NoDepression.com Launches

No Depression, the staple magazine of this thing we call Americana, shut down their print operation due to esclating paper costs around March of this year.  This was a big shock to many music fans as it was the lighthouse publication for all things Americana.  Late last week, they unveiled their new web presence via NoDepression.net.  The site has a wonderful layout and brings back a full collection of their vast archive from the magazine days.  It’s a good thing for music to have this organziation back so welcome!  Drop by and check out the new site at http://www.NoDepression.net

Americana Music Awards Winners: Allision Krauss, Robert Plant, Levon Helm, Joan Baez

This year's Americana Music Awards show was a great success. The event was hosted by the always entertaining Jim Lauderdale and included the always great house band led by Buddy Miller. You can learn more about the Americana Music Association by visiting http://www.AmericanaMusic.org


Our 2008 Nominees (Winners in Bold)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss & Robert Plant -Raising Sand
Hayes Carll - Trouble in Mind
James McMurtry - Just Us Kids
Levon Helm - Dirt Farmer

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Steve Earle
Levon Helm
Jim Lauderdale
James McMurtry

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
Buddy Miller
Chris Thile
Gurf Morlix
Sam Bush

NEW EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justin Townes Earle
Mike Farris
Ryan Bingham
The SteelDrivers

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Broken” - Tift Merritt
written and performed by Tift Merritt
(Train Perry Publishing, admin Bug)

“Cheney’s Toy” - James McMurtry
written and performed by James McMurtry
(Short Trip Music, admin Bug)

“Gone Gone Gone” - Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
written by Don Everly & Phil Everly; performed by Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
(Sony ATV/Acuff Rose Music)

“Poor Old Dirt Farmer” - Levon Helm
written by Tracy Schwarz; performed by Levon Helm
(Tradition Music, admin Bug)

“She Left Me for Jesus” - Hayes Carll
written by Hayes Carll & Brian Keane; performed by Hayes Carll
(Miett Music & Highway 87, admin Bug)


DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR
Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Drive By Truckers
Kane Welch Kaplin
The Avett Brothers

Will Hoge in critical condition

I just read this and had to pass it along.  We love Will Hoge here at AmericanaRoots and our prayers are with him and his family.

Nashville rock musician Will Hoge, 35, is in critical condition in Vanderbilt University Medical Center after being involved in a motor scooter accident this past Wednesday evening.  Hoge was traveling north on Main Street in East Nashville at about 8 p.m. when a southbound van failed to yield while turning into 712 Main St., Metro Police spokesperson Kris Mumford said.  Hoge’s motor scooter collided with the passenger side of the van. Police found no evidence of alcohol or drugs involved in the accident.

Ashley Hansen, editorial assistant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, reported Hoge’s family “appreciates everyone keeping Will in their thoughts and prayers.”

The driver of the van, Sibomana Viateur, 28, of Nashville, did not suffer any injuries.

The singer-songwriter is in the midst of recording the follow-up to his highly praised album “Draw The Curtains”. He is scheduled to take a hometown stage at the Mercy Lounge on Sept. 20, as part of the 2008 Americana Music Festival.

Charlie Robison getting divorced

The news is sad for singer-songwriter Charlie Robison and his now ex-wife Emily.  Their divorce was final today.

The San Antonio Express-News reported that Charlie Robison filed for divorce in January. The couple were at the Bexar County Courthouse on Wednesday when the divorce was finalized.  The divorce filing states their marriage had “become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities.” “We can confirm that the divorce is final. They remain the best of friends and their family is obviously the priority,” a spokesperson for the Dixie Chicks said in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Thursday.

A spokesman for Charlie Robison, from Bandera, also said their family remains the priority, but he declined further comment.  The couple, married in 1999, have three children.

Shocking News about Robert Hazard

Robert Hazard Dies At 59

Condolences to family and friends of singer/songwriter Robert Hazard, who died Tuesday night after surgery in Boston at 59, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Michael Klein.

Hazard, born Robert Rimato, was best known for writing “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” taken to number one in a cover by Cyndi Lauper, and remade several times, including on Miley Cyrus’ current album. Hazard fronted Robert Hazard and The Heroes, a Philadelphia-based New Wave band that recorded for RCA and had a minor hit with the song “Escalator of Life,” charting at number 58 in 1983.  He later recorded country music with his band The Hombres, most recently the album “Troubador” in 2007 for Rykodisc.

Americana Roots readers will most likely remember Robert for his recent music especially “Troubador” which got airplay in the Americana Roots Radio station.  We even had a Joel Schwelling review of that CD http://www.americanaroots.com/reviews/detail/robert_hazard_troubadour/

Johnny Cash is getting Remixed!

If you haven’t heard the news there is a new project set to come out in October that sounds very interesting.  It’s called Johnny Cash Remixed.

Compadre Records/Music World Music has announced the release of this new project featuring new interpretations of Cash classics from top music remixers and producers who were recruited to take the original master recordings and infuse them with the sounds and technology of modern music styles such as hip hop and dance music. The album, which includes a performance from Snoop Dogg, will be available in stores and online on October 14.  A vinyl deluxe-edition will be available on September 23 in select independent record stores.

Johnny Cash Remixed is a tribute to the legacy of an American music icon whose work has touched every contemporary genre, and has the blessing and support of the custodians of Johnny Cash’s legacy.  “My father made his stead by defying the expected and accepted way of things,” says John Carter Cash, son of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash and Executive Producer of the Academy Award©-winning film Walk the Line.  “He set the standard at the same time.  He would have loved this remix record.  While it stays true to the original recordings, this CD touches on undiscovered ground.  This is what my father was about: staying true to tradition while creating groundbreaking new music.”

You just never know what new path the music of the Man in Black is going to take, do you.

New CDs out this week

Here are a few of the artists releasing CDs this week:

Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis “Two Men With The Blues”
Donna The Buffalo “Silverlined”
Del McCoury Band “Moneyland”
Greg Laswell “Three Flights From Alto Nido”
Ron Sexsmith “Exit Strategy of the Soul”

If we’ve missed any that you know of please add them in the comments section so we all can find out about the artist or album.

Great news for Hal Ketchum fans

If you are a fan of Hal Ketchum I just found out there is new music headed our way.  The talented singer-songwriter has a project due out in September.  It’s called “Father Time” and should be another in a long line of wonderful CDs by the man.  Hopefully we will be getting a copy soon to share with you so stay tuned.

Reckless Kelly headed for Gruene Hall

If you like Reckless Kelly here is some good news.  They are going to play a two-night stand in early August at the historical dance hall in New Braunfels as they tour behind the release of their new album, Bulletproof. If you haven’t checked out the CD yet you can hear some cuts by tuning in to our Americana Roots radio station.  The album has already reached #7 on the Americana radio airplay chart.

For the truly monster fans here is the upcoming summer schedule for the band.

July 2, Colonial Theatre, Idaho Falls
July 3, Dude Bra Brew Fest, Jackson, Wyo.
July 4, 4th on Fourth Street Party, Ketchum, Idaho
July 5, Tamarack Pavilion, Donnelly, Idaho (First Sorry For Partying Music Festival)
July 6, Sacagawea Center, Salmon, Idaho
July 10. Rabb’s Steakhouse, Ruston, La.
July 12, Lance Byrd Ranch, Graford, Texas
July 14, Mercury Lounge, Nashville
July 17-21, Cross Canadian Ragweed-Carnival Cruise
July 31, Brewster Street Ice House, Corpus Christi, Texas
August 1-2, Gruene Hall, New Braunfels, Texas
August 6, Bluebird Theatre, Denver
August 7-9, Braun Brothers Reunion, Challis, Idaho
August 12, Tractor Tavern, Seattle
August 15, Slim’s, San Francisco
August 22, North Texas State Fairgrounds, Denton
August 29, Sam Houston Race Park, Houston
August 31, Ziegfest at Lake Bryan, Texas
October 4, Ziegfest at Old Town, Spring, Texas
October 24, Tumbleweed Dance Hall, Stillwater, Okla.
October 25, Spanish Moon, Baton Rouge, La.
October 26, Soul Kitchen, Mobile, Ala

The new Hacienda Bros. CD is out

The new Hacienda Bros. CD hit the streets this week.  It’s called Arizona Motel and is on Proper American records.  As you know Chris Gaffney passed away recently and this is his and partner Dave Gonzalez’s last effort.

Dave Gonzalez of the Hacienda Brothers will be touring this summer to celebrate the life of his friend and musical partner Chris Gaffney.  The touring will be difficult yet cathartic for Gonzalez.  There hasnt’ been a tour in the past six years, since his days in the Paladins, that Gaffney hasn’t been there right by his side.  Yet there is no better way to honor the memory of Chris then to go out and play to the audience that loved him so.  This will be a chance for all of Chris’ friends and fans to gather and pay tribute to one of the greatest American music performers in the past 20 years. Gonzalez will also be out supporting the release of the last studio album from the Hacienda Brothers titled Arizona Motel.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to helpgaff.com to aid the family of Chris Gaffney.

Check out the band’s site to read more www.haciendabrothers.com

If you’re a fan of Solomon Burke

Great news for fans of Solomon Burke....oh let’s be honest, for all music fans!  Solomon is going to be on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on August 8th.  Get those DVRs and TIVOs ready to roll if you can’t stay up.

New Crooked Still album out now!

If you are a fan of the band Crooked Still you’ll be happy to know they are back.  If you aren’t aware of the band check this out.

Signature Sounds recording artist Crooked Still is releasing their highly anticipated third album titled Still Crooked today, June 24th. A world tour to support the record will follow. The band, made up of founding members Aoife O’Donovan, Greg Liszt and Corey DiMario, along with two new players, presents fluidity across musical genres: old time, folk, bluegrass and world music, on all of their recordings.

Ever Heard of Chattahippie?

There’s a festival that’s going to be held that looks like it might be a lot of fun.  They are going to have over thirty artists from ten states perform including some of our favorites like Two Tons of Steel, Elizabeth Cook, Buzz Cason, Chris Knight and Band of Heathens.  The festival will be happening September 18-21.

Chattahippie is located on a 55-acre riverfront venue just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Festival tickets are available in 3-day, 4-day and Stage/VIP package only; no single-day tickets will be made available to the public. Advance ticket pricing begins at $30, but for a limited time only.  Ticket prices are subject to change at any time.

For artist bios, ticket sales, and other information please visit the festival website at http://www.chattahippie.com.  You can also join the fan forum on Facebook!

Xbox & Music?

I received an email yesterday from Dierks people (yes, he has people now) about joining him for an online Xbox night of gaming.  I thought this was pretty cool given that I’m a Xbox junkie in my spare time (gamer tag: Fender if you ever want to play I would love to know if any Americana artists are Xbox junkies like myself so we could line-up a game with the fans night?

Platinum-selling country artist Dierks Bentley will take on Xbox LIVE® members in Halo® 3 on June 18, 2008. f you’re an Xbox LIVE Gold member, and you want a chance to play with Dierks Bentley, send a friend request to the following Gamertag (*Dierks GWF) and be online half an hour before (4:30 P.M. ET) the Game with Fame session starts at 5:00 P.M. ET

If you get a chance to play with Dierks Bentley, we want to hear about it! Send us an e-mail with the subject: “GWF - Dierks Bentley.” Be sure to include your Gamertag and home town.
visit Dierks Bently’s website at : http://www.dierks.com

The AMA Announces Nominees

The Americana Music Association has announced the nominees for the organization’s 2008 Honors and Awards ceremony, slated for September 18 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Esteemed roots music innovators Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn read the list of awards candidates to a crowd of industry executives, artists and tastemakers gathered in BMI’s Music Row lobby.

Selected by members of the Americana Music Association, the 2008 nominees reflect the genre’s penchant for harboring exciting roots artists capable of career longevity and enthralling reinvention. The nominees’ eligibility is based on work released between June 1, 2007 and May 31, 2008.

The 2008 Americana Music Association Honors and Awards Nominees include:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Raising Sand

Hayes Carll
Trouble in Mind

James McMurtry
Just Us Kids

Levon Helm
Dirt Farmer

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Steve Earle
Levon Helm
Jim Lauderdale
James McMurtry

INSTUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR

Buddy Miller
Chris Thile
Gurf Morlix
Sam Bush

NEW EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Justin Townes Earle
Mike Farris
Ryan Bingham
The Steeldrivers

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Broken”
Tift Merritt

“Cheney’s Toy”
James McMurtry

“Gone Gone Gone”
Alison Krauss & Robert Plant

“Poor Old Dirt Farmer”
Levon Helm

“She Left Me for Jesus”
Hayes Carll

DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR

Alison Krauss & Robert Plant
Drive By Truckers
Kane Welch Kaplin
The Avett Brothers