eclectic enough to have shared the stage with Modest Mouse. If you like OCMS on Friday, come see these guys on Sunday.

Shooter Jennings - If you think he is coasting on daddy's name. Think again.

THE WINNERS ARE!!!!!

Tim Mac from Boston and Ray.

I have Tim's E-mail and will send yours out in the next couple of days. Ray if you will click on my profile and send me an e-mail I will send yours out also.

Congratulations!!!!

Thanks for participating in my first contest.

The New Wave of New Grass - Abigail Washburn & The Sparrow Quartet / Ben Sollee

When you talk about the artists taking Bluegrass in new directions you think about musical directions not the directions on a compass. Yes many artists have followings in Europe and the Kreuger Brothers are from Norway, but China is not a country I think of as craving a good banjo tune. Besides can you imagine someone trying to call a Contra dance with Four million participants in Beijing. Well Abigail Washburn (better known for her role in Uncle Earl) has released an album in which sings about China and, on a couple songs, she sings in Chinese. She also toured China and Tibet in 2006 along with the help of three friends. Collectively they are known as the Sparrow Quartet. The people who join her are Casey Driesen (Fiddle), Ben Sollee (Cello) and none other than Bela Fleck on Banjo. Fleck of course has had more success than anyone fusing Bluegrass with World Music, making him a perfect inclusion in the band. This self-titled album is innovative; but more than that it is as beautiful and sincere as any album you will buy this year. It is also evidence of the transcendence of Folk Music. It is music for all folks everywhere. Unlike politics Folk Music does not see borders or color.

Check out the video:


Speaking of the Sparrow Quartet, Ben Sollee will be releasing his excellent solo album Learning to Bend this Tuesday June 10th. Less wordly than the Sparrow Quartet, Sollee mixes Jazz, Classical and Bluegrass to fuse together an eclectic release that will fit nicely in your collection right between The Sparrow Quartet and Uncle Earl. There is a hint of Melancholly in his music and lyrics on this album, especially on the more politically charged songs. But still it has a smooth vibe that makes you want to sit back and listen.

Check out his MySpace Page

and YouTube video below.




This review also appears on Twangville

Band of Heathens Give Away Contest!!!!

Hi all this is the first contest I have posted here on AWT. The Band of Heathens has been gracious enough to provide me with a couple of copies to give away.

Just leave a comment to this post about the Heathens. Refer to my previous post in which I reviewed the album. If you don't leave me a web link I won't know your e-mail address. So check back on 6-8 when I will choose the winner. I will give the name of the winners. Then they can e-mail with your address to send the CD.

Good Luck Everybody!

Settin'' the Woods on Fire: This Week's Charts

This is a periodic feature in which I post on AWT the top albums and debuts in the airplay charts from Americana Music Assoc., XM Cross Country and FMQB Non-Commercial Adult Alternative chart. I haven't posted the charts in six weeks because there was not a ton of movement for a while. Now that here have been a rash of Spring releases things are shaken up a bit. Links to all of these charts are found to the right in the AWT favorite links list.

Americana Music Association - Airplay Week of May 19th
1) Hayes Carll - Trouble in Mind
2) James McMurtry - Just us Kids
3) Van Morrison - Keep it Simple
4) Paul Thorn - A Long Way from Tupelo
5) Old 97's - Blame it on Gravity
6) Tim O'Brien - Chameleon
7) John Hiatt- Same Old Man
8) Kathleen Edwards - Asking for Flowers
9) Justin Townes Earle - The Good Life
10) Waybacks - Loaded

Debuts
Railroad Earth - Amen Corner

XM Ch.12 Cross Country - Cross Checking week of May 19th
1) James McMurtry - Just Us Kids
2) Waybacks - Loaded
3) Shurman - Waiting For The Sunset
4) Jim Lauderdale & The Dream Players - Honey Songs
5) Carlene Carter - Stronger
6) Stone Coyotes - VIII
7) Matt King - Rube
8) Justin Townes Earle - The Good Life
9) Tim O'Brien - Chameleon
10)Kathleen Edwards - Asking For Flowers

Debuts
47) Girls, Guns & Glory - Inverted Valentine
48) Guy Forsyth - Calico Girl

FMQB AAA Non-Commercial - Airplay Week of May 19th

1) DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - Narrow Stairs
2) OLD 97S - Blame It On Gravity
3) R.E.M. - Accelerate
4) ELVIS COSTELLO - Momofuku
5) BLACK KEYS - Magic Potion
6) COLDPLAY - Viva La Vida
7) AIMEE MANN - Smilers
8) JACKIE GREENE - Giving Up The Ghost
9) STEVE WINWOOD - Nine Lives
10) VAN MORRISON - Keep it Simple

Debuts:
24) James Hunter the Hard Way
25) Mason Jennings - In the Ever

The Band of Heathens

The Story of how The Band of Heathens came together is testimony to how music can and often does create community. The buzz from Austin around these guys has grown organically from Wednesday night gigs at MoMo's. As the story goes they orginally started as the three principle songwriters (Colin Brooks, Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist) playing three sets on Wednesdays. Then they started sitting in with each other and eventually started playing as a group. Apparently one night a local paper mistakenly said a band named The Heathens was playing at MoMo's. As a joke that night they referred to themselves as a "Band of Heathens" and it stuck. So a band that wasn't together and had no name is now a band with a name. It is as simple as that.

How much of the above tale has been altered by the folklore of the Austin music scene I have no idea. I do know this. The reason they are together now is because fans showed up and loved their music every Wednesday night. An unsolicited loyal fanbase built them from the ground up. Tht is the music "scene" at its best. They were created on stage in front of a live audience, and not by a major label hype machine in a corner office. Howe popular are they in Austin? They won Best New Band at the 2006 Austin Music Awards, before they even had a studio album out. The new self-titled release was produced by Ray Wilie Hubbard and features appearances by Patty Griffin, Gurf Morlix and Stephen Bruton among others. It was released on May 20th.

STAY TUNED FOR A GIVEAWAY CONTEST. THE BAND HAS BEEN NICE ENOUGH TO PROVIDE A FEW COPIES TO AWT.

Check out Jackson Station and their Website.



This Review also appears on: Twangville

Fresh Thoughts on the New Old 97s

The Old 97s are one of my favorite bands. Maybe even my fovorite. A lot of people are saying the new CD Blame it on Gravity is recapturing their early sound. In fact that has been the tone of most of the reviews I've seen. I don't disagree with that point. However, this album is more than that. It is fresh also. This is no attempt to reproduce early works. What makes Gravity so refreshing to me is that it captures both sides of the band. The first side is the band that made the ground breaking Alt-Country album Too Far to Care. The other side is the band that made one of the best all time Power Pop albums Sattelite Rides. These two sides merge on Gravity and show the OLD 97s are not standing still and certainly are not going backwards. They are reborn and entering a new stage of their career. I for one can't wait to see where it goes.

I would be interested to see what you think. Join the conversation below.

Wes Charlton - World on Fire

Every so often I encounter a new artist that really gets me fired up. Since I entered the blogosphere a little over a year ago, my opportunity to discover these upstart talents has been an unexpected benefit. Nashville’s Wes Charlton is one of those artists. All I can say is watch out. This kid is special. His new album World on Fire was recently released on Judy Collins’ Wildflower records. He is a roots influenced singer-songwriter who is a talented lyricist and composer. He is only 24 years but World on Fire is evocative of more established songwriters like a Ryan Adams. His music has Americana undertones but it is equally contemporary.

The album starts out with the slow, brooding but deeply moving “Daytime Blues.” Then it moves to the more rocking angst ridden “Still Here,” which is reflective on a life Charlton seems to feel is beyond his control. In fact, this is a recurring theme he returns to on other songs like “Red Eyes, Blue Lights.” The uncontrollable circumstances of life is a concept that makes the album very relevant to the listener. In fact, sometimes the circumstances of our life are our on doing. “My heart is broken. I paid the cost. I had to get free but all I got was lost.” (“The Wait.”). He also comments on our failed attempts to break free by invoking Icarus and his wax wings on “Change Will Come.” Musically the album is never stale and even gets adventurous when mixing banjo with electric guitar. Wes Charlton is just getting started and I have a feeling we will be hearing more about him in the future.



This review also appears on Twangville

Wild Sweet Orange Exclusive Video on Spinner

I love to see bands from Alabama go national. So it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Wild Sweet Orange. I first heard them through Reg's Coffeehouse. They are an Indie Rock band with a Rootsy undertone. They recently filmed their EPK for the forthcoming album "We Have Cause to be Uneasy." They will also be starting a national tour to promote the album. The video introduces you to the band and to their town and mine, Birmingham. Check it out on Spinner:

Wild Sweet Orange, 'Have Cause To Be Uneasy' video premiere on Spinner

A chance to "Put the O back in Country"

It is time to stop complaining about mainstream Nashville and launch a coup.

GAC is doing there own version of "Nashville Star." I was initially cynical but then I had an epiphany. If some of the underground country acts I hear from daily would enter they could actually win. It would be a victory Root Music. So I am issuing a challenge to all people with talent who read this blog. (Especially since the writer of this blog has absolutely no talent.) Enter this contest and win it for the ghost of Hank Williams. The press release is below:

A National Talent Search for Country Music’s Next Great Artist
Contestants Compete By Submitting Performance Videos Online – Enter Now

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Musicians who love the spotlight and dream of the day when millions of fans will scream their name now have the chance to show their mettle. Television network Great American Country (GAC) is joining the ranks of its sister networks HGTV and Food Network by premiering The Next GAC Star, a nationwide talent search for the next country music star, in a partnership with artist development company Music Nation.

Six finalists will be flown to Nashville to be featured in a final two-part television special on September 3 and 10, with a LIVE elimination in the second show. The winning artist will receive a record deal and a music video, which will air on GAC.

Beginning today and through July 14th, GAC will accept video, mp3s, and photos from hopeful country music enthusiasts looking for their shot at becoming a recording artist at www.gactv.com/star. In addition to submitting videos online, some applicants will be able to tape audition videos in-person by visiting the GAC Summer Tour Bus, which hits the road May 1 and will travel to select markets throughout the summer.

“There are two phenomenon currently at play in the music industry: the rise of consumer-generated music content on the Internet and the success of artists participating in national talent competitions. Thanks to our relationship with Music Nation, we’ve incorporated both aspects into one show with The Next GAC Star,” says Sarah Trahern, senior vice president of programming for the network. “Viewers can upload their favorite performances online with the hopes of seeing themselves on the network and possibly winning it all.”

Voting begins May 23rd and will run in three phases. For the first eight weeks, the public will vote on submissions using Music Nation’s head-to-head player, which randomly pits two artists against each other and asks the user to choose a favorite. During this period, there will be two weekly winners: the highest ranked artist from the head-to-head standings and an “Industry Insiders” Pick, an artist collectively chosen by GAC and Music Nation staffers. Select video submissions will also air in the new series, Next GAC Star, which premieres on June 1 and will broadcast every Sunday. During the second phase, the 16 weekly winners will be narrowed down to a field of six by Next GAC Star’s panel of celebrity judges, to be announced next month. Finally, these six finalists will move on to be featured on the two TV specials, where the Next GAC Star will ultimately be determined.

“In the past, we’ve launched a number of successful talent searches for the rock, pop, and urban genres, and this new partnership with GAC allows us to extend our brand into the devoted country music fan base,” says Daniel Klaus, Music Nation CEO. “This competition allows undiscovered artists a real shot at the career they dream of, in addition to having their music played on GAC.”

Interested artists and viewers can get more information on Next GAC Star by visiting www.gactv.com/star .

Signposts: Along the Information Super Highway

Here is what som of my blogger friends are covering:

Check out the Old 97s Review on Twangville.

Erica Says:

(Blame it in Gravity) merges the big Johnny Cash-guitar twangy feel that was so prevalent in earlier records like my all-time favorite Wreck Your Life as well as the more straight-ahead Brit Pop twangy feel found on Satellite Rides. The 97s finally seem to realize that you can go home again, and by incorporating the person you used to be with the person you have become, the two halves can create a solid whole that endures

Read Americana Roots review of the New Sierra Hull

Sierra Hull is poised to make a huge impact on the modern bluegrass scene. One can only wonder how she can continue to improve with experience. We should all enjoy this.

Matt at The 9513 says of Ashton Shepherd and her song "Sounds So Good"

Sincerity courses and pulsates through this song. Just as Travis described love in the only words that a country boy understands, Shepherd lovingly sings her life’s soundtrack in a voice imbued with honest, lived experiences

BEST OF 2008 SO FAR

This is my second list of the year. I'll add to it each month, but eventually I will cap it. How big will the list get? I have no idea but probably not over 60. The list includes releases through April. The Truckers are still number one and it will take a great album to knock them off the pedestal. The highest debut is Hayes Carll at #3. Other notable debuts are Griffin House at #10, South Austin Jug Band at #11 and R.E.M.'s return to excellence at #16. There are also 2 notable jumps. Ashton Shepherd moves up to #8 as I have since purchased the full album and realize how truly great it is. Also, onfurther reflection, The Black Crowes are up to #18. Anyway as always leave comments and tell me what an idiot or genius I am. I've been called a lot worse. I have given my reason for the omission of the Kathleen Edwards previously. However, I keep hearing good songs from that album and may have to give in next month. So here it is:

1) Drive By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark
2) Tift Merrit - Another Country
3) Hayes Carll - Trouble in Mind
4) The Waybacks - Loaded
5) Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
6) Shawn Mullins - Honeydew
7) The Whigs - Mission Control
8) Ashton Shepherd - Sounds so Good
9) Justin Townes Earle - The Good Life
10) Griffin House - Flying Upside Down
11) South Austin Jug Band - Strange Invitation
12) The Steeldrivers - The Steeldrivers
13) Gary Louris - Vagabonds
14) Allison Moorer - Mockingbird
15) The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
16) R.E.M. - Accelerate
17) Jim Lauderdale - Honey Songs
18) Black Crowes - Warpaint
19) Stephen Malkmus - Real Emotional Trash
20) Chatham County Line - IV
21) Mando Saenz - Bucket
22) The Weepies - Hideaway
23) Widespread Panic - Free Somehow
24) Jeb Loy Nichols - Days are Mighty
25) Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin'
26) Carlene Carter - Stronger
27) George Strait - Troubadour
28) American Gun - The Mean and the Machine
29) North Mississippi All-Stars - Hernando
30) Twilight Hotel - Highway Prayer
31) Black Mountain - In the Future
32) Paul Thorn - Long Way from Tupelo
33) Rhonda Vincent - Good Thing Goin'
34) James McMurtry - Just us Kids
35) Jackie Greene - Giving Up the Ghost
36) Willie Nelson - Moment of Forever
37) The Hollyfelds - Saratoga
38) Malcom Holcombe - Gamblin' House
39) Jason Collett - Here's to Being There
40) Marah - Angels of Destruction

Band of Heathen New Record

The Band of Heathens new record will release on May 20th. I missed this when highlighting new release last week and will make up for it with an MP3 (used as always by permission.)and a video. The buzz from Austin Around these guys has grown organically from Wednesday night gigs at MoMo's. They won Best New Band at the 2006 Austin Music Awards. The self-titled release was produced by Ray Wilie Hubbard and features appearances by Patty Griffin, Gurf Morlix, Stephen Bruton.

Check out Jackson Station and their Website.