Americana and country artists take a stand for the First Amendment

June 28, 2020 in Americana Music, Nashville music

The Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University wants all Americans to know and use their First Amendment rights, and its new awareness effort has some star-studded support to get out the word across the country.

Nashville’s taking center stage in the center’s new 1 for All Campaign for the First Amendment effort with help from artists, authors and athletes including multi-Platinum award-winning artist Kane Brown; the legendary Loretta Lynn; multi-Grammy Award-winning musicians Rosanne Cash, Jason Isbell, Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker; Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton; and bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist Ann Patchett.

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They’re among nearly two dozen Nashvillians sharing the critical need nationwide for Americans to know, and practice, our First Amendment rights to free speech, a free press, peaceable assembly, religion and petitioning the government.

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen the First Amendment in action on the streets of America,” said Ken Paulson, director of the Free Speech Center in MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment. “Citizens using their freedom of speech, right to assemble, freedom of the press, the right to petition and freedom of faith have changed America for the better. (Disclosure: Paulson is also the editor of Americana One.)

“Our goal is to have Americans better understand the scope and impact of the First Amendment and never take it for granted.”

Surveys by the Freedom Forum First Amendment Center indicate that one-third of Americans can’t name a single freedom in the First Amendment and that a vast majority have very little understanding of these liberties.

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Lynn, a multi-Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and author with a career spanning six decades, makes her appreciation for the First Amendment clear in her typical blunt and succinct manner.

To remedy that, the campaign ads direct members of the public to http://1forall.today, where they can learn all they need to know about the First Amendment, including tips on how to help preserve and protect these essential freedoms.

“My free speech showed up in songs like ‘The Pill’ and ‘You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man).’ I always say — and sing — exactly what I mean,” Lynn said in supplying the text for her poster for the campaign.

Using lyrics from his latest release, “Worldwide Beautiful,” a song urging peace, reason and equality that’s already topped the U.S iTunes sales charts as well as Billboard’s new music poll, Brown called for using the First Amendment to create more harmony.

“We’ve still got some work, but we still got a dream,” Brown said, adding, “let’s use our freedoms of speech, press and assembly to build understanding and mutual respect. The dream is within our reach.”

Hamilton, a U.S. and world figure skating champion who won Olympic gold in the 1984 competition, said that protecting one of the First Amendment’s freedoms helps preserve them all.

“My faith is the driving force in my life every single day. Thanks to the First Amendment, what I believe, say and write is protected by this amazing one-of-a-kind nation,” Hamilton said.

This new 1 for All effort, which includes support from 1 for All program-founding partners The Tennessean, Gannett/USA Today, the Tennessee Press Association and the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, also includes national support from the Associated Press and news organizations from across the country.

Brown, Lynn, Cash, Isbell, Paisley, Rucker, Hamilton and Patchett are being joined in the campaign by fellow First Amendment advocates:

• Ruby Amanfu, singer-songwriter and co-writer of the Grammy-nominated “Hard Place,” performed by H E R.

• John Cooper,

co-founder of the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated and Billboard Music Award-winning rock band Skillet.

• Billy Ray Cyrus, singer-songwriter and actor featured in Lil Nas X’s No. 1, 10-million-plus-selling hit “Old Town Road” and the “Still the King” TV series.

• Colton Dixon,

singer-songwriter and former American Idol fan favorite/finalist.

• Mary Gauthier, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter whose “Rifles & Rosary Beads” album, featuring songs co-written with U.S. military veterans and their families, earned the International Folk Music Awards’ 2018 album of the year honor.

• Marcus Hummon, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, performer and member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

• Amy Kurland, founder of Nashville’s famed Bluebird Cafe.

• Kathy Mattea, multi-Grammy-winning and platinum-selling singer featured in Ken Burns’ “Country Music” documentary.

• Ketch Secor, co-founder of the multi-Grammy-winning Old Crow Medicine Show and featured in the Burns “Country Music” documentary.

• Aubrie Sellers, singer-songwriter and 2020 nominee for the Americana Music Association’s emerging artist of the year.

• Ruta Sepetys, bestselling author and winner of the Carnegie Medal.

• The Rev. Becca Stevens, social entrepreneur, author, priest and founder of the Thistle Farms organization for women’s recovery.

“We’re grateful to the artists and authors who support the campaign,” Paulson said. “They’re critical to ensuring that a new generation takes notice. We’re marketing the First Amendment to young citizens who can make history using its freedoms.

“The 1 for All campaign is nonpartisan and apolitical. Our only positions are that the First Amendment’s five freedoms are at the heart of a great nation and that every American needs to better understand and respect these core liberties.”

Established in August 2019 as a nonpartisan public policy center, the Free Speech Center at MTSU strives to build understanding and support for the five freedoms of the First Amendment through education and information.

The Free Speech Center’s resources include the unique First Amendment Encyclopedia, the world’s single most comprehensive free reference work on the five freedoms guaranteed by the first item on the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights. All center resources are open to the public anytime at http://freespeech.center.

“What better place to launch a national First Amendment campaign than at Middle Tennessee State University?” Paulson asked.

“We have scholars versed in democracy, media and government at the Free Speech Center, the John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies, our American Democracy Project chapter and the Albert Gore Research Center. We have a nationally recognized College of Media and Entertainment and both the expertise and facilities to create content for multiple media and platforms. It all fits together to make this mission possible.”

For more information on the 1 For All Campaign, visit http://1forall.today. For information about the Free Speech Center at MTSU, visit http://freespeech.center. And for more on MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment and its programs, visit https://www.mtsu.edu/media.

Cayamo 2019: An All-Star music cruise

February 23, 2019 in Festivals, Music Cruise News

By Paul T. Mueller

Early spring in Florida (and Arizona) means baseball – spring training, to be specific. It’s also the appointed time for another tradition – the Cayamo music cruise, which just wrapped up its 12^th sailing, returning to Tampa on the Norwegian Pearl on Feb. 17 after a week in warm Caribbean waters. Dozens of artists, mostly singer-songwriters, took part in 130-plus shows, many playing multiple sets and sitting in with other performers. Let’s take a closer look through the lens of America’s national pastime.

Veterans

Even when you’ve been around for a while and proved your bona fides, you still have to show up and bring your “A” game. This year’s cruise featured excellent performances by many veterans of previous Cayamo rosters:

Buddy Miller – a fixture on all but one Cayamo, Americana superstar Miller and his fine band ripped through familiar tunes including “Does My Ring Burn Your Finger?,” “Wide River to Cross” and “Somewhere Trouble Don’t Go.” Fellow Americana icon Emmylou Harris joined him for duets on “Burning the Midnight Oil” and “Love Hurts.” There was also a fine rendition of “Ellis County,” which Miller’s wife Julie wrote for and about her grandparents in Texas.
Second-timer Mary Gauthier, accompanied by vocalist Jaimee Harris and violinist/keyboardist Michele Gazich, thrilled a morning audience with several songs from her recent Rifles and Rosary Beads album, consisting of songs co-written with combat veterans and their families, as well as older favorites such as “Another Train” and the classic “Mercy Now.”
Jason Isbell returned with his band, the 400 Unit, for some powerful sets drawn from his last few albums. He also hosted an excellent “Jason Isbell and Friends” songwriter round featuring his wife, Amanda Shires, Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith, singer-songwriter Josh Ritter and ace guitarist and singer Molly Tuttle.
Los Angeles-based rockers Dawes brought the Big Rock Show Experience to the ship’s largest venues, the Stardust Theater and the pool deck. Their Stardust set was highlighted by several singalong anthems including “When My Time Comes” and “All Your Favorite Bands.” The latter show featured a surprise appearance by Lenny Goldsmith, father of Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith and his brother, drummer Griffin Goldsmith, singing R&B that recalled his days as the lead singer of ‘70s band Tower of Power.

Other veterans of note: Harris and Shires played well-received sets with their own bands, as did iconic folk-rock duo Indigo Girls, multi-instrumentalist and multi-genre songwriter Randall Bramblett, and soul powerhouse Bonnie Bishop. Roots guitarist and singer-songwriter Keb’ Mo’ and the wild and crazy Steve Poltz played mostly solo.

Rookies

Festivals on cruise ships aren’t exactly the norm for most musicians, so some first-timers bring with them a bit of uncertainty about the experience. Most quickly adapt, heartened by enthusiastic audiences and the support of fellow performers. Standout newcomers this year included;

Raul Malo, who thrilled a full house in the Stardust Theater with powerful, emotional renditions of a wide variety of songs from various genres, including a couple recorded by his band, the Mavericks. Extra points for closing with what he called his favorite song ever, “Stardust.”
Virginia-based singer-songwriter Dori Freeman, accompanied by husband Nicholas Falk on drums and banjo, who charmed fans with bluegrass-tinged originals and classic country and gospel songs.
Nashville-based singer-songwriter and keyboardist Phil Madeira, who’s also a member of Emmylou Harris’ band, the Red Dirt Boys. Backed by fellow members of that outfit – Will Kimbrough on guitar, Bryan Owings on drums and Chris Donohue on bass – Madeira played a terrific set in the Atrium that drew heavily on his recent album Providence, a musical memoir of his Rhode Island upbringing. A lot of music, especially pop, is aimed at the young, but this was grown-up music for grown-up people.
Australian guitar wizard Tommy Emmanuel wowed the crowds with his mastery of the acoustic guitar, playing with speed, precision and soul in a variety of styles, and also using the instrument as a platform for percussion. In addition to playing several sets of his own, Emmanuel seemed to be everywhere on the boat, popping up as a guest at any number of other artists’ shows and mixing freely with fans.
Maggie Rose, a Nashville-based singer with a powerful, soulful voice well suited to her own material and well-chosen covers. She said she usually plays with an eight-member band, but on the Pearl she was backed by her husband and manager, Austin Marshall, and guitarist Tom Maxwell, also a singer-songwriter.

Other rookies with strong showings: Georgia singer-songwriter Eliot Bronson; English singer-songwriter and activist Billy Bragg; female vocal trio Red Molly, augmented by a bassist and a drummer; all-male vocal quartet Darlingside, and Australian singer-songwriter Kasey Chambers, accompanied by her father Bill Chambers and her three children.

All-Star Games
The week featured several large collaborative shows:

The Shawn Mullins Variety Show, hosted by the Georgia singer-songwriter who’s been part of every Cayamo, featured pirate costumes and appearances by Nashville singer-songwriter Chuck Cannon, the funny and endearing Paul Thorn, Bonnie Bishop, Amy Ray of Indigo Girls, the spiritual soul of Liz Vice, and the sweet but powerful harmonies of Red Molly.
A pool-deck tribute to Woodstock that kicked off with a Hendrixian take on the National Anthem by steel guitar ace Jerry Douglas and continued with a lovely take on “Helplessly Hoping” by Red Molly, a microphone-swinging performance of “Pinball Wizard” by Billy Bragg, and a nice take on “The Weight” by Maine-based The Ghost of Paul Revere, among many other highlights. The show closed with an all-hands singalong on “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
A “Cayamo After Hours” late-night show hosted by Amanda Shires and drummer Jerry Pentecost, featuring novel interpretations of classic songs written or performed by women. Among the entries: Maggie Rose with Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” Tommy Emmanuel with Carly Simon’s “It’s Too Late,” Paul Thorn with Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” Shires with Sheryl Crow’s “If It Makes You Happy,” and Bishop’s mesmerizing take on Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”
A second after-hours show, dubbed “Sadler’s Garage” by its host, 400 Unit guitarist Sadler Vaden, who led off with a couple of rocking originals before covering The Band’s “Ophelia” and Joe Walsh’s “Life of Illusion.” Jason Isbell joined in on Thin Lizzy’s “Jailbreak,” which led into a full-length cover of the Allman Brothers’ “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” featuring keyboardist Peter Levin. The show closed with joyous singalongs on Tom Petty’s “Even the Losers” and “American Girl.”
The final-day gospel show, enthusiastically led by Michael and Tanya Trotter, making a return appearance as The War and Treaty. Contributing artists included Tommy Emmanuel (“Amazing Grace”), Dori Freeman (“Heavenly Sunlight”), Phil Madeira (“Give God the Blues”), Carlene Carter (“Will the Circle Be Unbroken”) and Buddy Miller (“Shelter Me”), among others.

Utility Players

Cayamo is well-known for collaborations between artists who might not otherwise share stages. Several players seemed to pop up with great regularity for guest appearances at others’ shows: guitarists Tommy Emmanuel and Will Kimbrough, keyboardists Phil Madeira and Niji Adeleye, and fiddlers Eamon McLoughlin and Amanda Shires, to name a few.

The Sandlot

Cayamo 2019 featured, for the first time, a showcase for bands made up of amateurs – passengers who sent in audition tapes, were grouped into bands at the beginning of the week, and played a show in the Atrium on the last day. Each band performed one song by a Cayamo artist – selections included Buddy Miller’s “Gasoline and Matches” by Miller Time; Shawn Mullins’ “Beautiful Wreck” by Pipe Dreams (guest vocals by Mullins); the classic “Love Hurts” by The Emmys; Josh Ritter’s “Monster Ballads” by Monsters of Cayamo; Keb’ Mo’ ’s “Old Me Better” by Mo Betta (featuring a guest appearance by Keb’ Mo’ on kazoo), Claire and the 4 Units performing Jason Isbell’s “Something to Love,” and the unofficial winner of the band name contest, Flawes’ version of Dawes’ “All Your Favorite Bands.” You could have found more polished performances elsewhere on the boat; you could not have found more fun and enthusiasm anywhere.

Management

Kudos as always to Sixthman, the Atlanta-based company that produces Cayamo and several other music cruises (and, beginning this year, the land-based All the Best, scheduled for November in the Dominican Republic). Sound at the Pearl’s several venues was almost without exception excellent, and the company did a good job of programming to balance the crowds among the various shows on offer at any given time. Interactions with Norwegian Cruise Lines, which operates the Pearl, were smooth.

Errors

Few and far between. One of the big ones, this year and for the past few Cayamos, was the fact that a fair number of seats in the large Stardust Theater were broken and uncomfortable. No one has provided a satisfactory explanation as to why that issue hasn’t been addressed. The occasional sound glitch was usually fixed in a hurry. A beach excursion in Jamaica didn’t go as smoothly as planned – but Sixthman was quick to offer full refunds of the excursion charge to anyone left disappointed. There were the usual gripes about things like food quality and the balance between “seated” acts and “dancing” acts. Some differences of opinion are a given whenever 2,000-plus music fans gather, but the consensus among fans and artists alike is this is a very well-run festival that’s worth its substantial ticket price.

Previewing 2019 Cayamo Cruise

February 3, 2019 in Americana Music, Festivals, Music Cruise News

By Paul T. Mueller

2019 marks an even dozen for the Cayamo music cruise. The 12^th edition of the festival at sea, produced by Atlanta-based Sixthman aboard the Norwegian Pearl, will head south from Tampa for a week of music – and what many passengers surely hope will be warmer weather than they’ve been enduring lately.

As always, the event will feature a full – not to say intimidating – lineup of musicians and bands. Returning notables this year include Emmylou Harris, Keb’ Mo’, Indigo Girls, Buddy Miller, Paul Thorn, Mary Gauthier, Shawn Mullins, Justin Townes Earle, Amanda Shires, Chuck Cannon, The War and Treaty, Steve Poltz and Bonnie Bishop. Newcomers include Will Kimbrough, Carlene Carter, Raul Malo, Billy Bragg, Josh Ritter, Tommy Emmanuel, Brett Dennen, Molly Tuttle and Phil Madeira.

Keb’ Mo’
Mary Gauthier (All photos Paul T. Mueller)
Jason Isbell

As is typical of Cayamo, the lineup is heavily tilted toward the quieter fare of solo singer-songwriters and duos, but a few larger outfits will also make the trip. Bands on board include Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Dawes, the Jerry Douglas Trio, The Wood Brothers, Kasey Chambers and the Fireside Disciples, Darlingside, Red Molly, Red Dirt Boys and The Ghost of Paul Revere. The complete lineup can be seen here.

Themed shows scheduled this year include the Shawn Mullins Variety Show, Buddy Miller’s Sirius XM radio show featuring The War and Treaty, Billy Bragg’s Woody Guthrie tribute show, and the mysteriously named “Buddy’s Musical Genius Bar,” presumably hosted by Cayamo mainstay Miller. And while the concept of “after hours” is a bit hazy given that scheduled performances and informal jams routinely stretch into the small hours, there is nonetheless a “Cayamo After Hours with Sadler Vaden and Friends” show, featuring the 400 Unit guitarist, scheduled for very early Friday morning.

Given a lineup this large, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to see every performer, but there will be a few other events thrown in to make scheduling even tougher. These include yoga sessions led by Bonnie Bishop, a couple of open jam sessions, a 10 a.m. “Bloodies, Bacon and Bingo” event, a “Conversation About Songwriting” with Will Kimbrough and Phil Madeira, a “Tales & Ales” beer tasting hosted by Paul Thorn, and a drum workshop with Brady Blade.

For many Cayamoans, the music is all that matters and it’s of little interest where the cruise stops along the way. But for the record, this year’s ports of call are Montego Bay, Jamaica, and the Costa Maya on Mexico’s southern Caribbean coast. The Jamaica stop will feature a beach excursion and show by Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance.

Tenth Annual 30A Songwriters Festival remains deep in talent

January 15, 2019 in Festivals, Songwriters

By Ken Paulson

For us, the year’s music festivals kick off with the always diverse and engaging line-up at the 10th annual 30A Songwriters Festival in Walton County, Florida Jan. 18-21. Some of the biggest names in Americana music headline the bill, complemented by dozens of artists you need to know.

The festival empahsizes the sheer volume of artists: 195 songwriters and more than 250 performances at 30 venues

Among the headliners: Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Rosanne Cash, Patty Griffin, Steve Earle, Shawn Mullins, Hayes Carll, Marc Broussard, Carlene Carter and the Secret Sisters.

Nashville is well represented with Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees Gretchen Peters, Matraca Berg and Jeffrey Steele, plus Tommy Womack, Kim Richey, Webb Wilder, Will Kimbrough, Elizabeth Cook and others that I’ll kick myself for not mentioning.

As Americana and folk as the festival is, some of our favorite moments have come from rock artists. The twin-bill of the Bangles and Matthew Sweet a few years ago comes immediately to mind. Sweet is on the schedule again this year, as well as Rock Hall of Famer Felix Cavaliere of the Rascals.

Planning who you’ll see can be a challenge. Most of the shows are at clubs and restaurants, meaning often limited seating. It’s tough to club hop, but that will mean the opportunity to discover new talent at the club you do settle down in.

Tickets are still available in all sorts of configurations – day and weekend passes – at the festival site.

2018 Americana Music Honors: The Winners

September 12, 2018 in Americana Music, Americana Music Festival, Nashville music

Podcast 15: 2018 Americana Music Nominees Announced

May 15, 2018 in Americana Music, Americana Music Festival

Today the Americana Music Association released its list of nominees for honors at the Americana Music Festival and Conference set for Nashville in September.

The nominees included:

Album of the Year

Mary Gauthier

“All American Made,” Margo Price, Produced by Jeremy Ivey, Alex Munoz, Margo Price and Matt Ross-Spang
“By The Way I Forgive You,” Brandi Carlile, Produced by Dave Cobb and Shooter Jennings
“The Nashville Sound,” Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Produced by Dave Cobb
“Rifles & Rosary Beads,” Mary Gauthier, Produced by Neilson Hubbard

John Prine

Artist of the Year
Brandi Carlile
Jason Isbell
Margo Price
John Prine

Duo/Group of the Year
I’m With Her
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats

Emerging Act of the Year
Courtney Marie Andrews
Tyler Childers
Anderson East
Lilly Hiatt

Song of the Year
“A Little Pain,” Margo Price, Written by Margo Price
“All The Trouble,” Lee Ann Womack, Written by Waylon Payne, Lee Ann Womack and Adam
Wright
“If We Were Vampires,” Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Written by Jason Isbell
“The Joke,” Brandi Carlile, Written by Brandi Carlile, Dave Cobb, Phil Hanseroth and Tim Hanseroth

Instrumentalist of the Year
Daniel Donato
Brittany Haas
Jerry Pentecost
Molly Tuttle

Here’s our podcast from this celebrative event, featuring the Milk Carton Kids and AMA Executive Director Jed Hilly.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Best Americana Album: Jason Isbell’s Nashville Sound

January 28, 2018 in Americana Music

This just in: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit win a Grammy for “The Nashville Sound”

Best Americana Album
• Southern Blood
Gregg Allman

• Shine On Rainy Day
Brent Cobb

• Beast Epic
Iron & Wine

• The Nashville Sound
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit

• Brand New Day
The Mavericks

Top 100 albums in Americana music

December 14, 2017 in Americana Music

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.

2017 Americana Airplay Chart Top 100 Albums

1	Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit	The Nashville Sound
2	Chris Stapleton	From A Room: Volume 1
3	Nikki Lane	Highway Queen
4	Ryan Adams	Prisoner
5	Steve Earle	So You Wannabe An Outlaw
6	Band Of Heathens	Duende
7	Justin Townes Earle	Kids In The Street
8	Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real	Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real
9	Son Volt	Notes of Blue
10	Old 97s	Graveyard Whistling
11	Willie Nelson	God’s Problem Child
12	Rodney Crowell	Close Ties
13	Mavericks	Brand New Day
14	Valerie June	The Order Of Time
15	Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives	Way Out West
16	JD McPherson	Undivided Heart And Soul
17	Pokey LaFarge	Manic Revelations
18	Jamestown Revival	The Education Of A Wandering Man
19	Delbert McClinton & Self-Made Men	Prick Of The Litter
20	Gregg Allman	Southern Blood
21	Taj Mahal & Keb Mo	TajMo
22	Tift Merritt	Stitch Of The World
23	Slaid Cleaves	Ghost On The Car Radio
24	North Mississippi Allstars	Prayer For Peace
25	Rhiannon Giddens	Freedom Highway
26	Alison Krauss	Windy City
27	David Rawlings	Poor David’s Almanack
28	Dan Auerbach	Waiting On A Song
29	Secret Sisters	You Don’t Own Me Anymore
30	Ray Wylie Hubbard	Tell The Devil I’m Gettin’ There As Fast As I Can
31	Will Hoge	Anchors
32	Infamous Stringdusters	Laws Of Gravity
33	Drive-By Truckers	American Band
34	Alejandro Escovedo	Burn Something Beautiful
35	Tyler Childers	Purgatory
36	Aaron Lee Tasjan	Silver Tears
37	John Prine	For Better, Or Worse
38	Kasey Chambers	Dragonfly
39	Reckless Kelly	Sunset Motel
40	Sunny Sweeney	Trophy
41	Josh Ritter	Gathering
42	Bruce Robison & The Back Porch Band	Bruce Robison & The Back Porch Band
43	Brent Cobb	Shine On Rainy Day
44	Old Crow Medicine Show	50 Years Of Blonde On Blonde
45	Jason Eady	Jason Eady
46	Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer	Not Dark Yet
47	Chuck Prophet	Bobby Fuller Died For Your Sins
48	Shinyribs	I Got Your Medicine
49	Jim Lauderdale	London Southern
50	Hurray For The Riff Raff	The Navigator
51	Shannon McNally	Black Irish
52	Angaleena Presley	Wrangled
53	Wilco	Schmilco
54	Dustbowl Revival	The Dustbowl Revival
55	Margo Price	All American Made
56	Robert Earl Keen	Live Dinner Reunion
57	Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors	Souvenir
58	Bruce Cockburn	Bone On Bone
59	Gillian Welch	Boots No. 1: The Official Revival Bootleg
60	Mastersons	Transient Lullaby
61	Iron & Wine	Beast Epic
62	Hiss Golden Messenger	Hallelujah Anyhow
63	Jim Lauderdale	This Changes Everything
64	Eilen Jewell	Down Hearted Blues
65	John Moreland	Big Bad Luv
66	Blackie and the Rodeo Kings	Kings And Kings
67	Todd Snider	Eastside Bulldog
68	Various – The Life & Songs Of Emmylou Harris	An All-Star Concert Celebration
69	Neil Young	Peace Trail
70	Brigitte DeMeyer & Will Kimbrough	Mockingbird Soul
71	Samantha Fish	Chills & Fever
72	Blackberry Smoke	Like An Arrow
73	Ruthie Foster	Joy Comes Back
74	Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters	Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters
75	David Luning	Restless
76	Jesse Dayton	The Revealer
77	Old Crow Medicine Show	Best Of Old Crow Medicine Show
78	Paul Cauthen	My Gospel
79	Ray Davies	Americana
80	Wayne Hancock	Slingin’ Rhythm
81	Colter Wall	Colter Wall
82	Chris Hillman	Bidin’ My Time
83	Radney Foster	For You To See The Stars
84	Amanda Shires	My Piece Of Land
85	Jade Jackson	Gilded
86	Lucinda Williams	This Sweet Old World
87	Chuck Berry	Chuck
88	Jackie Greene	The Modern Lives Vol. 1
89	Govt Mule	Revolution Come…Revolution Go
90	Tim O’Brien	Where The River Meets The Road
91	Lillie Mae	Forever And Then Some
92	Yonder Mountain String Band	Love. Ain’t Love
93	Joan Osborne	Songs Of Bob Dylan
94	Dead Man Winter	Furnace
95	Seth Walker	Gotta Get Back
96	Jeffery Halford & The Healers	Lo-Fi Dreams
97	Dwight Yoakam	Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars…
98	Whiskey Gentry	Dead Ringer
99	Great American Taxi	Dr. Feel Good’s Traveling Medicine Show
100	Moot Davis	Hierarchy Of Crows

Americana Music Festival’s talent-packed awards show

August 30, 2017 in Americana Music, Americana Music Festival, Nashville music

Americana Music News – The Americana Music Festival’s annual Honors and Awards show is always special, but the 2017 line-up raises the bar.

Where else in the world would you see Van Morrison, Graham Nash and John Prine on the same stage? And then there are the gnere’s established stars, incuding Rodney Crowell, Billy Bragg, Iris DeMent, Jason Isbell and Old Crow Mediince Show.

The full line-up:

Billy Bragg

Brent Cobb

Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm

Rodney Crowell

Iris DeMent

Drive-By Truckers

Rhiannon Giddens

Joe Henry

Hurray for the Riff Raff

Jason Isbell

The Lumineers

Lori McKenna

Van Morrison

Graham Nash

Old Crow Medicine Show

Sam Outlaw

Margo Price

John Prine

Amanda Shires

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives

Aaron Lee Tasjan

2017 Americana Music Awards nominees announced

May 9, 2017 in Americana Music, Americana Music Festival, Nashville music

The Americana Music Association unveiled its nominees for the 2017 Americana Music Awards in a press event at the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s a nice mix of veterans (Rodney Crowell, John Prine), today’s mainstays (Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson) and emerging artists (Aaron Lee Tasjan, Margo Price and more.)

Album of the Year

“American Band,” Drive-By Truckers, Produced by David Barbe

“A Sailor’s Guide to Earth,” Sturgill Simpson, Produced by Sturgill Simpson

“Close Ties,” Rodney Crowell, Produced by Kim Buie and Jordan Lehning

“Freedom Highway, Rhiannon Giddens, Produced David Bither, Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell

“The Navigator,” Hurray for the Riff Raff, Produced by Paul Butler

Artist of the Year

Jason Isbell

John Prine

Lori McKenna

Margo Price

Sturgill Simpson

Duo/Group of the Year

Billy Bragg & Joe Henry

Drive-By Truckers

Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

The Lumineers

Emerging Artist of the Year

close dialog

Aaron Lee Tasjan

Amanda Shires

Brent Cobb

Sam Outlaw

Song of the Year

“All Around You,” Sturgill Simpson, Written by Sturgill Simpson

“It Ain’t Over Yet,” Rodney Crowell (with Rosanne Cash & John Paul White), Written by Rodney Crowell

“To Be Without You,” Ryan Adams, Written by Ryan Adams

“Wreck You,” Lori McKenna, Written by Lori McKenna and Felix McTeigue

Instrumentalist of the Year

Spencer Cullum, Jr.

Jen Gunderman

Courtney Hartman

Charlie Sexton

Jason Isbell tops Americana Music Awards

September 22, 2016 in Americana Music, Americana Music Festival, Nashville music

Photo courtesy Americana Music Association

By Ken Paulson

The annual Americana Music Awards and Honors event is always a special evening and one of the most memorable musical events in a city legendary for them.

This year I had the honor of joining Joe Henry in awarding the Spirit of Americana Free Speech Award to Billy Bragg. That’s always an honor, and offers the chance to see witness the backstage energy at the Ryman Auditorium. The artists are always pumped for this special show.

That translates onstage to truly striking performances.

Most surprising was George Strait’s performance with Jim Lauderdale of the latter’s “King of Broken Hearts.” I’d never seen Strait on stage before and it quickly became clear why he’s such a giant in country music. Show host Lauderdale, who received the rarely-awarded Wagonmaster Award, seemed deeply touched by Strait’s appearance.

Jason Isbell had a another great year, winning the awards for top album and song of the year.

The evening’s winners at the 2-16 Americana Music Awards;

Album of the Year: Something More Than Free, Jason Isbell, Produced by Dave Cobb

Artist of the Year: Chris Stapleton

Group/Duo of the Year: Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell

Song of the Year: “24 Frames” Jason Isbell; Written by Jason Isbell

Emerging Artist of the Year: Margo Price

Instrumentalist of the Year: Sara Watkins

Spirit of Americana/Free Speech in Music Award co-presented by the Americana Music

Association and the First Amendment Center: Billy Bragg

Lifetime Achievement Award, Trailblazer: Shawn Colvin

Lifetime Achievement Award, Songwriting: William Bell

Lifetime Achievement Award, Performance: Bob Weir

Lifetime Achievement Award, WagonMaster: Jim Lauderdale

President’s Award: Woody Guthrie

Americana Music Grammy award nominees announced

December 8, 2015 in Americana Music

The Recording Academy has announced this year’s nominees for Grammy Awards and the roster of Americana artists is rich and familiar. The nominees for both Best Americana Album and Best American Roots song are almost identical, with Jason Isbell, the Mavericks, Punch Brothers and Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell appearing in both categories.

Winners will be announced on Feb. 15 in Los Angeles.

Best Americana Album

Brandi Carlile, The Firewatcher’s Daughter

Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, The Traveling Kind

Jason Isbell, Something More Than Free

The Mavericks, Mono

Punch Brothers, The Phosphorescent Blues

Best American Roots Song

The Mavericks, “All Night Long”

Don Henley & Merle Haggard, “The Cost of Living”

Punch Brothers, “Julep”

Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, “The Traveling Kind”

Jason Isbell, “24 Frames”

Best American Roots Performance

Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, “And Am I Born to Die”

Buddy Guy, “Born to Play Guitar”

The Milk Carton Kids, “City of Our Lady”

Punch Brothers, “Julep”

Mavis Staples, “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean”

Best Bluegrass Album

Dale Ann Bradley, Pocket Full of Keys

Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Before the Sun Goes Down

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, In Session

Ralph Stanley & Friends, Man of Constant Sorrow

The Steeldrivers, The Muscle Shoals Recordings

Best Folk Album

Norman Blake, Wood, Wire & Words

Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn

Rhiannon Giddens, Tomorrow Is My Turn

Patty Griffin, Servant of Love

After Nashville: Jason Isbell’s 2015 concert schedule

October 24, 2015 in Americana Music, Nashville music

Jason Isbell at the Americana Music Festival Honors and Awards show in 2014.

Nashville – Jason Isbell’s opening show at the Ryman Auditorium for a four-night run drew a rave review from the Tennessean’s Juli Thanki, who wrote:

“Isbell isn’t a flashy performer. Instead, he lets his lyrics do the heavy lifting, and the packed house was enthralled, singing along with songs like “Codeine” and a stunning rendition of “Cover Me Up.”

Isbell will be at the Ryman through Oct. 26, but here’s the schedule for the rest of the tour:

10/29 – Amarillo, TX – Potter County Memorial Stadium

10/30 – New Orleans, LA – Voodoo Music Experience

11/6 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre

11/7 – Boone, NC – Schaefer Center for the Arts

11/8 – Chattanooga, TN – Tivoli Theatre

11/12 – Madison, WI – Capitol Theater

11/13 – Eau Claire, WI – State Theatre

11/14 – Green Bay, WI – Meyer Theatre

11/19 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center

11/20 – Roanoke, VA – Berglund Center

11/21 – Savannah, GA – Lucas Theatre for the Arts

12/9 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater

12/10 & 11 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre

12/12 – Omaha, NE – Sokol Auditorium

1/6 – Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller

1/7 – Stockholm, Sweden – Bern

1/8 – Gotenburg, Sweden – Pustervik

1/9 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Vega

1/11 – Berlin, Germany – Privatclub

1/12 – Hamburg, Germany – Knust

1/13 – Cologne, Germany – Blue Shell

1/15 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso

1/16 – Brussels, Belgium – Orangerie

1/18 – Paris, France – La Maroquinerie

1/19 – Brighton, UK – Concorde 2

1/20 – Bristol, UK – Trinity

1/22 – London, UK – O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

1/23 – Manchester, UK – Ritz

1/24 – Glasgow, UK – O2 ABC Celtic Connections

1/31-2/6 – Miami, FL – Cayamo Cruise

2/11 & 12 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at the Moody Theater

2/16 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

2/17 – St. Louis, MO – Peabody Opera House

2/19 – Indianapolis, IN – The Murat Theatre

2/20 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre

2/25 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre

2/27 – Boston, MA – House of Blues

2/29 – Toronto, ON – The Danforth Music Hall

3/1 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre

3/2 – Pittsburgh, PA – Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

3/5 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Review: Jason Isbell’s “Something More than Free”

August 8, 2015 in Americana Music, New releases, Reviews

By Paul T. Mueller

Jason Isbell had quite a challenge in following up his excellent 2013 album, Southeastern, which was a thing of rare power and beauty. Fortunately, he was up to the task. His latest, Something More Than Free, is an excellent collection in its own right. Isbell has a good eye for revealing details, and a gift for weaving them into songs that touch on themes both personal and universal.

It would have been tough to match the visceral impact of Southeastern’s “Cover Me Up” or “Elephant,” but there’s still plenty here that’s strong enough to impress on first listen and nuanced enough to reward further examination.

Things get off to a bouncy start with “If It Takes a Lifetime,” featuring an infectious violin riff courtesy of Amanda Shires, Isbell’s wife and collaborator. Isbell’s songwriting skill is much in evidence in the narrative of a man who’s learned from his mistakes, and has come to understand that happiness is a journey, not a destination. He pursues that theme further in “24 Frames,” which considers the idea that everything good can disappear in a second – the time it takes a movie camera to shoot 24 frames.

So it goes for the album’s other nine songs. More highlights:

“Flagship,” a sweet love song in which the narrator sees a couple “sitting there a thousand miles apart” and pleads, “Baby, let’s not ever get that way.”
“The Life You Chose,” which asks a tough question: “Are you living the life you chose? Are you living the life that chose you?”
The title track, a meditation on the value of work in which the narrator concludes, “I’m doing what I’m on this earth to do.” Clearly the same can be said of Isbell himself.
“Speed Trap Town,” a rueful observation of small-town life in the vein of Steve Earle or James McMurtry.
“Palmetto Rose,” a guitar-fueled look at the good and bad of life in a South Carolina city, from the point of view of a cab driver who’s familiar with both.

Isbell is backed by the members of his fine band, The 400 Unit: Sadler Vaden on guitars, Jimbo Hart on bass, Chad Gamble on drums, Derry Deborja on keyboards, and Shires. Producer Dave Cobb also helps out on percussion and acoustic guitar.

Something More Than Free is holding down the No. 1 spot on three Billboard album charts – country, rock and folk. That’s quite an achievement, and a testament to Jason Isbell’s ability to translate human experience into appealing music.

Oct. 20 – This week in Americana music

October 20, 2014 in Americana Music, Nashville music

This week in Americana

Lucinda Williams remains in the top spot in the Americana Music Association airplay chart with Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone, followed by Paul Thorn’s Too Blessed to Be Stressed. Dropping to third is Justin Townes Earle’s Single Mothers, with new albums by Ryan Adams and John Hiatt rounding out the top five.

In Nashville:

It’s another great week for live shows in Nashville. We’re particularly enthusiastic about the Lake Street Dive show at the Cannery Ballroom on 10/25. Their Bad Self Portraits is one of our favorite albums of 2014, a smart and engaging pop showcase.

Jason Isbell, the hottest artist in Americana music, has a three-night run at the Ryman Auditorium beginning 10/24.

Wilco 10/21 and 10/22 at the Ryman Auditorium

Mac Wiseman at the Franklin Theatre 10/21

Los Lobos 10/22 at City Winery

Music City Roots, featuring Caleb Klauder, James McMurtry, Del Barber, Caroline Rose and John Oates at the Factory in Franklin

Beausoleil Avec Michael Doucet 10/25 at 3^rd and Lindsley

New this week:

The Earls of Leicester, a celebration of Flatt and Scruggs, from Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien, Shawn Camp, Charlie Cushman and Barry Bales.

In the news:

The Bonnaroo Music Festival announced its 2015 dates: June 11-14 in Manchester, TN.

Hard Working Americans will release The First Waltz, a live album and documentary on Oct. 28.

Follow Sun209 on Twitter at @Sun209com.

This just in: The 2014 Americana Music Award Nominees

May 12, 2014 in Americana Music, Americana Music Festival

Americana Music News – Robert Ellis, Rosanne Cash and Jason Isbell led nominees for the 2014 Americana Music Awards with three nominations each, including artist of the year, the Americana Music Association announced today in Nashville.

Ellis’ The Lights From the Chemical Plant was nominated for album of the year, while his “Only Lies” was nominated for Best Song.

Cash’s album The River and the Thread and song “A Feather’s Not A Bird” were nominated, and Isbell was recognized for his album Southeastern and song “Cover Me Up.”

Rodney Crowell rounded out the list of best artist nominees.

The full list of nominees:

2014 AMERICANA AWARDS NOMINEES

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Build Me Up From Bones, Sarah Jarosz

The Lights From The Chemical Plant, Robert Ellis

The River And The Thread, Rosanne Cash

Southeastern, Jason Isbell

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Rosanne Cash

Rodney Crowell

Robert Ellis

Jason Isbell

DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR

The Avett Brothers

The Devil Makes Three

Hard Working Americans

Lake Street Dive

The Milk Carton Kids

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Cover Me Up”, Jason Isbell

“A Feather’s Not A Bird”, Rosanne Cash

“Ohio”, Patty Griffin

“Only Lies”, Robert Ellis

EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR

Hurray For The Riff Raff

Parker Millsap

St. Paul & The Broken Bones

Sturgill Simpson

Valerie June

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR

Larry Campbell

Fats Kaplin

Buddy Miller

Bryan Sutton

Winners will be announced at the The Americana Honors and Awards on September 17, 2014 in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium. The event is part of the Americana Music Festival.

Americana Music Association’s Top 100 albums

December 11, 2013 in Americana Music

Americana Music News – The Americana Music Association has just released its list of the Top 100 most-played albums of the year, based on airplay from November 19, 2012 through December 2, 2013.

Jason Isbell’s haunting Southeastern is at the top of the list, with the top 10 largely occupied by Americana music’s royalty: Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale.

And then there are the surprises: the reunions of Delbert and Glen (after decades) and the Mavericks, the always-great pairing of Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison and top ten finishes by Carrie Rodriguez and Holly Williams.

“Surprises” may be the wrong word. These are all remarkable artists in the Top 10 and we’ve seen their albums dominate airplay much of the year.

The full list from the Americana Music Association:

Artist Title

1. Jason Isbell Southeastern

2. Steve Earle & The Dukes (& Duchesses) The Low Highway

3. Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell Old Yellow Moon

4. Patty Griffin American Kid

5. Mavericks Suited Up And Ready / In Time

6. Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison Cheater’s Game

7. Delbert McClinton & Glen Clark Blind, Crippled & Crazy

8. Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale Buddy and Jim

9. Carrie Rodriguez Give Me All You Got

10. Holly Williams The Highway

11. Richard Thompson Electric

12. John Fogerty / Various Artists Wrote A Song For Everyone

13. Slaid Cleaves Still Fighting The War

14. Tedeschi Trucks Band Made Up Mind

15. Mumford & Sons Babel

16. Aoife O’Donovan Fossils

17. Guy Clark My Favorite Picture Of You

18. Black Lillies Runaway Freeway Blues

19. Steeldrivers Hammer Down

20. Steve Martin And Edie Brickell Love Has Come For You

21. Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson Wreck & Ruin

22. Dwight Yoakam 3 Pears

23. Dawes Stories Don’t End

24. Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line Carnival

25. Donna The Buffalo Tonight, Tomorrow And Yesterday

26. Kacey Musgraves Same Trailer Different Park

27. Son Volt Honky Tonk

28. Sarah Jarosz Build Me Up From Bones

29. Civil Wars Civil Wars

30. Howlin’ Brothers Howl

31. Sturgill Simpson High Top Mountain

32. Ben Harper w/ Charles Musselwhite I Don’t Believe A Word You Say

33. Mavis Staples One True Vine

34. Band Of Heathens Sunday Morning Record

35. Amos Lee Mountains Of Sorrow Rivers Of Song

36. Sons Of Fathers Burning Days

37. Billy Bragg Tooth & Nail

38. Neko Case The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight.

39. Kim Richey Thorn In My Heart

40. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors Good Light

41. Ashley Monroe Like A Rose

42. John Hiatt Mystic Pinball

43. Wayne Hancock Ride

44. Various – The Music Is You A Tribute To John Denver

45. Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott Memories & Moments

46. Shooter Jennings The Other Life

47. Jamey Johnson Living For A Song: A Tribute To Hank Cochran

48. Avett Brothers The Carpenter

49. Various – Let Us In Americana The Music Of Paul McCartney

50. Amanda Shires Down Fell The Doves

51. Iris DeMent Sing The Delta

52. James Hunter Six Minute By Minute

53. Tim Easton Not Cool

54. Mark Knopfler Privateering

55. Wheeler Brothers Gold Boots Glitter

56. Tift Merritt Traveling Alone

57. Pokey LaFarge Pokey LaFarge

58. J.J. Grey And Mofro This River

59. Various Ghost Brothers of Darkland County

60. Chris Knight Little Victories

61. Kris Kristofferson Feeling Mortal

62. Jason Boland and the Stragglers Dark & Dirty Mile

63. Milk Carton Kids The Ash & Clay

64. Josh Ritter The Beast In Its Tracks

65. Peter Rowan The Old School

66. Marshall Chapman Blaze Of Glory

67. Dale Watson And His Lonestars El Rancho Azul

68. Over the Rhine Meet Me At The Edge Of The World

69. Gibson Brothers They Called It Music

70. Houndmouth From The Hills Above The City

71. Max Gomez Rule The World

72. Time Jumpers Time Jumpers

73. Wood Brothers The Muse

74. Randall Bramblett The Bright Spots

75. Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit Live In Alabama

76. Willie Nelson To All The Girls

77. Steep Canyon Rangers Tell The Ones I Love

78. Various High Cotton: A Tribute To Alabama

79. North Mississippi Allstars World Boogie is Coming

80. Robbie Fulks Gone Away Backward

81. Shannon McNally Small Town Talk

82. Mando Saenz Studebaker

83. Underhill Rose Something Real

84. Departed Adventus

85. Della Mae This World Oft Can Be

86. Vince Gill & Paul Franklin Bakersfield

87. Statesboro Revue Ramble On Privilege Creek

88. Will Hoge Never Give In

89. Elephant Revival These Changing Skies

90. Avett Brothers Magpie And The Dandelion

91. Valerie June Pushin’ Against A Stone

92. Gary Clark Jr. Blak And Blu

93. Willie Sugarcapps Willie Sugarcapps

94. Devil Makes Three I’m A Stranger Here

95. Ryan Bingham Tomorrowland

96. Greencards Sweetheart Of The Sun

97. Buddy Guy Rhythm & Blues

98. Andrew Bird Hands Of Glory

99. Wild Ponies Things That Used To Shine

100. Civil Wars And T-Bone Burnett A Place At The Table Soundtrack

2012 Americana Music Awards nominees announced

June 1, 2012 in Americana Music, Americana Music Festival, Reviews

Americana Awards - Robert Plant and Patty Griffin

Robert Plant and Patty Griffin at the 2011 Americana music awards show

The 2012 Americana Honors and Awards nominees were announced today in Los Angeles. They’ll be presented at the Ryman Auditorium on September 12 during the Americana Music Festival in Nashville.
The nominees:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Here We Rest – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive – Steve Earle
The Harrow & The Harvest – Gillian Welch
This One’s For Him: A Tribute to Guy Clark – Various Artists

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gillian Welch
Hayes Carll
Jason Isbell
Justin Townes Earle

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Alabama Shakes
Dawes
Deep Dark Woods
Robert Ellis

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Alabama Pines” – Written by Jason Isbell and performed by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
“Come Around” – Written and performed by Sarah Jarosz
“I Love” – Written by Tom T. Hall and performed by Patty Griffin
“Waiting on the Sky to Fall” – Written and performed by Steve Earle

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
Buddy Miller
Chris Thile
Darrell Scott
Dave Rawlings

DUO / GROUP OF THE YEAR
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Civil Wars
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Punch Brothers

Americana music 2011: No Depression’s 50 favorites

December 28, 2011 in Americana Music, Reviews

No Depression has released its list of the Top 50 favorite albums of 2011, as voted by its fan community. It’s an interesting mix, with Gillian Welch’s The Harrow and the Harvest at the top, followed by a remarkable range of artists, genres, styles and ages.

Some have complained that it’s a surprisingingly mainstream list for an alt-country site, but that’s the nature of a “favorites” list. Name recognition goes a long way, although we don’t see any names on the list that you can’t make a case for.

Here are the top 25. You’ll find the full list here.

Gillian Welch – The Harrow & the Harvest

The Decemberists – The King Is dead

Wilco – The Whole Love

Lucinda Williams – Blessed

Steve Cropper – Dedicated

Tom Waits – Bad as Me

Dave Alvin – Eleven Eleven

Zoe Muth & The Lost High Rollers – Starlight Hotel

Jason Isbell – Here We Rest

Ryan Adams – Ashes & Fire

Hayes Carll – KMAG YOYO

Eilen Jewell – Queen of the Minor Key

Drive By Truckers – Go-Go Boots

The Deep Dark Woods – The Place I Left Behind

Jayhawks – Mockingbird

Tedeschi Trucks Band – Revelator

Civil Wars – Barton Hollow

Gregg Allman – Low Country Blues

Buddy Miller – Majestic Silver Strings

Paul Simon – So Beautiful or So What

Sarah Jarosz – Follow Me Down

Nick Lowe – The Old Magic

Ry Cooder – Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down

Blackie & The Rodeo Kings – Kings & Queens

Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues

Hayes Carll tops 2011 Americana music airplay chart

December 15, 2011 in Americana Music

The Americana Music Association has just released its list of the 100 most-played Americana music albums, with Hayes Carll’s KMAG YOYO in the top slot.

Their top 20:

1) Hayes Carll, KMAG YOYO / Lost Highway

2) Lucinda Williams, Blessed / Lost Highway

3) Steve Earle, I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive / New West

4) Alison Krauss & Union Station, Paper Airplane / Rounder

5) Emmylou Harris, Hard Bargain / Nonesuch

6) Gregg Allman, Low Country Blues / Rounder

7) Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Here We Rest / Lightning Rod

8. John Hiatt, Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns / New West

9) Decemberists, The King Is Dead / Capitol

10) Band of Heathens, Top Hat Crowns and the Clapmaster’s Son / BOH Records

The AMA offers a full list of the top 100 albums of the past year here, but be forewarned that you’ll need to search for the link and the download will be straight out of your accountant’s office.