New and recent releases:
Meridian Rising – Paul Burch – Plowboy Records The new Paul Burch album is an extraordinarily ambitious project, the “imagined autobiography” of the legendary Jimmie Rodgers. Often cited as the father of country music, Rodgers was a transformative figure whose tragically short career influenced all who followed. Burch, perhaps best known as a member of WPA BallClub, uses Rodgers’ life story as a foundation for his own musical explorations. He’s joined by some great players – from Nashville and elsewhere- including Fats Kaplin, Tim O’Brien, Garry Tallent, Jen Gunderman, Jon Langford and William Tyler. Nashville Scene Editor Jim Ridley captured the essence of the album (and Burch’s career) beautifully in a cover story for the Nashville Scene. You’ll find it here.
Dynamite! – Tami Neilson – Outside – Raucous honky tonk from an award-winning New Zealand artist who will bring Wanda Jackson to mind.
Good and Dirty – Sarah Borges – Hard-rocking EP from Sarah Borges, produced by Eric Ambel. She’s opening in March for Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin
Crow River Ramble – Jason Paulson – Minneapolis-based songwriter releases his third album on March 25.
Sept. 8 in Americana music: Jimmie Rodgers, known as the “father of country music,” was born on this date in 1897. He’s also arguably the father of roots and Americana music and his work has had a profound impact on generations of artists. He was one of the first three inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and later was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.