After some 47 years, Cary Hudson is above all a dyed-in the wool Mississippi man. He grew up in the small town of Sumrall. His songs show a true southern authenticity that many Americana artists can only dream about. The bluesy nature of the songs show something that few guitarists in rock, blues or country […]
Americana 2012: Say What?!
One of my favorite things about attending music conferences and festivals is the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections. I’m always impressed, and so is my accountant, when someone is able to translate my music. Richard Thompson on other artists covering his songs. He wrote a song […]
Monday Morning Video: 2012 Americana Music Awards
As part of our re-cap of the 2012 Americana Music Conference and Festival, here are some highlights from the Americana Awards show. We bookend our collection with the all-star version of “The Weight,” a tribute to Levon Helm. We open with Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, Richard Thompson, Brittany Howard and others rehearsing “The Weight” for […]
Americana 2012: The Sounds, Part Two
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members and artists together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Songs of Big Star As soon as Richard Thompson finished his official showcase, […]
Americana 2012: The Sounds, Part One
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members and artists together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Richard Thompson Any AMA report has to start and end with Richard Thompson. […]
Americana 2012: The Scene
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members and artists together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. The Americana Music Awards Any discussion of the AMA Conference has to start […]
Americana Music Festival – What I Heard
In addition to the awards ceremony, the AMA puts on a pretty hot music festival for the 3 days following the ceremony. Â It’s a great chance to see some old favorites and hear some up & coming artists. Â Grouped by the “how” I heard them versus the “where” or “when” here are some of the […]
Monday Morning Video: Love for Levon Helm
A special benefit was held last week in New Jersey to raise funds to preserve Helm’s farmhouse studio in upstate New York and continue his tradition of Midnight Ramble performances. Alas, I wasn’t at the show, but all reports indicate it was a truly special evening. Guest included Mavis Staples, Roger Waters, John Hiatt, Gregg […]
Tift Merritt – Travelling Alone
Tift Merritt has outdone herself. She just released the best CD of her career. I am not kidding. Bramble Rose was her ground breaking first release. Another Country equaled Bramble Rose, but it didn’t best it. With the release of Travelling Alone, she has set a new standard for herself. The album is truly a […]
Music With a Purpose: Jones Street Station’s Perennials Project
Musicians have a long tradition of giving. Sure, they give to all of us with the music that they share. Yet they also have a penchant for supporting meaningful causes. Over the next few weeks we will highlight several releases that demonstrate this giving spirit. I’ve always had one complaint about Jones Street Station. It […]