Life is Good Festival in Canton, MA: September 2011

Before the Life is Good festival, I was a very casual Avett Brothers fan. I really enjoyed the album “I and Love and You” but hadn’t heard much else. It was very exciting to be standing in front of the barricade, right up at the stage on a lawn filled with thousands of people, waiting for them to come on and perform. Seth, Scott, and their band exploded onto the stage with “Go to Sleep” from their album “Emotionalism” and I was instantly hooked. I snapped away with my camera, standing directly under them and enjoying their energy. I’ve now gone from a casual fan to a real one! Photos taken with a Canon Rebel SLR using 50mm f/1.4 and 70-200mm lenses.

In this case, “project” really does seem to describe the work that went into the album.  It was recorded in New Orleans and her backing band is the rhythm section for The Funky Meters, a New Orleans institution.  Those guys, plus Ike Stubblefield on Hammond B3, create a dirtiness that’s more forward than many of Ruthie’s other efforts.  But keeping the Lord’s music in the balance are the Blind Boys of Alabama, featured on 4 tunes, and soul master William Bell on another one.  The net result is a disc that’s about half gospel & blues and half rhythm & soul.  It’s a potent mix.

The gospel tinged part of the album manifests itself right from the beginning: Welcome Home is a Foster original with the Blind Boys that’s the poetic explanation of faith, “my mind didn’t know how to get there, I trusted my heart and, I swear, my soul came to welcome me home.”  Other songs in this spirit are Lord Remember Me, the Robbie Robertson number It Makes No Difference, and a fantastic a capella The Titanic, also with the Blind Boys of Alabama.  Good material for your Sunday morning rotation.

The other theme running through the disc is remakes of some familiar songs from other artists.  I hesitate to call them covers because several of them bear little resemblance to the original.  Ring Of Fire is unrecognizable unless you really listen to the lyrics.  There’s almost a Motown feel to the Los Lobos penned This Time.  Ruthie puts a dark blues spin on the Pete Seeger classic If I Had A Hammer.  And her version of the CSNY hit Long Time Gone is, IMO, a major improvement on a song that I already loved.

In the end this is a strong offering from an artist that’s already at the top of her game.  Ruthie’s vocals are great, the backing band is stupendous, and the song selection is great.  I just dare you to sit still for the whole album.  Can I have a Hallelujah?

Start chair dancing with this single, an original number, Aim For the Heart.

Audio Download: Ruthie Foster, “Aim For the Heart”

I’m Dead, Serious is the second solo record from Two Cow Garage frontman Micah Schnabel. It follows 2010’s acoustic bombshell, When The Stage Lights Go Dim. In between the two, Two Cow Garage put out their fifth record Sweet Saint Me.

So, dude’s been busy.

His lyrics, as always, are phenomenal, opening with a chorus of “so you keep your little choir boys/ they sing so sweet/ but they don’t make noise like I do/ like I did, in your heart.” The music, however, didn’t blow me away on the first couple of listens. Maybe it was because any record that followed When the Stage Lights Go Dim was gonna have a hard time living up to that bruised masterpiece, but I was initially underwhelmed by I’m Dead, Serious.

That being said, I listen(ed) to it constantly. Since I received my early pre-order copy in mid-December, I found myself returning to the record again and again. Whether in the car, at the computer, or listening to my 10 year old Ipod, I just gravitated towards it. The songs are great and have the emotionally charged lyrics and delivery that I love in bands/artists like Lucero, Frank Turner, Jen Buxton, The Hold Steady and of course Two Cow Garage.

Yea, some of the music and lyrics sound eerily similar to some of Schnabel’s earlier work. But hell, I love everything he’s put out, so why wouldn’t I like this record? The answer is quit over-analyzing and enjoy.

Early favorites:
“Choir Boys”
“Heavy Things”
“The Confessional”
“Zen and the Art Of….”

If you want to get a Twangville reviewer’s attention, mentions of beer, whiskey, or other spirits will usually go a long way. When songwriter and guitarist Jess Hoefner floated me a bottle of bourbon the other week, I knew I had to fulfill my long put off promise of reviewing his band’s latest EP, Gone for Good. Lucky for me (and you), Gone for Good is a wickedly delicious slice of alt. country stomp rock.

My initial comparison for the band is always The Jayhawks, but not for the usual reasons. I’m not talking about the trademark Louris-Olson harmonies as much as I am referencing The Jayhawks ability to easily connect the dots between Gram Parsons and The Beatles. Mud, Blood, and Beer can sound straight out of the 60′s folk rock tradition (The Byrds, The Beatles) and turn right around and channel 70′s country rock (Neil Young, Parsons, CCR). The mix of pop, classic rock, and country influences can reference Lou Reed and the Carter Family in the same breath. The diversity of influences keeps the EP from fading into the background as each song emerges from the speakers to challenge the listener with something different.

This emerging alt. country band is playing a free show in NYC on Saturday February 4 at the historic Bitter End to celebrate the official release of Gone For Good. The band will be giving away some free copies of Gone for Good as well as some other goodies.

Live At Lincoln Hall, by Joe Pug
Since arriving on the singer-songwriter scene in 2008, it didn’t take long for Joe Pug to establish himself as a rising star. This live album, recorded in Chicago last spring and comprising songs from his one full-length album and two eps, is a spectacular demonstration of his songwriting prowess.

Album opener “Nobody’s Man”, from his debut ep, is a personal favorite. “I’d rather be nobody’s man than somebody’s child,” sings Pug. It is a statement of independence but not without some regret at his loneliness. “There’s an ugliness growing up inside me, from where it has come I don’t know.”

“Lock the Door Christina,” from the In the Meantime ep, serves as both a love letter and a warning. “Lock the door, Christina, I’m standing on your porch tonight,” he sings with a gentle sway.

An electric guitar joins Pug’s acoustic to give “Speak Plainly Diana” some extra punch. Not that it needs it as Pug’s lyrics pack plenty of punch already. To wit, “And when there’s too much to get rid of, and you get rid of me, speak plainly to me Diana, there’s nothing you must be.”

“Call It What You Will” finds Pug struggling with heartache. “I call today a disaster, she calls it December the 3rd,” he laments, “call it what you will, I’m heartbroken still, words are just words.”

Live At Lincoln Hall is a great introduction for those who haven’t heard him and a treat for those who already have. And with a new release shortly to follow, it is the perfect set-up for what could be Pug’s best year yet.

Audio Download: Joe Pug, “Call It What You Will”

Grand Hotel, by The Explorers Club
This talented sextet from Charleston, SC whip up a magical blend of three minute pop masterpieces. Each track is masterfully crafted, filled with spectacular musicianship and brilliant harmonies.

Lead single “Run Run Run” opens with some regal horns before giving way to a bouncy pop beat. A percussive march towards the chorus is rewarded with a blast of airy harmonies as the band sings, “I’ll run run run ‘til I get back to you, run run run, do what I have to do, run run run ‘til I get back in your arms again.”

“Anticipatin’” starts off with a guitar, piano and organ riff that recalls the opening of the Beatles “Get Back.” The opening quickly transforms into a classic pop melody that leads to a falsetto-led chorus. Throw in some tasty guitar riffs and you’ve got a feel-good classic.

Did I mention harmonies? “Go For You” brings them in full force. The song’s already head-bobbing and harmony-laden chorus reaches even higher when the horns join the fray. The fun continues with “I’ve Been Waiting,” which matches percussion and taut guitars with honeyed harmonies.

Album closer “Open the Door” starts with a bit of flamenco guitar before launching into an emotional ballad that builds towards a symphonic conclusion. This is the kind of music that makes Brian Wilson smile.

Audio Stream: The Explorers Club, “Run Run Run”

THE PLAYLIST
Abaddon Blues b/w All the Good You Lose (demo), Kasey Anderson and the Honkies
Kasey Anderson and the Honkies rocked out on 2011’s Twangville fave Heart of a Dog. But last year is so last year. A new year is upon us now and Anderson and crew have hatched plans for a new album.

Here are two tracks recorded for the album to be known as Let the Bloody Moon Rise. One is a bruising blues number with the Honkies; the other is an Anderson demo recording of a brilliant ballad.

Like what you hear? Anderson and the Honkies are going the sponsorship route to fund Let the Bloody Moon Rise. Click here for more details on the campaign and here to lend your support.

Gloryland, Kevin Gordon (from the self-released Gloryland)
Gordon is Louisiana’s answer to James McMurtry, spinning tales of weathered characters that come across as part song, part short-story. Check out the bluesy, dark and edgy title track.

Audio Download: Kevin Gordon, “Gloryland”

Bandit of Love, Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents (from the DeeVeeUs Records single Bandit of Love b/w That Moon Was Low)
For years Boston musician Jenny D’Angora has played with various punk and rock bands. Now she’s stepping out with a new outfit that pays homage to the 1960’s girl groups and their shiny pop sound. It’s retro with all the trimmings, what’s not to like?

Audio Download: Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents, “Bandit of Love”

Caught Me Thinking, Bahamas (from the Universal Republic release Barchords)
Toronto-based singer-songwriter-guitarist Afie Jurvanen, who records as Bahamas, reminds me of Harry Nilsson. His simple and airy arrangements stand in contrast to the often dark side of his lyrics. He actually pulls off a slight Caribbean feel with this track as he sings, “Back when we started, before we parted, I would wonder what would make her stay; what was I thinkin’, as if my drinkin’ was the only thing that drove her away.”

Audio Stream: Bahamas, “Caught Me Thinking”

One Voice Together, Martin Sexton (from the Kitchen Table release Fall Like Rain)
Simply put, Sexton has one of the most magical voices singing today. It is a voice soulful and smooth as molasses.

Audio Download: Martin Sexton, “One Voice Together”

A Good Feelin’ to Know, Tom Gillam (from the Great Tone Records release Rustic Beauty)
Austin by way of Philly singer-songwriter Gillam takes on the free-wheelin’ Poco classic. It is a great cover selection as it fits comfortably along side Gillam’s originals. He and his band have a relaxed feel that just makes the music fun.

Audio Download: Tom Gillam, “A Good Feelin’ to Know”

Aim For the Heart, Ruthie Foster (from the Blue Corn Music Release Let It Burn)
“When in Rome,” the old saying goes. Foster took it to heart, figuratively if not literary, with her latest release. The album came to life in New Orleans, where it was infused with the spirit of local musicians including the Funky Meters rhythm section of bassist George Porter Jr. and drummer Russell Batiste. While most of the album is covers ranging from the Band’s “It Makes No Difference” to Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain,” Foster includes a couple of originals including this soulful track.

Audio Download: Ruthie Foster, “Aim For the Heart”

Honolulu Blues, Craig Finn (from the Vagrant Records release Clear Heart, Full Eyes)
At this point there should be little doubt that Finn is one of rock’s most literate lyricists. He puts the point on that exclamation with his debut solo release. Finn leaves the rock and roll musical bravado of the Hold Steady behind and proceeds with more subdued arrangements that shine an even brighter light on his lyrics.

We’re all good, we’re all bad
We’re euphoric and we’re sad
We roll the rock away and check the tomb

Audio Stream: Craig Finn, “Honolulu Blues”

Runaway, Imperial Teen (from the Merge Records release Feel the Sound)
The winter snow may be falling as I type this but the shimmery sounds of Imperial Teen are transporting my spirit to a summery place. The arrival of the band’s latest release, filled with upbeat melodies and bright harmonies, is a sure sign that summer will soon be upon us, right? If not, you’ll find me cranking this one by the fireplace.

Audio Download: Imperial Teen, “Runaway”

Most of the time, a band with a gimmick is more gimmick than band. Hokey, jokey one-hit wonders litter our memories like so many bumper stickers on a hippies VW Van. Sometimes – just sometimes – a gimmick is worth more than a disposable three minutes of our time.

Austin’s The Possum Posse, a self-described “sardonic honky-tonk/bluegrass band” is an act that has likely gained momentum thanks to their hilarious narrations of some old movie footage, but if you listen closely, this is a roots band that knows how to get things appropriately stomping on the front porch.

Take a look at the “Guy On a Buffalo” videos here. It’s tough to not see this outfit as a redneck Mystery Science Theater 3000 that traveled back in time to make fun of frontier folk and not merely cheesy B-movies from the 60′s and 70′s. Also, it takes extra talent to make such literal narration of the events unfolding on the film funnier than any jokes in reference to the actions on-screen are.

Lest you think Ms. Ames is just a female version of Hank III or JTE, overall the word I’d have to use to describe the music on this, her third album, is pretty.  Not in a lace and pop star way, but in a good old fashioned country sense with singing and playing like you got from Nashville a couple, or more, decades ago.  Blessed Is the Love That Abides and Not Sorry Anymore are perhaps the best examples of that classic country feel.

Several of the songs have a hint of Celtic influence in them, like my favorite on the album, Back To Santa Rosa and the title track, Laurel Canyon Road.  By the way, it’s not *that* Laurel Canyon Road, but rather one in North Carolina that serves as the proxy for a song about strip mining.  It’s also worth noting she does a stellar cover of Neil Young’s Love Is A Rose, much more up-tempo and a dance floor number versus the simpler style of the well known Linda Ronstadt cover.

With her wonderful voice and an outstanding band I’m looking forward to future releases from Carolann Ames just to see where she takes her musical explorations.  In the meantime, Laurel Canyon Road is a great throwback to when country music was about the music.

 Originally formed in 2003 as a means for five friends – Jones, guitarist Jim Campilongo, singer/guitarist Richard Julian, bass player Lee Alexander and drummer Dan Reiser – to pursue their mutual interest in traditional country music, The Little Willies borrowed their name and spirit from Willie Nelson and hit a home run with their 2006 release, which included country standards along with a handful of original songs. 

 Although Norah Jones is the headliner, singer-songwriter Richard Julian and guitar virtuoso Jim Campilongo have had significant independent careers, and the musicianship by all the members is outstanding, with a bit of attitude.  Julian has a handful of well-received albums to his credit, and he splits the singing duties on The Little Willies’ releases fairly evenly with Jones.  Jim Campilongo has carved out an unsual career path, initially with his band the 10  Gallon Cats and later as a solo performer, doing instrumental country and rockabilly music that incorporates elements of jazz.  Originally influenced by blues guitar legend Roy Buchanan, Campilongo has Buchanan’s inventiveness along with the lightning-fast technique of a Bill Kirchen.  As a testament to his prowess among guitar enthusiasts, in 2010 Fender issued a signature Telecaster in honor of Campilongo – a reproduction of Campilongo’s 1959 Telecaster.  On For the Good Times, Campilongo’s Telecaster twang takes center stage on “Diesel Smoke, Dangerous Curves” and “Tommy Rockwood.”

But of course, Norah Jones’ presence will sell most of the albums, and that is fine.  Her vocals are sassy and superb.  Among my favorites are “Remember Me,” the Scotty Wiseman song recorded by Willie Nelson on his 1975 masterpiece Red Headed Stranger, and the title tune, which was written by Kris Kristofferson.  All-in-all, For the Good Times is an excellent album, lively and rewarding.  The collective talent of the members of The Little Willies is evident on virtually every track.  

1.  Frank Turner/England Keep My Bones

Peggy Sang The Blues:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Ns6ouwO1g&ob=av2e

2.  Butch Walker/The Spade

Synthesizers:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz0EAMDsyVc

3.  My Morning Jacket/Circuital

Circuital:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsD8-Sx2QKw

4.  Gillian Welch/The Harrow and the Harvest

Hard Times:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k35haKwqY14

5.  Kasey Anderson/Heart of a Dog

The Wrong Light:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9qeGxUafeo

6.  The Felice Brothers/Celebration, Florida

Ponzi:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElTS7gv5ffQ

7.   Florence + the Machine/Ceremonials

Shake It Out:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbN0nX61rIs&ob=av2e

8.  Adele/21

Rumor Has It:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_6BBAVfzqM

9.  Iron & Wine/Kiss Each Other Clean

Walking Far From Home:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg5403yj4II

10. Wilco/The Whole Love

One Sunday Morning (Song for Jane Smiley’s Boyfriend):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa2XnouRXKo

11. The Low Anthem/Smart Flesh

Ghost Woman Blues:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpadm5i_CKU

12. Drive By Truckers/Go Go Boots

Mercy Buckets:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOMdN6X–7c

13. Jason Isbell/Here We Rest

Codeine:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V_vBPaI1d0

14. Hayes Carll/KMAG YOYO

Grateful for Christmas:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5er6FZLRm1U

15. Lucinda Williams/Blessed

Buttercup:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P6z7b5aIi4

Columbia, SC Local Music Year in Review

Local journalist (armed with video camera) Kevin Oliver posted some highlights of the local scene here in Columbia on his youtube page.  Or at least the highlights that he recorded this year.  The link to the entire listing is here:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL31D79D06C47E4864&feature=g-all-a

My favorites include:

Number 4:    Zach Seibert, Darla

Number 8:    Honey Dewdrops, When Was the War

Number 22:  David Adedokun, Professional Travel On a Closed Course

Number 44:  Tom Hall and the Plowboys, Carter’s Garden

Number 49:  Sea Wolf Mutiny, Lovers

Number 52:  Bill Wells Blueridge Mountain Grass with Willie Wells, Another Night