Saturday, October 27, 2007
Western Kentucky Regional Fiddle Festival
I will be hosting the 2nd annual Western Kentucky Regional Fiddle Festival November 9th and 10th at Lovett Auditorium in Murray, KY. For more information visit http://www.tourmurray.com/festivals/fiddle.htm.
Rowan & Rice Quartet to Perform at Front Porch Concert
No its not a typo... WKMS and Murray State University has booked the Peter Rowan and Tony Rice Quartet to perform in Lovett Auditorium at Murray State for the January Front Porch Concert. I'll get a definite date for you later but mark your calendars... YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS SHOW!! Bawn in the Mash will open a great night of incredible music!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Chris Thile Signs with Nonesuch
Former Murray, KY hometown boy Chris Thile and his new band, Punch Brothers have signed a new recording deal with Nonesuch Records. The band's label debut will be released February 26, 2008. The Punch Brothers include Thile and Chris Eldridge (guitar), Greg Garrison (bass), Noam Pikelny (banjo), and Gabe Witcher (fiddle). The new album will include Thile's four-movement composition, The Blind Leaving the Blind, which the band performed at Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall earlier this year, as part of label-mate John Adams' In Your Ear festival. Thile's solo records and collaborations also will be released by Nonesuch, beginning with an album with composer/bassist Edgar Meyer later in 2008.
Catch a great article with a Chris Thile interview at Cybergrass.
You can also catch Thile and Nonesuch President Bob Hurwitz and Senior Vice President David Bither talking baseball, well, kind of... it is the Chicago Cubs that they speak of in their conversion. The club that will eternally play second-fiddle to the real baseball team in St. Louis... take that Chris! Anyhow, you can read the full text... at least they are TALKING about baseball!
Catch a great article with a Chris Thile interview at Cybergrass.
You can also catch Thile and Nonesuch President Bob Hurwitz and Senior Vice President David Bither talking baseball, well, kind of... it is the Chicago Cubs that they speak of in their conversion. The club that will eternally play second-fiddle to the real baseball team in St. Louis... take that Chris! Anyhow, you can read the full text... at least they are TALKING about baseball!
Rhonda Vincent to Release "Good Thing Going" January 8
Rounder Records will release Rhonda Vincents' "Good Thing Going" January 8, 2008. Joining Vincent on the album are the members of her stellar road band the Rage on several cuts, and some very special guests including Jesse McReynolds (Jim & Jesse), Russell Moore (III Tyme Out), Bryan Sutton, Becky Issacs, Kathy Chiavola and country music impresario James Stroud. The album was co-produced by Rhonda and her brother Darrin Vincent (of Dailey & Vincent), at Rhonda’s own studio, Adventure Studios in Nashville.
The 12 tracks that make up Good Thing Going include five originals or co-writes, alongside a range of contemporary and classic cover tracks. Included on the album will be the hard-driving bluegrass “Hit Parade of Love” (an old Jimmy Martin tune and longtime concert favorite) to tender balladry “I Give My Love to You” (a touching original ballad, performed as a duet with Russell Moore) to the rollicking, playful autobiographical title track and the concert favorite, “Bluegrass Saturday Night” Rhonda proves once again she is the queen of bluegrass.
(Some content on provided by Rounder Records)
The 12 tracks that make up Good Thing Going include five originals or co-writes, alongside a range of contemporary and classic cover tracks. Included on the album will be the hard-driving bluegrass “Hit Parade of Love” (an old Jimmy Martin tune and longtime concert favorite) to tender balladry “I Give My Love to You” (a touching original ballad, performed as a duet with Russell Moore) to the rollicking, playful autobiographical title track and the concert favorite, “Bluegrass Saturday Night” Rhonda proves once again she is the queen of bluegrass.
(Some content on provided by Rounder Records)
Kris Delmhorst Working On New Album
Kris Delmhorst is currently in the studio working on her fifth project, her second for the Signature Sounds label. Her last album, Strange Conversion, set the bar high for this Brooklyn native who now calls Boston home. Delmhorst is a classically trained cellist who has become adept on both guitar and fiddle and has been nominated twice for Outstanding Female Singer/Songwriter by the Boston Music Awards.
An expected release date has not been announced but look for the new album in the spring of 2008 or earlier.
An expected release date has not been announced but look for the new album in the spring of 2008 or earlier.
Crooked Still Lineup Change
Cellist Rushad Eggleston will perform his last show with the band on November 18th and for the first time in 6-years the band will add new members. Cellist Tristan Clarridge and fiddler Brittany Haas come to the lineup after having played with Darol Anger's Republic of Strings. The band also plans to begin work on a new album in January of 2008 with an expected release date sometime in the spring of 2008.
The bands two previous releases, Shaken by a Low Sound (Signature Sounds, 2006) and Hop High (Footprint 2005) are very sound progressive bluegrass releases and have had heavy rotation on mine and other radio shows. Seeing where the band goes next with their music and how the changes in their lineup will influence their sound will be interesting.
The bands two previous releases, Shaken by a Low Sound (Signature Sounds, 2006) and Hop High (Footprint 2005) are very sound progressive bluegrass releases and have had heavy rotation on mine and other radio shows. Seeing where the band goes next with their music and how the changes in their lineup will influence their sound will be interesting.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Free Tim O'Brien Downloads
Tim O'Brien has four free downloads at his Myspace site. The cuts are previously unreleased. Go to http://www.myspace.com/timobrienmusic to get your copies.
Free Infamous Stringdusters Downloads
The Infamous Stringdusters are offering up three new songs via download at their Myspace site. Just go to http://www.myspace.com/stringdusters.
This Week on the Front Porch
A lot of new music on this weeks show mixed in with some of our regular favorites. The show is broadcast on WKMS-FM from Murray, KY on 91.3 FM, 92.1 Paducah, KY, 99.5 Paris, TN, and 105.1 Madisonville, KY and also streaming online at http://www.wkms.org/, which is also where you can find our full playlists.
-----------------------------------
The Red Stick Ramblers
"Some of These Days"
Made in the Shade - 2007 Sugar Hill Records
This Louisiana-based group brings forth their fourth full-length offering (EP Red Stick Ramblers released earlier this year). Great Cajun-based group who have seasoned quite well through the years. They offer up traditional music with a Cajun flavor while being somewhat experimental at the same time.
http://www.redstickramblers.com/
-----------------------------------
Mick McAuley & Winifred Horan
"After the Gold Rush"
Serenade - 2006 Compass Records
2/5 of the Irish American group Solas cover this Neil Young song for their first project away from their regular gig.
http://compassrecords.com/mick-mcauley-and-winifred-horan
-----------------------------------
Erin McKeown
"Born to Hum"
Grand - 2003 Nettwerk Records
Frederickburg, VA native Erin McKeown brings us one of those albums that can't be categorized and its boldly evident that this was intentional. From purely folk to softcore rock to groovy jazz McKeown proves she widely capable when it comes to producing good music.
http://www.erinmckeown.com/
-----------------------------------
Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane and Fats Kaplin
"Mellow Down Easy"
Lost John Dean - 2006 Compass Records
From their second album as a trio this group offers up an album of mostly beefed-up folk musical ballads. Mellow Down Easy is a cover of Willie Dixons blues tune that closes out an album that showcases this trio's ability to add depth and enthusiasm to works even when the approach is simple. If you are a folk and americana music fan then this album would be a great addition to your library.
http://compassrecords.com/kane-welch-kaplin
-----------------------------------
Steve Earle
"Sparkle and Shine"
Washington Square - 2007 New West Records
Earle has moved to New York City and his music reflects his new surroundings and the experiences there of a southern soul. This album is more edgy than some of the past few albums from Earle and as always he ruffles a few feathers with cuts like City of Immigrants and Red is the Color. Earle definitely has a refreshed approach to his music whether its his new location lending to that fact or not. Another great album from Earle.
http://www.steveearle.com/
See video's and more from Steve Earle at Twangville.
-----------------------------------
Eilen Jewell
"Dusty Boxcar Wall"
Letters From Sinners and Strangers - 2007 from Signature Sounds Records
Boise, Idaho native Eilen Jewell now calls Boston home where she is making quite a name for herself. She takes traditional folk and runs it through the paces of an upgraded, modern approach. She's at home with everything from folk to western swing, always traditional at the core even when she throws in modern studio tricks. This is actually Jewell's third release but her first to a national audience and this album definitely buys her a bright future in the industry.
http://www.eilenjewell.com/
-----------------------------------
King Wilkie
"Wrecking Ball" and "Millie's Song"
Low Country Suite - 2007 on Zoe Records
If your expecting more bluegrass from King Wilkie's new release... well, you will get it but not from start to finish. This album pushes back the boundaries and restraints of just one genre of music and gives the guys some space to explore with their acoustic instruments. This album loses no steam from start to finish, ballad to stomper. Get this album!
http://www.kingwilkie.com/
-----------------------------------
Kim Richey
"The Absence of Your Company"
Tiny Lilly - 2007 from Vanguard Records
Established songwriter Kim Richey offers up a full field of instrumets to back up her incredibly constructed songs. I can't for the life of me figure out why Richey still rides under the radar because she really knows how to write a song... and deliver it. This is her fifth album and the first from Vangaurd Records. Richey took off for the U.K. to record this project with producer Giles Martin who has worked on projects with artists from Kate Bush to Celine Dion... it's ok, I promise. Another great album from Richey!
http://www.kimrichey.com/
-----------------------------------
Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain - "Seven Miles From Wichita"
Self Titled Album - 2006 Rural Rhythm Records
Not quite traditional bluegrass but close enough now that bluegrass has gone full-tilt Nashville. It seems more and more the releases from bluegrass get more pop-country flavored of late and follow the same recipe for sales. If you like bluegrass you will like this album just don't expect any Monroe or Flatt and Scruggs reminders here. The band can play and Hassler has a great voice.
http://www.carriehasslerandhardrain.com/
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
The Red Stick Ramblers"Some of These Days"
Made in the Shade - 2007 Sugar Hill Records
This Louisiana-based group brings forth their fourth full-length offering (EP Red Stick Ramblers released earlier this year). Great Cajun-based group who have seasoned quite well through the years. They offer up traditional music with a Cajun flavor while being somewhat experimental at the same time.
http://www.redstickramblers.com/
-----------------------------------
Mick McAuley & Winifred Horan"After the Gold Rush"
Serenade - 2006 Compass Records
2/5 of the Irish American group Solas cover this Neil Young song for their first project away from their regular gig.
http://compassrecords.com/mick-mcauley-and-winifred-horan
-----------------------------------
Erin McKeown"Born to Hum"
Grand - 2003 Nettwerk Records
Frederickburg, VA native Erin McKeown brings us one of those albums that can't be categorized and its boldly evident that this was intentional. From purely folk to softcore rock to groovy jazz McKeown proves she widely capable when it comes to producing good music.
http://www.erinmckeown.com/
-----------------------------------
Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane and Fats Kaplin"Mellow Down Easy"
Lost John Dean - 2006 Compass Records
From their second album as a trio this group offers up an album of mostly beefed-up folk musical ballads. Mellow Down Easy is a cover of Willie Dixons blues tune that closes out an album that showcases this trio's ability to add depth and enthusiasm to works even when the approach is simple. If you are a folk and americana music fan then this album would be a great addition to your library.
http://compassrecords.com/kane-welch-kaplin
-----------------------------------
Steve Earle"Sparkle and Shine"
Washington Square - 2007 New West Records
Earle has moved to New York City and his music reflects his new surroundings and the experiences there of a southern soul. This album is more edgy than some of the past few albums from Earle and as always he ruffles a few feathers with cuts like City of Immigrants and Red is the Color. Earle definitely has a refreshed approach to his music whether its his new location lending to that fact or not. Another great album from Earle.
http://www.steveearle.com/
See video's and more from Steve Earle at Twangville.
-----------------------------------
Eilen Jewell"Dusty Boxcar Wall"
Letters From Sinners and Strangers - 2007 from Signature Sounds Records
Boise, Idaho native Eilen Jewell now calls Boston home where she is making quite a name for herself. She takes traditional folk and runs it through the paces of an upgraded, modern approach. She's at home with everything from folk to western swing, always traditional at the core even when she throws in modern studio tricks. This is actually Jewell's third release but her first to a national audience and this album definitely buys her a bright future in the industry.
http://www.eilenjewell.com/
-----------------------------------
King Wilkie"Wrecking Ball" and "Millie's Song"
Low Country Suite - 2007 on Zoe Records
If your expecting more bluegrass from King Wilkie's new release... well, you will get it but not from start to finish. This album pushes back the boundaries and restraints of just one genre of music and gives the guys some space to explore with their acoustic instruments. This album loses no steam from start to finish, ballad to stomper. Get this album!
http://www.kingwilkie.com/
-----------------------------------
Kim Richey"The Absence of Your Company"
Tiny Lilly - 2007 from Vanguard Records
Established songwriter Kim Richey offers up a full field of instrumets to back up her incredibly constructed songs. I can't for the life of me figure out why Richey still rides under the radar because she really knows how to write a song... and deliver it. This is her fifth album and the first from Vangaurd Records. Richey took off for the U.K. to record this project with producer Giles Martin who has worked on projects with artists from Kate Bush to Celine Dion... it's ok, I promise. Another great album from Richey!
http://www.kimrichey.com/
-----------------------------------
Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain - "Seven Miles From Wichita"Self Titled Album - 2006 Rural Rhythm Records
Not quite traditional bluegrass but close enough now that bluegrass has gone full-tilt Nashville. It seems more and more the releases from bluegrass get more pop-country flavored of late and follow the same recipe for sales. If you like bluegrass you will like this album just don't expect any Monroe or Flatt and Scruggs reminders here. The band can play and Hassler has a great voice.
http://www.carriehasslerandhardrain.com/
-----------------------------------
Friday, October 19, 2007
Bruce Molsky Joins Nickel Creek Tour
Compass Records recording artist Bruce Molsky will be joining Nickel Creek for select dates on their Farewell (For Now) Tour this fall. The dates include:
10.23.07 The Pageant in St. Louis MO
10.24.07 Grand Theater in Warsaw, WI
10.26.07 Hoyt Sherman Theater in Des Moines, IA
10.27.07 State Theater in Minneapolis, MN
10.28.07 Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI
10.31.07 Renaissance Theater in Mansfield, OH
11.01.07 Carnegie Library of Homestead in Munhall, PA
11.02.07 Club Washington, DC
Bruce Molsky at Compass Records compassrecords.com/bruce-molsky
10.23.07 The Pageant in St. Louis MO
10.24.07 Grand Theater in Warsaw, WI
10.26.07 Hoyt Sherman Theater in Des Moines, IA
10.27.07 State Theater in Minneapolis, MN
10.28.07 Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI
10.31.07 Renaissance Theater in Mansfield, OH
11.01.07 Carnegie Library of Homestead in Munhall, PA
11.02.07 Club Washington, DC
Bruce Molsky at Compass Records compassrecords.com/bruce-molsky
New Del McCoury Band Live CD Recorded This Week
The Del McCoury Band recorded their shows at The Barns of Wolftrap in Vienna, VA on October 17th and 18th for an upcoming live album. No date has been set for the release but I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Josh Williams Leaves Rhonda Vincents' Band
Josh Williams and Rhonda Vincent have parted ways. According to the Bluegrass Blog it happen after the final set of one of their dates at Dollywood on September 30th. There was an official statement on the Rhonda Vincent website to confirm:
There have been no reasons released for this move and pictures of Josh Williams at IBMA have circulated with his name tag having the affiliation line with Rhonda Vincent and The Rage blacked out... still a surprise to even the folks at IBMA.
I do know Josh has been working on a new solo CD and I am sure that finishing up that project will be a priority. He had played a Buck Owens tune "Streets of bakersfield" on-air with us and said it would be on the new project. We'll keep you posted on Josh's future... and hey Josh, hang in there!
"Today, Josh Williams performed for the final time with Rhonda Vincent and The Rage.
He is an incredibly talented and gifted musician, and we will miss him. I thank him for his many contributions over the past 4 years, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
We will be conducting a search for a permanent replacement."
There have been no reasons released for this move and pictures of Josh Williams at IBMA have circulated with his name tag having the affiliation line with Rhonda Vincent and The Rage blacked out... still a surprise to even the folks at IBMA.
I do know Josh has been working on a new solo CD and I am sure that finishing up that project will be a priority. He had played a Buck Owens tune "Streets of bakersfield" on-air with us and said it would be on the new project. We'll keep you posted on Josh's future... and hey Josh, hang in there!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
You Gotta Hear This!
Bawn in the Mash - Hurry Up and WaitBluegrass/Country/Rock/Jam Band
A local band out of Paducah, KY that has frequented my radio show a bit. These guys are somewhat of a jam band but
they lean heavy on bluegrass and traditional music... very southern feel without the pretentious stereotype. Think John Hartford meets The Dead by way of Bill Monroe and an added hint of southern rock. These guys have the live show down too. Once they start, hold on 'cause they don't stop for a while.
They also have a great first album called "Welcome to the Atomic City" that's a great addition to your CD collection.
http://www.bawninthemash.com
Mario Matteoli - Hard Luck Hittin'Country/Rock
A California kid that found the musical heaven of Austin, TX. He's been fronting and strumming the 6-string with a great band called The Weary Boys since showing up in Austin. This is Mario's first taste of the solo world and quite a first it is. It's reminiscent of outlaw country but in a modern way. This album is slick in its presence without losing a ragged edge that bolsters its appeal. Check this album out and then get The Weary Boys stuff too!
http://www.mariomatteoli.com
Madeleine Peyroux - Careless Love Jazz/Blues
Born in Athens, GA and raised in Southern California, Brooklyn and Paris Madeleine Peyroux has quite a geographical background to pull her influences from. The casual listener will definitely think Billy Holliday but keep digging and you quickly realize this lady with the great voice is really a blues singer... well, almost.
This album boasts only one original and a great one it is. "Don't Wait Too Long" is sandwiched nicely between covers of Dylan, Elliott Smith, Leonard Cohen, W.C. Handy and Hank Williams... quite a mix huh? This is a great album for a soothing evening with a bottle of red.
http://www.madeleinepeyroux.com
Also Check These Out
Wrinkle Neck Mules - The Wicks Have Met - Country
Slaid Cleaves - Unsung - Folk
Robinella - Robinella & The CC Stringband - Jazzy Bluegrass
Bill Evans - Sunday at the Village Vanguard - Jazz
The Weepies - Say I Am You - very slick folk/pop
Labels:
You Gotta Hear This
Let's Go!
Just getting started here with a new blog. Hopefully I'll be sharing plenty of music with you here with information about how to get your hands on great tunes and even more about the folks who make it.
So sit back and let's see where this goes.
So sit back and let's see where this goes.
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