CD Review: Della Mae - This World Oft Can Be

Over the past couple of years I've seen Della Mae perform at a couple festivals, but it was their performances at the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion which finally sparked a desire to really start following this quintet - first by purchasing their latest CD: This World Oft Can Be. The release was produced by esteemed Bryan Sutton and recorded at Cash Cabin Studio, Johnny Cash's former recording base in Hendersonville, Tennessee.  Just as their live performances reflect, the CD is filled with dazzling vocals and harmonies; some mighty fine picking; and traditional American music. Della Mae was founded by fiddler Kimber Ludiker, who assembled a cast of young but proficient players in vocalist and guitarist Celia Woodsmith, mandolinst Jenni Lyn Gardner, bassist Shelby Means, and lead guitarist Courtney Hartman. Ludiker is a two time national fiddle champion and her fiddle is prevalent throughout the CD - particularly on the long solo on the first track.  My favorite tracks are the fast paced Empire, Hounds (maybe because of my affection for greyhounds), and Like Bones - just concentrate on the vocals and guitar. They even cover one of my favorite Sarah Siskind tracks Pine Tree and the last track, Some Roads Lead On, is a beauty. For their show this Saturday November 2nd at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown Maryland, pair with Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard Comus.

 

Sarah Siskind: Live at Jammin Java

Last night our favorite local venue,  Jammin' Java, hosted Sarah Siskind who is touring in support of her new CD Novel. Viewers of MyJoogTV should remember her episode with Travis Book at the Devils Backbone Brewery during last year's Festy. And we recently reviewed
Novel at MyJoog here. But this night was a perfect example why its important to view performers live. At times, studio work misses the power associated with a specific song or a performer's voice. And that is the case with Ms. Siskind. A live performance showcases her amazing vocals and also displays some nifty guitar picking that is lost in the studio work. And her new CD still comes highly recommended.  The title track may be my new favorite, so check it out and let us know your favorite. We will also be posting a few videos of the night's performance at the MyJoogTV YouTube Channel. Cheers.

Sarah Siskind: Novel

We've been following Sarah Siskind for sometime now; through her CDs, The Festy, and her appearance on MyJoogTV. Yet, her upcoming CD, Novel, outperforms all these. This is her best effort yet. I tried listening while working but had to cease this routine since I was compelled to completely concentrate on the songs. No mindless easy listening here. Bike riding is a better listening option. The music is simple, yet powerful. Loving, yet sometimes mournful. The title track was my favorite, which includes backing from Ari Hest. Here is the track-by-track listing of this highly recommended CD:

1. Yellow And Blue - Besides the lyrics, concentrate on the percussion
2. Novel - A beautiful song with Ari Hest backing
3. Take Me - I want to be a little boy?; really? Nice change of pace.
4. Feeling for You - Like the guitar combos
5. I Think About Love - Not so much with me, but still enjoy the song
6. Welcome Home - Here's hoping my wife sings this song to me when returning from The Festy
7. Crying On A Plane - Impressive vocal range in a lovely song
8. Nowhere In The Middle - Starting the emotional roller coastal with an uptempo self-portrait?
9. You're Still There - Nice composition while continuing the emotional roller coastal
10. Rescue You - Bluesy tune with tight harmonies to conclude the ride
11. Didn't It Rain - Classic interpretation of great song

MyJoogTV Episode 8: Sarah Siskind & Travis Book @ Devils Backbone Brewing Company

This episode of MyJoogTV features Sarah Siskind and Travis Book, bassist for The Infamous Stringdusters, in a discussion of beer, music, and The Festy with Devils Backbone Brewing Company master brewer Jason Oliver. The episode was filmed during The Festy, The Infamous Stringdusters' signature weekend music festival held on the festival grounds at Devils Backbone. Specifically we discussed Siskind's affection for beer as well as her beer blog; The Festy; and the award winning beers crafted by Oliver. The episode concludes with Sarah Siskind and Travis Book, accompanied by guitarist Andy Falco, performing "Wild Fire" on the Southern Stage; and The Infamous Stringdusters on the Main Stage at The Festy. The video is available to download for iTunes and Windows Media Player. To view more videos filmed at The Festy, visit the MyJoogTV Festy Channel. And a special thanks to Nelson County for sponsoring our trip to the region.

Say It Louder - Sarah Siskind
All Come Together Now - EP - Sarah Siskind

Things That Fly - The Infamous Stringdusters

Sarah Siskind Announces Holiday EP: "All Come Together Now"

Sarah Siskind announces holiday EP: All Come Together Now.


>Watch the video for "Stocking" now by clicking here.<

A portion of each album sale will be donated to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.

Download now for $5 or pre-order a physical handmade & signed copy at www.sarahsiskind.com
Available on iTunes Nov 30.

"...prodigiously talented with elegant, deeply felt songs" - Paste Magazine

San Francisco (November 15, 2010) - Sarah Siskind announces her first holiday EP, All Come Together Now, a project whose title track "hit me like a rainstorm", she says. "It covered me and would not let go. I knew then and there I had to write and record a holiday album." Sarah has chosen to donate a portion of each album sale to the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life organization in honor of a relative who is currently fighting the battle against cancer. "It's part of the reason I was called to make this album, multiple members of my family have been and are faced with cancer." Featuring all original songs, a refreshing choice for a holiday album, All Come Together Now is universal in its themes of love and family, tis the season or not. Highlights include "Stocking" (video), a "what if" reflection on a teenage romance that gets a shot at redemption and rekindling every Christmas Eve; "Just For You", co-written and co-performed with Sarah's oft touring partner Ari Hest, is a whistling and bouncy ode to finding the perfect gift; and the lilting and warm title track, Sarah's childhood remembrance of the holiday spirit.

Sarah Siskind, hailed as "the best female singer/songwriter in America today" (Steve Binder, legendary TV director/producer), has toured with Bon Iver (he has also covered her "Lovin's For Fools") and The Swell Season, written songs for Alison Krauss (the GRAMMY nominated "Simple Love") and Randy Travis and has been called Nashville's "Best New Voice" by Southern Living. She has performed live on NPR's Tiny Desk and NPR's World Cafe with David Dye and has had music featured on NPR's All Songs Considered and NPR's Song Of The Day. Sarah's latest album, Say It Louder, was called "a masterpiece" by Bonnie Raitt and garnered her a 2009 Nashville Music Award for Americana Album of the Year.

Publicity contact:

Stephanie Fields
Make It Bigger Mama Publicity
415.508.7144
stephanie@makeitbiggermama.com
twitter.com/makeitbigrmama