Guy Clark - My Favorite Picture Of You

This week I finally purchased master songwriter Guy Clark's latest CD, My Favorite Picture Of You, for a mere $5 through Amazon. It had been four years since his last release of new material and that period has been difficult for the 72 year old. Just check out the cover. That's a photo of his late wife, Susanna, after she found her husband drunk with Townes Van Zandt.The love of his life passed away in 2012 and My Favorite Picture Of You displays the heartache Clark must feel: A curse on your lips but all I can see / Is beautiful. All the songs were either written or co-written by Clark, except for Lyle Lovett's "The Waltzing Fool". You will also hear some wonder harmonies supplied by Morgane Stapleton - listen to "Cornmeal Waltz", "Good Advice", and the title track. But don't get distracted by the simple beauty of these songs - they have meaning.  For instance maybe that Good Advice isn't your place to give; or how dangerous illegal immigration can be for immigrants in “El Coyote”.  My favorite track is the last, the blues infused “I’ll Show Me" co-written with Rodney Crowell. The song showcases Clark's talents as a guitarist in addition to his songwriting abilities -> plus more harmonies from Stapleton. Pair with Big Bend Brewing Co, located not far from Clark's birthplace of Monahans, Texas.

Nicky C and the RSB Impresses with Much Obliged

This weekend I attended the Nicky C and the RSB CD release show at Jammin Java and have been listening to their debut CD, Much Obliged, since. I've come away quite impressed. I had listened to their promotional demo last year, and it appears the trio have hit their stride. That demo had more of a southern Rock sound, whereas Much Obliged has a more contemporary rock sound reminiscent of Hollis Brown. Frontman Nick Collins provides the bass and vocals and his voice sounds somewhat similar to a recent listen of Ryan Harkrider of The Nightowls.  Josh Stansfield plays a wicked guitar throughout - this guy has talent.. My favorite track is Baltimore, perhaps because it has a local feel, but also because drummer Justin Ehrlich comes alive blasting his way through the drum kit. Another locally themed song is 4th of July - quite a catchy tune that I seem to be humming throughout the week. The CD finishes big, with the title track - a song where Ehrlich's beat combines with Stansfield's guitar to create a jammin' composition. For $5, this was a bargain. In honor of Baltimore, pair with Brewer's Art's Resurrection Ale. Cheers.

Lockn' Music Festival - Oh, what a lineup and is this the last chance to see The Allman Brothers

I was reminded last week by our friends at Starr Hill Brewery, about the greatest lineup to be at a festival in recent memory.  The Lockn' Music Festival is somewhat pricey, held in a remote area; but look at this star studded lineup. And, since the Allman Brothers are calling it quits this year, this may be your last chance to see the legends live. The festival is held on an estate located almost equidistant between Charlottesville and Lynchburg (Oak Ridge Estate, 2300 Oak Ridge Road, Arrington, VA 22922).  This is a camping festival, but hotels are available in some of the surrounding communities (transportation packages are sold out). A 4-day pass is $285, with VIP camping listed at $800. I guess I need to get some camping gear.

• Bob Weir & RatDog
• Bustle in Your Hedgerow
• Cabinet
• Del McCoury Band
• Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi
• Drive-By Truckers
• Dumpstaphunk
• FREEMAN
• Furthur
• Gary Clark Jr.
• Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
• Hot Tuna
• Keller Williams' Grateful Gospel ft. More Than A Little with John Kadlecik
• Keller Williams' Grateful Grass ft. Jeff Austin & Keith Moseley
• Larry Keel and Sam Bush
• No BS! Brass Band
• Phil Lesh & Friends
• Preservation Hall Jazz Band
• SOJA
• Steve Winwood
• String Cheese & The Gang - A Tribute to Kool & The Gang featuring The String Cheese Incident, JT Taylor, and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
• Taj Mahal
• TAUK
• Tedeschi Trucks Band
• The Allman Brothers Band
• The Chris Robinson Brotherhood
• The Revivalists
• The String Cheese Incident
• The Wood Brothers
• Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
• Umphrey's McGee
• Widespread Panic
• Wilco
• Willie Nelson

Time to Start Planning for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

I just started making plans for this year's Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion held September 19-21 in various outlets within the city. This is easily my favorite music festival; no need for camping, musicians perform at all types of venues; and easy access to food and beer. Plus shuttles buses to the area hotels. Bristol, itself, is considered the Birthplace of Country Music with the likes of the Carter family, Jimmy Martin, and the Stanley Brothers as a short representation on musicians who first recorded there. Coverage our of past ventures to Bristol can be read here, but needless to say, we are quite excited with this year's lineup - starting with Sturgill Simpson. This guy is the future of country music and we are ready to pair him with Emmylou Harris, Shaver, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Dale Watson, and other country - americana legends. Then there's old friends Holy Ghost Tent Revivial and local players in Roger Rasnake, Ed Snodderly, Scotty Melton, Annie Robinette, and Wayne Henderson. Bluegrass fans will be sure to catch Donna Ulisse & the Poor Mountain Boys and Marty Raybon & Full Circle. I'm also excited about The Kruger Brothers, Truth & Salvage Co., Folk Soul Revival, The Black Lillies, M.S.G. – The Acoustic Blues Trio, among many others. And as usual, tickets are extremely affordable - a weekend pass is only $70. See you there.