The 2014 Grammy Results That Matter Most

Since here at MyJoog.com we don't follow the Pop and Top 40 scene very closely, here are the Grammy results that we care about in the Alt-country, Blues, Rock, & Roots fields. Congratulations to Guy Clark, Kacey Musgraves, Edie Brickell & Steve Martin, Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Del McCoury Band, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience, Ziggy Marley, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Gypsy Kings, Vampire Weekend, Led Zeppelin, and all the other Grammy winners.


Best American Roots Song
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

Best Americana Album
Old Yellow Moon
Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell
Label: Nonesuch Records

Best Bluegrass Album
The Streets Of Baltimore
Del McCoury Band
Label: McCoury Music

Best Blues Album
Get Up!
Ben Harper With Charlie Musselwhite
Label: Stax

Best Folk Album
My Favorite Picture Of You
Guy Clark
Label: Dualtone

Best Regional Roots Music Album
Dockside Sessions
Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience
Label: Musicmatters Records

Best Reggae Album
Ziggy Marley In Concert
Ziggy Marley
Label: Tuff Gong Worldwide

Best World Music Album
Savor Flamenco
Gipsy Kings
Label: Knitting Factory Records

Live: Singing For Peace Around The World
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Label: Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Best Rock Song
Cut Me Some Slack
Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Krist Novoselic & Pat Smear, songwriters (Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, Pat Smear)
Track from: Sound City - Real To Reel
Label: RCA Records / Roswell Records; Publishers: MPL Communications, Inc./M.J.-Twelve Music/Murky Slough Music/Kobalt Music/Ruthensmear Music/Bug Music

Best Rock Album
Celebration Day
Led Zeppelin
Label: Swan Song/Atlantic

Best Alternative Music Album
Modern Vampires Of The City
Vampire Weekend
Label: XL Recordings

Best Country Song
Merry Go 'Round
Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)
Track from: Same Trailer Different Park
Label: Mercury Records

Best Country Album
Same Trailer Different Park
Kacey Musgraves
Label: Mercury Records

Best Recording Package
Long Night Moon
Sarah Dodds & Shauna Dodds, art directors (Reckless Kelly)
Label: No Big Deal Records

Steep Canyon Rangers Take "Nobody Knows You" to Video

Our friends at the Steep Canyon Rangers are releasing a series of music videos in support of their 5th album, Nobody Knows You. No Steve Martin on this one, strictly the rangers. Here's the first video filmed in their hometown of Brevard, North Carolina.The band will also be performing at Floydfest this year; perfect slot for those with a long drive home on Sunday - 11:30 AM.

Steep Canyon Rangers - "Long Shot"

The Steep Canyon Rangers Take the Virtual Stage for Global Audience to Celebrate April 10 CD Release

NASHVILLE, TN- April 2, 2012- Grammy-nominated bluegrass sensation, The Steep Canyon Rangers are anticipating the imminent release of their debut Rounder Records recorded effort “Nobody Knows Yo.” They are pushing the boundaries of bluegrass and making it accessible to both traditional and progressive audiences of this genre. Grammy nominated for their collaboration with icon Steve Martin, these personable young musicians are as Steve Martin puts it, "not only great musicians who continue to explore both the new and old styles of bluegrass and bring a fresh energy to the traditions of American music, but they are also really fun on a bus." This highly engaging band has reached the largest number of people with bluegrass music in 2011 and now they want to bring all of their followers together on their release date. The Steep Canyon Rangers are doing this by partnering with Yowie to bring fans a free online concert straight from frontman and guitarist Woody Platt’s porch in North Carolina on release day, Tuesday April 10th at 7p.m. EST.
The Steep Canyon Rangers chose Yowie because it allows their fans to have a more personal interaction with them. Yowie is a web based, video platform enabling video chat, high quality video streaming and crowd interaction. The Yowie experience is designed to appeal to today's fans who expect authenticity. Chats and performances are inclusive and intimate and the “broadcast-able from anywhere” content platform presents a brand new medium for bands and fans alike. Yowie also allows audiences who may not be able to experience the band live during a regular tour date to experience what it would be like at a show. Steep Canyon Rangers frontman Woody Platt says, "We are using Yowie as a way to make the day of our album release unique! We will be playing songs from our new record and will be able to connect with our online audience. We are very proud of this new project and it will give folks a chance to hear the new tunes played live while they sit in the comfort of their own homes."

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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.