Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Sparkle Gone Mix

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Tonight on a very special episode of Music City Roots… Really looking forward to tonight’s benefit show for Tommy Womack.  A rare Nashville area appearance of Jason and the Scorchers, Webb Wilder and the Beatnecks, Will Kimbrough, Dan Baird and more guests… If you can’t be there, you can watch the livestream.

After that it is Aaron Lee  Tasjan, Nellie Clay, John Calvin Abney, and Levi Parham at The 5 Spot- where conveniently, the Roots bus will drop me off.

“Me Oh My” by The Honeycutters

 

The title track of the latest album from the Asheville, North Carolina band who have been getting some great and well deserved press.  I dig this song.

 

“Wait a Minute” by David Schnaufer

A brief instrumental interlude from the late, great David Schnaufer.  Schnaufer was one of those rare musicians who having mastered his instrument (in his case the Mountain Dulcimer) found the ability to expand the sonic possibilities of that instrument. 

“I Got What I Wanted” by Randy Weeks

The first of three songs in the shuffle today from the brand new Ted Hawkins tribute album – Cold and Bitter Tears. Hawkins was a long time and well known street performer in Venice Beach. During his storied life, he mostly managed to elude mainstream or financial success, while earning respect from his fellow musicians and songwriters.  During the last year of his life, he did find some degree of financial success, and from what I have gathered, he lived it up.  Randy Weeks is a longtime Austin musician who was once a member of the Lonesome Strangers.  By the way, for all three of the Hawkins’ songs in the shuffle – the video playlist contains a song by the artist AND the original Ted Hawkins version of the listed song.

“Strange Conversation” by Jon Dee Graham

The shuffle brings up another song from the Cold and Bitter Tears album and another from a longtime Austin resident – the legendary Jon Dee Graham whose credits include a who’s who of the music I have loved for the last 30 something years. He was a member of both The Skunks and True Believers.  Coincidently, he is playing tonight at the Continental Club in Austin just before embarking on an extended tour that will take him all up and down the East Coast. 

“Old Love Letter” by Reckless Johnny Wales

Speaking of legends… Reckless Johnny Wales is a legend in and of himself – with a storied history which we have previous recounted. His latest album American Heart is one of my favorites of 2015.

“My Last Goodbye” by Ramsay Midwood

And a third track from Cold and Bitter tears.  This one is performed by yet another Texas musician.  By the way, Randy Weeks is listed a member of Ramsay Midwood’s band. I got to hear Midwood perform this song at the Cold and Bitter Tears launch party during Americana week.

“Throw Down Your Guns” by The Colored Parade

Another great song from Andrew Adkins – this time from his band The Colored Parade – off their album …And The Walls of the City Will Shake.  The Colored Parade called it quits back in August, but expect much more music from Adkins.

“Ghost Soul Traffic” by The Jackals

We have another great track from People – the latest album by Scottish band, The Jackals.

“Flagship” by Jason Isbell

And we close out today’s shuffle with a track from Jason Isbell off his most recent album Something More Than Free.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Never Chew a Pickle Mix

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ICYMI – check out the exclusive premiere of Mark Robinson’s “Gone South (Electric Rock)” Video.

It is a rainy day in Nashville… You know what I like on a rainy day?  Music!

“Memphis Bound” by Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau

Richie Owens was an important part of the 1980s Nashville music scene that I became interested in during my musical formative years.  Back in those days, he lead a band called The Movement.  That band’s song, “Lost Horizon” seemed to be in my ears or stuck in my head almost constantly during that time period. When the once promising Nashville Music Scene of the mid to late 80s  crashed and burned – overcome by poor decisions and excesses of various kinds – Owens left for the West Coast. Thankfully, he came back and his current band, Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau are making awesome music and putting on great shows. You can catch them most Tuesday’s at Drifters in East Nashville.  The band’s most recent album, Tennessee, is filled with songs based upon stories that Richie Owens heard growing up or in the case of the song we are featuring today – the song was inspired by a invitation and trip to play a Blues Festival in Memphis.  The video is awesome!

“Come On” by Hoodoo Gurus

From Blow Your Cool!  “Well come on!”

“Rattle That Lock” by David Gilmour

Rattle That Lock is the title track of the brand new album by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd fame. It is his fourth solo and his first studio solo album since 2006’s On An Island.  Expect a US tour next Spring.

“Slap and Tickle” by Squeeze

A funky fun track from Cool for Cats.  Seriously, I know they were very British in some respects, but I really don’t understand how Squeeze were never completely massive here in the U.S.  Suffice it to say, they were very massive in my circle of friends.  I am thrilled that I got to see them in 1985 on their “reunion tour”.

“Old Rugged Cross” by Carl Rutherford

What kind of psychopath follows up “Slap and Tickle” with “Old Rugged Cross”? Seems like another great time to point out, again, that the shuffle function on my phone orders the songs – I am just the messenger.   That being said, it has great having so many tracks for the Music Maker Relief Foundation come up in the shuffles of late. This is a devastating take on the Inspirational classic from the late Carl Rutherford. 

“Plaster Shoes” by Atticus Floyd

Plaster Shoes is the single release from Atticus’ 7 song release, We’ll All Come Down. Atticus just released a new song, “Walking into Murals”.    The video is a repeat, but it is one I love – an animated retelling of Atticus Floyd’s first show.

“Don’t Look That Way” by Shelly Poole

This is a song from British singer/songwriter Shelly Poole’s 2006 debut album, Hard Time for the Dreamer.  I’m honestly not sure where I got this song, but I really dig it.  It’s my first listen to Shelly Poole.

“Peace and Happiness” by Evan Felker

Another track from the Ted Hawkins tribute album, Cold and Bitter Tears. Evan Felker is best known as a member of the Oklahoma Red Dirt band Turnpike Troubadours.

“East vs. West” by Units

Another from the 13 O’clock compilation by PPNW Records.  Units were an electronic band from San Francisco, active in the late 1970s to early 1980s.  East V. West is from 1979 and it is a sturdy electronic rock instrumental.  This compilation has introduced me to a several bands that I missed out on the first time around.

“Trumpets” by The Waterboys

One of my favorite tracks from This is the Sea.  “Your Love Feels, Like Trumpets Sound”.

“Leave a Trail” by Dan Martin

And we close out the day with another track from Dan Martin’s album Hoka Hey.  A great way to close out another wildly diverse shuffle of music.  

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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#E2TG Exclusive Video Premiere: Mark Robinson Band "Gone South (Electric Rock)"

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A couple of weeks ago, the shuffle gods were in our favor, and “Gone South (Electric Rock)” by Mark Robinson came up on my shuffle the same day that his new two-sided single was released.  We had originally added the official video to our playlist but due to a technical problem (You Tube ate the video, I think), we had to replace the video with the song/picture video.  However, thankfully, we have been given another shot….

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls… come gather round your computer, tablet or other electronic device and then sit back and enjoy the WORLD PREMIERE VIDEO PRESENTATION via your source for all the news that is fit to post….

The important details….

MARK ROBINSON:  Some people are born into the Blues, some people have the Blues thrust upon them.  Having discovered the Blues as a teenager, when Robinson moved from Indiana to Chicago, he found himself learning from some true legends of the genre while also discovering the harsh realities of a life playing Blues music.  Moving back to Indiana, he began a long teaching career at Indiana University while continuing to make music.  In 2004, when he wife, Sue Havlish, got a job offer in Nashville, Mark packed up and moved to The Music City.  His debut record, Quit Your Job – Play Guitar, describes the attitude he took about the move.  In his decade plus in Nashville, Robinson has established himself as one of the best sidemen, band leaders, and producers around.  Whether backing artists like Tommy Womack, producing albums like David Olney’s When the Deal Goes Down, or leading his own Mark Robinson Band, Mark Robinson has found his place in a very crowded Nashville music scene.

MARK ROBINSON BAND:  Backed by the powerhouse rhythm section of Daniel Seymour (Irene Kelly, David Olney, Tommy Womack) on bass and Justin Amaral (Jim Lauderdale, Junior Brown) on Drums.  The Mark Robinson Band are one of the best live acts in Nashville.  Their show at The 5 Spot at the tail end of Tomato Fest this year, was a joyous celebration. The stellar playing, awesome arrangements, and party atmosphere made it a night to remember.  This blogger even danced (twice!), and I don’t dance!

THE SONG:  “Gone South” was originally written as an Electric Rock song – similar in vein to Robinosn’s blues recordings but with a harder/chunkier rock sound that recalls some of great Blues-inspired hard rock – from Mountain and James Gang up to an including some of the current purveyors of the music.  He also recorded an Acoustic Roots version of the song which re-imagines the song as something that should find a welcome along side some of the fine folks making genuine roots inspired acoustic music today.  At the heart of both versions is a damn fine song played by some of the best players Nashville as to offer.

THE ELECTRIC ROCK VERSION:  To bring the Electric Rock version to life, Robinson augmented his talented band with Michael Webb whose many credits included work with Poco and John Fogerty playing the Hammond B3 and Rick Schell who is best known for his work with Pure Prairie League singing background vocals.  The song Rocks. Hard.

THE VIDEO:  Produced and Directed by Charles Brandon, the video for “Gone South (Electric Rock)” is fast paced mix of performance (featuring the Mark Robinson Band with Rick Schell performing stunt drumming duties for the video – presumably because Justin Amaral is afraid of dragons (but we will get to that).  Robinson himself is the star of the video – giving a dramatic turn as a man frustrated by life who turns to booze and eventually decides to go South only to find his efforts repeatedly thwarted.  Finally, he buys a run down old pick-up truck (complete with an eight track tape deck) and finally hits the road.  And there are dragons that breath fire on the band as if their playing was not hot enough.  The video is exciting and fun and engaging.  In short, it encapsulates everything I love about Mark and his music.

Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Used to Fall Mix

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We plunge on into another work week… Today – as often we do, we have a wildly diverse shuffle filled with music that no one in their right mind would put into the same mix of songs… Which seems a good time to remind you that the song selections and ordering is always done randomly by the shuffle function of my music player… (To be fair, however, I do pick the songs that go into the overall playlist from which the shuffle function draws)….

“How We Be” by Sinkane

From Brooklyn by way of The Sudan. Coming to us via a World Café Session. The title track from the album Mean Love which was released about a year ago.  A groovy way to the start the week of music.

“I Wanna Be Your Dog” by The Stooges

The Stooges were so far ahead of their time that some 45 years later, they are still ahead of their time – or maybe they are just outside of all time. From their 1969 self-titled debut album… today, we have the iconic song…

“Sugarface” by Bird Peterson (ft. Astronautalis)

This song came to me via a Noisetrade Sampler released for SXSW of artists playing the day parties.  The song is on Bird Peterson’s solo debut called Plume which was released back in July.

“Revolt” by The Unravelling

Some more hard, progressive rock from the album Tear a Hole in the Collective Vision – the latest album by Calvary band, The Unravelling.

“You Never Even Call Me By My Name” by Steve Goodman

This song was written by Goodman and John Prine and most famously recorded by David Allen Coe.   Further proof that the Country Music establishment has been flawed and problematic for as far back as 40 years ago.

“The Shrubbery’s Dead” by Government Cheese

The song comes to us via the epic compilation of classic era Nashville Rock called, Return to Elliston Square (1979-1989). Government Cheese are from Bowling Green, but earned their status with Nashville’s Rock elite.  Fortuitously, this song came up the shuffle at the beginning of  week that includes a Music City Roots benefit for Tommy Womack (of Government Cheese) and a Saturday reunion of the seminal 1980s Nashville band, Raging Fire who are also on the Return to Elliston Square record..  The MCR benefit will include performances by Jason and the Scorchers, Webb Wilder, Will Kimbrough, and Dan Baird.  This song became one The Cheese’s most well known tracks.

“Warp Drive” by Black Doctor Jr.

A Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen Band that we have featured before.  Back in August Black Doctor Jr. announced they were taking an extended break to work on other projects. The track was released as a Single back in March.

“The Eye” by Brandi Carlile

From a Noisetrade Bonnaroo sampler, this lovely song come from an album called The Firewatcher’s Daughter which was released back in March.

“Poor Boy” by David Jacobs-Strain

David Jacobs-Strain is a virtuoso guitar player that I was introduced to at the Safety Harbor Song Fest earlier this year.  This is his 8 minute take on the Blues standard.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

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Featured Friday Morning Music Shuffle – Every Dollar in the US Mint Mix

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Heritage Blues Orchestra with Special Guest Keb Mo
 
 
Took in a great show last night at the historic Franklin Theatre in Downtown Franklin, TN.  The show marked the first ever Nashville area appearance of the Heritage Blues Orchestra from New York City. Their music incorporated traditional Blues tunes with some jazz-inspired arrangements to create a very diverse and fun night of music.  The guitar work of Junior Mack was outstanding, the vocals were out of this world.  Special Guest Keb Mo was incredible.
 
 
To close out the week, we have pretty cool Featured Friday shuffle that is a good mix that includes songs sent to me by some of the most consistently awesome publicists from whom I get music along with some awesome songs from of the immensely talented friends I’ve made on this journey of music and life.

“Kohly” by Angeline

Angeline (with an accent mark, I am too lazy to figure out how to type) is a French born singer-songwriter now living in London.  Her new EP is called, Back to Pike, and this is actually the short instrumental prelude included as the first track.  I personally love having introductions and instrumental preludes etc. included in the shuffle… makes for some fun transitions.  Looking forward to featuring the rest of the EP soon. 

“Master Drone” by The Unravelling

Speaking of interesting transitions.  The previously mentioned prelude served as a precursor to this Heavy Rocking track from Calgary based The Unravelling. The song is loud and pounding and crunching… a great way to get me geared up for my Friday work day… 

“Wired for Fun” by Bark

What do you do when you are a badass bass player? You take up the drums! At least that is what Susan Bauer Lee did last year, and out of that her and husband Tim Lee formed a side project to their band, Tim Lee 3 – called Bark.  Bark released their debut EP earlier this year, and Wired for Fun is on that record.  I dig it.

“Two Heads” by The Jackals

We have another track from Scottish band, The Jackals from their new record, People.  Awesome Cosmic Rock and Roll from across the pond.

“The River” by Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen

Remember when I reviewed Love and Life?  In case you missed it, or need a refresher… here it is.  It is very refreshing to hear artists like Scissormen and the Heritage Blues Orchestra upholding traditional roots music while simultaneously pushing into forward and keeping the music not just remembered but alive.

“Better Walk Right” by James Tomberlin

Still Life with Orange is both a great record (produced by E2TG fave/friend Josh Morris) and a consolation to the fact that James no longer lives in Nashville.  He is off preparing to set the world ablaze with his legal brilliance. I met James a little over a year ago, when Darrin Bradbury introduced him as a great songwriter. Darrin was neither lying or overstating.  James voice and guitar playing create a rich and unique soundscape for his brilliant songs.

“For What That’s Worth” by Patrick Kinsley and a Fistful of Dollars

Remember when I reviewed For a Thousand Miles?  Here is where to find that review. Patrick Kinsley is another of those brilliant songwriters that I have met in Nashville over the past year or so. He is well read, insightful, has a unique voice, and is backed by a great sounding band.

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Thursday Morning Music Shuffle – Critical of Comedy Mix

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Went out for the first time since Americana last week. Visited Twin Kegs II which is located just 4 minutes from where I live. I don’t know what I had never been there before. Neat place.  Saw some great songwriters including the brother of someone from the show Nashville, and a tremendous young writer from Sydney who was celebrating the release of her new album, Love and Lovely Lies . Her name is Imogen Clark. 

We have another fine shuffle with some of those odd connections that seems to happen all the time when you closely follow music and the people who make it.

“The People’s History” by Eleventh Dream Day

This Chicago band have been making music for over 30 years.  Their late 80s/early 90s albums Beet and Lived to Tell were among by favorites back in the day. I somehow lost track of them, but I was happy to discover that they have continued to make music and that I have a lot of catching up to do.  They just recently released Works for Tomorrow, and this is our first listen to that record.  And man does it rock!  I was immediately reminded why I loved this band so much.

“President Clinton Blues” by Drink Small

The second day in a row for some Piedmont Blues.  Klout is going to name me an “Expert” of Piedmont Blues any day.  This is definitely politically incorrect, and pretty damn funny.

“Nothing Else” by Livingmore

Ok two notes here.  This song has been in the playlist for a heck of a long time. It is the first track from the 3 song self-titled release by this L.A. duo.  Livingmore is Alex Moore and Spencer Livingston.  Spencer used to be in a band called The Alternates, and that band was one of the very first Ear to the Ground Band’s of the Week (a long since abandoned feature from our very early time) – we are talking mid 2011.  Livingmore is making some awesome music and they seem to be playing out in L.A. fairly often.  Hopefully we can talk them into making a trek east at some point.

“I Should Go/Thinking of You” (Live) by Good Old War

A live mash up of two songs from the self-titled Good Old War record (2010).

“That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore” by The Smiths

The Smiths have come up several times of late.  The Smiths made some pretty amazing music.  This one is from Meat is Murder.

“1945” by Carl Anderson

Nashville by way of Virginia songwriter Carl Anderson.  1945 goes back to his album Wolftown

“Come Together” by Michael Hedges

The amazing, late great guitar genius – takes on the iconic Beatles song from his album Live on the Double Planet.

“If It Takes a Lifetime” by Jason Isbell

The Nashville based  songwriter has been a roll for the past year of so. This is the opening number from the his latest critically acclaimed album.  BONUS VIDEO: a cover of this song by my friend Drew Kohl…

“Filet of Sole” by The Dead Milkmen

In the strange coincidences very few people will get – The Dead Milkmen once wrote and recorded the line, “You’ll dance to anything, by the Smiths”… happy dancing…

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Wednesday Morning Music Shuffle – Eyeballs on My Knees Mix

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Still kind of reeling from AMA Week (plus catching up on things like errands and laundry etc.).  About time to get out again, though.

In the shuffle…

“Broken Shoulders” by Dan Martin

Another strong track from Hoka Hey.  Martin is from Tulsa, OK.  There is some fine, fine music coming out of Oklahoma these days!

“Gasoline” by Stone Cupid

Unless you did the pre-order, you will have to wait until January to get hold of Stone Cupid’s album The Cardinal. I pre-ordered, so I don’t.  As  a sneak peak, we have a live performance from the (original) Family Wash of the title track from the album. Gasoline rocks with the proper mix of power and restraint that is evident through the album.  The experience of Julie Christensen and her band is evident.

“Whole Lotta Women” by Steve James

During Americana week, I attended a launch party for an album project called, Cold and Bitter Tears – a tribute to the legendary Venice Beach street performer who passed away in 1995  – less than a year after landing a record deal with Geffen and finally finding some degree of commercial success.   This is a song from that record, recorded by folk/blues musician Steve James.

“Trash and Mystery” by B-Movie

Another track from the 13 O’clock release by PPNW Records.  B-Movie were an early 80s New Wave band from England.  This is a previously unreleased demo from 1981. 

“High Yellow” by Cootie Stark

From the folks at Music Maker Relief Foundation. Cootie Stark was a Piedmont Blues musician who passed away in 2005.

“Jedd’s Gold Sled” by Crazy Aces

More fine instrumental rock music from Nashville’s Crazy Aces.

“Female of the Species” by Space

The UK band Space formed in the 90s.  They have just released a new single called “Strange World”.  “Female of the Species” was released as a single back in the mid 90s, and it stayed in the UK Top 40 for three months.  It is a great sounding song, that I am hearing for the first time.  

“I Heard Her Call My Name” by The Velvet Underground

And, we close out the day with some classic VU from White Light/White Heat.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle – Change Your Shirt Mix

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One of the outstanding things about Americana Fest is that it brings people from all over the world who are dedicated to making and appreciating the wildly diverse, enigma that is Americana Music.

Aussie songwriter/singer Imogen Clark came to town for Americana Fest last year, and she was invited back this year.  She is still in town and is putting on a release show for her EP Love and Lovely Lies at Twin Kegs II on Wednesday at 7:30.  Here is the link to the Facebook Event.

And here is a video so you know why you need to get there if at all possible.

To the shuffle:

“Friendlies” by Tess Parks and Anton Newcombe

via Aquarium Drunkard.  Tess Parks is from Toronto and Anton Newcombe is the founder of the Brian Jonestown Massacre.  He currently lives in Berlin. The pair released an album entitled I Declare Nothing – back in June.  This is my first listen, and it was a great way to start my morning.

“Jennifer” by Tom Schreck

Schreck’s new EP Added Glory is in post-production or something like that.  Looking forward to it.  This is another one from Save Your Glory which I assume was a prequel to the new EP or vice-versa, or else they both just have Glory in the title… either way.  We have a video of Tom with a string section.  Not this song but you can get this song and the rest of Save Your Glory via bandcamp.

“Fake Roses” by The Lone Bellow

The Brooklyn based alt-country band headed up a long list of artists that I was not able to see at Americana Fest.  Don’t get me wrong, I do not regret anything I did see, but there was just way too much great music happening all at once, and just to be a little negative, I’ve decided to focus on the things I did not do and the artists I did not see.  It seems like a productive use of my time.  Anyway, I love this song.

“Meeting Across the River” by Bruce Springsteen

The song that leads into Jungleland on Born to Run. 

“The Mountain” by Angela Easterling

Another great track from Common Law Wife. So glad I got to see and meet Angela a few weeks back when she was in town.

“Indiana Rose” by Barna Howard

Yeah… another artist I missed at Americana.  Love this guys songs.  This is our second listen from his Quite Feelin’. Barna Howard is from Missouri.

“Ghetto” by Amelia White

I did see Amelia White perform – which is always a pleasure, but I also missed another performance – so in the spirit of negativity, I will focus on the show I missed. She has new album, Home Sweet Hotel in the can. This goes back to her last album, Old Postcards.  A gorgeous song with a video that features a bunch of people I know.

“Freak” by Mouth Reader

Some high energy fun from the Murfreesboro band off their Hands record. 

“Past Lives” by Real Estate

We close out the shuffle on a mellower note with a track from New Jersey band, Real Estate.  This song is off of their 2014 album Atlas.

VIDEO PLAYLIST


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Monday Morning Music Shuffle – Like Monkeys Do Mix

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Well, back to reality and back to our daily shuffle.  More recaps of AMA 2015 will be forthcoming. 

Suffice it to say, I had the time of my life – hearing tons of great music, seeing and meeting people, and sharing some once in a lifetime moments.

It is Monday and that means, I am back to work and we have a nifty shuffle to kick off the post-AMA hangover week…

“Yuma” by Justin Townes Earle

We start of this week with the devastating title track from JTE’s debut EP (2007).

“Missing” by Manilow

I didn’t realize we still have some Manilow in the shuffle.  This is some badass UK punk rock.

“Fighter” by Tiffany Huggins Grant

Another great song from Tiffany’s Jonquil Child album – one of my favorites of the year.

“Don’t Bang the Drum” by The Waterboys

A swelling, expansive track from This is the Sea.

“Railroad Bill” by Etta Baker

Some Piedmont Blues via The Music Maker Relief Foundation.  If I am not mistaken, Taj Mahal plays on this song.

“I’m Poor” by Supersuckers

My Americana experience this year began with a fund raiser for Supersucker Eddie Spaghetti at The Basement East – last Tuesday.  Today, we have a track from a compilation called Their Sympathetic Majesty’s Request. 

“When Tomorrow Never Comes” by Pony Boy

We have another track from Pony Boy’s brand new record, Blue Gold.

“Slow Motion” (Sylvan Esso Remix) by PHOX

We close out the day with a remix of a song from the Self-Titled album by the indie band based out of Wisconsin.

VIDEO PLAYLIST

#E2TG Takes on Americana Fest 2015 – Part II

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So, sorry no update yesterday.  The pace of life tends to increase during AMA week…

Wednesday began with a stop off at a meet and greet for No Depression at Grimeys, Too. To celebrate the release of  their return to print.

Then, I headed over to Tin Roof Nashville and had a leisurely lunch with my partner in crime, Sue Havlish and took in the Launch Party for the Ted Hawkins tribute album: Cold and Bitter Tears.  That event featured James McMurtry, Tim Easton, Ramsey Midwood, and Mary Gauthier.

After a brief respite at home, I drove to the  Cannery Complex for a way cool night of music.  First up was The Suffers from Houston, TX.  Seeing them for the first time, and I am hooked. So much soul and energy.  They even brought some Outkast  to the Americana stage.

Next was an something I have been waiting over 30 years to see. East LA band, Los Lobos had just won the Lifetime Achievement award at the AMA awards show, and their incredible set was a celebration of over 40 years of making music together. After bringing out guitar legend Jack Pearson for an amazing set of songs that included: “Not Fade Away” and the Grateful Dead’s “Bertha”, the band closed the night with a loud and furious rendition of Neil Young’s “Cinnamon Girl”.

I ended my night with a trip upstairs to the Hi-Watt to catch the end of the Secret Sisters set. They blew me away as always with their gorgeous harmonies.

 Thursday started with a trip down to the incredible Southern Ground Studios to watch the recording of an Acoustic Cafe session hosted by Rob Reinhart and featuring the incredible Warren Haynes playing songs off his latest (acoustic/folk) album, Ashes and Dust.

Then I flew over to The 5 Spot (actually, I wish I could have flown – but I crawled through rush hour traffic) and caught the end of the set by Bill Jackson and Pete Fidler from Australia. They were amazing.  Next up was The Mark Robinson Band who knocked it out the park celebrating the release of their new two-sided single, “Gone South”.  They began with the acoustic version of that song and then a few more acoustic tunes with an augmented band that included Richard Bailey of The Steel Drivers, the aforementioned Pete Fidler, and Luke Amelang.  They then brought it home with the power trio line-up of Robinson, Justin Amaral, and Daniel Seymour and ended with the electric rock version of “Gone South”.   David Olney rounded out the evening with week three of his September residency, and he once again blew it out of the park with a set that ended with a rousing version of “Chain of Fools”.

Next it was back to the Cannery Complex for a night highlighted by Ray Wylie Hubbard and marked with running into a bunch of friends.  I actually, reluctantly but prudently, called it a relatively early night and made it home before midnight.

Things crank up today with some day time events and a great night of music on tap for tonight.

More to come…