Ok, so the occasion was really Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band but it’s hard not to think that Levon Helm didn’t steal the show with this one. Here’s Levon singing The Band’s classic “Up On Cripple Creek” backed by Ringo Starr, Clarence Clemons, Rick Danko, Dr. John, Jim Keltner, Nils Lofgren, Billy Preston and Joe Walsh.
Americana 2022: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Here are some of my highlights from Americana 2022. WILLIAM PRINCE A couple of songs at the Yellowstone round wasn’t enough so […]
Monday Morning Video – Celebrating Levon Helm at the Ryman
Levon Helm is an Americana, hell, an all-around music legend who we lost nine years ago today. Here are two celebrations of the man at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The first is a Levon Helm’s Ramble show from 2009 and features the man himself, as well as John Hiatt, Sheryl Crow, Buddy Miller, Sam […]
Monday Morning Video – Billy Preston and The Band
There are very few members of the rock pantheon with whom Billy Preston hasn’t performed. Famously referred to as “The Fifth Beatle” for his contribution to “Get Back” and their final albums, he has also worked with others ranging from Sam Cooke to Eric Clapton to the Rolling Stones and even the Red Hot Chili […]
Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams
Although Larry Campbell has released a number of his own recordings, he is known more for his associations than solo work. He is such a versatile musician it would almost be easier to list instruments he does not play. Most recently he garnered acclaim as a producer for Levon Helm’s final albums. Both albums, “Dirt […]
Monday Morning Video: A Vintage Performance by the Band
Now this is a find. Here’s a four-song set by the Band, captured during a performance in Pittsburgh, PA back in November 1970. The set list includes: “Time to Kill,” “The Weight,” “This Wheel’s on Fire” and “Up on Cripple Creek.” Mighty fine.
Monday Morning Video: 2012 Americana Music Conference Highlights
As we wrap up our 2012 AMA coverage, here is a playlist highlighting some of the official showcases. We kick things off with a special treat — Richard Thompson telling an amusing story about Robert Plant. We move quickly into the tunes with Hayes Carll, Jason Isbell and Patterson Hood paying tribute to Levon Helm […]
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 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 […]
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 […]