Emily Hurd Brings Some Sanity to the Christmas Song Market

Chicago based singer-songwriter Emily Hurd started Christmas early this year by spending the month of October drafting ten original songs for her new Christmas CD, Any Given Day.  And I mean original. No overplayed Christmas or seasonal references here. Instead, we get her bluesy, soulful vocals reflecting on love and relationships - all wrapped around this glorious season. Take Glögg - a reference to mulled wine, but a song referring to a couple spending quality romance together. Or In the Spirit of Giving, a powerful song of the reconciliation of the soul. And we all want to believe in magic - Children Believe. Love Chain of Light as well. Did I mention the accompanying musicians: Gerald Dowd, Gregg Ostrom, and John Abbey.  Outstanding. In fact, this is such an enjoyable CD, I want to listen all year; you won't find it being boxed up with our other Christmas CDs and ornaments. Merry Christmas.

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band Rocks Jammin Java

Last weekend we saw The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band put on a classic show at Jammin' Java - illustrating why they are easily the best live show around. And they showcased this act to the largest audience I've seen at the venue in a long time. Here's a sample of what may have missed with more video and photos available at the MyJoogTV YouTube channel and Gallery.

Jessica Lea Mayfield & David Mayfield - The Sibling Rivalry Tour

Here's an interesting show, Jessica Lea Mayfield & David Mayfield - The Sibling Rivalry Tour - next stop - Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia. 

Siblings and best friends Jessica Lea Mayfield and David Mayfield will tour together this winter, playing 13 shows in the eastern United States.

Growing up in Kent, Ohio, the Mayfields were surrounded by bluegrass and folk music. Both David and Jessica first performed with their family band One Way Rider, traveling across the country in a 1956 tour bus once belonging to Bill Monroe, Kitty Wells, and Ernest Tubb. David began performing at age 12, while Jessica joined a few years later at age 8. Most of their time growing up was spent singing and absorbing the stories and lessons taught by veteran musicians.

By the time he was a teenager, David had won several national awards for his guitar and mandolin playing. He showed Jessica how to play a few guitar chords, and then she began writing her own songs at age 11. The two played open mic nights together, usually playing for tips. Then David got his first big break when he successfully auditioned for country artist Andy Griggs, which led to David's first appearance on the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage.

When David was 21 and Jessica was 15, they recorded Jessica's first EP White Lies in David's bedroom, printing only 100 copies. One of those copies fell into the hands of Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys). After an introduction, Jessica and Auerbach hit the studio, laying the foundation for her debut album With Blasphemy So Heartfelt, on which David played bass.

Over the next two years, David continued to play bass with Jessica, as she toured incessantly in support of With Blasphemy, playing major festivals like Bonnaroo, and opening for bands like The Avett Brothers, with whom they forged a strong friendship.

During this time, David also toured as a vocalist, songwriter, and lead guitarist for the folk rock band Cadillac Sky, but it was while on the road with Jessica that the Avetts encouraged David to make a record of his own, and so he did. David released his solo debut The David Mayfield Parade in 2011, which features songs co-written with Jessica, and vocals from Scott and Seth Avett.

Also in 2011, Nonesuch Records signed Jessica and released her second album Tell Me, also produced by Dan Auerbach. The album received rave reviews from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, SPIN, and Pitchfork, among others, and led to Jessica's network television debut on The Late Show with David Letterman. Later that year, the Americana Music Association nominated Jessica as "Best New Artist."
Now, with new albums on the horizon from both David and Jessica, the two siblings hit the road together again.

The Mavericks - Celebrating 20 Years - In Time

Raul Malo and The Mavericks will be celebrating the new year with a new album, In Time, scheduled for a January 29th release. This date also coincides with the band’s 20^th anniversary of their first major label album release. I'm getting old - but not these guys. Check out their performance at the 2012 Americana Music Festival:



The Mavericks "Come Unto Me" at the 2012 Americana Music Festival from Austin City Limits on Vimeo.

Garden & Gun Magazine's Back Porch Sessions

JJ Grey courtesy of
Garden & Gun Magazine

Today we received our weekly email from Garden & Gun Magazine and noticed a link to their Back Porch Sessions.  The current session is a solo acoustic set from JJ Grey sans Mofro, which includes Hide & Seek as well as some new tunes.Previous sessions include The Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile and The Avett Brothers. Pretty cool.

Album Review: The Highballers - Soft Music and Hard Liquor

Do you like songs about drinkin' and then apologizing afterwards. Does that happen to you often? Well, our favorite local old school country band, The Highballers, are sitting on a brand spankin' new album of original songs that pretty much reflect that lifestyle. Soft Music and Hard Liquor is a collection of classic honky tonk, rippin' guitar, and subtle harmonies that work as much today as in the past. No need to go past the opening track, Juneen, to hear what I mean. Sean Lally (Lead Guitar), Drake Sorey (Drums), and Michael Barrientos (Bass) provide the framework to frontman Kendall Jackson and backing vocalist Victoria Patchen country vocals.  Lally takes charge in I Didn't Mean to Get Drunk Last Night, Doing Time in Pennsylvania, and I Take Pride in My Drinkin' - notice a trend? Live to Let You Down is a classic country duet - showcasing the chemistry between Jackson and Patchen. But my favorite tracks are those with the more laid back melodies: The Price You Pay, Virginia, and Better Man. These are songs where the band's cohesiveness really shines with no one member overshadowing the others. The album will be officially released January 12, 2013 at IOTA Club & Cafe in Arlington, so make sure you put that date on your calendar.

Decisions, Decisions for Saturday Night - November 10th

I wanted to get out this Saturday to see some live music and now I'm completely torn; there are so many good shows that evening. Closest to home, jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter is performing at Jammin' Java. But then Ani DiFranco and Stephanie Mills are playing at the area's two most popular larger venues, the Nightclub 9:30 and The Birchmere respectively.  But I love the blues and the The Smokin Polecats are set to play The Zoo Bar. Then again, some rock n' roll might be nice with Justin Jones at the Rock & Roll Hotel.  And finally, our friends, William Walter & Co. return to town for their monthly gig at Whitlow's On Wilson. Any suggestion?

Update: And how could I forget the fiery Tinsley Ellis at The State Theatre.

PodOmatic: The Ongoing History Of The Blues

Any blues lovers out there? Then check out The Ongoing History Of The Blues hosted by Dave Reynolds and available via PodOmatic. The series starts with the Roots, then moves on to Chicago, Memphis, Texas, and the latest episode, British Blues. Each episode is fairly long, at least an hour, so give yourself a large listening window. Here's the summary of what to expect:

Though the blues is an American music form, its origins are most assuredly African. Come with me as we journey through the music's roots in West Africa, where slaves were loaded onto ships bound for America through the cotton fields and the Mississippi delta to Chicago and Detroit and all stops in between.

Brite Session: Kasey & Shane - "Adam and Eve"

A Brite session at AmericanaFest featuring the married duo Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson performing "Adam & Eve". This session is part of a special on-going video series produced by Brite Revolution in conjunction with the Americana Music Association and featuring many of the emerging and noted artists from the 2012 Americana Music Association Festival and Conference.

Rodriguez - Crucify Your Mind

Need to watch Searching For Sugar Man - Rodriguez.

Album Review: Matthew Perryman Jones - Land of the Living

We finally got around to listening to the latest from Matthew Perryman Jones and now I'm kicking myself why it took so long. The Land of the Living is cerebral - takes a couple of listens to recognize its themes and genius. What else could you call a set of recordings influenced by Vincent Van Gogh (O Theo & Land of the Living), Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca, and Persian poet Rumi (Land of the Living). There is no way these songs should even compete with the mindless pop crap that monopolizes are airwaves. The CD starts off with a haunting stories in both Stones From the Riverbed & Poisoning the Well leading to O Theo - easily the best track of the CD. The song weighs on your conscious:

In the half light of the city, She took off all of her clothes, I flew from the height of the mountain, Into the valley of dry bones- all alone, And my heart was still unknown, I was drunk and full of sorrows, I was longing for a home, With nowhere to go, O Theo.

Powerful. But don't stop there. The first rockin' song kicks in with Waking the Dead and then reverses itself in Keep It On the Inside to the title track. All are heavy, thought provoking songs - "You are beautiful and true, Dark and lovely, You stole my heart before I could give it away, I’ve said enough."

Support Scott Kurt & Memphis 59 Kickstarter Project

Our favorite local rock band, Scott Kurt & Memphis 59, is ready to record a new CD. The issue. Like most musicians - funds. You can assist their effort by supporting their Kickstarter Project as they attempt to raise $2,500. Here's the scoop in Scott's own words. You can also see the band tomorrow, Saturday October 20th at Tarara Vineyard & Winery for a free concert.

Hello friends,

Singer/Songwriter Scott Kurt here and I'm in the process of putting out a new album.  I've been working with some award winning musicians, engineers and producers who have also collaborated with artists like Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, and Rodney Atkins.  I've spent hours, days, weeks and months working on the lyrics, melodies and arrangements.  Luckily when I emerge from the studio my wife remembers what I look like!

Most of the record has been recorded, but I need your support to finish the project and bring it to life. There is still a lot of work to be done such as mixing all of the recorded music into songs, having those songs mastered, choosing the artwork for the album, and finally the duplication of the CD's.

My goal is to raise $2500 to cover these expenses.  This is a fully independent project which means there is no big record company funding the album, which is why your help is so important.  I've come up with some great incentive packages for you to choose from and any support is appreciated.  From $5 to $500, every bit helps.

Please spread the word to any music lovers out there and I want to thank you for your time and support.

-Scott

To see me online visit:  www.scottkurt.com

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.

 

Album Review: Cahalen Morrison & Eli West: Old Time Music from the Evergreen State

We recently received a preview copy of Our Lady of the Tall Trees from the Seattle based duo - Cahalen Morrison & Eli West. And let me tell you, this is an excellent listen - from the vocal harmonies to the mandolin, banjo and guitar.  Just listen to the first two tracks: Stone to Sand & A Lady Does Not Often Falter. Who knew Seattle was a breeding ground for American roots music. And make sure you listen all the way to the instrumental Red Prairie Dawn - pretty good stuff.

Album Review: Jimmy Herring - Subject to Change Without Notice

Jimmy Herring - Subject to Change Without Notice

Widespread Panic lead guitarist Jimmy Herring has just released his 2nd solo album, Subject to Change Without Notice, which is the most complex instrumental release we've heard in our many days of scouring music. Sorry John Jorgenson. As Herring relates on his website, "he plays guitar - buts wants to be a singer". Well this release sings to us. Harrison's Within You Without You is self evident, and Kaleidoscope Carousel is simply mesmerizing. The jam band comes around in Jimmy McGriff’s Miss Poopie; alt-country Americana in Curfew; and Blues-Rock-Jazz in Bilgewater Blues. Outstanding. This is one CD which never tires from fatigue. And the Jimmy Herring Band (Jeff Sipe - Drums, Matt Slocum - Piano/Keyboards, and Neal Fountain - Bass)  hit the road in November- see you at The State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia on the 9th.