The Americana Music Association has just released the Top 100 Americana Albums of the year based on radio airplay. No surprise in the top two slots, with Jason Isbell and Christ Stapleton leading the way. But it’s a treat to see multiple generations in the upper reaches, with Steve Earle at #5 and his son Justin Towns Earle at #7. Lukas Nelson is at #8, while his father Willie Nelson holds down #11.
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By Paul T. Mueller
Award-worthy moments from Cayamo 2016:
Jason Wilber
The Cover Me Award – Jason Wilber, who played songs by David Bowie, John Prine, Echo and the Bunnymen and others (plus some originals) in a very entertaining Atrium show.
The Press On Regardless Award – The Black Lillies, who played a series of great sets on Cayamo 2016 with borrowed instruments after having most of their gear stolen less than a week before the cruise.
The “They Must Be Clones” Award – (Tie) Daniel Walker (keyboards and accordion, John Fullbright) and Chojo Jacques (fiddle and mandolin, Slaid Cleaves), one or both of who seemed to be a guest performer at practically every set all week.
The “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” Award – Cruz Contreras (The Black Lillies), who was still playing as the Pearl pulled into the Port of Miami.
The Boogie Shoes Award – Mingo Fishtrap, whose late-night funk-rock shows kept the Atrium hopping.
The Dead Will Live Again Award – American Babies, “house band” for the Grateful Dead tribute show.
The Deadpan Delivery Award – J.T. Lindsay (Birds of Chicago), for his confession that he had been inadvertently drinking Jim Lauderdale’s wine and his promise to “make it right.”
The “Where’s the Beef?” Award – Paul Thorn and Shawn Mullins, for their “feud” pitting Mississippi morality against rock ‘n’ roll hedonism.
The Let’s Duet Award – Slaid Cleaves, who sang the Dewey Cox classic to passengers late one night in the Great Outdoors dining area.
Chris Stapleton on Cayamo 2016
The Fish Out of Water Award – Chris Stapleton, who seemed somewhat perplexed at the idea of playing for quiet audiences.
The “How Can You Be Two Places at Once When You’re Not Anywhere At All” Award – every Cayamo passenger who found him- or herself desperately wanting to attend two shows at the same time.
The Bandleader Generosity Award – David Bromberg, who in at least one show insisted that almost every band member and guest take a solo – and then kept saying, “Play it again!.”
The Throwback Award – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, for their excellent rendition of the Rolling Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” at the sailaway show.
The Bless Your Heart Award – Angaleena Presley, for her very funny song by the same name, which became an oft-repeated catch phrase around the boat.
The Keepin’ It Clean Award – The Washy Washy Duo (Norwegian Cruise Lines employees Redelick on guitar and Komang on vocals and hand sanitizer spray bottle), who daily serenaded passengers entering the buffet with such classics as “Washy Washy, Happy Happy,” “I Wanna Wash Your Hands” and “Spray You, Spray Me.”
The Best Dressed Male Award – Robert Ellis, who apparently brought along steamer trunks filled with fashionable suits and accessories.
The Best Dressed Female Award – Rainey Qualley, for the beguiling black dress she wore at her Atrium show.
Parents of the Year – Paul “Hammy” Hamilton (Foy Vance’s drummer) and his wife, for cruising with a couple of very young kids.
Honorary Uncle of the Year Award – Foy Vance, who was often to be seen playing with his drummer’s young sons on the pool deck.
The Most Valuable Player Award – the crew of Sixthman, the Atlanta-based company that produces Cayamo.
New Americana, folk and soul releases:
Just a Mortal Man – Jerry Lawson – Red Beet Records -Jerry Lawson’s Just a Mortal Man is a joyous surprise. The 71-year-old lead singer of the Persuasions has just released his first solo album. His rich voice remains a revelation, and the smart song selection showcases his gifts. Highlights include Paul Simon’s “Peace Like A River” and producer Eric Brace’s “Time and Water.” Guests include the McCrary Sisters and Jim Lauderdale. He’ll be in Nashville on June 5 for a show at the Station Inn.
Traveller – Chris Stapleton – At 37, Chris Stapleton is finally releasing a much-anticipated solo album. He was the lead singer for the Steeldrivers and has had amazing success as a songwriter. Billboard Magazine has a great feature on his songs, as recorded by Adele, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Lee Ann Womack and many more.
The Traveler – Rhett Miller – What are the odds that Chris Stapleton and Rhett Miller would release new albums with almost identical titles? Here Old 97’s frontman Miller teams up with Black Prairie, with guest spots by Peter Buck and Scott McCaughey of REM
Hope You’re Happy Now – Grant Langston – The new album from Grant Langston is out now; publicity materials offer this description: “This new record is dark, moody and veers into the downright somber.”
Alicia Michilli – Alicia Michilli – We met Alicia Michilli on a plane flying back from the Grammy Awards. She’s from Detroit, but has moved to Nashville to launch her career. Her self-titled EP makes a great first impression. Despite her 22 years, she has an impressive feel for classic ‘70s soul, as evidenced by the five original tracks. And check out her salute to Etta James here.
My Crazy Head – Levi Lowrey – Out now is the new release by Levi Lowrey, described in press materials as his “most revolutionary album yet.”
A Light That Never Dies – KaiL Baxley – Forty Below Records – Set for release on June 2, KaiL Baxley’s second album was co-produced with Eric Corne.
Pat McGee – Pat McGee – This solo album from the Pat McGee Band leader features an impressive array of session players and guest talent, including Russ Kunkel, Leland Sklar, Waddy Wachtel, Danny Kotchmar, Jeff Pevar, Paul Barrere, John Popper and Pat Monahan.
