Album Review: Kym Warner - Everything That Brought Me Here

Last month I attended another great house concert, this time featuring Kym Warner and Warren Hood, where the duo thoroughly entertained the captive audience. You should know Warner as a founding member of the Grammy nominated bluegrass outfit The Greencards. And Hood has an impressive following among The Waybacks fans as well as anyone from the Austin area. The duo were brilliant; entertaining with stories, humor, and music - many of these derived from Warner's debut solo album "Everything That Brought Me Here". Simply, this album is fantastic - the all acoustic release displaying Warner's mastery of the mandolin as well as the impressive musicianship of his guest musicians: Andy Hall (dobro) of the The Infamous Stringdusters, Tommy Emmanuel, Jedd Hughes, Carl Miner, Jake Stargel, Bill Whitbeck, David Beck, Brian Standefer, Jeff Taylor, Eric Darken and Dan Dugmore. I've had the album running continually during the day for the past few weeks and never tire with particular standouts in City to the Bay, El Paloma, Start Your Engines, San Leanna, and the highly relevant Great Falls. You won't be able to see Warner solo or with The Greencards this summer as he is touring with Robert Earl Keen as a member of his bluegrass band. In any event, pair Everything That Brought Me Here with Austin's (512) Brewing Company. Cheers.

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

• Old Yellow Moon
• Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell
• Label: Nonesuch Records
• Love Has Come For You
• Edie Brickell & Steve Martin
• Label: Rounder
• Buddy And Jim
• Buddy Miller And Jim Lauderdale
• Label: New West Records
• One True Vine
• Mavis Staples
• Label: Anti Records
• Songbook
• Allen Toussaint
• Label: Rounder

47. Best Bluegrass Album

• It's Just A Road
• The Boxcars
• Label: Mountain Home Music Company
• Brothers Of The Highway
• Dailey & Vincent
• Label: Rounder
• This World Oft Can Be
• Della Mae
• Label: Rounder
• Three Chords And The Truth
• James King
• Label: Rounder
• The Streets Of Baltimore
• Del McCoury Band
• Label: McCoury Music

48. Best Blues Album

• Remembering Little Walter
• Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Hummel, Sugar Ray Norcia & James Harman
• Label: Blind Pig Records
• Cotton Mouth Man
• James Cotton
• Label: Alligator
• Get Up!
• Ben Harper With Charlie Musselwhite
• Label: Stax
• Seesaw
• Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa
• Label: J&R Adventures
• Down In Louisiana
• Bobby Rush
• Label: Deep Rush Records

49. Best Folk Album

• My Favorite Picture Of You
• Guy Clark
• Label: Dualtone
• Sweetheart Of The Sun
• The Greencards
• Label: Darling Street Records
• Build Me Up From Bones
• Sarah Jarosz
• Label: Sugar Hill Records
• The Ash & Clay
• The Milk Carton Kids
• Label: Anti Records
• They All Played For Us: Arhoolie Records 50th Anniversary Celebration
• (Various Artists)
• Chris Strachwitz, producer
• Label: Arhoolie Records

The Greencards to release Sweetheart of the Sun

We are happy to report that The Greencards will be releasing a new CD August 20th, titled Sweetheart of the Sun. Check out the clip for Black Black Water, premiering exclusively on USA TODAY. Here's what the band has to say:

On August 20 we will release our first themed record on our independent label, Darling Street Records. Produced by Gary Paczosa, Sweetheart of the Sun embraces these closely related subjects and weaves them throughout our twelve-song record: Water. Travel. Motion.
Our first independent release, The Brick Album in 2011, was only made possible because of our collaboration with you guys, our supporters. And now with Sweetheart of the Sun we turn the tables and present new music to you on our own.
The songs we wrote, the music we made are the result of working closely with some of the incredibly talented friends we have around us, along with personal life experiences. We are inspired to no end by our collaborators: Carl Miner, Jedd Hughes, Kai Welch, Gary Paczosa, Sons of Fathers, Aoife O'Donovan, Luke Reynolds, Jon Randall and Andrea Zonn, all of whom contributed to making this album.
We designed Sweetheart of the Sun to be listened to in it's entirety, segueing songs in and out of one-another. We hope digital listeners will choose full-album download over single downloads and enjoy this musical journey.
We'd love Sweetheart of the Sun to be heard by as many people as possible, but as most of you know The Greencards became independent artists in 2010.This means we do not have record label backing, so we we need your help to get the word out. Please consider sharing this newsletter to your friends and sharing our video on facebook, twitter pages and other social media sites. I know we've discovered some of our favorite music this way!

The Greencards Return to Wolf Trap, Brittany Haas in Tow

We wanted to pass along news that our friends The Greencards will be performing at The Barns of Wolf Trap next Wednesday night, October 17. The performance is particularly news worthy since the talented fiddler Brittany Haas from Crooked Still will be joining Carol, Kym and Carl onstage.Now that's a nice addition. Tickets are $20 and still available from the box office.  Here's a sneak peak what to expect. Cheers.

 

The Greencards Return to Vienna

After nearly selling out The Barns at Wolf Trap in February and releasing a new album in June, The Greencards, who are featured in Time Magazine's 2011 Summer Entertainment Preview, will be performing at Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave E in Vienna, VA on Thursday August 25. We hope you can come to the show. Click here for ticketing details. Seating is first-come, first-served with the show starting at 8:pm. If you are on Facebook, you can RSVP using this Event link

The Greencards had an exciting time in Austin with activities surrounding the release of The Brick Album on June 21st. Media coverage from around the world has been very positive. See this 4-Star review in American Songwriter for an example of what folks are saying about the new record.

On their fifth, and best, recording, The Brick Album, The Greencards are better than ever ....  (click to see entire review)

Check out this video of "Make It Out West" from The Brick Album. Come on out to the show and hear it performed live. Click here to preview other tracks including #4 which is a duet with Carol and Vince Gill.

================ About The Greencards ============

From the first notes struck together in 2003 through tours with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson and up to and beyond their fourth studio album released in 2009, The Greencards have won steadily escalating acclaim for their multi-dimensional Americana vision. Each step they’ve taken has widened their appeal. Their releases have topped the Billboard Bluegrass charts. Two singles have garnered Grammy nominations. They’ve earned ovations from “newgrass” music devotees at MerleFest and rock loyalists at Lollapalooza.
 
But this band, spearheaded by Carol Young (bass and vocals) and Kym Warner (mandolin, bouzouki and vocals), is interested less in past accomplishments than in looking ahead for new goals to achieve. That’s why their latest record is also in many ways their most significant and impressive to date. The Brick Album is the first album to successfully infuse The Greencards’ eclectic musical references with the excitement they generate on stage.
Warner and Young are from Australia. They moved to Austin, put together The Greencards there, and today call Nashville home. Joining them on stage are Carl Miner and Tyler Andal. Tyler, a young fiddle whiz from Tennessee, reinforces both The Greencards' grounding in roots music and eagerness to let in the fresh air of newgrass, rock, folk elements, Latin America and much more. Former National Flatpicking Championship winner Carl Miner excels as a guitarist in that tradition, but more importantly, applies his virtuosity equally well beyond it.

With The Brick Album the world becomes more than ever their stage. The Greencards' sound defies category, balancing taste and technique, engaging lyrics and melodies and wildly creative arrangements. There may be a wall depicted on the album cover, but the future suggested on these tracks knows no barrier.

To receive updates, please consider joining the band's email list: http://thegreencards.com/mailinglist.html or follow them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thegreencards

Overdozing on New Releases

We've received so much good music recently that we don't have time to write about all. So as a complete wimp out - here's a list of what we highly recommend:

• Ben Harper - Give Till It's Gone
  
• The Felice Brothers - Celebration Florida
• The Greencards - The Brick Album
• Greg Brown - Freak Flag
• Gregg Allman - Low Country Blues
• Hot Tuna - Steady As She Goes
• Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit - Here We Rest
• Nick 13 - Nick 13
• Shannon Wurst - Green and Growing: roots music for eco-kids
• Tara Nevins - Wood & Stone
• Warren Haynes - Man In Motion

Help Kickstart a CD - A Mortal Planet-CD Fundraising Campaign

Musicians are continually finding creative means as indie artists to finance the resources needed to record new music. Recording studio time is not cheap. The Greencards have their Buy a Brick program; others have used house concerts as pledges. Now through Kickstarter.com, musicians can create campaigns to raise the necessary funds in exchange for in-kind gifts from the artist. These may include concert tickets, CDs, posters, or even a house concert - in exchange for a set contribution. Our pal, Peyton Tochterman just released his A Mortal Planet-CD Fundraising Campaign. He hopes to raise $4,000 and is about a quarter of the way with a month remaining. Fellow Charlottesville musicians, Sons of Bill, are actually over their target - but there is still almost two weeks left for their campaign. Musicians do reach their goal;  as evident by the Jamie Mclean Band and Caroline Herring. Support local music and take a look.

Reminder - The Greencards Coming to the Barns of Wolf Trap in Early February

The Greencards will make their debut at The Barns at Wolf Trap,1645 Trap Road in Vienna, Virginia on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. We are very excited about this opportunity for the band to perform in this premier venue known for its warm atmosphere and wonderful acoustics. All seats are reserved and tickets can be purchased now at the box office or online by clicking on this advance ticketing link. Tickets to this show make excellent last minute holiday gifts.

================ About The Greencards ============

This  critically acclaimed Austin-formed / Nashville-based band’s love and respect for Americana, bluegrass and country brought them together in 2003. The Greencards have:

• Toured multiple dates with Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Rosanne Cash, Kasey Chambers and Tim O'Brien just to name a few;
• Earned the Americana Music Association Award in 2006 for “Emerging Artist of the Year”; and
• Landed Grammy nominations for 2008 and 2010.
  

Originally from Australia, an urge to challenge themselves and test the limits of any established genre has guided singer / bassist Carol Young, and mandolin master Kym Warner (accompanied by fiddle and guitar) on their first three albums.

The Greencards released their fourth album in April 2009. Fascination is the band’s most daring project to date. Meticulously crafted arrangements serve as springboards for exhilarating improvisations. While technically breathtaking and acoustically driven, The Greencards have consistently moved towards a sound of their own.

The Greencards appeared at several festivals in 2009 such as Austin City Limits, Telluride, Walnut Valley (Winfield), MerleFest, Lollapalooza and the Cayamo Cruise. They were at MerleFest again in 2010 as well as Grey Fox and Winfield.

Visit The Greencards' CD Baby page to hear samples from of their various projects. You can also join them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/thegreencards

The Greencards Coming Back to the Washington D.C. Area

The Greencards will make their debut at The Barns at Wolf Trap,1645 Trap Road in Vienna, Virginia on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. We are very excited about this opportunity for the band to perform in this premier venue known for its warm atmosphere and wonderful acoustics. All seats are reserved and tickets can be purchased now at the box office or online by clicking on this advance ticketing link. Tickets to this show make excellent last minute holiday gifts.

================ About The Greencards ============

This  critically acclaimed Austin-formed / Nashville-based band’s love and respect for Americana, bluegrass and country brought them together in 2003. The Greencards have:

• Toured multiple dates with Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Rosanne Cash, Kasey Chambers and Tim O'Brien just to name a few;
• Earned the Americana Music Association Award in 2006 for “Emerging Artist of the Year”; and
• Landed Grammy nominations for 2008 and 2010.
  

Originally from Australia, an urge to challenge themselves and test the limits of any established genre has guided singer / bassist Carol Young, and mandolin master Kym Warner (accompanied by fiddle and guitar) on their first three albums.

The Greencards released their fourth album in April 2009. Fascination is the band’s most daring project to date. Meticulously crafted arrangements serve as springboards for exhilarating improvisations. While technically breathtaking and acoustically driven, The Greencards have consistently moved towards a sound of their own.

The Greencards appeared at several festivals in 2009 such as Austin City Limits, Telluride, Walnut Valley (Winfield), MerleFest, Lollapalooza and the Cayamo Cruise. They were at MerleFest again in 2010 as well as Grey Fox and Winfield.

Visit The Greencards' CD Baby page to hear samples from of their various projects. You can also join them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/thegreencards

=====================

Ross Holmes + Kym Warner = 1 Fabulous House Concert

On Friday December 3rd, we attended our first house concert featured two extremely talented musicians: Ross Holmes, fiddler for Cadillac Sky and Kym Warner, co-frontman and mandolinist for The Greencards. Regular readers will know that we admire both these bands and so this was a very exciting combination. For those who have never attended a house concert that premise is rather simple - yet it delivers a rich experience for both fans and musicians. In exchange for a slightly reduced cover charge and a pot luck entry, fans receive both an intimidate setting for live music but also direct access with the artist. For instance, my favorite part of the evening was listening to Ross describe the history of several famous violins and their designers and then discussing our favorite brands of Scotch. That's a difficult conversation at most venues. For musicians, the benefits are just as satisfying. First they do not need to split the proceeds with the venue. And second, they are assured an audience - one of the pressures of any musician when touring is hoping people will actually attend.

Holmes and Warner have played together at many private jam sessions following festivals and lately at home, since Holmes moved in on the same street. Holmes also filled in last year for a few tour dates with The Greencards, so its not surprising that the two have developed a chemistry both musically and with their stage presence. This evening they performed a potpourri of music consisting of past and future Greencard material, an original swing number from Holmes, a Gypsy Jazz number, a cover of Doc Watson, and many more songs. House Concerts are also prone to improvisation and experimentation, such as Holmes steppin' out on the mandolin or Warner breaking out the ukulele. I can't articulate enough how talented and entertaining these two musicians have become. Still can't get "More Pretty Girls Than One" out of my head. We look forward to early 2011 when both bands come back to our area starting with The Greencards at The Barns at Wolftrap on February 9th. For more information on these artists and their respective bands check out their latest CDs below as well as their websites. We also have two very amateurish videos available at the MyJoogTV YouTube channel.

Letters In The Deep - Cadillac Sky
Cadillac Sky

Fascination - The Greencards
The Greencards

The Greencards » Buy a Brick!

Many independent acts are finding innovating ways to fund the production of new music. Our friends, The Greencards, have devised an original idea - fans can buy a brick which will be displayed in the artwork of their upcoming CD. More information is available here.

The Greencards at Jammin Java - Friday, July 23rd

The Greencards will perform at Jammin' Java, 227 Maple Ave East in Vienna, Virginia on Friday, July 23rd, and we hope you can come to the show. Click here for advance tickets information.

================ About The Greencards ============

This critically acclaimed Austin-formed / Nashville-based band’s love and respect for Americana, bluegrass and country brought them together in 2003. The Greencards have:

• Toured multiple dates with Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Rosanne Cash, Kasey Chambers and Tim O'Brien just to name a few;
• Earned the Americana Music Association Award in 2006 for “Emerging Artist of the Year”; and
• Landed Grammy nominations in 2007 and December 2009.
  

Their urge to challenge themselves and test the limits of any established genre has guided singer / bassist Carol Young, and mandolin master Kym Warner (accompanied by fiddle and guitar) on their first three albums.

The Greencards released their fourth album in April 2009. Fascination is the band’s most daring project to date. Meticulously crafted arrangements serve as springboards for exhilarating improvisations. While technically breathtaking and acoustically driven, The Greencards have consistently moved towards a sound of their own.

The Greencards appeared at several festivals in 2009 such as Austin City Limits, Telluride, Walnut Valley (Winfield), Merlefest, Lollapalooza and the Cayamo Cruise. They will be performing at Grey Fox this July.

Visit The Greencards' CD Baby page to hear samples from of their various projects. You can also join them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/thegreencards

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.

2010 Merlefest Day 2

The second day of Merlefest (our first) was quite a day. It started with Cadillac Sky on the Hillside and watching David Mayfield roll down the hill. Then some Greencards, Gibson Brothers, Great Big Sea, Phill Wiggins + Corey Harris, Donna the Buffalo, more Cadillac Sky, Steep Canyon Rangers, Ben Prestage, more Greencards, the Belleville Outfit, Harry Manx, more Donna the Buffalo, Dailey & Vincent, Brave New Combo, Dierks Bentley & the Travlin' McCourys, and Sam Bush. Sorry Little Feat; I had to retire. A great selection of music. I'm also sorry I couldn't fit in the Chris Austin songwriters - but it was Donna The Buffalo.... New music to check out. Great Big Sea was a huge hit; the one man band Ben Prestage; I was also impressed with Dierks Bentley - he's more rounded than most country artists. Want crazy; try Brave New World - they have a great sound.

Today, Saturday, we are looking forward to more Cadillac Sky, Greencards, Great Big Sea, Donna The Buffalo playing with Jim Lauderdale, Scythian, and of course, Roy Book Binders' greatest blues you've never heard acts. This list includes Ben Prestage, Harry Manx, and Phill Wiggins + Corey Harris, but also John Hammond, Mitch Greenhill, and Eleanor Ellis. Its going to be a great day.

Merlefest: The Songs

At any festival there are usually a handful of individual performances of a song that stick in memory. This leads to remarks down the road such as, remember when Guy Forsyth sang "Mona" at the 2004 ACL? And Merlefest had its share. One example even occurred with the same song, when The Dixie Bee-Liners covered the bluegrass "Pioneer" Bo Didley on the Watson stage.The band played the same song the following day on the Hillside stage - but for whatever reason, their performance Saturday was more memorable. Maybe it was sharing the stage with members of The Belleville Outfit, or playing the main stage, or not being fatigued from 11 performance over 4 days, or just the thrill of hearing one of your favorite songs first played at a "bluegrass" festival.

Then there were the songs saluting fathers. I guess I'm becoming a sappy old dad. It started Friday with Dennis Duff's "A Man of Few Words" during the The 17th annual Chris Austin Songwriting Contest and continued with Emmylou Harris and her tribute to her father Saturday night. And it ended Sunday, with one of the final performances, The Gibson Brothers Bottomland. Fortunately I had downloaded that song to my ipod from their latest CD, Ring the Bell, and listened several times on the drive home. This is a great CD.

Then there was the unexpected, as in The Farewell Drifters cover of John Hartford's "In Tall Buildings. Who are these guys? What a great choice of a song to play. Their "River Song" was another good one.

The most jaw dropping performance occurred Sunday on the Hillside when The Greencards covered Patty Griffin's "What You Are". Many of us had never heard this song previously since it was recorded in Griffin's unreleased Selling Bells. But Carol Young nailed it - what an amazing voice. After wards it took the audience a few seconds to recover before applauding. Unbelievable the talent that amasses at Merlefest.

I would think one of the most memorable performances for those who stayed Sunday, was by Scythian on the Austin\Sugar Hill stage. After Danylo Fedoryka requested that the audience stand and lock arms, the band burst into "Those Were the Days". Hilarious. It did originate in Eastern Europe, so it was quite appropriate for this band. But throughout the entire song the audience swayed from side to side, or kicked, or bopped their head - risking following down the steep hillside. Awesome.

MyJoog Artist: The Greencards

At the 2004 Austin City Limits Music Festival we had a chance to watch a little known group perform on a small, sparsely attended stage and thought, wow that band is really good. Sort of bluegrass, sort of Celtic; while neighboring attendees thought they were watching Nickle Creek. The next day we arrived early in order to catch Kelly Willis and who do we find supporting her, the same band from the previous day: The Greencards. We were sold. Since then we have attended several performances by the band and have practically destroyed their first three CDs (Viridian, Weather and Water, and Movin' On) from over use.

The Greencards are Carol Young, Kym Warner, and Eamon McLoughlin; who all found themselves in Austin at about the same time. Not that atypical, except Young and Warner are from Australia and McLoughlin is from the United Kingdom. Separately all were raised in households that listened to American roots and country music. But not American bluegrass, as Ms. Young relates, "bluegrass was very hard to find in Sydney". Young and Warner found success as country artists, but both foresaw limited options in their home countries. Independently, they set off for Austin were their musical tastes were more appreciated. The Greencards formed about six years ago and after their debut album Movin' On, still had to make ends meet as studio musicians. At the time we first witnessed their act, McLoughlin was also a supporting musician for Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis. Ms. Willis invited the band to perform a couple opening songs then had The Greencards accompany her for the remainder of the set. This was one of the most memorable sets we have witnessed over three years attending the ACL.

During this period, the band slowly started to click, however, there was still several lows that every artist experiences. As Ms Young describes, "... I remember was a very poorly attended show in Charlotte, NC, next to no one showed up. We climbed into the van after the show and drove to Annapolis, MD. The three of us were totally bummed out, no one was talking to one another and everyone was at rock bottom. Then my phone rang, it was our booking agent in Nashville. He said, 'Are you sitting down - you've just been asked to open for Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson on their 6 week summer tour in baseball stadiums.' We quickly changed our attitudes!" The highs and lows in the music industry. We actually attended one of these performances at the Bowie Baysox stadium. The stadium was jammed packed - great publicity.

Within the music industry, artists must continually tour in order to increase name recognition and support CD sales. The Greencards are no exception and have toured throughout the United States and on occasion have returned home to perform. Some of their favorite venues are the The Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Nashville's Ryman Auditorium; Houston's McGonigel's Mucky Duck; the Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, Maryland; and the Sierra Nevada Tap Room in Chico, California. They will be performing at some of these venues, as well as some of our favorites (Jammin' Java and Knuckleheads) starting April 27th in support of their current CD, Fascination.

The band is very excited about this effort, particularly after spending more time writing and testing the material at bluegrass festivals before entering the studio. According to Warner, "Normally, we start writing a couple of weeks before recording ... and this time, we took eight or nine months”. Ms. Young believes it is their most focused CD and is more themed based than the previous. Each member "wrote differently, trying to create sound more like a unit ... starting with the title track, "Fascination." But don't worry; the CD portrays the bands trademark style - "after all we're still an acoustic band with fiddle, mandolin, guitar and bass".

We haven't listened to the CD, but will have our first taste at Merlefest, while we stalk the band during their multiple performances Saturday and Sunday. The trio are also looking forward to the festival, a chance to catch Linda Ronstadt on stage as well as the impromptu jam sessions that erupt when several artists find themselves in the same location. We can't wait - both their Merlefest sets and their April 27th show at Jammin' Java. Who knows we may even show up to the Rams Head Tavern on the 28th, Cafe 939 on the 30th.....

(Photo courtesy of The Greencards.)