Category: Americana Music

Review: Junior Brown’s Vol. 10

 in Americana Music, Reviews

junior brownBy Joe Ross

— When Junior Brown’s twangy “Hang Up and Drive” opens his new EP album, Volume Ten, you hear an element of Dave Dudley’s “Six Days on the Road.” However, if you think this six-song project is all retro truck-driving country music, think again. While the opener is a variation of honky tonkin’ country that lyrically captures a trucker’s lifestyle, the next cut “Apathy Waltz” (with just guitar, bass and voice) is a  humorous and jazzy song about desensitization and detachment.

Junior Brown’s bass voice tells us about your “play button being stuck on pause.” With today’s information overload, I can particularly relate to his verse about computers, keypads, cell phones, WiFi, cameras and “sci-fi style picture-phone Skype-sa-call….” The song ends with Junior’s big yawn, but it’s anything but boring.

 “I’m Headed Back To Austin Tonight” is pure unadulterated western swang with Junior’s steel guitar and piano in the forefront. I was overjoyed to hear fiddle finally make its appearance about two minutes into the song, but I was a tad disappointed to not hear any vocal harmony on the chorus or hook.        

 A new story song, “The Phantom of the Opry,” relates the secret life of a country musician living in the basement of an old opry house since 1975. Like that phantom, Junior believes in keeping his music “sweet and clear, the way they played it here on Saturday nights.” But Junior is no ghost or relic from another life, and his music is both classic and contemporary.

A popular concert draw, the larger-than-life artist has built a legion of fans who enjoy his low voice, twangy double-necked “Git-Steel,” witty humor, smart songs and classic-styled presentation.  “Trust Me” is slow country blues with a pointed reference to Tricky Dick. Closing the album instrumentally, Buddy Charleton’s “Almost To Tulsa” sounds like a jam, but gives all the musicians a chance to showcase their talents. It’s the only cover on the album, and the late Charleton would be happy that Brown’s finally recorded the piece.         

 I remember first seeing Junior Brown and band when they appeared at our “Music on the Halfshell” series in Roseburg, Oregon. I immediately understood the phenomenon of this unique individual who celebrated his 60th birthday in 2012. Based in Austin, Texas, the award-winning Brown has been at it for more than five decades, and he clearly knows what it takes to entertain and get people up dancing. He’s a legend, and I only wish he’d give us more than six songs on future volumes. But this is his first release in seven years, so we should be happy at that.   

Review: Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis Christmas Show

 in Americana Music, Reviews

L-R, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Warren Hood and John Ludwick.

By Paul T. Mueller

– Houston — When a show opens with “Please, Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas),” it’s a pretty good sign that everyone in the room is in for a good time. Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis made good on that promise December 7 at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Houston. The lively 17-song show, part of the annual Bruce and Kelly Christmas Tour, included holiday numbers – some original, some covers – and other material drawn from the couple’s extensive catalog.

Robison and Willis have been performing their Christmas show for some years now, and it’s become a tough ticket. The tour’s Houston stop included four shows over two nights, and all were standing room only.

They’re both fine entertainers on their own, but it’s a special treat when Robison and Willis blend their vocal styles and perform together. They get excellent support from their band – Geoff Queen on electric guitar and pedal steel, John Ludwick on acoustic bass, Sweney Tidball on keyboards and Joey Shuffield on drums. An added attraction on this night was a guest appearance by ace fiddler Warren Hood, who also played mandolin and contributed fine harmony vocals. His fiddle added a flavor of Texas swing that worked nicely with Robison’s Telecaster twang and the high, lonesome sound of Queen’s steel guitar.

Seasonal selections included “A Winter’s Tale” (written by Knoxville’s RB Morris), the riotous “Oklahoma Christmas” (the true story, Robison said, of his first holiday visit to his wife’s family’s home), and Willis’ sweetly sexy take on “Santa Baby.” The band played “The Christmas Waltz” as family videos were shown on a temporary screen next to the garland-draped stage. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Bruce and Kelly Christmas show without their always-terrific duet on the classic “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

The set list also included several songs from the pair’s upcoming CD, Cheater’s Game, due for release in February: a lively cover of Dave Alvin’s “Border Radio,” a sweet-and-sad rendition of Hayes Carll’s “Long Way Home,” and several songs written or co-written by Robison, including “Leavin’ ” and “But I Do.” There were some older favorites as well, notably Robison’s “Traveling Soldier” and “My Brother and Me,” each heart-wrenching in its own way, and “Wrapped,” which Robison turned into a happy sing-along.

After closing with “Lifeline,” the band returned for an encore, albeit without Willis, whose voice by that time was sounding a bit strained. A  plaintive request from the audience – “Could she just come stand there?” – went unrewarded, and the rest of the band tore through the trucker’s anthem “Born to Roll” before calling it a night.

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Dwight Yoakam still #1 on Americana music chart

 in Americana Music

Americana Music News — Dwight Yoakam remains in the number one slot in this week’s Americana Music Association airplay chart with 3 Pears, followed by Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson’s Wreck & Ruin and Mumford and Sons’ Babel.

The only new entry in the chart is Michael Kiwanuka’s Home Again.

Most added this week: The Sweetback Sisters’ Country Christmas Sing-Along Spectacular, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason’s A Fiddler’s Holiday and Rachel Brooke’s A Killer’s Dream.

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Intriguing mix among Americana music nominees

 in Americana Music, Reviews

Americana Music News– The Grammy nominees for Best Americana album included some surprises and a couple of locks. The Avett Brothers’ The Carpenter and Mumford & Sons’ Babel were heavy favorites, with both critical and commercial success over the past year. The Lumineers came on very strong in the past six months and were even nominated in the overall Best New Artist category. John Fullbright’s nomination for From the Ground Up was unexpected, but well-deserved. Bonnie Raitt’s Slipstream, though excellent, was a bit of a surprise in the Americana category. Maybe her appearance at the Americana Music Festival secured her place in the genre.

Some other interesting nominations:
The Alabama Shakes were nominated along with the Lumineers for best new artist.
Mumford & Sons’ Babel was nominated as album of the year.
The Best Country Album nominees included Jamey Johnson’s Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran and the Time Jumpers’ debut album.
Best Folk Album nominees included the Carolina Chocolate Drops’ Leaving Eden, Ry Cooder’s Election Special and This One’s For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark.

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Americana music looms large at Grammy nominations show

 in Americana Music, Nashville music, Reviews

By Ken Paulson

Nashville – For a genre that sometimes struggles to establish itself, Americana Music was very visible at tonight’s Grammy Nominations Concert at Bridgestone Arena.

Guest presenters the Lumineers were nominated along with the Alabama Shakes for the Grammy award as best new artist. Mumford & Sons’ Babel was nominated as best album of the year. Throw in a Johnny Cash salute from  Dierks Bentley and The Band Perry and you could almost overlook the fact that Maroon 5 was about 30 percent of the show.

The musical highlight of the evening was fun. and Janelle Monae doing “We Are Young” with a string section. The audience sing-along was joyous.

You’ll find a full list of Grammy nominations here.

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Americana music airplay chart: Dwight Yoakam still at #1

 in Americana Music

Americana Music News–Dwight Yoakam’s 3 Pears remains in the top slot in this week’s American Music Association airplay chart, followed by Wreck & Ruin from Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson and Mystic Pinball by John Hiatt.

Aside from a leap from number  21 to 6 for Buddy and Jim, the new Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale collaboration, the chart was largely unchanged week to week. Junior Brown’s Volume Ten is the only new entry.

Among the most added albums this week was Holidays Rule, a new Christmas compilation that features Paul McCartney, Fun and other pop and rock acts. Presumably the Americana airplay is being driven by tracks from The Civil Wars and Punch Brothers.

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Charting: Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale’s “Buddy and Jim”

 in Americana Music

Americana Music News — The hottest album in Americana music this week is Buddy and Jim, the New West release from Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale, due Dec. 11.

These guys are among the most fervent supporters and popular performers in Americana Music, and both have been highly visible and oft-honored at the annual Americana Music Festival.

Little wonder, then, that the new album broke into the Americana music airplay chart at #21. It was also the most added album this week, with 32 stations picking it up.

Meanwhile, Lauderdale’s own Carolina Moonrise remains at #28.

Also new to the chart this week: Greg Brown’s Hymns to What’s Left.

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’60s pop revisited: Dion and Gary Lewis and the Playboys

 in Americana Music, Reviews

 

By Ken Paulson — Dion: The Complete Laurie Singles is another revelatory re-issue from Real Gone Music, revisiting Dion’s early career, but also chronicling the transitions of rock ‘n’ roll. This collection covers his late ’50s Doo-Wop origins with the Belmonts, his initial solo success with more ambitious material like “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer” and his 1968 comeback as a Tim Hardin-influenced folksinger on “Abraham, Martin and John.”

Listening to this collection makes clear why Dion is still around as a vibrant recording artist. Even within the confines of early ‘60s pop, he was striving to record something distinctive.

The sound quality throughout is outstanding, bringing new dimensions to even the extremely familiar hits. And the less successful songs sound particularly fresh. Was there ever a more conflicted song than “Sandy?”  The singer learns he’s been betrayed, “left her, didn’t even want her,” but admits he’d “crawl back if I could.” And yet somehow the song sounds upbeat.

Similar treasures can be found throughout the Complete Laurie Singles.

More good news for ‘60s pop fans: Real Gone has also put Gary Lewis and the Playboys’ Complete Liberty Singles back in print.

Lewis, the son of Jerry Lewis, had a substantial career, with seven top 10 hits and five more in the top 40. The hits are all here: “This Diamond Ring,” “Count Me In,” “Save Your Heart For Me,” “Everybody Loves A Clown” and “She’s Just My Style” among them.

The odds were against that kind of success. Lewis had little more than name recognition, a limited voice and affability, but he also had some very talented players around him. Leon Russell co-wrote, arranged and played on many of the early hits; Al Kooper was a co-writer on “This Diamond Ring.” Snuff Garrett was a first-class pop producer and the Wrecking Crew was in the studio. Little wonder that these staples of AM radio are still so appealing today.

New to chart: Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Gary Clark Jr., Departed, Jason Isbell

 in Americana Music, Reviews

Americana Music News — In the category of no suprises, Dwight Yoakam still has the number one album on the Americana Music Airplay chart with 3 Pairs, followed once again by John Hiatt’s Mystic Pinball.

New to the chart this week: Gary Clark Jr.’s Black and Blu, Departed’s Adventus, Neil Young and Crazy Horse’s Psychedelic Pill and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s Live in Alabama.

Isbell’s album, along with Still Live from Colin Linden, are the most added albums on Americana radio this week.

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Americana Music Festival on PBS Nov. 10-16

 in Americana Music, Reviews

Americana Music News — One of the best nights for music in Nashville each year (and that’s saying something) is the annual Americana Music Festival Honors and Awards Show at the Ryman Auditorium.
The best moments of the 2012 show will be featured in a special edition of Ausin City Limits, airing the week of Nov. 10-16 on PBS.
The Americana Music Association has released this extraordinary setlist from the program:

Booker T. Jones & Friends – Green Onions
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Alabama Pines
The Mavericks – Come Unto Me
Alabama Shakes – Be Mine
Carolina Chocolate Drops – Country Girl
Lee Ann Womack, Tom T. Hall and Peter Cooper – I Love
Hayes Carll and Cary Ann Hearst – Another Like You
Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale – I Lost My Job of Loving You
Guy Clark – My Favorite Picture of You
Richard Thompson – 1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson – Rattling Bones
Bonnie Raitt and John Hiatt – Thing Called Love
All Star Finale – The Weight

Check your local listings for times.

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Review: Who Are You: An All-Star Tribute to the Who

 in Americana Music

 

By Ken Paulson —

Tribute albums can be wildly uneven, but the new Who celebration from Cleopatra Records boasts 16 strong tracks from a virtual encyclopedia of pop and progressive rock.

Who Are You: An All-Star Tribute to the Who has the feel of a fanboy project that came out remarkably well.  At some point, someone said, “Hey, how about if we pull together members of the Kinks, the Vibrators and the Damned and ask them to do “My Generation?” Or how about Carmine Appice and Todd Rundgren on “Anyway Anyhow Anywhere?”

Who Are You boasts solid, if largely faithful, renditions of some of the Who’s great material. What truly sets it apart is the amazing combination of artists, many of whom have not released new material in some time.

It’s a treat to hear Peter Noone (who toured with the Who when they opened for Herman’s Hermits) sing “Magic Bus,” joined by Ginger Baker of Cream and Peter Banks of Yes.

And who could have imagined teaming Paul Revere and the Raiders’ lead singer Mark Lindsay with the MC5’s Wayne Kramer on “I Can See for Miles?”

The oddest coupling is country artist Gretchen Wilson with Randy Bachman on the title song, but they absolutely pull it off.

The album is like fantasy baseball for record geeks, fun and surprising throughout.

The track listing:

1. Eminence Front – John Wetton (Asia) • K.K. Downing (Judas Priest) • Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater) 2. Baba O’Riley – Nektar • Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra) 3. I Can See For Miles – Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere & The Raiders) • Wayne Kramer (MC5) 4. Love Reign O’er Me – Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) • Rick Wakeman (Yes) • Huw Lloyd-Langton (Hawkwind) • Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge) 5. My Generation – Knox (The Vibrators) • Dave Davies (The Kinks) • Rat Scabies (The Damned) 6. The Kids Are Alright – The Raveonettes 7. Won’t Get Fooled Again – Sweet 8. Anyway Anyhow Anywhere – Todd Rundgren • Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge) 9. I Can’t Explain – Iggy Pop 10. Behind Blue Eyes – Pat Travers 11. Magic Bus – Peter Noone (Herman’s Hermits) • Peter Banks (Yes) • Ginger Baker (Cream) 12. Who Are You – Gretchen Wilson • Randy Bachman (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) 13. Pinball Wizard – Terry Reid • Mike Pinera (Blues Image) • Brad Gillis (Night Ranger) 14. Squeeze Box – John Wesley (Porcupine Tree) • David Cross (King Crimson) 15. Bargain – 38 Special • Ted Turner (Wishbone Ash) • Ian Paice (Deep Purple) 16. The Seeker – Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow) • Leslie West (Mountain)

 

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Charting: Jamey Johnson, Dirty River Boys, Jim Lauderdale

 in Americana Music

Americana Music News — Dwight Yoakam moves past John Hiatt for the number one slot on this week’s Americana Music Airplay Chart as Three Pears lands in the top position..

New to the chart this week: Jamey Johnson’s Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran, the Dirty River Boys’ Science of Flight and the prolific Jim Lauderdale’s Carolina Moonrise.

Most added this week: Greg Brown’s Hymns to What’s Left, Departed’s Adventus and Andrew Bird’s Hands of Glory.

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Review: Kathryn Caine’s “When I Was His Wife”

 in Americana Music, Reviews

By Paul T. Mueller

–Singer-songwriter Kathryn Caine’s fifth album is a nice showcase for her fine songwriting and expressive singing, and she helps her own cause by acting as co-producer. Caine is from Charlottesville, Virginia, so it’s not surprising that the 12 songs on When I Was His Wife (10 of them written and one co-written by Caine) feature a bluegrassy country sound, with some folk and gospel influences thrown in to good effect.

Most of the tracks are anchored by the sharp acoustic guitar and mandolin of Andy Thacker, along with banjo by Tom Hogge. Other players include Darrell Muller on bass, James McLaughlin on drums and percussion, and Jay Starling on Dobro. Caine does an excellent job of accompanying herself on piano on three songs. Extra credit to McLaughlin, who co-produced the album and also recorded, mixed, engineered and mastered it.

With a few exceptions, Caine’s subject matter tends toward the dark side – failed romance, hard times, drinking and regret are among the themes she explores. But she does it with skill, and the high quality of her singing and the band’s playing keep the album from descending into depression.

Best bets include the title track, a bitter warning to an ex’s new love; “Remember When,” another post-breakup song but one with a gentler tone; “Nothing to Lose,” an exploration of life’s passages that features Caine’s piano and singing that recalls Iris DeMent, and “The Whiskey Song,” a duet with singer and guitarist Peyton Tochterman, who also co-wrote the song.

The album closes with a beautiful rendition of the traditional hymn “Abide With Me,” again featuring Caine’s piano and sweet but powerful voice. Kathryn Caine may not be a household name for most of us, but this collection deserves a listen.

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New to Americana music chart: Rosie Flores, Bonnie Bishop

 in Americana Music

Americana Music News – There’s no change at the top of the Americana Music airplay chart this week, with John Hiatt’s  Mystic Pinball still at the number one position, with the second slot filled by  Dwight Yoakam’s Three Pears.

New to the chart this week: Rosie Flores’ Working Girl’s Guitar and Bonnie Bishop’s Free.

Most adds this week: Jamey Johnson’s Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran for a second week, Andrew Bird’s Hands of Glory and Lily Hiatt (John’s daughter) and the Dropped Ponies’ Let Down.

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Review: LiveWire’s “Livin'”

 in Americana Music

By Joe Ross–
From the opening riff of “Don’t Nothin’ Take My Breath” to closer “Gone” ten tracks later, LiveWire has created an exciting breakout debut album with a tight contemporary country performance highlighted by radio-friendly production, tasteful instrumental licks and yearning vocals.
Getting their start about ten years ago at fraternal lodges and clubs in southwestern Missouri and northeastern Oklahoma, the band then took their music on the road nationwide for six years until members decided they needed some time to rest and focus. Reforming with renewed energy, passion and maturity, LiveWire is now developing a signature sound that is taking them to a higher level. Recent years find LiveWire opening for top country artists, appearing as finalists in the 2009 Colgate Country Showdown, releasing a self-titled EP in 2011, signing with Nashville-based Way Out West Records, producing a single and video (“Miracle of the Human Spirit”) to benefit Joplin, Mo. after being devastated by a tornado in 2011, and obtaining widespread radio airplay in the U.S and Europe.

LiveWire features Bobby DeGonia (guitars), Andy Eutsler (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Adam Hagerman (drums), Cory Shultz (fiddle), Danny Bell (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Landon Rolfe (bass). Let’s see if these six guys have what it takes to keep digging for top tier commercial success in the highly-competitive market. On “Livin’” I hear exceptional musicianship with tight harmonies, considerable chops, poignant country righteousness, and just enough high-voltage southern rock to keep the party moving at a good clip.

Eutsler and Bell each contribute three originals to the successful debut album which could spark some hits with “Livin’,” “I’ll Go to Prison,” “History,” “Lies,” “What Makes You a Man” and “Gone.” Eutsler’s writing approach and delivery come off as earnest and convincing. As a critic who enjoys old-fashioned country values, I took an immediate liking to Bell’s memorable song “What Makes You a Man” with its strong material emphasizing the virtues of God, family and honest living. Three tracks also feature co-writing by Music Row’s 2012 Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Johnny Bulford.

Five guest musicians assume a fairly large role on the album without being too assertive. They include Jon Conley (mandolin), Todd Gummerman (piano, organ, strings), Mike Johnson (pedal steel), Justin Woods (percussion), and Paul Carabello (additional guitars, percussion). Woods also served as the album’s producer. The overall result is impressive music that demonstrates the depth and versatility of the band and guests. I’m certain that “Livin’” will bring the band much attention and success. I don’t think their material is so slick that it will lead to some radio station backlash.

If they asked for my advice, I might suggest they consider incorporating even more boogie, blues, hillbilly honky-tonk or humorous novelty flavors. These elements helped take Charlie Daniels Band and the Kentucky Headhunters to the top of the country hit parade. And with a good fiddler in the band, why not liven up the music with some feisty instrumentals to give LiveWire a different feel, personality and slightly unique sound? Despite those personal perspectives, LiveWire has produced a highly entertaining 5-star album with music that’s definitely worth pursuing. The consistent record consolidates their strengths and will launch them into new territory.


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Gallery: Wanda Jackson at the Highline Ballroom

 in Americana Music

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Americana Music News — By Jacob Blickenstaff
Wanda Jackson performed at the Highline Ballroom in New York City on Friday, October 12th to celebrate the release of her new album, “Unfinished Business” on Sugar Hill Records.
Backed by the Hi-Dollars, Jackson covered material spanning her entire career including her signature 50’s Rockabilly hits, straight country, songs from her collaboration with Jack White and new songs from Unfinished Business. The show was opened by Greg Garing, a songwriter who contributed “Am I Even a Memory?” to the new album and Daniel Romano, a young yet traditional hard-country artist recently signed to Normaltown Records (a subsidiary of New West.)
All photos copyright 2012 by Jacob Blickenstaff.

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