If you expect more of the rootsy, country-bluegrass , folk sound of "Song Up In Her Head", you won't find that here. Jarosz has pulled a quick Chris Thile type move into the experimental, very eclectic style of expanded string music. She wrote all of the songs except a couple, one by Bob Dylan and the other by "RadioHead". Also, she has so many guest musicians ,it is quite an extraordinary affair. Her vocals a bit like Norah Jones at times. Gary Paczosa (one of the best acoustic music producers in Nashville) works with her on this CD as he did on her first one.
She plays everything from toy piano to electric guitar, but sounds best on octave mandolin. She is studying contemporary improvisation at Boston's New England Conservatory.
A lot of songs sound like a jam band. Then there are songs that are like chamber music. Sometimes her music is frenetic with all sorts of percussion going on.
Some of her guests include The Punch Brothers, Vince Gill, John Leventhal, Vicktor Krauss, a total of about 24 well known musicians.
Jarosz definitely is a super talented young lady and I can see this CD being hugely popular.
One song that really touches me is her version of Bob Dylan's "Ring Them Bells" with Vince Gill singing backup vocals. Paczosa mixed this CD, that must have really been a task, with all that is going on. He does an excellent job however. I really like track seven, also, with her creative and in command jamming on octave mandolin.
If you like Mumford and Sons, Trampled By Turtles, you should love this. Very well done CD.
http://www.sarahjarosz.com/
Showing posts with label newgrass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label newgrass. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
12th Annual San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time festival Coming soon
12th ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO BLUEGRASS AND OLD-TIME FESTIVAL CELEBRATES PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF AMERICANA AND ROOTS MUSIC
The events of the 12th annual San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival (SFBOT) will explore and celebrate the past, present and future of bluegrass and old-time music through performances, dances and workshops. The 10-day festival runs from Feb. 11-20 and comprises more than 30 shows at numerous small clubs around the Bay Area featuring some of the most talented musicians on the Americana and roots music scene today.
Highlights of this year’s festival includes Bay Area favorites such as Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, The Crooked Jades, the Stairwell Sisters and the Wronglers. Also featured are beloved from outside the Bay Area, such as Dry Branch Fire Squad and Foghorn Stringband. Giving a nod to past, there will be two different celebrations of the bluegrass icons Flatt and Scruggs — the first a performance @ Freight and Salvage featuring an array of musicians paying tribute and a banjo workshop with Cory Goldman titled “Sex, Drugs and Earl Scruggs.”.
And the festival will spotlight some of the best in up-and-coming performers such as 24-year-old Frank Fairfield, who was recently featured on National Public radio for his unique style and approach on fiddle and banjo old-time tunes, the Southern Appalachian Gospel and fiddle tunes of Alex Caton and Pete Winne and the Chicago-based Henhouse Prowlers, who took the top slot at the 2010 Rockygrass Band Competition. A last minute addition to the festival performing on opening night 2/11/11 @ St. Cyprian's Church are The Nashvillains, an acoustic supergroup featuring virtuosos James Nash of The Waybacks on guitar, Bill Evans on banjo, and Bryan Horne from Hot Buttered Rum on bass!
In addition to shows, the festival aims to provide rich experiences for Bay Area residents through workshops, jam sessions, kids shows, Bluegrass and Old-Time in the Schools and the Saturday night old-time square dance (always a sell-out with over 220 attendees)! Each year the Festival showcases the best in rising acts from the West Coast and beyond, with a special spotlight on the immense amount of local talent located right here in the Bay Area.
Thanks to a generous investment from the Chris and Warren Hellman Foundation, the festival committee continues its commitment to the Bluegrass and Old-Time in the Schools program. The program aims to expose elementary and high school students to the worlds of bluegrass and old-time music and continue the legacy of this important music. Schools interested in bringing performers to their a Bay Area location should contact sfbotf.volunteer.coordinator@gmail.com.
Confirmed 2011 Acts
Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, Dry Branch Fire Squad, The Crooked Jades, Stairwell Sisters, The Wronglers, The Earl Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs Celebration, Foghorn Stringband, Nell Robinson with John Reischman & the Jaybirds, The Nashvillains, Frank Fairfield, The Henriettas, Henhouse Prowlers, Heroes for Ghosts, Dark Hollow, The Trespassers, Bill Martin, West Nile Ramblers, Windy Hill, AxeL EepH, Lady A & Her Heel Draggers, Walking in Sunlight, Cahalen Morrison & Eli West, Whiskey Puppy, Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit, Summertown Road, Possum & Lester, The Wiyos, Misisipi Rider, Kemo Sabe, BrownChicken BrownCow StringBand, Hang Jones, Dr. Elmo & Wild Blue, Heidi Clare & AtaGallop, The Bee Eaters, Alex Caton & Pete Winne, Misner & Smith, JimBo Trout & the Fishpeople, Bay Island Ramblers, Erik Clampitt, Old Man Markley, Pine Box Boys, Jackstraw, Bucky Walters, The Whisky Richards, Water Tower Bucket Boys, Brothers Comatose, Gayle Lynn & the Hired Hands, Gayle Schmitt & the Toodala Ramblers, Black Crown Stringband, Creole Belles, Aux Cajunals, Emily Bonn & The Vivants, Savannah Blu, Knuckle Knockers, Family Lines, and many others.
Unlike any other festival in the country, the San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival is a grass-roots, non-profit, volunteer-run festival dedicated to keeping the tradition of bluegrass and old-time alive. For more information on the festival, visit http://www.sfbluegrass.org/.
###
Please contact Elizabeth Smith @ j.elizabeth@gmail.com or Tanya Pinkerton @ 510.669.9832 for more information and interview/photography requests.
The Nashvillains Photo Credit:Dave Weiland
The Nashvillains.JPG
2067K View Download
The events of the 12th annual San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival (SFBOT) will explore and celebrate the past, present and future of bluegrass and old-time music through performances, dances and workshops. The 10-day festival runs from Feb. 11-20 and comprises more than 30 shows at numerous small clubs around the Bay Area featuring some of the most talented musicians on the Americana and roots music scene today.
Highlights of this year’s festival includes Bay Area favorites such as Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, The Crooked Jades, the Stairwell Sisters and the Wronglers. Also featured are beloved from outside the Bay Area, such as Dry Branch Fire Squad and Foghorn Stringband. Giving a nod to past, there will be two different celebrations of the bluegrass icons Flatt and Scruggs — the first a performance @ Freight and Salvage featuring an array of musicians paying tribute and a banjo workshop with Cory Goldman titled “Sex, Drugs and Earl Scruggs.”.
And the festival will spotlight some of the best in up-and-coming performers such as 24-year-old Frank Fairfield, who was recently featured on National Public radio for his unique style and approach on fiddle and banjo old-time tunes, the Southern Appalachian Gospel and fiddle tunes of Alex Caton and Pete Winne and the Chicago-based Henhouse Prowlers, who took the top slot at the 2010 Rockygrass Band Competition. A last minute addition to the festival performing on opening night 2/11/11 @ St. Cyprian's Church are The Nashvillains, an acoustic supergroup featuring virtuosos James Nash of The Waybacks on guitar, Bill Evans on banjo, and Bryan Horne from Hot Buttered Rum on bass!
In addition to shows, the festival aims to provide rich experiences for Bay Area residents through workshops, jam sessions, kids shows, Bluegrass and Old-Time in the Schools and the Saturday night old-time square dance (always a sell-out with over 220 attendees)! Each year the Festival showcases the best in rising acts from the West Coast and beyond, with a special spotlight on the immense amount of local talent located right here in the Bay Area.
Thanks to a generous investment from the Chris and Warren Hellman Foundation, the festival committee continues its commitment to the Bluegrass and Old-Time in the Schools program. The program aims to expose elementary and high school students to the worlds of bluegrass and old-time music and continue the legacy of this important music. Schools interested in bringing performers to their a Bay Area location should contact sfbotf.volunteer.coordinator@gmail.com.
Confirmed 2011 Acts
Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum, Dry Branch Fire Squad, The Crooked Jades, Stairwell Sisters, The Wronglers, The Earl Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs Celebration, Foghorn Stringband, Nell Robinson with John Reischman & the Jaybirds, The Nashvillains, Frank Fairfield, The Henriettas, Henhouse Prowlers, Heroes for Ghosts, Dark Hollow, The Trespassers, Bill Martin, West Nile Ramblers, Windy Hill, AxeL EepH, Lady A & Her Heel Draggers, Walking in Sunlight, Cahalen Morrison & Eli West, Whiskey Puppy, Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit, Summertown Road, Possum & Lester, The Wiyos, Misisipi Rider, Kemo Sabe, BrownChicken BrownCow StringBand, Hang Jones, Dr. Elmo & Wild Blue, Heidi Clare & AtaGallop, The Bee Eaters, Alex Caton & Pete Winne, Misner & Smith, JimBo Trout & the Fishpeople, Bay Island Ramblers, Erik Clampitt, Old Man Markley, Pine Box Boys, Jackstraw, Bucky Walters, The Whisky Richards, Water Tower Bucket Boys, Brothers Comatose, Gayle Lynn & the Hired Hands, Gayle Schmitt & the Toodala Ramblers, Black Crown Stringband, Creole Belles, Aux Cajunals, Emily Bonn & The Vivants, Savannah Blu, Knuckle Knockers, Family Lines, and many others.
Unlike any other festival in the country, the San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival is a grass-roots, non-profit, volunteer-run festival dedicated to keeping the tradition of bluegrass and old-time alive. For more information on the festival, visit http://www.sfbluegrass.org/.
###
Please contact Elizabeth Smith @ j.elizabeth@gmail.com or Tanya Pinkerton @ 510.669.9832 for more information and interview/photography requests.
The Nashvillains Photo Credit:Dave Weiland
The Nashvillains.JPG
2067K View Download
Friday, September 24, 2010
"Things That Fly" - Infamous Stringdusters - A Review
Listening to this on a good DVD player is a real experience. Theses guys are talented musicians, and since their last 2 CDs ,which were more Bluegrass sounding. These guys have really taken off into a sound that is almost orchestral. When you have Gary Paczosa in tow, the man for acoustic recordings in Nashville or where ever he is and then having it mastered by Doug Sax, well, not going to get better sound quality than that. I have heard many of Paczosa's recordings since 2000, including "One Moment More" by Mindy Smith which also had Doug Sax mastering it. You just can't lose, He knows how to put singers and musicians in the place to succeed.
On this CD, It starts out sounding very modern almost like chamber music, with the quality of sound on the instruments is other worldy. On track #9, there is a beautiful little 45 second number, which leads into track 10, a first time real normal structured song, and from there on in, the music becomes more of a vehicle of expression, that Falco and Hall do well with. I would compare the music here to the Punch Brothers. Just some real great musicianship.
On this CD, It starts out sounding very modern almost like chamber music, with the quality of sound on the instruments is other worldy. On track #9, there is a beautiful little 45 second number, which leads into track 10, a first time real normal structured song, and from there on in, the music becomes more of a vehicle of expression, that Falco and Hall do well with. I would compare the music here to the Punch Brothers. Just some real great musicianship.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Mountain Heart Teams Up with Vietti Chili for music and Chili
Search Amazon.com for mountain heart cd
Mountain Heart has teamed up with legendary Tennessee food company, Vietti Chili to offer up a limited edition Mountain Heart/Vieti Chili, just in time for football season!
Here is the recent press release:
Mountain Heart is very pleased to announce that they have been chosen as the next Vietti Vinyl Artist. This marketing initiative was developed several years ago by Nashville-based Choice Food of America to promote their all-natural Vietti Chili while partnering with outstanding Nashville based music artists in a unique branding awareness program which promotes both the artist and the Vietti brand.
Thru this special branding relationship, Mountain Heart will receive enhanced, targeted visibility thru non-traditional methods via grocery store shelves as opposed to the typical manner thru retail music retail locations. Working in conjunction with Vietti’s vast network of vendor partners throughout the Southeast, this partnership will help showcase Mountain Heart to a broad new audience thru visual placement directly on their cans of chili, tens of thousands of which will boast a full color photo and bio of the band along with a link to their web site. The band and their music is also exposed via the Vietti Vinyl web site link at http://www.viettivinyl.com/artists.html
Leadership Artists, Mountain Heart’s management company is currently working with Choice Foods to arrange personal appearances at selected locations along the group’s tour schedule later this year. The goal is to continue to expose Mountain Heart to a diversified audience, something that is further supported thru the exciting new music Mountain Heart plans to release later this summer.
Since forming in 1999, Mountain Heart has done nothing short of revolutionize the way to play and present acoustic music. As one of the most highly awarded ensembles ever, this band and its members have amassed multiple awards and nominations and have also appeared on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage over one hundred times.
Their musical virtuosity, unmatched energy, and keen sense of entertainment dynamics have helped them to forge a highly unique sound and stage show, appealing to a wide variety of musical tastes. Sharing the stage with such icons as Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Fogerty, Kansas, Alison Krauss, LeAnn Rimes, Travis Tritt, Brad Paisley, and Merle Haggard, Mountain Heart always makes an undeniable connection to an audience, leaving them begging for more.
Known as “the great tastin’ chili from Music City,” all-natural Vietti Chili has been manufactured in Nashville, Tennessee, since 1898. The Vietti brand is distributed through major grocery chains and independent grocery stores throughout the Southeast. Vietti formulations are original recipes that add variety to the chili category, while its packaging reinforces the Music City connection by promoting emerging musical talent through the Vietti Vinyl program.
Vietti Vinyl is the natural convergence of two powerful forces that are uniquely Nashville—its great food and its great music. Vietti Chili, as a beloved heritage brand for Music City, celebrates Nashville’s revered musical tradition by selecting the most representative singers, songwriters and bands—introducing them to a new audience in a non-traditional way, through our product labels and website.
Learn more about Vietti Chili and sample music from all Vietti Vinyl artists at www.ViettiChili.com.
Vietti Chili is a brand of Nashville-based Choice Food of America.
The chili can be found in the following states at these fine aprticipating stores:
Alabama: Associated Food Centers, Food Center, Food Giant, Food Lion, Piggly Wiggly
Georgia: Kroger, Piggly Wiggly
Mountain Heart has teamed up with legendary Tennessee food company, Vietti Chili to offer up a limited edition Mountain Heart/Vieti Chili, just in time for football season!Here is the recent press release:
Mountain Heart is very pleased to announce that they have been chosen as the next Vietti Vinyl Artist. This marketing initiative was developed several years ago by Nashville-based Choice Food of America to promote their all-natural Vietti Chili while partnering with outstanding Nashville based music artists in a unique branding awareness program which promotes both the artist and the Vietti brand.
Thru this special branding relationship, Mountain Heart will receive enhanced, targeted visibility thru non-traditional methods via grocery store shelves as opposed to the typical manner thru retail music retail locations. Working in conjunction with Vietti’s vast network of vendor partners throughout the Southeast, this partnership will help showcase Mountain Heart to a broad new audience thru visual placement directly on their cans of chili, tens of thousands of which will boast a full color photo and bio of the band along with a link to their web site. The band and their music is also exposed via the Vietti Vinyl web site link at http://www.viettivinyl.com/artists.html
Leadership Artists, Mountain Heart’s management company is currently working with Choice Foods to arrange personal appearances at selected locations along the group’s tour schedule later this year. The goal is to continue to expose Mountain Heart to a diversified audience, something that is further supported thru the exciting new music Mountain Heart plans to release later this summer.
Since forming in 1999, Mountain Heart has done nothing short of revolutionize the way to play and present acoustic music. As one of the most highly awarded ensembles ever, this band and its members have amassed multiple awards and nominations and have also appeared on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage over one hundred times.
Their musical virtuosity, unmatched energy, and keen sense of entertainment dynamics have helped them to forge a highly unique sound and stage show, appealing to a wide variety of musical tastes. Sharing the stage with such icons as Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Fogerty, Kansas, Alison Krauss, LeAnn Rimes, Travis Tritt, Brad Paisley, and Merle Haggard, Mountain Heart always makes an undeniable connection to an audience, leaving them begging for more.
Known as “the great tastin’ chili from Music City,” all-natural Vietti Chili has been manufactured in Nashville, Tennessee, since 1898. The Vietti brand is distributed through major grocery chains and independent grocery stores throughout the Southeast. Vietti formulations are original recipes that add variety to the chili category, while its packaging reinforces the Music City connection by promoting emerging musical talent through the Vietti Vinyl program.
Vietti Vinyl is the natural convergence of two powerful forces that are uniquely Nashville—its great food and its great music. Vietti Chili, as a beloved heritage brand for Music City, celebrates Nashville’s revered musical tradition by selecting the most representative singers, songwriters and bands—introducing them to a new audience in a non-traditional way, through our product labels and website.
Learn more about Vietti Chili and sample music from all Vietti Vinyl artists at www.ViettiChili.com.
Vietti Chili is a brand of Nashville-based Choice Food of America.
The chili can be found in the following states at these fine aprticipating stores:
Alabama: Associated Food Centers, Food Center, Food Giant, Food Lion, Piggly Wiggly
Georgia: Kroger, Piggly Wiggly
Fly Palomino Tour
FLY PALAMINO TOUR
The Infamous Stringdusters – Trampled by Turtles
www.thestringdusters.com – www.trampledbyturtles.com
"The Infamous Stringdusters epitomizes the ethic of today's young 'new-grass' artists. Their instrumental virtuosity is front and center, but it's paired with an insouciant curiosity for everything from shiny Nashville harmonies to jam-band wonkery." - LA Times
Click here to check out the recent show review in Huffington Post
September 16th, 2010 – Nashville, TN - The definition of bluegrass is being challenged. Ever since the "O Brother" bubble burst, string-bands have developed into the mainstream redefining bluegrass and shifting the limiting paradigm of acoustic instruments. Divergent string-band worlds collide as thrash grassers Trampled by Turtles and virtuosic-jammers The Infamous Stringdusters team up to bring you the Fly Palomino Tour.
The Infamous Stringdusters are at the forefront of a new movement in bluegrass music and touring in support of their Sugar Hill release Things That Fly. Their unmatched virtuosity has enabled them to take acoustic music to a completely new level. They wield an expansive repertoire touching on masters from Jimmy Martin to John Hartford, but their strength lies in their original compositions. Dedication to arrangements sets them apart and extended improvisation makes every performance completely unique. The live Stringdusters experience is anti-formulaic, groove friendly, and mind-expanding - not your granddaddy's bluegrass. Unless your granddaddy was Jerry Garcia.
Trampled by Turtles continue touring in support of their latest release, Palomino, which in April became their first #1 debut on Billboard’s Bluegrass chart. Separating the band from the pack is the contrast of their lightening fast, punk-influenced barn-burners and their lonesome, Townes Van Zandt-inspired ballads. Frontman/songwriter Dave Simonett’s vocals and lyrics capture the stark MN landscapes and the mood of the North Country like no other current artist with his hauntingly beautiful songs. The bands' unique mixture of rock influences and authentic style have garnered them coverage from a wide range of publications from Daytrotter to Paste to Relix to CMT.
Fly Palamino Tour Dates
11/04/10 Chicago, IL @ Double Door
11/05/10 Ann Arbor, MI @ Blind Pig
11/06/10 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
11/08/10 Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall
11/09/10 South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
11/10/10 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East
11/11/10 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
11/12/10 Falls Church, VA @ State Theatre
11/13/10 Baltimore, MD @ 8×10
11/14/10 Charleston, WV @ Mountain Stage
11/16/10 Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle
11/17/10 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/18/10 Wilmington, NC @ Soap Box Laundro Lounge
11/19/10 Charlotte, NC @ Visulite Theatre
11/20/10 Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
# # #
The Infamous Stringdusters – Trampled by Turtles
www.thestringdusters.com – www.trampledbyturtles.com
"The Infamous Stringdusters epitomizes the ethic of today's young 'new-grass' artists. Their instrumental virtuosity is front and center, but it's paired with an insouciant curiosity for everything from shiny Nashville harmonies to jam-band wonkery." - LA Times
Click here to check out the recent show review in Huffington Post
September 16th, 2010 – Nashville, TN - The definition of bluegrass is being challenged. Ever since the "O Brother" bubble burst, string-bands have developed into the mainstream redefining bluegrass and shifting the limiting paradigm of acoustic instruments. Divergent string-band worlds collide as thrash grassers Trampled by Turtles and virtuosic-jammers The Infamous Stringdusters team up to bring you the Fly Palomino Tour.
The Infamous Stringdusters are at the forefront of a new movement in bluegrass music and touring in support of their Sugar Hill release Things That Fly. Their unmatched virtuosity has enabled them to take acoustic music to a completely new level. They wield an expansive repertoire touching on masters from Jimmy Martin to John Hartford, but their strength lies in their original compositions. Dedication to arrangements sets them apart and extended improvisation makes every performance completely unique. The live Stringdusters experience is anti-formulaic, groove friendly, and mind-expanding - not your granddaddy's bluegrass. Unless your granddaddy was Jerry Garcia.
Trampled by Turtles continue touring in support of their latest release, Palomino, which in April became their first #1 debut on Billboard’s Bluegrass chart. Separating the band from the pack is the contrast of their lightening fast, punk-influenced barn-burners and their lonesome, Townes Van Zandt-inspired ballads. Frontman/songwriter Dave Simonett’s vocals and lyrics capture the stark MN landscapes and the mood of the North Country like no other current artist with his hauntingly beautiful songs. The bands' unique mixture of rock influences and authentic style have garnered them coverage from a wide range of publications from Daytrotter to Paste to Relix to CMT.
Fly Palamino Tour Dates
11/04/10 Chicago, IL @ Double Door
11/05/10 Ann Arbor, MI @ Blind Pig
11/06/10 Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
11/08/10 Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall
11/09/10 South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
11/10/10 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East
11/11/10 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
11/12/10 Falls Church, VA @ State Theatre
11/13/10 Baltimore, MD @ 8×10
11/14/10 Charleston, WV @ Mountain Stage
11/16/10 Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle
11/17/10 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/18/10 Wilmington, NC @ Soap Box Laundro Lounge
11/19/10 Charlotte, NC @ Visulite Theatre
11/20/10 Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
# # #
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Bluegrass: super small Niche or just not popular?
I have been priviledged to review and listen to lots of Bluegrass music over the last couple of years. I don't get it, Why isn't it more popular?
The music out today is very well done, you can get old time bluegrass, newgrass and what I call modern Bluegrass , which is just regular bluegrass with
a modern, well mastered recording. There are many groups out there which are excellent like "The Lonesome River Band", "The Grascals", "Mountain Heart",
and on and on. You will not find these groups on radio anywhere, maybe a Sirius channel or on the internet.
Labels like Sugar Hill, Rounder, Rural Rythmn and many more have lots of great bluegrass to sell. But, not many takers. If you look at the Billboard Bluegrass Chart, which goes 1-10, you will find Steve Martin's new CD, which is not as good as most of the full time artists out there. You will find Dierks Bentley with the Punch Brothers ruling on top with "Up On The Ridge". I think Dierks is a pretty good Country Singer, but this just does not do anything for me anymore than Steve Martin's Bluegrass CD do anything for me, just 2 popular Big Label acts, With no lasting substance.
The music out today is very well done, you can get old time bluegrass, newgrass and what I call modern Bluegrass , which is just regular bluegrass with
a modern, well mastered recording. There are many groups out there which are excellent like "The Lonesome River Band", "The Grascals", "Mountain Heart",
and on and on. You will not find these groups on radio anywhere, maybe a Sirius channel or on the internet.
Labels like Sugar Hill, Rounder, Rural Rythmn and many more have lots of great bluegrass to sell. But, not many takers. If you look at the Billboard Bluegrass Chart, which goes 1-10, you will find Steve Martin's new CD, which is not as good as most of the full time artists out there. You will find Dierks Bentley with the Punch Brothers ruling on top with "Up On The Ridge". I think Dierks is a pretty good Country Singer, but this just does not do anything for me anymore than Steve Martin's Bluegrass CD do anything for me, just 2 popular Big Label acts, With no lasting substance.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
"The Grascals Keep Their Cool ; Shoot Video for "Last Train To Clarksville" During Epic Heat Wave
The Grascals Keep Their Cool; Shoot Video for "Last Train To Clarksville" During Epic Heat Wave
Grascals set to appear on RFD-TV's Larry's Country Diner this weekend
Nashville, TN (July 7, 2010) -- The Grascals kept their cool as a 100-plus degree heat wave hovered over the mid-state during an all-day video shoot for their current country and bluegrass radio single, "Last Train To Clarksville." Directed by Marcel Chagnon (Clay Walker's "She Won't Be Lonely Long"), the piece was filmed at several locations, including Cummins Station/The Gulch, Lower Broadway and at Franklin, Tennessee's Riverstone Farm.
PHOTO ID # 1: (L-R at Cummins Station/The Gulch)-Director Marcel Chagnon and Grascals- Danny Roberts, Jamie Johnson, Jeremy Abshire, Terry Smith, Terry Eldredge and Kristin Scott Benson (Credit: Jason Davis)
A bright orange 1966 Dodge van co-stars with the band and is featured throughout the video. Quick close-ups of each Grascal, mixed with fast-frame action, keep the tempo pumping. Director Marcel's choice of the 12 frames-per-second shooting technique gives the clip an intentional, stop-motion feel reminiscent of 1960s and '70s home movies. The video gives a strong, original "shout-out" to The Monkees and their 1966 #1 hit with "Last Train."
PHOTO ID # 2: (L-R at Riverstone Farm)-Director Marcel Chagnon and Jamie Johnson in foreground. Background L-R: Kristin Scott Benson, Terry Eldredge, Terry Smith, Danny Roberts and Jeremy Abshire (Credit: Jason Davis)
The single, the first release from their newest CD, THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S, has just shipped to country radio, but is already a proven hit on the bluegrass charts. "Last Train To Clarksville" currently holds the #2 spot on the Bluegrass Music Profiles July Chart and is #20, on the July Bluegrass Unlimited Chart. THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S is currently #3 on the BILLBOARD Top Bluegrass Albums Chart, # 2 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart and #1 on the Bluegrass Music Profiles Top 10 National Bluegrass CD Chart.
PHOTO ID #3: (L-R at Riverstone Farm) -The Grascals- Jamie Johnson, Kristin Scott Benson, Terry Smith, Terry Eldredge, Danny Roberts and Jeremy Abshire (Credit: Martha Moore)
Tune In: "Larry's Country Diner" this weekend on RFD-TV (check local listings for times) - for a performance by The Grascals.
Catch up on all the The Grascals' news and read their July newsletter at www.grascals.com
Martha E. Moore
so much MOORE media - Established in 1988!
(O) 615.746.3994 / (M) 615.202.1313
Grascals set to appear on RFD-TV's Larry's Country Diner this weekend
Nashville, TN (July 7, 2010) -- The Grascals kept their cool as a 100-plus degree heat wave hovered over the mid-state during an all-day video shoot for their current country and bluegrass radio single, "Last Train To Clarksville." Directed by Marcel Chagnon (Clay Walker's "She Won't Be Lonely Long"), the piece was filmed at several locations, including Cummins Station/The Gulch, Lower Broadway and at Franklin, Tennessee's Riverstone Farm.
PHOTO ID # 1: (L-R at Cummins Station/The Gulch)-Director Marcel Chagnon and Grascals- Danny Roberts, Jamie Johnson, Jeremy Abshire, Terry Smith, Terry Eldredge and Kristin Scott Benson (Credit: Jason Davis)
A bright orange 1966 Dodge van co-stars with the band and is featured throughout the video. Quick close-ups of each Grascal, mixed with fast-frame action, keep the tempo pumping. Director Marcel's choice of the 12 frames-per-second shooting technique gives the clip an intentional, stop-motion feel reminiscent of 1960s and '70s home movies. The video gives a strong, original "shout-out" to The Monkees and their 1966 #1 hit with "Last Train."
PHOTO ID # 2: (L-R at Riverstone Farm)-Director Marcel Chagnon and Jamie Johnson in foreground. Background L-R: Kristin Scott Benson, Terry Eldredge, Terry Smith, Danny Roberts and Jeremy Abshire (Credit: Jason Davis)
The single, the first release from their newest CD, THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S, has just shipped to country radio, but is already a proven hit on the bluegrass charts. "Last Train To Clarksville" currently holds the #2 spot on the Bluegrass Music Profiles July Chart and is #20, on the July Bluegrass Unlimited Chart. THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S is currently #3 on the BILLBOARD Top Bluegrass Albums Chart, # 2 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart and #1 on the Bluegrass Music Profiles Top 10 National Bluegrass CD Chart.
PHOTO ID #3: (L-R at Riverstone Farm) -The Grascals- Jamie Johnson, Kristin Scott Benson, Terry Smith, Terry Eldredge, Danny Roberts and Jeremy Abshire (Credit: Martha Moore)
Tune In: "Larry's Country Diner" this weekend on RFD-TV (check local listings for times) - for a performance by The Grascals.
Catch up on all the The Grascals' news and read their July newsletter at www.grascals.com
Martha E. Moore
so much MOORE media - Established in 1988!
(O) 615.746.3994 / (M) 615.202.1313
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The Grascals Invite Country Radio to Hop Aboard !!!
The Grascals Invite Country Radio To Hop Aboard "Last Train To Clarksville"
Group Gives MONKEES 1966 Hit A Country/Bluegrass Twist
Nashville, TN (June 15, 2010) --Two-time International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainers of the Year, The Grascals (www.grascals.com), invite country radio to jump on board their latest release, "Last Train To Clarksville." Delivered to programmers via CDX Vol. 501, the single is a proven winner; the driving up-tempo song was a smash for The Monkees in 1966. On the new version, three-part harmonies (Eldredge, Johnson, Smith) run throughout the track - setting this outing apart- and creating a literal "wall of sound." The Grascals juice things up with Kristin Scott Benson's ripping banjo and Jeremy Abshire's amazing fiddle work. Terry Eldredge keeps the track moving with lightning-fast guitar work, while Terry Smith (bass) and Danny Roberts (mandolin) round out the group's signature sound. "We all were familiar with this song, and it was a blast to record," says Johnson. "We put a little grass and a little bit of country in it." "Last Train To Clarksville" is from their newest disc, the critically-acclaimed THE FAMOUS LEFT FLYNN'S (Rounder).
Pre-production is underway for a video to accompany the new release, and filming on the project begins later this month. The single is already attracting a legion of devoted bluegrass fans, debuting at #20 on the Bluegrass Music Profiles Chart, while THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S enters at #4.
"Last Train To Clarksville" is only the third single that the group has released to country radio. The hugely-popular "Viva Las Vegas" (with special guest Dolly Parton) debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top Country Singles Sales Chart in 2004 and spent over a year in the Top 10.
RADIO: "Last Train To Clarksville" can also be downloaded directly from www.airplaydirect.com/thegrascals
Group Gives MONKEES 1966 Hit A Country/Bluegrass Twist
Nashville, TN (June 15, 2010) --Two-time International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainers of the Year, The Grascals (www.grascals.com), invite country radio to jump on board their latest release, "Last Train To Clarksville." Delivered to programmers via CDX Vol. 501, the single is a proven winner; the driving up-tempo song was a smash for The Monkees in 1966. On the new version, three-part harmonies (Eldredge, Johnson, Smith) run throughout the track - setting this outing apart- and creating a literal "wall of sound." The Grascals juice things up with Kristin Scott Benson's ripping banjo and Jeremy Abshire's amazing fiddle work. Terry Eldredge keeps the track moving with lightning-fast guitar work, while Terry Smith (bass) and Danny Roberts (mandolin) round out the group's signature sound. "We all were familiar with this song, and it was a blast to record," says Johnson. "We put a little grass and a little bit of country in it." "Last Train To Clarksville" is from their newest disc, the critically-acclaimed THE FAMOUS LEFT FLYNN'S (Rounder).
Pre-production is underway for a video to accompany the new release, and filming on the project begins later this month. The single is already attracting a legion of devoted bluegrass fans, debuting at #20 on the Bluegrass Music Profiles Chart, while THE FAMOUS LEFTY FLYNN'S enters at #4.
"Last Train To Clarksville" is only the third single that the group has released to country radio. The hugely-popular "Viva Las Vegas" (with special guest Dolly Parton) debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top Country Singles Sales Chart in 2004 and spent over a year in the Top 10.
RADIO: "Last Train To Clarksville" can also be downloaded directly from www.airplaydirect.com/thegrascals
Sunday, June 06, 2010
CMT AWARDS SHOW, This WED 6/9/10
This week, Kid Rock takes the stage to host the CMT Awards show, I think that this says a little bit about the success of country music, just about everyone is invited to the party. Jewel,Bon Jovi, all these types have made a country record, Country music usually has something that people can relate to, it's the peoples music. People say that it is too slick, that does not bother me, usually that means a high quality recording, Anything that gets as much guff and imitation is doing something right. Rhonda Vincent, and many others started out in country music to move on to something else.
Country Music showed it's class by a relief show for the big Nashville Flood, Brad Paisley , Martina Mcbride, Lady Antebellum ,Keith urban and many others put on a pared down version of their music which was classy. And it showed what they could really do without all of the fancey stuff.
ENJOY!!!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Some Comments by attenders of Mountain Heart Concert at Sellersville
Search Amazon.com for mountain heart Maria
"The keyboard playing of Josh Shilling was the highlight of the show for me; I could have listened to it all night."
Craig
"Having not heard Mountain Heart perform live in about 7 or 8 years, I was quite surprised by their changes in musicianship and style. Their early reputation was built on first-rate traditional bluegrass and gospel numbers, performed with a skill and emotion not often matched anywhere. Now the traditional bluegrass playing represents only a portion of their repertoire, with a balance consisting of southern rock standards and soulful rock and blues ballads. Along with acoustic rythm and lead guitar duties, Josh Shilling lends consummate keyboard playing and fiery vocals to the band, infusing Mountain Heart with a new style and life, while Barry Abernathy's traditional vocals, humor, and custom 5-string banjo help anchor the band. While I was surprised by their new direction, I must say it was a pleasant surprise. Those coming to a show expecting only a bluegrass concert would leave disappointed, but for those who want a little something extra, they will be more than satisfied. Mountain heart is obviously undergoing a musical transformation; I wish them the best of luck as they blaze their path into the future."
Maria "The keyboard playing of Josh Shilling was the highlight of the show for me; I could have listened to it all night."
Craig
"Having not heard Mountain Heart perform live in about 7 or 8 years, I was quite surprised by their changes in musicianship and style. Their early reputation was built on first-rate traditional bluegrass and gospel numbers, performed with a skill and emotion not often matched anywhere. Now the traditional bluegrass playing represents only a portion of their repertoire, with a balance consisting of southern rock standards and soulful rock and blues ballads. Along with acoustic rythm and lead guitar duties, Josh Shilling lends consummate keyboard playing and fiery vocals to the band, infusing Mountain Heart with a new style and life, while Barry Abernathy's traditional vocals, humor, and custom 5-string banjo help anchor the band. While I was surprised by their new direction, I must say it was a pleasant surprise. Those coming to a show expecting only a bluegrass concert would leave disappointed, but for those who want a little something extra, they will be more than satisfied. Mountain heart is obviously undergoing a musical transformation; I wish them the best of luck as they blaze their path into the future."
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
New Album From Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford "Dogwood Winter"
Rural Rhythm Gearing Up for Steve Gulley-Tim Stafford Album
New Single Now Released
Click here for a clip of the new single, "Just Along for the Ride"
Rural Rhythm Records is very proud to announce the upcoming new album by Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford. “DOGWOOD WINTER” is comprised of all original songs by this award-winning songwriting team. The first single, “Just Along For the Ride” is being serviced to radio and available now via Airplay Direct.
Gulley and Stafford’s songs have been recorded by many artists over the years including “Through the Window of a Train,” winner of the 2008 IBMA Song of the Year, and recorded by Blue Highway. “While Steve and I have been fortunate to have quite a few songs cut by various artists over the years, this record began as a vehicle to get our songs out there that—with one exception--hadn’t been previously recorded. We picked 14 of our best tunes that we felt would be a good cross-section of our work, and the record, from the beginning was going to be all about the song. Since most were bluegrass, we decided to enlist our friends Adam Steffey, Ron Stewart, and Justin Moses to help Steve and I lay down grass tracks that would highlight those songs. Our tastes are eclectic, and we ended up having two tunes that needed arrangements that featured percussion from Mark Laws and, in the case of Nebraska Sky, Michael Alvey’s great piano playing. Dale Ann Bradley added the heavenly harmonies where we needed a trio with a female,” said Stafford. Tim Stafford is a current and founding member of award-winning Blue Highway – a band continuing to celebrate significant success with all five original members in tact.
Gulley also explains the origin of “DOGWOOD WINTER” saying, “This recording project is, quite simply, two good friends and writing partners recording some of their songs in the way they heard them when they were originally written. It was truly a great experience to record and create a collection of music that was all original. Tim has been my primary writing partner for years - as well as a one of my best friends. Besides being a good friend and collaborator, Tim is one of best musicians on the planet, so it was really cool to finally get to work with him in the studio on our own project. I think this a singer-songwriter record in every sense of the word. There’s traditional bluegrass, country-flavored tunes, middle-of-the road ballads and stripped down arrangements with just guitar and vocal. It’s a wide variety of styles but has one underlying theme or focus – the songs themselves.” Gulley is a current and founding member of the award-winning band, Grasstowne who also have a new album releasing on Rural Rhythm later this year.
New updates on “DOGWOOD WINTER” will be posted soon on the Rural Rhythm website.
##
MORE INFORMATION ON STEVE GULLEY
Steve Gulley’s career highlights include: being a longtime performer and former Music Director at the legendary Renfro Valley Shows in Kentucky; former member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and part of a Grammy nominated and IBMA award-winning album with the group; founding member of “Mountain Heart” where he was part of five albums and two IBMA award wins; founding and current member of the award-winning band, Grasstowne” where he has been a part of two chart-topping and award- winning albums including the 2008 SPBGMA Album of the Year “The Road Headin’ Home.”
MORE INFORMATION ON TIM STAFFORD
Tim Stafford has an impressive career including: having nearly 200 songs recorded by various artists; serves on the IBMA Hall of Honor Panel of Electors (2006-present); former member of Alison Krauss and Union Station in the early 90’s; current and founding member the award-winning group, Blue Highway; recipient of over 15 IBMA Awards; recipient of a Dove Award; two Grammy nominations; produced two IBMA Award-winning records, Knee Deep in Bluegrass, which received the Instrumental Recording of the Year in 2001, and The Infamous Stringdusters’ Fork in the Road, which was named the co-album of the year in 2007; currently teaches guitar at East Tennessee State University’s famed Bluegrass and Country Music Program; and co-author (with Caroline Wright) of the book, Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story, released in 2010 by Word of Mouth Press.
RECORD LABEL: Rural Rhythm Records
Radio Contact: Sammy Passamano, III Email
RADIO - AIRPLAY DIRECT
MEDIA CONTACT: Hope River Entertainment
Penni McDaniel | 678.377.329| Email
New Single Now Released
Click here for a clip of the new single, "Just Along for the Ride"
Rural Rhythm Records is very proud to announce the upcoming new album by Steve Gulley and Tim Stafford. “DOGWOOD WINTER” is comprised of all original songs by this award-winning songwriting team. The first single, “Just Along For the Ride” is being serviced to radio and available now via Airplay Direct.
Gulley and Stafford’s songs have been recorded by many artists over the years including “Through the Window of a Train,” winner of the 2008 IBMA Song of the Year, and recorded by Blue Highway. “While Steve and I have been fortunate to have quite a few songs cut by various artists over the years, this record began as a vehicle to get our songs out there that—with one exception--hadn’t been previously recorded. We picked 14 of our best tunes that we felt would be a good cross-section of our work, and the record, from the beginning was going to be all about the song. Since most were bluegrass, we decided to enlist our friends Adam Steffey, Ron Stewart, and Justin Moses to help Steve and I lay down grass tracks that would highlight those songs. Our tastes are eclectic, and we ended up having two tunes that needed arrangements that featured percussion from Mark Laws and, in the case of Nebraska Sky, Michael Alvey’s great piano playing. Dale Ann Bradley added the heavenly harmonies where we needed a trio with a female,” said Stafford. Tim Stafford is a current and founding member of award-winning Blue Highway – a band continuing to celebrate significant success with all five original members in tact.
Gulley also explains the origin of “DOGWOOD WINTER” saying, “This recording project is, quite simply, two good friends and writing partners recording some of their songs in the way they heard them when they were originally written. It was truly a great experience to record and create a collection of music that was all original. Tim has been my primary writing partner for years - as well as a one of my best friends. Besides being a good friend and collaborator, Tim is one of best musicians on the planet, so it was really cool to finally get to work with him in the studio on our own project. I think this a singer-songwriter record in every sense of the word. There’s traditional bluegrass, country-flavored tunes, middle-of-the road ballads and stripped down arrangements with just guitar and vocal. It’s a wide variety of styles but has one underlying theme or focus – the songs themselves.” Gulley is a current and founding member of the award-winning band, Grasstowne who also have a new album releasing on Rural Rhythm later this year.
New updates on “DOGWOOD WINTER” will be posted soon on the Rural Rhythm website.
##
MORE INFORMATION ON STEVE GULLEY
Steve Gulley’s career highlights include: being a longtime performer and former Music Director at the legendary Renfro Valley Shows in Kentucky; former member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and part of a Grammy nominated and IBMA award-winning album with the group; founding member of “Mountain Heart” where he was part of five albums and two IBMA award wins; founding and current member of the award-winning band, Grasstowne” where he has been a part of two chart-topping and award- winning albums including the 2008 SPBGMA Album of the Year “The Road Headin’ Home.”
MORE INFORMATION ON TIM STAFFORD
Tim Stafford has an impressive career including: having nearly 200 songs recorded by various artists; serves on the IBMA Hall of Honor Panel of Electors (2006-present); former member of Alison Krauss and Union Station in the early 90’s; current and founding member the award-winning group, Blue Highway; recipient of over 15 IBMA Awards; recipient of a Dove Award; two Grammy nominations; produced two IBMA Award-winning records, Knee Deep in Bluegrass, which received the Instrumental Recording of the Year in 2001, and The Infamous Stringdusters’ Fork in the Road, which was named the co-album of the year in 2007; currently teaches guitar at East Tennessee State University’s famed Bluegrass and Country Music Program; and co-author (with Caroline Wright) of the book, Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story, released in 2010 by Word of Mouth Press.
RECORD LABEL: Rural Rhythm Records
Radio Contact: Sammy Passamano, III Email
RADIO - AIRPLAY DIRECT
MEDIA CONTACT: Hope River Entertainment
Penni McDaniel | 678.377.329| Email
Sunday, April 04, 2010
"The Famous Lefty Flynn's" - The Grascals - A Review
This is the fourth album of this much celebrated Bluegrass group, as they grow into their ever evolving sound. Not traditional in sound, but traditional in spirit with a modern sound to the Sweet recording in the twelve great songs featured here.
Whether they are cooking on a fast song or harmonizing on a slow ballad, The Grascals have a sound that is theirs. New to this CD is the award winning young Kristin Scott Benson, who adds her highly Skilled Banjo playing to the mix. This gal has two CDs of her own, before joining up with The Grascals, great fit.
I reviewed their last disc "Keep Walking On" and I find a much more empowered group here. Everything fits together well in a great mix. They start out doing a fast driving bluegrass version of "Last Train To Clarksville", originally recorded by the Monkees.
A song written by Jamie Johnson of the group "My Baby's waiting On The Other Side" really takes off, nice lyrics and some great banjo and mandolin.
A song by Steve Earle "My Old Friend, The Blues" has an old time country side to it with some pedal steel by Lloyd Green. A very good version with lots of emotion.
Another midtempo song "Up This Hill and Down" has some great hooks, just love Kristin's banjo interplay with the mandolin. They play together like they have been playing for years together.
Similar to this is "I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome" (Monroe, Williams) A classic old time country song done with a bluegrass twist.
The Twelveth song is a beautiful (public domain) gospel song. "Give Me Jesus" The instruments are more in the background on this track, while the sweet vocals take the front of the mix. Both country music and Bluegrass fans should love this great effort.
www.Grascals.com
Whether they are cooking on a fast song or harmonizing on a slow ballad, The Grascals have a sound that is theirs. New to this CD is the award winning young Kristin Scott Benson, who adds her highly Skilled Banjo playing to the mix. This gal has two CDs of her own, before joining up with The Grascals, great fit.
I reviewed their last disc "Keep Walking On" and I find a much more empowered group here. Everything fits together well in a great mix. They start out doing a fast driving bluegrass version of "Last Train To Clarksville", originally recorded by the Monkees.
A song written by Jamie Johnson of the group "My Baby's waiting On The Other Side" really takes off, nice lyrics and some great banjo and mandolin.
A song by Steve Earle "My Old Friend, The Blues" has an old time country side to it with some pedal steel by Lloyd Green. A very good version with lots of emotion.
Another midtempo song "Up This Hill and Down" has some great hooks, just love Kristin's banjo interplay with the mandolin. They play together like they have been playing for years together.
Similar to this is "I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome" (Monroe, Williams) A classic old time country song done with a bluegrass twist.
The Twelveth song is a beautiful (public domain) gospel song. "Give Me Jesus" The instruments are more in the background on this track, while the sweet vocals take the front of the mix. Both country music and Bluegrass fans should love this great effort.
www.Grascals.com
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
"Crying' Heart Blues" by Audie Blaylock and Redline
"Cryin' Heart Blues" by Audie Blaylock & Redline
“Audie Blaylock plays and sings powerful traditional bluegrass the way it's supposed to be done!”
Arthur Berman (Pacific Pickin' CITR)
"It is just a brilliant album: genuine, true bluegrass music from first note to last and one which the late Jimmy Martin would be very proud of. Congratulations to all concerned.”
Geoff Morris
WALL-TO-WALL BLUEGRASS
worldwidebluegrass.com
“High energy that's what I like and Audie puts on a great high energy show and it shows in his recording!”
Jerry Eicher (‘Ol Hippie Bluegrass Hour)
“No matter what type of bluegrass you like you WILL like Audie’s Cryin’ Heart Blues. There’s something on this album for EVERYBODY! This CD is now my latest favorite!”
Roger Randolph
Bluegrassmix.com
“Audie Blaylock's new album Cryin" Heart Blues is one of those special albums that brings down home bluegrass to a new level. The title track, Cryin Heart Blues, is pure listening pleasure. The excellent four part harmony vocals on the Jimmy Martin/Paul Williams song He is Near will definitely move your soul, along with the sweet traditional sound of the Bill Monroe tune Stay Away from Me... this album will surely keep your attention and take its place as one of the Down Home top ten recordings of 2010.”
Jim Fisher (Down Home" Bluegrass and Folk Music - WGCS 91.1 FM - Goshen, IN)
“When anyone asks what hard-driving traditional bluegrass is supposed to sound like, I recommend Audie Blaylock and Redline. The band's latest CD, Cryin' Heart Blues, picks up where the previous album ended, and just keeps getting better. There is plenty to love here starting with the driving straight-ahead banjo of Evan Ward to the astonishing fiddling of Patrick McAvinue (Rummie's Run is amazing). The gospel a cappella song He Is Near will have you rejoicing in the perfection of its harmony. Audie has done it again, and bluegrass is better as a result.” - Jim Beaver (WHUS Bluegrass Café)
“Audie Blaylock was born and bred into bluegrass music and readied for the stage much like the racing thoroughbred is bred and destined for the track. You talk about pedigree, well Audie has it and it shows in his music. If you liked the maiden Audie Blaylock and Redline release, you're gonna love their new
Cryin' Heart Blues.” - Jadon Gibson- Syndicator
~~~
“Audie Blaylock plays and sings powerful traditional bluegrass the way it's supposed to be done!”
Arthur Berman (Pacific Pickin' CITR)
"It is just a brilliant album: genuine, true bluegrass music from first note to last and one which the late Jimmy Martin would be very proud of. Congratulations to all concerned.”
Geoff Morris
WALL-TO-WALL BLUEGRASS
worldwidebluegrass.com
“High energy that's what I like and Audie puts on a great high energy show and it shows in his recording!”
Jerry Eicher (‘Ol Hippie Bluegrass Hour)
“No matter what type of bluegrass you like you WILL like Audie’s Cryin’ Heart Blues. There’s something on this album for EVERYBODY! This CD is now my latest favorite!”
Roger Randolph
Bluegrassmix.com
“Audie Blaylock's new album Cryin" Heart Blues is one of those special albums that brings down home bluegrass to a new level. The title track, Cryin Heart Blues, is pure listening pleasure. The excellent four part harmony vocals on the Jimmy Martin/Paul Williams song He is Near will definitely move your soul, along with the sweet traditional sound of the Bill Monroe tune Stay Away from Me... this album will surely keep your attention and take its place as one of the Down Home top ten recordings of 2010.”
Jim Fisher (Down Home" Bluegrass and Folk Music - WGCS 91.1 FM - Goshen, IN)
“When anyone asks what hard-driving traditional bluegrass is supposed to sound like, I recommend Audie Blaylock and Redline. The band's latest CD, Cryin' Heart Blues, picks up where the previous album ended, and just keeps getting better. There is plenty to love here starting with the driving straight-ahead banjo of Evan Ward to the astonishing fiddling of Patrick McAvinue (Rummie's Run is amazing). The gospel a cappella song He Is Near will have you rejoicing in the perfection of its harmony. Audie has done it again, and bluegrass is better as a result.” - Jim Beaver (WHUS Bluegrass Café)
“Audie Blaylock was born and bred into bluegrass music and readied for the stage much like the racing thoroughbred is bred and destined for the track. You talk about pedigree, well Audie has it and it shows in his music. If you liked the maiden Audie Blaylock and Redline release, you're gonna love their new
Cryin' Heart Blues.” - Jadon Gibson- Syndicator
~~~
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Claire Lynch, David Grier, Mike Compton, Michael Cleveland Join Lineup for Birthplace Of Country Music's All-Star Jam
Claire Lynch, David Grier, Mike Compton, Michael Cleveland,
Charlie Cushman, and Rob Ickes
Join the Lineup for Birthplace of Country Music’s All-Star Jam
Claire Lynch, David Grier, Mike Compton, Michael Cleveland, Charlie Cushman, and Rob Ickes have been added to the lineup for the Bluegrass All-Star Jam on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at The Paramount Center for the Arts for two shows, an afternoon matinee at 2:30 PM and an evening performance at 7:30 PM.
“We are very excited about these additions to the line-up,” noted Bill Hartley, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance. Hartley commented that the additions compliment the other artists in the line-up. “Adding Claire Lynch along with Kim Fox, Missy Raines, and Dale Ann Bradley, highlights some of the top female performers in bluegrass music. Mike Compton, Michael Cleveland, David Grier, and Rob Ickes are all multiple IMBA Award winners, as are many of the other artists in the line-up.” Hartley added that Ickes is the most awarded individual player in the history of the IBMA.
Due to inclimate weather, this concert has been re-scheduled from its original date of January 30, 2010. Since the re-scheduling of the concert several of the artists originally billed will not be able to perform due to prior commitments; however, these artists have been replaced by others of equal ability and renown. Artists who were originally scheduled but will not be attending include: Kenny and Amanda Smith, Alan Bibey, and Sammy Shelor. These artists have been replaced with Claire Lynch, David Grier, Michael Cleveland, Mike Compton, Charlie Cushman and Rob Ickes. Those remaining on the roster include Terry Baucom, Dale Ann Bradley, Mike Bub, Kim Fox, Steve Gulley, Adam Haynes, Phil Leadbetter, Justin Moses, Missy Raines, Don Rigsby, and Tim Stafford. Cindy Baucom from the nationally syndicated “Knee-Deep in Bluegrass” and 2005 IBMA Broadcaster of the Year will emcee the show.
Now in its fifth year and previously billed as “Pickin’ at the Paramount,” the Bluegrass All-Star Jam will feature some of the genre’s best artists. This show is the second in the Birthplace of Country Music @ The Paramount Winter Concert Series. This show is sponsored by Alpha Natural Resources, Bristol Virginia Utilities, City of Bristol Tennessee, Fox Tri-Cities, WETS, WOPI, Virginia Commission for the Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Ticket prices are $25, ($15 students / $20 advance). Show times for the Bluegrass All-Star Jam at 2:30 and 7:30. Tickets must be purchased individually for each of the day’s performances and are available at The Paramount Center for the Arts box office at 423.274.8920 or visit www.theparamountcenter.com or www.etix.com All tickets purchased for originally scheduled date of January 30, 2010 will be honored on the 28th of February.
The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance is a non?profit organization dedicated to telling the story of the living musical heritage of the Appalachian mountains and the cultural traditions that sustain it. The BCMA is funded in part by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, and National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, call (276) 645?0111 or visit online at
www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org
# # #
Artist images are available upon request.
CONTACT:
Suzanne G. Brewster
Director of Marketing and Administration
Birthplace of Country Music Alliance
PO Box 216
Bristol, TN 37621
brewster@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org
276.591.4667
BLUEGRASS ALL-STAR JAM CONTACTS:
Charlie Cushman, and Rob Ickes
Join the Lineup for Birthplace of Country Music’s All-Star Jam
Claire Lynch, David Grier, Mike Compton, Michael Cleveland, Charlie Cushman, and Rob Ickes have been added to the lineup for the Bluegrass All-Star Jam on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at The Paramount Center for the Arts for two shows, an afternoon matinee at 2:30 PM and an evening performance at 7:30 PM.
“We are very excited about these additions to the line-up,” noted Bill Hartley, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance. Hartley commented that the additions compliment the other artists in the line-up. “Adding Claire Lynch along with Kim Fox, Missy Raines, and Dale Ann Bradley, highlights some of the top female performers in bluegrass music. Mike Compton, Michael Cleveland, David Grier, and Rob Ickes are all multiple IMBA Award winners, as are many of the other artists in the line-up.” Hartley added that Ickes is the most awarded individual player in the history of the IBMA.
Due to inclimate weather, this concert has been re-scheduled from its original date of January 30, 2010. Since the re-scheduling of the concert several of the artists originally billed will not be able to perform due to prior commitments; however, these artists have been replaced by others of equal ability and renown. Artists who were originally scheduled but will not be attending include: Kenny and Amanda Smith, Alan Bibey, and Sammy Shelor. These artists have been replaced with Claire Lynch, David Grier, Michael Cleveland, Mike Compton, Charlie Cushman and Rob Ickes. Those remaining on the roster include Terry Baucom, Dale Ann Bradley, Mike Bub, Kim Fox, Steve Gulley, Adam Haynes, Phil Leadbetter, Justin Moses, Missy Raines, Don Rigsby, and Tim Stafford. Cindy Baucom from the nationally syndicated “Knee-Deep in Bluegrass” and 2005 IBMA Broadcaster of the Year will emcee the show.
Now in its fifth year and previously billed as “Pickin’ at the Paramount,” the Bluegrass All-Star Jam will feature some of the genre’s best artists. This show is the second in the Birthplace of Country Music @ The Paramount Winter Concert Series. This show is sponsored by Alpha Natural Resources, Bristol Virginia Utilities, City of Bristol Tennessee, Fox Tri-Cities, WETS, WOPI, Virginia Commission for the Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Ticket prices are $25, ($15 students / $20 advance). Show times for the Bluegrass All-Star Jam at 2:30 and 7:30. Tickets must be purchased individually for each of the day’s performances and are available at The Paramount Center for the Arts box office at 423.274.8920 or visit www.theparamountcenter.com or www.etix.com All tickets purchased for originally scheduled date of January 30, 2010 will be honored on the 28th of February.
The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance is a non?profit organization dedicated to telling the story of the living musical heritage of the Appalachian mountains and the cultural traditions that sustain it. The BCMA is funded in part by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, and National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, call (276) 645?0111 or visit online at
www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org
# # #
Artist images are available upon request.
CONTACT:
Suzanne G. Brewster
Director of Marketing and Administration
Birthplace of Country Music Alliance
PO Box 216
Bristol, TN 37621
brewster@birthplaceofcountrymusic.org
276.591.4667
BLUEGRASS ALL-STAR JAM CONTACTS:
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Rural Rhythm February News
Billboard Bluegrass
"Buckaroo Bluegrass II - Riding Song"
Michael Martin Murphey
"Buckaroo Bluegrass" (Grammy nominated CD)
Michael Martin Murphey
"Jesus Loves Me" (Sound Traditions)
Various Artists
"I Just Want to Thank You Lord"
Larry Sparks
"My Own Set of Rules"
Lou Reid and Carolina
"Quicksand"
Randy Kohrs
"Appalachian Fiddle Breakdown" (Sound Traditions)
VARIOUS ARTISTS
"Bluegrass For Everyone" (Sound Traditions)
VARIOUS ARTISTS
"Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out"
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
"Vintage Bluegrass Essentials" (Sound Traditions)
Various Artists
"My Sisters and Me"
Gold Heart
The following songs by
RURAL RHYTHM
artists have been chosen by
BLUEGRASS RADIO NETWORK’s
Special Edition TOP PICKS OF 2009
(Terry Herd’s “INTO THE BLUE” #0100)
"Carolina In The Pines"
Michael Martin Murphey
"Second Chances" - Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain
"Hard Rock Mountain Prison"
Russell Moore & IIIrd Time Out
"Amanda Lynn" Lou Reid & Carolina
"Long Way From Here" Lonesome River Band
"Always Have Always Will" Brandon Rickman
"Wild Bird" Michael Martin Murphey
"I’ll Go Steppin’ Too" Rickey Wasson
"Lonely River" Audie Blaylock and Redline
___________________________
Congratulations to Michael Martin Murphey and Ryan Murphey for their GRAMMY NOMINATION for BEST BLUEGRASS ALBUM - "Buckaroo Blue Grass"
___________________________
Brandon Rickman wins Strictly Country Magazine's Spirit Award SONG OF YEAR
"Wearin' Her Knees Out Over Me"
from "YOUNG MAN, OLD SOUL"
Other award winners include, Brad Paisley,
Rascal Flatts, Randy Travis, Taylor Swift
and Wynonna Judd.
"Young Man, Old Soul" also named in Roughstock.com's Top Country Albums of 2009
___________________________
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out receive
numerous year-end album honors!
___________________________
Gold Heart has been nominated in the following categories for the 24th Annual Wammie Awards.
WAMA
~Washington Area Music Awards~
Gold Heart for Bluegrass Duo / Group
Never Let Go for Bluegrass Recording
Analise Gold for Bluegrass Vocalist
Shelby Gold for Bluegrass Instrumentalist
Vote HERE For the
"Fans Favorite Award"
___________________________
Rural Rhythm Records
55 Year Celebration at the
2010 Graves Mountain Festival of Music
A special recorded event!
Performances by:
Audie Blaylock & Redline, Carl Jackson, Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, Crowe Brothers, Lonesome River Band, Lou Reid and Carolina, Mark Newton, and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.
Produced by: Mark Newton and Sam Passamano.
Watch the video announcement on youtube
"Buckaroo Bluegrass II - Riding Song"
Michael Martin Murphey
"Buckaroo Bluegrass" (Grammy nominated CD)
Michael Martin Murphey
"Jesus Loves Me" (Sound Traditions)
Various Artists
"I Just Want to Thank You Lord"
Larry Sparks
"My Own Set of Rules"
Lou Reid and Carolina
"Quicksand"
Randy Kohrs
"Appalachian Fiddle Breakdown" (Sound Traditions)
VARIOUS ARTISTS
"Bluegrass For Everyone" (Sound Traditions)
VARIOUS ARTISTS
"Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out"
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
"Vintage Bluegrass Essentials" (Sound Traditions)
Various Artists
"My Sisters and Me"
Gold Heart
The following songs by
RURAL RHYTHM
artists have been chosen by
BLUEGRASS RADIO NETWORK’s
Special Edition TOP PICKS OF 2009
(Terry Herd’s “INTO THE BLUE” #0100)
"Carolina In The Pines"
Michael Martin Murphey
"Second Chances" - Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain
"Hard Rock Mountain Prison"
Russell Moore & IIIrd Time Out
"Amanda Lynn" Lou Reid & Carolina
"Long Way From Here" Lonesome River Band
"Always Have Always Will" Brandon Rickman
"Wild Bird" Michael Martin Murphey
"I’ll Go Steppin’ Too" Rickey Wasson
"Lonely River" Audie Blaylock and Redline
___________________________
Congratulations to Michael Martin Murphey and Ryan Murphey for their GRAMMY NOMINATION for BEST BLUEGRASS ALBUM - "Buckaroo Blue Grass"
___________________________
Brandon Rickman wins Strictly Country Magazine's Spirit Award SONG OF YEAR
"Wearin' Her Knees Out Over Me"
from "YOUNG MAN, OLD SOUL"
Other award winners include, Brad Paisley,
Rascal Flatts, Randy Travis, Taylor Swift
and Wynonna Judd.
"Young Man, Old Soul" also named in Roughstock.com's Top Country Albums of 2009
___________________________
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out receive
numerous year-end album honors!
___________________________
Gold Heart has been nominated in the following categories for the 24th Annual Wammie Awards.
WAMA
~Washington Area Music Awards~
Gold Heart for Bluegrass Duo / Group
Never Let Go for Bluegrass Recording
Analise Gold for Bluegrass Vocalist
Shelby Gold for Bluegrass Instrumentalist
Vote HERE For the
"Fans Favorite Award"
___________________________
Rural Rhythm Records
55 Year Celebration at the
2010 Graves Mountain Festival of Music
A special recorded event!
Performances by:
Audie Blaylock & Redline, Carl Jackson, Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain, Crowe Brothers, Lonesome River Band, Lou Reid and Carolina, Mark Newton, and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.
Produced by: Mark Newton and Sam Passamano.
Watch the video announcement on youtube
Monday, November 09, 2009
Lou Reid and Carolina hit #1 on BMP
The new album, “MY OWN SET OF RULES” by Lou Reid and Carolina hit the #1 spot on this month’s Bluegrass Music Profiles Magazine (BMP) Top 10 albums and also made its debut at #11 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine (BU) Top 15 album chart. The single, “Amanda Lynn” is #9 on the BMP Top 30 Singles and jumped five spots to reach #20 on the BU Top 30 Singles also this month.
“The bluegrass genre is always one that is interesting for its combination of styles and musicianship and Lou Reid and Carolina have given fans a modern twist on the foundation of bluegrass while keeping the traditions well in tact on My Own Set Of Rules,” said Today’s Country Magazine.
Lou Reid and Carolina will be a guest of SIRIUS-XM Radio Host, Kyle Cantrell on the Bluegrass Junction Track by Track show on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 11:00 am EST and rebroadcast Thursday, November 19 (9:00 EST) and Sunday, November 22 (11:00 am EST) featuring “My Own Set of Rules.” The album was produced by Lou Reid, and also includes band members, Christy Reid, Shannon Slaughter, Trevor Watson, with special guest Ron Stewart on fiddle.
During last month’s International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass convention, Lou joined fellow Rural Rhythm artists for a VIP Showcase where he performed “Carolina in the Pines” with Michael Martin Murphey and Audie Blaylock. He also took part in a performance of “Graves Mountain Memories” and the announcement of the upcoming Rural Rhythm Records 55 Year Celebration at the Graves Mountain Festival of Music. Lou Reid and Carolina will perform at this live recorded event to be held on June 4, 2010.
Lou Reid tours with Lou Reid and Carolina, The Seldom Scene and Longview. For more information including a complete tour schedule, please visit: www.loureidandcarolina.com
###
“The bluegrass genre is always one that is interesting for its combination of styles and musicianship and Lou Reid and Carolina have given fans a modern twist on the foundation of bluegrass while keeping the traditions well in tact on My Own Set Of Rules,” said Today’s Country Magazine.
Lou Reid and Carolina will be a guest of SIRIUS-XM Radio Host, Kyle Cantrell on the Bluegrass Junction Track by Track show on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 11:00 am EST and rebroadcast Thursday, November 19 (9:00 EST) and Sunday, November 22 (11:00 am EST) featuring “My Own Set of Rules.” The album was produced by Lou Reid, and also includes band members, Christy Reid, Shannon Slaughter, Trevor Watson, with special guest Ron Stewart on fiddle.
During last month’s International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass convention, Lou joined fellow Rural Rhythm artists for a VIP Showcase where he performed “Carolina in the Pines” with Michael Martin Murphey and Audie Blaylock. He also took part in a performance of “Graves Mountain Memories” and the announcement of the upcoming Rural Rhythm Records 55 Year Celebration at the Graves Mountain Festival of Music. Lou Reid and Carolina will perform at this live recorded event to be held on June 4, 2010.
Lou Reid tours with Lou Reid and Carolina, The Seldom Scene and Longview. For more information including a complete tour schedule, please visit: www.loureidandcarolina.com
###
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Update on Alana Levandoski's new CD
One of Canada’s leading progressive roots artists Alana Levandoski will perform this weekend at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival (Aug. 6-9) in Edmonton, Alberta.
Her new album “Lions & Werewolves,” recorded in a 100-year-old church in rural Manitoba, and at the upscale Parr Street Studios in Liverpool, was released in Canada July 21 (2009) on Blue Lily Records, distributed by EMI Music Canada.
Levandoski's performance at the 2009 Winnipeg Folk Festival aired nationally on CBC Radio 2’s “Canada Live on Aug. 4. The show was recorded July 9th at Birds Hill Park near Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The show has also been posted as a "Concert on Demand" on the CBC Radio website http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20090709alana
Levandoski gained the respect, and endorsement of much of the international roots music world with her outstanding debut album "Unsettled Down" released by Rounder Records in 2006.
Reviews of "Unsettled Down" were plentiful and enthusiastic. Levandoski was profiled in numerous UK publications, including Maverick and The London Times, and in such national Canadian magazines as Maclean's, Chart and Penguin Eggs.
“Levandoski created waves with her debut, “Unsettled Down,” and her second album, partly recorded in a church in rural Manitoba has some stunning songs,” wrote Robin Eggar recently in The Sunday Times.
Levandoski's name evokes thundering tributes that go far beyond the customary comments made about hot new artists.
"Alana Levandoski is as refreshing as an ice cold drink on a hot summer night,” says iconic Canadian singer/songwriter Jann Arden. “And I mean that. She has an old soul and it shows up in every single line she writes. She sings as though she has circled the globe a half a dozen times, and yet remains optimistically innocent. Her voice is delicate and fragile and terribly wonderfully unique. Her music is about simple sentiment. LIving. Losing. Finding. Her voice is surrounded with organic sounds that could have stepped off the front porch somewhere in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. Hear her music once and become a fan for life."
Adds fellow Canadian singer Serena Ryder, "Alana has a palpable honesty in her writing and in her voice that makes you feel like you're having a conversation with a friend who knows you inside out."
“Lions & Werewolves” was produced by ace British producer Ken Nelson, renowned for his work with Gomez and Coldplay. He has also worked with Badly Drawn Boy, Snow Patrol, Polly Paulusma and Paolo Nutini.
"I had always wanted Ken to record this album,” Levandoski says. “I wanted someone outside of the roots world who is a fan of popular music. Somebody who could come from somewhere that, to me, was fresh. Unlike me, Ken didn't grow up listening to Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. But I had no idea how I was going to go about getting him.”
One of Levandoski’s writing partners provided a link.
"I was writing with (Canadian songwriter) Simon Wilcox, and she mentioned that she knew Ken from working at his studio," recalls Levandoski. "I got in touch with Ken and heard my songs. I also played a gig in Liverpool. He agreed to work with me. I think he was intrigued by me, and he thought I was a good songwriter.”
Indeed, Nelson was intrigued enough to hop on an airplane across the pond to record Levandoski in her rural hometown, the small village of Kelwood, Manitoba with a population of 300. "Ken came to Kelwood to record in the middle of winter," Levandoski says, laughing. "Him, his son Mike and his engineer Mark Phythian flew in and my dad picked them up at the airport in Winnipeg."
“Lions & Werewolves” was primarily recorded at the St. John Divine Anglican Church in Kelwood.
“Before we started recording, Ken would walk a mile or two every morning,” recalls Levandoski. “My dad would pick him up on the road. He and the musicians were always all trying to find cell phone (signals) to connect. You’d see them walking around holding up their cell phones. They all had loved ones at home and wanted to stay in touch.”
While “Unsettled Down” was a coming-of-age album, “Lions & Werewolves” is a poised and mature work that stands with the works of the best of ‘60s story-tellers.
“With my first album, I felt that I had told a lot of the (prairie) stories that I didn’t need to retell them again,” says Levandoski. “As you grow and meet different people, life goes on. You have to acknowledge that this (being a performer) is your real life and it’s not fake. (For me) those stories started bubbling underneath the surface and then came out.”
Levandoski is proud of how the album turned out.
“It's very true. It’s not a contrived piece of work. Some people might be surprised that it evolved as much as it did. But I had over two years of touring in eight countries. And Ken is a very soft, subtle person who kind of goes through the room with a broom and cleans it up. I remember the musicians (bassist Milos Angelov, keyboardist David [Soul Fingaz] Williams, guitarist Murray Pulver and drummer Eric Paul) talking about how they felt naked when we were recording.”
"The last night that all the musicians were there we threw a listening party in the church just to hear the bed (tracks). We just blasted them out in the church and then we moved from there to the Canadian Legion Hall, because that's the only pub in town. Then someone came in and yelled, 'Northern lights!' Ken, Mike, and Mark had never seen northern lights before so we all went out to watch. It was a great way to end the sessions before I went to Liverpool to record final vocal tracks."
Levandoski was raised in Kelwood but she was born in nearby McCreary. Kelwood is where both her parents attended school and where her mother's family have received their mail for 50 years. Her father grew up on a farm 10 miles south and attended school in the village of Riding Mountain.
Alana's childhood came as rural Western Canada was undergoing a significant makeover, from a pastoral setting into corporate farm Canada. Kelwood was no longer a bustling farming community. The railway, along with the grain elevators, had been removed and the main highway had been rebuilt a mile to the west. So most businesses had closed.
After attending kindergarten in Kelwood, Levandoski was educated at home with her older sister Nadia, and younger brother Matthew.
Levandoski’s first involvement with music began at 9 until 13 performing in the gospel-styled band Family & Friends in her parents living room each week. She picked up a guitar when she was 12. She also took piano lessons for many years.
At 15, Levandoski began entering and winning local talent contests, performing mostly her own songs. Her first fully realized song was "Sailing From Holland" about being a sailor. "It's a good song but I was still developing my sound," she says.
At 17, Levandoski played off-and-on with 600 Bones, a Brandon, Manitoba group that performed jazz, folk and world beat. By 2001, after living briefly in Turkey, she was residing in Winnipeg and performing with Jamoeba, a 6-piece 'jam' band.
“People are always asking me to describe my music,” Levandoski laughs. “If you have to throw me into a genre say progressive roots, but I love the old country songwriters. I love Emmylou Harris. But I also grew up being a fan of British bands like U2, Radiohead, and Coldplay. All of these bands. There is something about them that is just fantastic. And I love AC/DC.”
Following "Unsettled Down” Levandoski toured the U.K. and Europe four times. She first performed in the UK and Europe in early 2006 with Dar Williams, Lynn Miles and Caroline Herring as well with Jess Klein. She returned to the UK in 2006 opening for the Elana James Trio, and fellow Canadians Blue Rodeo, and playing Canada Day 2006 in Trafalgar Square. She did a tour of Ireland and England in 2007 with fellow Canadian Lynn Miles
In Canada, she toured nationally with the Corb Lund Band and did dates with Stephen Fearing, the Arrogant Worms, and Tanya Tucker.
Over the years, Levandoski has co-written with such leading American songwriters as Quinn Loggins, Sam Ashworth, James LeBlanc, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Rachel Thibodeau, and Gary Nichols. She has also co-written with Canadians Sylvia Tyson, Colin Cripps, and Simon Wilcox.
“I totally love being with other songwriters, especially with those people who consider themselves to be story tellers. I feel like I am understood without having to talk about it.”
In 2007, Levandoski was featured on “Borrowed Tunes Two,” a two-CD musical tribute to Neil Young. It features Canadian artists including Barenaked Ladies, Ron Sexsmith, Dave Gunning, Finger 11 and Chantal Kreviazuk performing their favorite Neil Young song. Alana sings “Don’t be Denied.”
The same year, Levandoski was featured on the U.K. compilation "Bob Harris Presents" along with Alison Krauss, Cindy Bullens, John Prine, Billy Joel Shaver and Kathleen Edwards.
"I really believe in Alana,” says the legendary BBC Radio 2 announcer Bob Harris. “She is part of an emerging generation of new artists who are reflecting the range of influences that make Canadian music so exciting, from the brilliant free-form collective Broken Social Scene, to the authentic Country twang of Corb Lund. Her songs are intelligent, warm and strong. She's a fine artist, and a trouper."
--30--
Her new album “Lions & Werewolves,” recorded in a 100-year-old church in rural Manitoba, and at the upscale Parr Street Studios in Liverpool, was released in Canada July 21 (2009) on Blue Lily Records, distributed by EMI Music Canada.
Levandoski's performance at the 2009 Winnipeg Folk Festival aired nationally on CBC Radio 2’s “Canada Live on Aug. 4. The show was recorded July 9th at Birds Hill Park near Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The show has also been posted as a "Concert on Demand" on the CBC Radio website http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20090709alana
Levandoski gained the respect, and endorsement of much of the international roots music world with her outstanding debut album "Unsettled Down" released by Rounder Records in 2006.
Reviews of "Unsettled Down" were plentiful and enthusiastic. Levandoski was profiled in numerous UK publications, including Maverick and The London Times, and in such national Canadian magazines as Maclean's, Chart and Penguin Eggs.
“Levandoski created waves with her debut, “Unsettled Down,” and her second album, partly recorded in a church in rural Manitoba has some stunning songs,” wrote Robin Eggar recently in The Sunday Times.
Levandoski's name evokes thundering tributes that go far beyond the customary comments made about hot new artists.
"Alana Levandoski is as refreshing as an ice cold drink on a hot summer night,” says iconic Canadian singer/songwriter Jann Arden. “And I mean that. She has an old soul and it shows up in every single line she writes. She sings as though she has circled the globe a half a dozen times, and yet remains optimistically innocent. Her voice is delicate and fragile and terribly wonderfully unique. Her music is about simple sentiment. LIving. Losing. Finding. Her voice is surrounded with organic sounds that could have stepped off the front porch somewhere in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. Hear her music once and become a fan for life."
Adds fellow Canadian singer Serena Ryder, "Alana has a palpable honesty in her writing and in her voice that makes you feel like you're having a conversation with a friend who knows you inside out."
“Lions & Werewolves” was produced by ace British producer Ken Nelson, renowned for his work with Gomez and Coldplay. He has also worked with Badly Drawn Boy, Snow Patrol, Polly Paulusma and Paolo Nutini.
"I had always wanted Ken to record this album,” Levandoski says. “I wanted someone outside of the roots world who is a fan of popular music. Somebody who could come from somewhere that, to me, was fresh. Unlike me, Ken didn't grow up listening to Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. But I had no idea how I was going to go about getting him.”
One of Levandoski’s writing partners provided a link.
"I was writing with (Canadian songwriter) Simon Wilcox, and she mentioned that she knew Ken from working at his studio," recalls Levandoski. "I got in touch with Ken and heard my songs. I also played a gig in Liverpool. He agreed to work with me. I think he was intrigued by me, and he thought I was a good songwriter.”
Indeed, Nelson was intrigued enough to hop on an airplane across the pond to record Levandoski in her rural hometown, the small village of Kelwood, Manitoba with a population of 300. "Ken came to Kelwood to record in the middle of winter," Levandoski says, laughing. "Him, his son Mike and his engineer Mark Phythian flew in and my dad picked them up at the airport in Winnipeg."
“Lions & Werewolves” was primarily recorded at the St. John Divine Anglican Church in Kelwood.
“Before we started recording, Ken would walk a mile or two every morning,” recalls Levandoski. “My dad would pick him up on the road. He and the musicians were always all trying to find cell phone (signals) to connect. You’d see them walking around holding up their cell phones. They all had loved ones at home and wanted to stay in touch.”
While “Unsettled Down” was a coming-of-age album, “Lions & Werewolves” is a poised and mature work that stands with the works of the best of ‘60s story-tellers.
“With my first album, I felt that I had told a lot of the (prairie) stories that I didn’t need to retell them again,” says Levandoski. “As you grow and meet different people, life goes on. You have to acknowledge that this (being a performer) is your real life and it’s not fake. (For me) those stories started bubbling underneath the surface and then came out.”
Levandoski is proud of how the album turned out.
“It's very true. It’s not a contrived piece of work. Some people might be surprised that it evolved as much as it did. But I had over two years of touring in eight countries. And Ken is a very soft, subtle person who kind of goes through the room with a broom and cleans it up. I remember the musicians (bassist Milos Angelov, keyboardist David [Soul Fingaz] Williams, guitarist Murray Pulver and drummer Eric Paul) talking about how they felt naked when we were recording.”
"The last night that all the musicians were there we threw a listening party in the church just to hear the bed (tracks). We just blasted them out in the church and then we moved from there to the Canadian Legion Hall, because that's the only pub in town. Then someone came in and yelled, 'Northern lights!' Ken, Mike, and Mark had never seen northern lights before so we all went out to watch. It was a great way to end the sessions before I went to Liverpool to record final vocal tracks."
Levandoski was raised in Kelwood but she was born in nearby McCreary. Kelwood is where both her parents attended school and where her mother's family have received their mail for 50 years. Her father grew up on a farm 10 miles south and attended school in the village of Riding Mountain.
Alana's childhood came as rural Western Canada was undergoing a significant makeover, from a pastoral setting into corporate farm Canada. Kelwood was no longer a bustling farming community. The railway, along with the grain elevators, had been removed and the main highway had been rebuilt a mile to the west. So most businesses had closed.
After attending kindergarten in Kelwood, Levandoski was educated at home with her older sister Nadia, and younger brother Matthew.
Levandoski’s first involvement with music began at 9 until 13 performing in the gospel-styled band Family & Friends in her parents living room each week. She picked up a guitar when she was 12. She also took piano lessons for many years.
At 15, Levandoski began entering and winning local talent contests, performing mostly her own songs. Her first fully realized song was "Sailing From Holland" about being a sailor. "It's a good song but I was still developing my sound," she says.
At 17, Levandoski played off-and-on with 600 Bones, a Brandon, Manitoba group that performed jazz, folk and world beat. By 2001, after living briefly in Turkey, she was residing in Winnipeg and performing with Jamoeba, a 6-piece 'jam' band.
“People are always asking me to describe my music,” Levandoski laughs. “If you have to throw me into a genre say progressive roots, but I love the old country songwriters. I love Emmylou Harris. But I also grew up being a fan of British bands like U2, Radiohead, and Coldplay. All of these bands. There is something about them that is just fantastic. And I love AC/DC.”
Following "Unsettled Down” Levandoski toured the U.K. and Europe four times. She first performed in the UK and Europe in early 2006 with Dar Williams, Lynn Miles and Caroline Herring as well with Jess Klein. She returned to the UK in 2006 opening for the Elana James Trio, and fellow Canadians Blue Rodeo, and playing Canada Day 2006 in Trafalgar Square. She did a tour of Ireland and England in 2007 with fellow Canadian Lynn Miles
In Canada, she toured nationally with the Corb Lund Band and did dates with Stephen Fearing, the Arrogant Worms, and Tanya Tucker.
Over the years, Levandoski has co-written with such leading American songwriters as Quinn Loggins, Sam Ashworth, James LeBlanc, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Rachel Thibodeau, and Gary Nichols. She has also co-written with Canadians Sylvia Tyson, Colin Cripps, and Simon Wilcox.
“I totally love being with other songwriters, especially with those people who consider themselves to be story tellers. I feel like I am understood without having to talk about it.”
In 2007, Levandoski was featured on “Borrowed Tunes Two,” a two-CD musical tribute to Neil Young. It features Canadian artists including Barenaked Ladies, Ron Sexsmith, Dave Gunning, Finger 11 and Chantal Kreviazuk performing their favorite Neil Young song. Alana sings “Don’t be Denied.”
The same year, Levandoski was featured on the U.K. compilation "Bob Harris Presents" along with Alison Krauss, Cindy Bullens, John Prine, Billy Joel Shaver and Kathleen Edwards.
"I really believe in Alana,” says the legendary BBC Radio 2 announcer Bob Harris. “She is part of an emerging generation of new artists who are reflecting the range of influences that make Canadian music so exciting, from the brilliant free-form collective Broken Social Scene, to the authentic Country twang of Corb Lund. Her songs are intelligent, warm and strong. She's a fine artist, and a trouper."
--30--
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Carrie Hassler on Reverb Nation
http://www.reverbnation.com/carriehasslerhardrain
(Click above to view online)
(Click above to view online)
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