Tag: The Americana Music Festival

Review: Rick Nelson’s “Complete Epic Recordings”

 in Americana Music, Reviews


By Ken Paulson
— Rick Nelson was best known as a teen idol whose family starred in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, one of the most popular television shows of its era.

But he was also one of those rare artists whose best work actually came after his hit-making and television star years.

His early hits hold up well and most feature James Burton on guitar, but Nelson’s most interesting work came with the formation of the Stone Canyon Band, a pre-Eagles outfit that helped pioneer country rock.

Nelson’s 1972 hit “Garden Party” set the stage for a series of tasteful albums, which included a number of his own compositions. Windfall, Rick Sings Nelson and Rudy the Fifth were all adventurous and entertaining albums. Unfortunately, the sales were not as impressive as the content and Nelson left MCA to sign with Epic. He hoped for a rewarding creative environment, but it didn’t turn out that way.

Rick Nelson: The Complete Epic Recordings (Real Gone Music) contains three albums Nelson recorded for the label, only one of which was released in his lifetime. The best material here is outstanding and the rest is instructive.

Intakes, the only album to have an official release in Nelson’s lifetime, was outstanding, yet largely overlooked. It included “One X One” and Wings – two fine Stone Canyon Band songs – plus terrific covers of Gallagher and Lyle’s “Stay Young” and Brenton Wood’s hit “Gimme A Little Sign.”

The next 10 songs on the album are from the never-released Back to Vienna album. As James Ritz points out in his excellent liner notes, this was an aggressive attempt to modernize Nelson’s sound, with Al Kooper at the helm. It was all too much and the songs sound cluttered and unfocused.

There are some interesting moments, including a cover of Arthur Alexander’s “Every Day I Have to Cry Some” and Bob Dylan’s “Mama, You’ve Been on My Mind,” but most of Vienna is forgettable. Still, this is a valuable slice of rock history and it’s good to have it available.

The second disc in the set is called “Rockabilly Renaissance” and features classic rock ‘n roll performances in a stripped-down style that Nelson had to be very comfortable with. There are great moments throughout, including a sizzling version of “That’s All Right Mama”, a driving “Rave On” and a totally unexpected take on Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle.” A highlight is “Send Me Somebody to Love,” one of two tracks written by a young Tim Krekel. Inexplicably, Epic sat on this release, eventually putting out an EP with four remixed tracks.

Like other releases from Real Gone Music, The Complete Epic Recordings is a collector’s dream. In addition to releasing the original rockabilly album that Nelson delivered to Epic, the collection has multiple alternate mixes. Do you love John Fogerty’s “Almost Saturday Night?” You’ll find it here in three different incarnations.

If Rick Nelson had not died in a plane crash in 1986, today he would be a regular at the Americana Music Festival, honored as the creative artist and pioneer he was. The Complete Epic Recordings serve as a vibrant reminder of his talent and range.

Nov. 19: Americana Music Festival on Austin City Limits

 in Americana Music Festival

The national television debut of the Americana Music Festival is scheduled for Nov. 19 on Austin City Limits, which has released this show setlist, beginning with Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Buddy Miller, Jerry Douglas and Don Was singing “I’ll Fly Away.”

  • The Avett Brothers – The Once and Future Carpenter
  • Lucinda Williams – Blessed
  • Amos Lee – Cup of Sorrow
  • Elizabeth Cook- El Camino
  • Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues
  • Jessica Lea Mayfield – For Today
  • Buddy Miller – Gasoline and Matches
  • The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow
  • Candi Staton – Heart on a String
  • Jim Lauderdale – Life by Numbers
  • Robert Plant – Monkey
  • Gregg Allman – Melissa

It captures the best moments of the evening, although we wish Hayes Carll had made the cut. Nashville area viewers were able to watch the full version live and in a couple of early morning repeats.

As we’ve noted, national television exposure is critical to the future growth of Americana music and there’s arguable no better showcase than Austin City Limits. Check your local PBS station for show times.

 

Reviews: Chris Altmann, Mary Johnson Rockers, Jill Jack

 in Reviews

Over four days at the Americana Music Festival, review copies of albums can be as ubiquitous as business cards. A sampling of some of the most intriguing artists we came across:

Australian artists were well-represented at the Americana Music Festival. Chris Pickering’s “Work of Fiction,” produced by Don Nix, was a dazzling collection of jangly pop and his fellow countryman Chris Altmann mines similar, if even more derivative territory, on “Que Paso.” You can play “spot the influence” all over this album. The first five seconds of “Other Side of the Mountain” brings to mind both “Dear Prudence” and “The Weight.” “Mucho Grande” recalls the best of Doug Sahm; “Love Like This” channels the Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers and “Zig Zag Rag” smacks of Bob Seger. “Hard Tac” and “Bad News” rock with abandon and a bit of Elton John. Yes, it all sounds familiar, but it’s also a lot of fun. Altmann is inspired by the best and does his heroes justice on this energetic and entertaining album.

From North Carolina, Mary Johnson Rockers and the Spark have teamed up for “Hummingbird Heart,” an impressive eight-song collection that moves from lost sailor saga “Lucio” to the bluesy “Eyes on the Road” to the sweet and goofy love song “Ten Things.” But the title track eclipses all. It’s a stunning song about the premature birth of Rockers’ son Ty, and the challenges he faced. “Life is hard from the start with a hummingbird heart,” Rockers sings. Very touching.

Jill Jack’s “Songwriter Sessions” is an ambitious CD/DVD project, a live recording of all new material with a fine band and appreciative audience. The soaring love song “It’s You” is a highlight, as is the unlikely cover of “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly.” The project – and notably the bonus track “Northern Michigan” – remind us that there are vibrant music communities all over America, with talent to match.
Her new “Sunflower Girl” album is due in February.

Americana Music Festival opening night: Spanning the decades

 in Americana Music Festival

The reunited Foster and Lloyd

There’s plenty of time-tripping to be done tonight as the Americana Music Festival opens in Nashville.

It’s a measure of the genre’s wide embrace that performers who first hit their stride in every decade since the ’60s – and songs that were written years before that – are in the mix of showcase performances.

At the Rutledge at 9 p.m., country music legend Connie Smith will perform. She had her first number one record in 1963 with “Once A Day” and just released a new album, “Long Line of Heartaches.”

Marshall Chapman, playing at 8 p.m. at the Station Inn, began her recording career in 1977, and has long been one of Nashville’s most respected and irreverent songwriters and storytellers. Some of her performances include readings from her very entertaining books. The latest is “They Came To Nashville.”

The reunited Foster and Lloyd (pictured) emerged in the mid-’80s, when they brought a fresh sound to country music with songs like “Crazy Over You” and “What Do You Want From Me This Time?” Their new album “It’s Already Tomorrow” may be their best.

You get the idea. Just look at the line-up at the Cannery Ballroom tonight. From the Muscle Shoals tribute to The Blind Boys of Alabama (founded in 1939), to the very contemporary breakout duo The Civil Wars, the bill and the festival cut a wide swath across American music.

Americana Music Festival schedule: Wednesday, Oct. 12

 in Americana Music Festival

Sun209: The Americana Music Journal will be providing extensive coverage of the Americana Music Festival in Nashville all week. Here’s a quick look at opening night:

7 pm Music City Roots at the Loveless Barn, featuring Grayson Capps, The Wilders, Elephant Revival, The Milk Carton Kids, and Scott Miller and Mic Harrison of the V-Roys

The Basement

8 pm Brian Wright
9 pm The Greencards
10 pm Lake Street Dive
11 pm The Dirt Daubers

The Station Inn
8 pm Marshall Chapman
9 pm The Wronglers with Jimmie Dale Gilmore
10 pm Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison
11 pm Peter Rowan

The Rutledge

8:15 pm Marty Stuart

9 pm Connie Smith

10 pm Mountain Heart

11 pm David Mayfield Parade

The Mercy Lounge

8 pm The Gourds

9 pm Kenny Vaughan

10 pm Foster and Lloyd

11 pm Hayes Carll

The Cannery Ballroom

8 pm Muscle Shoals Tribute

10 pm Blind Boys of Alabama

11 pm The Civil Wars

Americana Music Festival schedule: Friday, Oct. 14

 in Americana Music Festival

Sun209: The Americana Music Journal will provide extensive coverage of the Americana Music Festival in Nashville all week. Here’s a quick look at the showcase schedule for Friday, Oct. 14:

The Basement

8 pm Meg Hutchinson
9 pm Tommy Womack and the Rush To Judgment
10 pm Ian McLagan, formerly of the Faces
11 pm Henry Wagons
Midnight: New Country Rehab

The Station Inn

8 pm The Packway Handle Band
9 pm The WIYOS
10 pm David Wax Museum
11 pm The Farewell Drifters
Midnight: The Black Lillies

The Rutledge
8 pm The Vespers
9 pm Matraca Berg
10 pm Eric Brace and Peter Cooper
11 pm The Bottle Rockets
Midnight: Will Kimbrough

The Mercy Lounge

8 pm Robert Ellis
9 pm Amy LaVere
10 pm Elizabeth Cook
11 pm John Oates
12am TBA (In the past, the TBA shows have been very pleasant surprises)

The Cannery Ballroom

8 pm Secret Sisters
9 pm Keb’ Mo’
10 pm Jim Lauderdale and Buddy Miller
11 pm North Mississippi Allstars

Americana Music Festival schedule: Saturday, Oct. 15

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Sun209: The Americana Music Journal will have extensive coverage of the Americana Music Festival in Nashville this week, but here’s a quick look at shows scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15:

Free programs: The 1861 Project, a new album revisiting the Civil War in song, will be showcased at the The Southern Festival of Books at Legislative Plaza at 2:30 p.m.
At 3 p.m.,Musician’s Corner at Centennial Park will feature a tribute to Tom T. Hall, as well as performances by Ben Sollee and Nanci Griffith.

Festival showcases:

The Basement:
8 pm The Deep Dark Woods
9 pm Patrick Sweany
10 pm Hymn for Her
11 pm Sam Llanas, formerly of the BoDeans
Midnight:  Farewell Milwaukee

The Station Inn:
8 pm Gleny Rae Virus and Her Tamworth Playboys
9 pm Sierra Hull and Highway 111
10 pm Tara Nevins
11 pm Catherine Britt
Midnight: Brigitte DeMeyer

The Rutledge

8 pm Chris Altmann
9 pm Ryan Tanner
10 pm Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
11 pm Great American Taxi
12 am Orbo and the Longshots

The Mercy Lounge:

8 pm Matrimony
9 pm Tim Easton
10 pm James McMurtry
11 pm Bobby Keys and the Suffering Bastards
Midnight: Deadman

Tommy Womack previews upcoming album “Now What!”

 in Americana Music

 

Tommy Womack and the Rush to Judgment closed out its “residency” at the Family Wash in Nashville last night, previewing songs from his upcoming album, set for release in January 2012.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been four years since “THERE I SAID IT,” a funny, melodic and disarmingly honest album. The new album “NOW WHAT” looks to be just as off-center and entertaining, judging by his performances of “Play That Cheap Trick, Cheap Trick Play”, and a spoken word piece “90 Miles an Hour Down a Dead-End Street.”
On his website, Womack also reports that he’s been selected as a showcase artist at the Americana Music Festival in Nashville in October. Good call. Don’t miss him.

Austin City Limits to showcase Americana Music Festival

 in Americana Music

The Americana Music Festival has finally found a home on television. In their efforts to build awareness of Americana music, Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hilly and his staff have long sought a way to showcase the genre and its stars to a national audience.
The Tennesseean reports today that the festival awards show will be broadcast live on Oct. 13 in Nashville on WNPT, the area’s public television station. An edited version will appear on Nov. 19 as an episode of Austin City Limits.
That’s a huge step forward in building the Americana music brand and the Austin City Limits audience is already attuned to the music and its artists.
Robert Plant, The Civil Wars, Elizabeth Cook, Jim Lauderdale and Gregg Allman are among the artists expected to perform at the show. Editing the full broadcast into a single Austin City Limits show will be an unenviable task.

Americana Music Festival announces artists

 in Americana Music

The Americana Music Festival, scheduled for Oct.12-15, 2011 in Nashville, is unveiling more details about the performances:
From the AMA’s press release:
“More than 100 of the genres’ trailblazers and rising stars will perform in the talent packed showcases that draw music lovers from all over the world. Among the first round of artists announced are: Gurf Morlix, Foster & Lloyd, JD Souther, Will Hoge, Elizabeth Cook, Marty Stuart and Marshall Chapman. They’ll be joined by buzz-worthy up and coming acts The Civil Wars, Amy LaVere, The Farewell Drifters, Catherine Britt and The David Mayfield Parade along with others listed below.
Festival Showcase Artists confirmed to play so far include:
Amy LaVere ~ Black Lillies ~ Blackie and the Rodeo Kings ~ The Bottle Rockets ~ Carrie Rodriguez ~ Catherine Britt ~ The Civil Wars ~ Connie Smith ~ The David Mayfield Parade ~ David Wax Museum ~ The Dirt Daubers ~ Elephant Revival ~ Elizabeth Cook ~ The Farewell Drifters ~ Foster & Lloyd ~ The Gourds ~ Grayson Capps ~ The Greencards ~ Gurf Morlix ~ Hymn for Her ~ Ian McLagan ~ The Jayhawks ~ JD Souther ~ John Oates ~ Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison ~ Kenny Vaughan ~ Lake Street Dive ~ Lera Lynn~ Malcolm Holcombe~ Marshall Chapman ~ Marty Stuart ~ Matraca Berg ~ New Country Rehab ~ North Mississippi Allstars ~ Patrick Sweany ~ Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three ~ Tim Easton ~ Tommy Womack & the Rush to Judgment ~ The Vespers ~ Will Hoge~ Will Kimbrough and more tba.”