Showing posts with label Jim Lauderdale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jim Lauderdale. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Is It Too Early To Start Planning for Merlefest 2015?

Merlefest - April 23-26 2015, Wilkes Community College, North Carolina.


Posted by WineCompass at 2:06 PM 0 comments
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Monday, December 9, 2013

The Grammy Nominations & Categories To Follow

The 2014 Grammy Nominations were just announced and their are several friends of MyJoog.com and artists we've covered in the past nominated.  While viewing the categories we skimmed over some that we were interested in (Rock, Gospel) all the way down until we found #45 Best American Roots Song.  You can forget about the Pop divas and so called Country stars; here are the outstanding artists we care about.And special congratulations to artists we covered this year such as Della Mae, The Greencards, The Boxcars, Jim Lauderdale, Tim O'Brien & Darrell Scott. Who's your favorite?

45. Best American Roots Song

  • Build Me Up From Bones
    • Sarah Jarosz, songwriter (Sarah Jarosz)
    • Label: Sugar Hill Records
  • Invisible
    • Steve Earle, songwriter (Steve Earle & The Dukes (& Duchesses))
    • Label: New West Records; Publisher: Exile On Jones St. Music
  • Keep Your Dirty Lights On
    • Tim O'Brien & Darrell Scott, songwriters (Tim O'Brien And Darrell Scott)
    • Track from: Memories And Moments
    • Label: Full Skies Records
  • Love Has Come For You
    • Edie Brickell & Steve Martin, songwriters (Steve Martin & Edie Brickell)
    • Track from: Love Has Come For You
    • Label: Rounder; Publishers: LA Films Music/Brick Elephant Music
  • Shrimp Po-Boy, Dressed
    • Allen Toussaint, songwriter (Allen Toussaint)
    • Track from: Songbook
    • Label: Rounder; Publishers: Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc/Marsaint Music, Inc.

46. Best Americana Album

47. Best Bluegrass Album

48. Best Blues Album

49. Best Folk Album

  • My Favorite Picture Of You
  • Sweetheart Of The Sun
  • Build Me Up From Bones
  • The Ash & Clay
  • They All Played For Us: Arhoolie Records 50th Anniversary Celebration
    • (Various Artists)
    • Chris Strachwitz, producer
    • Label: Arhoolie Records
Posted by WineCompass at 6:00 AM 0 comments
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Monday, August 26, 2013

Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion -> One Month Out and Counting

Here is your one month reminder that the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion is coming up quickly - September 20th-22nd in Bristol VA\TN to be precise. This is always our favorite music festival, well organized, great musicians, great venues, and quality beer. Want to see Lucinda Williams on the main street stage, check. Want to see Scotty Melton in a small bar, check. Want to see American Aquarium in a rockn' beer bar, check. Like to camp out at one stage for the entire day? Then checkout Scythian, Chatham County Line, Paul Thorn, Shovels and Rope, Hayes Carll, and Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis all on the State Street Stage. Like a historic venue? Then nothing beats Jim Lauderdale or Chris Smither  at The Paramount Center for the Arts. Got the idea? Plus, tickets are a complete bargain - a weekend pass is only $50; that's correct - $50 until September 1st. Then it rises to $70. Here is the total lineup but to help organize your schedule I would suggest the Bristol Mobile App - it makes festival life so much easier. And to make your road trip more enjoyable - theCompass mobile app will find wineries and breweries along your trip route. Cheers.
Posted by WineCompass at 8:00 PM 0 comments
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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Music City Roots: Celebrating Their 100th Show

Two of our favorite events occur on Wednesday nights - both which we can enjoy simultaneously. We start off learning about a new wine or wine region during the twitter tasting at #winechat. Then we tune into the internet live music show Music City Roots based out of Nashville's  Loveless Cafe and hosted by Jim Lauderdale. Tonight, January 4th will be a special celebration since our partner site at WineCompass will be hosting #winechat discussing Eastern European wines and simultaneously, Music City Roots will be celebrating their 100th show. Tonight's guests are David Jacobs-Strain, Julie Gribble, Snyder Family Band, Anderson East and Derek Hoke; whereas the 2012 lineup includes the Black Lillies, The Steel Drivers, Apache Relay, John Cowan, Darrell Scott, Leftover Salmon, The Cleverlys, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and many more talented artists. We will see you online.
Posted by Todd M. Godbout at 7:50 AM 0 comments
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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Music City Roots Rebroadcast of Donna The Buffalo

For those on the east coast, like us, who lost power watching Music City Roots right before Donna the Buffalo performed; the video is available for rebroadcast. Four tunes start around the 1:51 mark, yea  "Love Time", "Round Ball", and a medley included. Plus a tribute to Charlie Louvin.  And as usual a special thanks to Jim Lauderdale and the Loveless Cafe for broadcasting great Roots music.
Posted by Todd M. Godbout at 8:18 PM 0 comments
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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Merlefest News: Live Facebook Chat with Jim Lauderdale Regarding the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest

Internationally renowned artist Jim Lauderdale, volunteer chairperson of MerleFest’s Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, will participate in a live chat on Facebook on Tuesday, February 1, at 7:00 pm EST. The live chat with Lauderdale will take place at the social media site on the official page for the contest, found at MerleFest’s “Chris Austin Songwriting Contest.” Fans and aspiring writers can join the chat with questions for the acclaimed singer/songwriter about the songwriting contest and songwriting in general, giving them the rare opportunity to interact with one of the most celebrated artists in contemporary music. In order to take part in the chat, a participant must have a Facebook account, and be a “fan” of MerleFest’s “Chris Austin Songwriting Contest” page.

Lauderdale, a Grammy®-winning performer and songwriter, is known for successes in both country and bluegrass music. He is among Nashville's "A" list of songwriters, with songs recorded by artists such as Patty Loveless, George Jones, The Dixie Chicks, Solomon Burke, Mark Chesnutt, Dave Edmunds, John Mayall, Kathy Mattea, Lee Ann Womack, Gary Allan, Blake Shelton, Vince Gill and George Strait. While Lauderdale hails from the Carolinas, his career has taken him all over the United States and abroad, making him an international recording artist with an ever-growing fan base.

Hosted by MerleFest 2011 and now in its 19th year, the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring writers to have their original songs heard and judged by a panel of Nashville music industry professionals.

Contest entries for the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest are now being accepted via three methods: U.S. Mail (P. O. Box 121855, Nashville, TN 37212,) Sonicbids and American Songspace. But don’t delay: the deadline for submissions is February 18, 2011.

Net proceeds from the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest support the Wilkes Community College Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship. Since its inception the scholarship has awarded over $35,000 to 71 deserving students. The 2010-2011 Chris Austin Memorial Scholarship recipients are Mary R. Griffith and Thomas Noah Russell.

Previous winners of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest include Gillian Welch, Tift Merritt, Michael Reno Harrell, Adrienne Young, Martha Scanlan, David Via and Johnny Williams - isn’t it time that your name is added to this list?!?

For additional information about the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, call the contest hotline at 1-800-799-3838 or email Laurie Brintle Hayes, CASC coordinator at laurie.hayes@wilkescc.edu.

Join the chat on February 1 - and send in your songs!
Posted by Todd M. Godbout at 1:46 PM 0 comments
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Saturday, December 4, 2010

The Best of Nashville Comes To The Birchmere

In Robbie Fulks' notorious "F!*$ This Town", he mentions old Tim Carroll as one of the few worthwhile Nashville institutions. I'd like to suggest two additions to that list, Carroll's talented wife Elizabeth Cook and the songwriter extraordinaire, Jim Lauderdale. These three came to The Birchmere on December 2nd to display the best in Nashville country music. In Lauderdale's case it's the best of country, bluegrass, gospel, and Americana as he displayed his versatility, as a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist. I have seen him perform numerous times, but never in just a simple solo acoustic setting. Usually its performing with a band or Donna the Buffalo or Elvis Costello or even the Reverend Newsome. Tonight, it was just Lauderdale performing songs from numerous CDs - many covered by more popularly known artists - think George Jones and Patty Loveless with Seem to be Missing You. Lauderdale's latest project is Patchwork River, songs he collaborated with James Hunter. Besides the title track, one of my favorites is Alligator Ally where he acknowledges the presence of overlook Florida inhabitants, the Florida Panther and Black Bear. I'm sure the Big Bear Brewing Company also appreciates this mention. Lauderdale can easily transition between Americana through bluegrass collaboration with Elvis Costello in  I Lost You to bluegrass with a collaboration with Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys in Lost in the Lonesome Pines or even his own Bluegrass Diaries. This is followed by more Americana in The Hummingbirds.The guys is extraordinary.


Every morning we are awakened by the soothing sound of Elizabeth Cook on Sirius\XM XCountry with "Good Morning Beautiful Outlaw People". Not only is her southern twang comforting be she has that southern girl demeanor that always forces a smile through any grumpy morning. And I'm happy to report that her stage presence exudes the same demeanor. Plus can she sing. We've been listening to Welder - Elizabeth Cook, but I think the CD doesn't give her justice. Listening live - she is the successor to Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn. She can draw you in with a powerful ballad or rock out with Carroll on the electric guitar and Bones Hillman on Upright Bass - this is as much a rockin' show as most female country singers.

It's also hard to believe how much good, original material she has composed and they played through most of these through her latest CDs, Welder, and Balls, and This Side Of The Moon, and Hey Y'all: Rock N Roll Man, El Camino, Mama's Funeral, Yes To Booty, He Got No Heart, Love You All the Time, Girlfriend Tonight, Mama's Prayers, Demon, Sunday Morning, Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman. What a collection. Not only a talented singer, but also a talented songwriter. And Cook can clog, as evident by her dancing during Carroll's train songs.The evening concluded with, of course, Cook and Lauderdale performing a duet and then Carroll and Bones Hillman joining them for a final rockin' song.Come back soon.

More pictures are available at the MyJoog Gallery.
Posted by Todd M. Godbout at 5:24 PM 0 comments
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Friday, May 7, 2010

Merlefest 2010

I had the time of my life at last year's Merlefest and could never imagine the festival getting any better. But they succeeded. How, well let's see, my first three hours were spent listening to Cadillac Sky, The Greencards, The Gibson Brothers, and Donna the Buffalo. In fact the herd had more to listen to as a result of John Cowan playing with The Doobie Brothers and Jim Lauderdale having Donna the Buffalo as his backup band. Three sets in two days - sort of alleviates the pain of missing them May 14th at The State Theatre. But with that first four, I could have left happy. But there was much more to see, particularly the acoustic blues artists that I discussed here. Obviously Ben Prestage left his mark, and I've always loved Corey Harris and Phil Wiggins. Add in Harry Manx and blues legend John Hammond and this group easily surpassed last year's group. Thanks Roy Book Binder.

What also made this year so enjoyable that several artists I enjoyed for the first time last year; Missy Raines & The New Hip, The Belleville Outfit, and Bearfoot were back again. Some had slight lineup changes, but they were tight - particularly Missy Raines. They are happening... Last year I only saw one set from Cadillac Sky and was determined to see more. That wasn't too difficult since they were scheduled for six sets over two days. I couldn't help but run into the band. I even overheard a brief practice session inside the college as they prepared for the Midnight Jam. These guys may have a zany stage presence, but they are true professionals. I heard another attendee comment that Cadillac Sky is mimicking The Avett Brothers; and you know there may be some truth to that. All artists absorb some influence from other bands - but I think there is way more originality in their music. They can play true bluegrass, gospel, an Americana flavor and well as straight rock n' roll. Also, loved their a Capella song on the Hillside. Yea, Mayfield is entertaining - but he can play and sing - as do the rest of the band. This is one act on the rise.

One band from last year that I didn't follow as much, because of scheduling conflicts was The Greencards. Last year, I followed them from stage to stage. This year I caught a few songs here and there. But those few songs remind me how talented they are. Whenever I hear Carol sing Patty Griffin's "What you are" it sends shivers down my spine. Every single time; that song was written for her to sing. And Kym and Tyler seem to have quickly acquired chemistry and not to omit Jake who adds a fuller sound with the acoustic guitar. The Greencards are easily one of my favorite bands; I may have taken them for granted this year - but fortunately they are returning to Jammin' Java in July.

Last year Scythian was the band with the buzz - you saw crowds growing each successive set. And these guys are entertaining - even when you've heard the same lead in a dozen times. I was glad they were invited back - and Merlefest can not have a Saturday night dance party without them. But the band with the buzz this year had to be Great Big Sea. I've heard bits and pieces over the year, but nothing comes close to a live performance. I'm talking about charisma, heart pounding percussion, crowd participation. I think this is where Scythian wants to be a decade from now - because Great Big Sea is the best alternative folk act I've seen. Fortunately the band is coming to the Filene Center at Wolf Trap in August. Me and the little boy be on the lawn dancing and clapping away.

The strength of Merlefest is the overall talent of artists that they schedule at the festival. Last year I practically ignored the headliners and searched for the unknown acts - particularly in the Lounge. But this year, the headliners were too much of a draw - and I'm not even including Zac Brown. Actually I was never a big fan of the artist - but was impressed with his performance and demeanor at the Midnight Jam. I think the promoters were real happy that he participated; maybe I should take a look at his earlier work and not the CMT videos. In any case, I couldn't believe the scheduling with the other headliners. Some of the headliners were obvious choices; Sam Bush and Dailey & Vincent come to mind. In fact it was the first time I've been able to see the top ranked bluegrass band in action. They are good. Scheduling Steve Martin playing with the Steep Canyon Rangers was not a risk, but a coup. Perhaps the single msot entertaining set - part comedy, part real bluegrass. And it helps having a phenomenal backup band and a $500 ipad. Only a few songs from the Crow really stuck with me, Daddy Played The Banjo being one of them, so I'm really looking forward to Martin's next tour and collaboration with the Steep Canyon Rangers.

Now, the Merlefest promoters did think outside of the box and scheduled Little Feat and Elvis Costello to headline Friday and Saturday night. Yea, I know Costello performed a few years back, but still - for headliners at Merlefest - not the usual selections. Truth be told, I skipped out of Little Feat, only because I was exhausted after five hours sleep, five hour drive and 12 hours on my feet. Plus I'll see the band on the 9th at The Belmont Country Club when they co-bill with Delbert McClinton for the first show of the Loudoun Summer Music Fest. However, I wasn't going to miss Elvis Costello. I've followed him since high school and "My Aim Is True"; and save for one show at the ACL, I've never seen him live. Then he strolls onstage with an all-star supporting cast lead by Jerry Douglas and Jim Lauderdale. Instant credibility with the audience - this was an alt-country show. He played some new songs - specifically his ode to Doc Watson - but his arrangements for the classics were brilliant.(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, Every Day I Write The Book, and Allison stand out. All I know is that I need to pick up Secret, Profane and Sugarcane.

Saturday was easily the best (and longest) day of music I've experienced, and that doesn't even include the Midnight Jam. The event was hosted by Zac Brown and its a time for the artists to unwind and experiment. The The Greencards played some Don Henley, The Duhks played a little boogie, most played together: Cadillac Sky, Jim Lauderdale, Donna the Buffalo. The stars however, were Samantha and Zeb of the Snyder Family Band. Not only was their performance astonishing because of their youth (11 and 14 respectively), but there stage presence were as good as any mature band. Closing my eyes I thought I heard Tony Rice on guitar and she was the little conductor - nodding to each guest their turn to take lead. How could anyone follow that performance. That was an eye opener - I needed it after listening to 16 hours of live music. What a day.

More photos are available at the MyJoog Gallery.
Posted by Todd M. Godbout at 6:07 PM 0 comments
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Thursday, April 30, 2009

Merlefest: The Artists

The best part of Merlefest is that it not only attracts the established artists, but it is a showcase for rising performers as well as novices. At Merlefest, anyone can bring an instrument onto the grounds, and in fact, the promoters actually encourage it. They have established several pickin' tents, open mic tents, the open mic coffeehouse, and the gravel stage - all for amateurs and aspiring artists . And throughout the festival grounds, at any part of the day, small cliques of musicians form - young and old - to pick and learn from each other. There are also official instrument contests (banjo, mandolin, guitar) as well as the Chris Austin Songwriters Contest. "The festival for the proletariat".

Over the course of the festival we were able to meet a few of these aspiring artists - first with fiddler Wyatt Espalin and guitarist Cobi Ferguson of Trees Leave. The duo performed in the Chris Austin Songwriters Contest in the bluegrass category - having one of the 12 songs selected out of 840. The Nashville based band is already establishing a name for themselves on the east coast, performing regularly from Florida to New York. They also have a nice CD out called "Run" which contains the song they submitted to the songwriter contest "Water Falls" and one we like even more in "Artificial Yesterday".

We also had a chance encounter at the Friday night Coffeehouse when Neeley Bridges and Andy Jobe had a chance to perform because of a scheduling conflict. The two formed the Neeley Bridges and Andy Jobe Band and are currently based out of New York City. The decided to attend Merlefest because Bridges is a local girl from Winston-Salem and they were hoping for a chance to perform to an audience at the festival. After listening to Bridges' debut album "Devil On My Shoulder", this band has a chance - she has a great voice - just listen to the first track "On The Ground".

Over the three days we followed several rising acts starting with Bearfoot. This young band has a new lead singer in Odessa Jorgensen and a new CD Doors & Windows. This is a nice compilation and over the course of 4 sets we were able to hear our favorite tune, Time Is No Medicine", three times. The one downfall of the CD is it doesn't showcase their musical talents well enough. This group can play as shown by the three standing ovations we saw the band receive. Another bluegrass band we followed closely was the Spring Creek Bluegrass Band. They also have a new CD, "Way Up on a Mountain" and interestingly two of our favorites are instrumentals composed by banjo player Chris Elliott. The band's performance Saturday at the Walker Center was awesome. On Saturday we made sure we penciled in The Belleville Outfit since that was the only day they were scheduled to perform, albeit three times. They started at the main Watson stage accompanied by two of our new favorites: The Dixie Bee-Liners and The Farewell Drifters. They then had a popular set at the Creekside stage where we heard the first samples of their cross overs into jazz and blues. They ended the day at the Dance tent, having fun and playing a few covers in their unique rootsy, swing, bluesy style. Look for their new CD, Time to Stand, to be released shortly. We only had a chance to watch one Ollabelle set, but what a set, with Martha Scanlan and David Bromberg playing the entire set and Jim Lauderdale sitting in for a couple.




We have already mentioned The Greencards in previous posts concerning the festival, so the last rising band we'd like to focus on was one of the "grunts" of the festival: Scythian. They opened the festival Thursday on the Watson stage and finished that day at the opening night dance. Over the next three days they performed at least 5 more times closing with a jammed packed, entertaining performance Sunday on the Austin stage. Don't come expecting to sit and relax during one of Scythian's performances. They expect everyone to participate - from dancing, singing, jumping, ... whatever. I think we had the most fun watching their antics and listening to them play - they can play. Not bad for a group who last year were confined strictly to the gravel stage.

Then there are the established acts and superstars. We're talking about Doc Watson, himself, The Del McCoury Band, Tony Rice, Sam Bush, Jim Lauderdale, David Bromberg, Emmylou Harris, The Waybacks, and BeauSoleil. You know going in that each chance to see one of these artists is special and are guaranteed a solid performance. But by far, the best sets we saw were the two given by Donna the Buffalo Friday, first on the Hillside stage then that evening in the dance tent. What more do you need to say about this group; I could watch Jeb Puryear play guitar all day. And Ms. Nevins is not too shabby herself; the same for the entire band. They are awesome; Cajun rock or whatever you want to call it. Add in appearances by Jim Lauderdale and Leonard Podolak of the The Duhks and that's a memorable show. We are now card carrying members of The Herd.



That's it for this year's coverage. We wish we could have seen more performances, particularly from The Duhks, Cadillac Sky, and Missy Raines & The New Hip. By the way, the later has a new CD out, Inside Out, that we can only describe as cool. Mostly instrumentals, but great listening material. We hope to see you next year.
Posted by Todd M. Godbout at 8:16 AM 0 comments
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