Reviews | Americana Roots

Mar

2010

Drew Kennedy – Alone, But Not Lonely (Live) (Free Download)

Posted by John Walker | Comments : 2370(0)2010-03-15+23%3A54%3A28John+Walker

There is something warm and soothing about live acoustic music. It allows the singer to paint a picture with his lyrics with amazing clarity and passion. When you combine well written lyrics along with vocals that float almost effortlessly with the strumming of the guitar, you have Americana music in its purest form.

Drew Kennedy has given a gift to us all with his latest release “Alone, But Not Lonely.” When I say “gift,” I mean it in every sense of the word. Believe it or not, you can download this for free if you like. Here is the link:

http://www.lonestarmusic.com/free_drew.asp

You may also buy a limited edition version of the CD as well. There are 300 limited edition CD’s, with each hand carved linoleum block black ink on cardboard CD sleeve prints. Each one will be numbered and autographed as well. These will be first come, first served, available either at Lone Star Music, or on the road at the shows. I highly recommend you order this before they disappear. It is that good.

The CD is comprised of 12 live songs, 6 songs from previously released material, plus 6 new songs which have yet to see the light of day. Kennedy has also kindly included introductions for these songs, which provides some great insight as to where these songs were derived. I must admit, after hearing some of the ideas where his songs originated, I had to shake my head in amazement. The guy is literal genius.

Of the 6 songs which were previously released, 5 of them appear on his most recent studio success “An Audio Guide To Cross Country Travel.” The only song from a prior release is touching “The Last Waltz.” Kennedy provides some humorous details behind this song which he calls one of his favorites.

From the opening chords of the CD, you realize just what a treat this is going to be. The live energy jumps out at you immediately as Kennedy starts out with “Cincinnati.” Mixing in the intros of the new songs with the prior material creates an atmosphere allowing the listener to be sitting among the others at the show, enjoying the night.

Before you get the idea that there must be something wrong with these 6 new songs since they have not appeared on any prior releases, forget it. “Tending Bar By The Tracks At Midnight In Tupelo, Mississippi” (yes, that is one song) was co-written with fellow Texan Rodney Hayden while out on the road. The song, and great story behind it, should not be missed. In fact, all 6 new songs provide an introspective look into this great artist/writer. “AM Radio” along with “We’ve All Got Marks To Make” are just two more examples of his broad talents.

The highlight for me has to be the live version of “St. Abilene,” which appears on the “An Audio Guide To Cross Country Travel” album. This is just a beautiful song, but when you strip it down to the man, the music, and a guitar…it floors you. Kennedy’s vocal strengths truly shine.

One more thing….as he states in the liner notes for this release….Kennedy just turned 30 years old. He states this is sort of a “celebration” of that achievement. Honestly, how many artists out there today would provide this great music for free? Do yourself….and your friends a favor….tell them about this guy…and his music. Let them get this free download if they need convincing. There will be no disappointment….and the guy truly deserves it.

Don’t forget to check out my personal blog for more great music related stuff…http://americanamusichound.blogspot.com/

Mar

2010

Tom Savage Trio- The County Line

Posted by Don Zelazny | Comments : 2364(0)Tom+Savage+Trio-+The+County+Line2010-03-13+18%3A10%3A33Don+Zelazny

Category : Blog, Music, Reviews

Kingston, Ontario’s Tom Savage fourth studio album called The County Line recently founds its way to my ears. Even though it is a 2008 release it deserves your attention if you haven’t heard it. This is the first release under the Tom Savage Trio name. The trio consists of Tom Savage – guitar, vocals and mandolin; Geoff Chown – bass; and Sandy Mackenzie -drums, backing vocals. Think of them as a modern day Americana power trio, at least on this disc. While previous releases from Tom (solo) have been more acoustic, this disc is plugged in and rowdy!

There are nine high octane cuts on the disc, which opens in a hurry with Leaving In A Hurry. The highlight of the disc is the title track, with a guitar attack I imagine must be great to hear live! Perhaps speaking of himself, or maybe some of his obvious influences (Neil Young) is the line from the track Old Rock ‘N’ Rollers:
“Old rock ‘n’ rollers never die, they just keep rollin’ on”

The only time they slow down for a breath is on Tired Old Cliche. Then its back to full speed and on the road for 48 Hours. Then like a good power trio, they end with the lengthy tune Arizona, which features a long power chord fade out ending that even does fade out and return! I held up my lighter when it was done!!

If you like your Americana amped up, i.e. The Bottle Rockets or Drive-By-Truckers then you are sure to like this disc, yet another stellar release from our neighbors to the North!

Mar

2010

Marley’s Ghost – Ghost Town

Posted by John Walker | Comments : 2346(0)Marley%27s+Ghost+-+Ghost+Town2010-03-12+21%3A29%3A35John+Walker

Category : Blog, Music, Reviews

Tags: Cowboy Jack Clement, John Hartford, Marley's Ghost, Shawn Camp, Tim O'Brien, Warren Zevon, Willis Alan Ramsey

Ever ask yourself what has happened to real music as you search your radio dial….looking for anything that sounds appealing? The music is still out there, you just need to look in the right places. Some nuggets may be harder to find than others, but when they are discovered, a smile crosses your face as you sit back proudly and enjoy.

One nugget you definitely need to find is the latest from Marley’s Ghost titled “Ghost Town.” One look at the song list should tell you something. Mixed into the 14 songs are covers of Shawn Camp, legendary Willis Alan Ramsey, John Hartford, Warren Zevon, Kimmie Rhodes, Tracy Schwartz, and Tim O’Brien. Throw in a couple of covers of Cowboy Jack Clement, who also produces the record, and you have the ingredients for a potent record for sure.

Oh, did I mention they also do a great job on 3 originals, one written by Mike Phelan, and the other two penned by Dan Wheetman? Each blends exceptionally well in with the strong covers, never missing a beat.

Marley’s Ghost is essentially comprised of 5 main members. They can all sing, providing lead and harmonies, plus are outstanding instrumentalists. Mike Phelan is an accomplished guitarist, and also contributes on dobro. Dan Wheetman is an exceptional bass and banjo player. Jon Wilcox does an amazing job on mandolin. Jerry Fletcher accentuates the string music very well on piano and organ. Finally, tying it all together, is Ed Littlefield, Jr., who does a masterful job on steel guitar.

It is difficult to pick out highlights, since all songs here are exceptional. Whether it is the Willis Alan Ramsey song “Goodbye To Old Missoula,” the catchy “Poor Old Dirt Farmer,” which was written by Tracy Schwartz but made famous by the recent cover by Levon Helm, or the John Hartford classic “Here I Am In Love Again,” the music flows effortlessly.

02 Goodbye To Old Missoula

This is the bands ninth album, and perhaps their best overall. Not allowing themselves to be pigeon-holed into any specific genre is certainly a blessing for the listener, as they do a great job mixing in tempos.

With so much talent available, Cowboy Jack does a very good job balancing the vocals and instrumentals, allowing each to stand on its own merits. Of course, it does not hurt that the songs are all written by some of the best songwriters as well. This is an easy album to sit back, sing along, and enjoy.

Mar

2010

Jeremy Porter – Party of One

Posted by Ric Fox | Comments : 2350(1)Jeremy+Porter+-+Party+of+One2010-03-12+21%3A29%3A10Ric+Fox

Category : Music, Reviews

Tags: Jeremy Porter

After listening to “Party of One,” Jeremy Porter’s debut solo CD, it’s easy to see what makes Americana music a deeper listen than pure Pop. Both genres share the synthesis of multiple source genres, but while Pop is sweet like cotton candy and can be as satisfying as a rice cake, good Americana challenges you to become an active listener, to get personally involved. And that’s what the best parts of this accomplished songwriter and guitarist’s new record do. They draw you into their reality and let you live there for a little while. And it’s not always an easy place to live.

The songs on the CD, which was released in January 2010 through Magwheel records, swing on a pendulum between introspective acoustic numbers and punk-inspired rockers, with Porter’s fine guitar work threading the songs together into a musical whole. With the perfect voice to match the deeply-layered content of his songs, Porter sounds a little like a young Ray Davies, especially on the Kinks-tinged “Not Like You’re Mine,” which even has a great Dave Davies-sounding guitar part.

The opening song, “Sidewalk Ends,” along with “Last Time I Saw You Happy,” and “Dead on Your Feet” comprise the acoustic or mostly-acoustic songs, which find Porter sounding like he’s restraining himself from jumping out of his chair and smashing his guitar. The guy is intense, even on acoustic guitar. “Hallmark Holiday” starts off acoustic and then turns electric with a blazing guitar solo and lots of great dynamics. These songs convey an intimacy that compels you to be engaged with the songwriter. Only “Dead on Your Feet” seems a little out of place here.

For the electric songs, Porter really seems relaxed and ready to cut loose. While the play-on-words title “Out Inside” may sound a little contrived, in the lyric it isn’t. He makes it sound natural, and it works in the song. While an interesting idea, “The Turnaround” doesn’t ever seem to really get off the ground. But “When September Passed Us By” makes up for it in spades. This is probably the most fully realized song both musically and lyrically on the record. The singing, writing, and playing all come together here to make a solid lynchpin for the CD.

And finally a personal favorite, “Hundred Bucks” presents an open, free and fun Country, Hip Hop, Neil Youngian rocker with drum loops and a wah-wah guitar. Now there’s enough blending of genres to satisfy any roots fans.

Mar

2010

Drunk On Crutches – People.Places.Things.

Posted by kyle | Comments : 2332(4)2010-03-09+04%3A39%3A09kyle

Category : Blog, Music, Reviews

Tags: Drunk On Crutches

Have you ever decided to listen to new CD, not knowing what to expect? Sure you have. And when the first song starts, you are not only surprised, but ready to hear what’s next? Well, that’s what happened to me when I began listening to Drunk On Crutches’ new release ‘People. Places. Things.’

Even after I was thrown on my ear by the strong guitar intro, I wasn’t ready for the soulful rasp of Georgia native turned Los Angeles songstress Jennifer Whittenburg. The opening track, ‘Tupelo’ sent my mind reeling back to the first time I laid ears on Sheryl Crow’s Tuesday Night Music Club in 1993. Soon after I was knee deep in the next 11 songs, never once thinking about skipping ahead in fear I would miss something. ‘Using Me Up’ slid right into an excellent mix of gritty guitars, a sharp harmonica, blended harmonies and a heart pounding backbeat. Jennifer then came out of nowhere with a guitar and keys driven number entitled ‘One Night Stand.’ From the very first line, “Living with this disposition, it’s hard to keep myself in line,” I found myself feeling she had tapped into my thoughts, or I had been living someone else’s songs.

When I finally thought that there was no way Drunk On Crutches’ songwriting and Jennifer’s sultry voice could possibly be showcased any better, I was awestruck by ‘Oh Well’. A powerful ballad that not only proved me wrong but also was reminiscent of a personal conversation that she is having, with you, her listener and new friend. By the time I was tapping my foot to ‘Apt. 16’, there was no doubt I was all in, and had become a fan.

From ‘California, You’ll Have To Wait’, which made me want to roll down the windows and hit the highway, to a cover of Neil Young’s ‘L.A’, People. Places. Things. left me wanting nothing more than to start the CD over. All the way down to the closing track ‘We Like It’ (and we did), this release couldn’t get any better. There is even a hint of the infamous Whiskeytown , as one of the many special guests is percussionist Curt Bisquera.

So, while reading this and planning your next musical purchase, I would put Drunk On Crutches at the forefront of my list, because who really doesn’t like People. Places.,or Things.

Written by : Kyle “Scoot” Drescher

Mar

2010

The Council of Smokers and Drinkers- Grizzled

Posted by Don Zelazny | Comments : 2311(0)2010-03-07+16%3A31%3A56Don+Zelazny

Category : Blog, Music, Reviews

Nashville, Austin, Memphis……Anchorage?? Last year we wrote about Alaska band The Whipsaws on our site. I’m happy to report that we have another tasty musical export from the Cold North. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you The Council Of Smokers And Drinkers. Our friend Von has played the group on his podcast recently so you may have already heard of these guys. I know it gets cold and dark for a good portion of the year up there, so I suppose the band has had plenty of inside time to write tunes and play together. Lead man Russell Biggs spent considerable time in Texas, some of it in medical school. I’m not sure if he ever graduated so I don’t know if he can heal a body, but I know the music can sure heal the soul!!

Describing their sound the band says, “the tone has a heavy blues influence dripping from the twin flame Stratocasters and is complimented with wry, and sometimes dark, true-to-life lyrics thoroughly cooked from a youth misspent in the Texas sun.” Their debut disc Grizzled starts off with a bang with Tupelo Road, set about as far from their northern home as you can be and still be in the same country! For a lively upbeat “glass half full” look at life check out Chicken in the Pan:
“Every day I’m sailing further on the ship of fools,
they treat me like a stepchild, beat me like a rented mule.
Lord Lord, but I’m a happy man.

My girl’s got lipstick on her lips,
And chicken in the pan.”

The songs are well written and the band is tight; probably from having to huddle together to keep warm! If you’re looking for an ode to ice or a groove about grizzlies you won’t find it here. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard an Americana tune about Alaska, but the place is certainly worthy. I’ve been there, and it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. These tunes center on the deep south, from Georgia to Texas and points in between. I really like their debut effort and hope they keep on delivering!

Mar

2010

Tinariwen- Old Town School of Folk Music

Posted by Don Zelazny | Comments : 2292(0)2010-03-03+14%3A22%3A26Don+Zelazny

Category : Blog, Live Shows

This post is actually more about the venue than the show. I have a list of some of the live music venues I’d like to get to in various cities and was able to knock one off the list this past weekend when I was in Chicago for work.

The Old Town School of Folk Music is located a short cab ride (or easy ride on the brown line) from the Loop (downtown) area. The Old Town Schools main reason for existing is to, surprisingly, teach music! Their About Us section tells the story:

The Old Town School of Folk Music teaches and celebrates music and cultural expressions rooted in the traditions of diverse American and global communities.

As we finish our 51st year in 2008, enrollment in Old Town School tuition programs averages close to 6,000 students per week, 2,700 of them children. The Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park facilities hold hundreds of classes and workshops in music, dance and art for adults, children and teens seven days per week, 48 weeks per year. Early childhood and middle school music programs thrive in three suburban branches as well as in several community outreach programs throughout the city. The School presents performances by internationally known touring artists, the best of Chicago’s local artists and its staff and students virtually every weekend. Most Wednesday nights feature free concerts through AfroFolk Live and La Peña, popular and long established Community Programs. Some 85,000 come to these concerts and attend the Chicago Folk & Roots festival in nearby Welles Park annually.

Throughout our 50 year history, what has set the Old Town School of Folk Music apart from other music teaching programs has been the philosophy that music is for everyone. The founders wanted the School to be a place where, as founder Frank Hamilton said, “teacher and student would be partners in learning.” This philosophy is still in place and the Old Town School continues to be a place that gives people the tools to make their own music. Young and old, beginners and advanced players, people from various cultures and traditions come together to create music and learn from each other.

Steve Earle has had songwriter workshops at Old Town in the past. I can just hear it: “Good morrrning Mr. Earle…”

Of course, they also have a wonderful intimate auditorium for shows with table and cushioned bench seating on the main floor and a small balcony level, meaning there isn’t a bad seat in the place. I caught the second of three sold out shows by Tinariwen, a “desert blues” ensemble from Mali. Tinariwen are “touareg” people from the Sahara desert area who have been performing for years. Again, I’ll let the Old Town info tell their story:

One of the most mesmerizing live bands to ever set foot on the Old Town School stage, Tinariwen’s sound is one of raw simplicity and melodic beauty with songs ranging from the epic and universal to the intimate and personal. Trance inducing and mesmerizing, their unique music was born from the Malian desert in which they have led a rootless Touareg existence. A Tinariwen live show is visually stunning as well with band members wearing traditional Touareg robes and turbans. Both political and poetic, Tinariwen in concert is an uplifting and powerful experience.

Most of the crowd knew the songs and about the floor in front of the band was cleared of tables and full of fans dancing through the entire show. An African band playing stratocasters! Now that is cool! If you are in Chicago make sure to check out their lineup. Upcoming shows include Joe Henry, Dan Hicks, Cowboy Junkies, Patty Larkin, Carrie Newcomber & Eliza Gilkyson, Tony Rice Unit and Carrie Rodriguez.

http://www.oldtownschool.org

If you’ve got a live music venue that is a shrine to you, drop me an email and let me know about it! don@americanaroots.com

Mar

2010

THE STEEL WHEELS – RED WING

Posted by John Walker | Comments : 2276(3)THE+STEEL+WHEELS+-+RED+WING2010-03-02+18%3A54%3A01John+Walker

Category : Music, Reviews

Tags: Blind Boys of Alabama, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Avett Brothers, The Legendary Shack Shakers, The Steel Wheels

When you attempt to define true Americana music, you must believe in a blend of different genres. The term Americana represents artists who refuse to be stereotyped into one specific genre, and allows the freedom to express their passion in music…in whatever form it may take.

A new band based in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia certainly exhibits all of these traits. The Steel Wheels are a four piece band which blends the genres of bluegrass, blues, folk, along with the foot stomping music from their home base. Their new release titled “Red Wing,” also exhibits the innate ability to take from the roots of the past and build upon it with their own unique qualities.

The band is comprised of four very talented young musicians. Trent Wagler does a great job with his energetic and passionate vocals. He also has a hand in writing or co-writing 11 of the 14 songs which appear on the record. Jay Lapp shows amazing dexterity on mandolin, and also wrote the song simply stunning instrumental “Second of May,” for this record. Brian Dickel contributes on bass, providing the foot stomping grooves throughout. Playing the scorching fiddle is Eric Brubaker, who also wrote the instrumental “At Long Last” for the record.

The music here is quite compelling. From the subtle strings on the opening song “Love You Like I Should,” they draw you into the realm of their sound. The song builds slowly until it kicks in with the forceful vocals of Wagler. By the time Brubaker kicks in with his amazing fiddle, you are loaded onto the wagon and ready for the journey. And what an enjoyable ride it is, full of peaks and valleys painted exceptionally well in the mixture of tempos and sweet instrumentals.

It is difficult to pinpoint the highlights on this record, because each song certainly has its own quality and appeal. Whether it is the slow touching numbers such as “Walk This Way” or the title cut “Red Wing,” the more upbeat “Nothing You Can’t Lose” or “Long Way To Go,” or the amazing harmonies of the gospel numbers “Surround Me” or “Working On A Building,” which closes out the journey, each captivates you in a different way. I must say for me, however, the Blind Boys of Alabama would be proud of the a cappella version of “Surround Me,” and the instrumental “Second of May” has been on repeat several times as well.

11 Surround Me

12 2nd of May

If one must compare The Steel Wheels to another act in order to get an idea of their music, imagine a blend of the passion of The Avett Brothers, the instrumentals of Old Crow Medicine Show, and then sprinkle in the backwoods feel of The Legendary Shack Shakers. In truth, attempting to compare them with anyone is an injustice, since after one listen you can hear that they stand very well on their own perch.

ALSO CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR OTHER GREAT MUSICAL NUGGETS: http://americanamusichound.blogspot.com/

Jan

2010

Diana Catherine and the Thrusty Tweeters

Posted by Don Zelazny | Comments : 2220(1)2010-01-14+19%3A06%3A59Don+Zelazny

Category : Blog, Music

Tags: Diana Catherine, Spirit Ranch Sessions, Thrusty Tweeters

Missed this one last year, but better late…. The Spirit Ranch Sessions by Diana Catherine and the Thrusty Tweeters; now this disc I flat out love! Many things fall under our Americana umbrella, but this is my favorite combination of ingredients. Great songwriting, killer voice, and some great energetic music with an electric touch (and killer band name!) I love tons of great acoustic music, but there is just something about a plugged in electric guitar!

You may not have heard of this bunch, as they just got together in 2008 as “a family of travelin’ misfit, musical gypsies who always bring a party to town.” In their short existence the Toronto bunch have toured extensively across their native Canada playing what has been described as “Northern” Americana. (I like the term Canadiana better myself!) The band consists of Diana (Catherine) DiGiovanni) who wrote the tunes and provides lead vocals, guitars and harmonica; Matt Blackie, drums; Nic DiSanto, bass; and Kevin Robinson, guitars.

The disc is full of great lively stuff, no snoozers here. Highlights include the opener, Walk, as well as Travelin‘ Man, Sober (Is Too Hard to Stay) and 4 Leaf Clover. The glue that holds it all together is the powerful Sarah Borges type expressive voice of Diana. Diana and band remind me a bit of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Similarly, Diana is the face of the group but her band was certainly not an afterthought and she relies on them for stellar support. My rating: 5 Molsons!!

Dec

2009

Drew Kennedy AAGTCCT or How I Learned To Love Travel Songs

Posted by Gregg Geil | Comments : 2157(2)2009-12-19+21%3A04%3A24Gregg+Geil

Category : Blog, Music, Reviews

Tags: Drew Kennedy

My first run in with Drew Kennedy was out at our 2008 showcase during SXSW. I was vaugely familiar with his music but became a fan right before he even went on stage. Brad (Galleywinter) introduced me to Drew shortly before he took the stage. Drew went off about this massive wreck on I35 in which a semi truck full of Pinantas had overturned which he coined “The Pianata Massacre”. The story and subsequent performance engrained the New Braunfels, Texas songwriter into one of my favorites around these parts.

In 2009, Drew released a new CD called “An Audio Guide to Cross Country Travel”. This album is has a sharply different feel from his previous work. While this CD title might take the Guiness Book of World Records for the longest title, the key is that it delivers song after song.

An Audio Guide To Cross Country Travel

When I think about Americana type music, songs typically falls into one of three categories: Lovin’, Drinking or Traveling. My own personal tastes typically steer away from the “being away from home” songs as I don’t always identify with non-stop life on the road. That being said, Drew’s collection of stories from the road stuck with me almost instantly. These stories had a different feel with an upbeat love of life and travel. It captures Drew’s humor of life and unique ability to capture the little things that make life work.

This CD made my own personal Top 10 of 2009 and I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy and get out to catch one of his live shows. Drew and Austin Collins are wrapping up a tour. Drew will be playing the first annual “Merry Folking Christmas” on 12/21 in Gruene, Texas.

Song Recommendations:

Buzzing Like A Wire
Room #27
Rolling Around In The Bed

Bonus Video — As I was perusing Drew Kennedy’s site, I noticed he and Austin Collins (another favorite Texas songwriter of mine) produced a strange and funny video of a center off of I95 called “South of the Border”. Enjoy..

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Drew Kennedy – Alone, But Not Lonely (Live) (Free Download)

Tom Savage Trio- The County Line

Marley’s Ghost – Ghost Town

Jeremy Porter – Party of One

Drunk On Crutches – People.Places.Things.

The Council of Smokers and Drinkers- Grizzled

Tinariwen- Old Town School of Folk Music

THE STEEL WHEELS – RED WING

Diana Catherine and the Thrusty Tweeters

Drew Kennedy AAGTCCT or How I Learned To Love Travel Songs

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