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.

Album Review: The Honey Dewdrops - Tangled Country

Five years ago this summer I heard the The Honey Dewdrops for the first time at Floydfest 9 and came away very impressed with the acoustic duo. Now Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish are set to release their 4th album Tangled Country - an original collection of rootsy folk and blues. The album was recorded in their Baltimore hometown, produced by Nicholas Sjostrom (also playing bass and piano) and featuring Dave Hadley on pedal steel and E.J. Shaull-Thompson on drums. Wortman and Parrish have been performing together since 2003 and their stripped down sound is powerful starting with Wortman's vocals. She's simply impressive, then combine Parrish's soft harmonies as in Lowlands,  Horses, and Numb and you have some excellent songs. Loneliest Songs and Parrish's lead in Fair Share Blues are my two favorite tracks. Listen to the end because the musicianship in the last track Remington pretty much sums up this enjoyable release. Pair with my favorite Baltimore brewery, Brewer's Art. Cheers.

Album Review: Gill Landry's Self-titled New Release

Hopefully you are already familiar with Gill Landry from his work with Old Crow Medicine Show, but if not, start catching up by listening to his upcoming self titled album Gill Landry. Landry recorded and self-produced the album in Nashville, playing most of the instruments. There are some guest appearances, notably Robert Ellis playing a mean guitar in Fennario, Mumford and Sons trumpet player Nick Etwell in Lost Love, and Laura Marling in Take This Body. Yet the album is uniquely Landry; honest, soft spoken, and descriptive - based on his wandering experiences across this country. The aforementioned Take This Body is reason enough to procure this release, with the easy melody in Just Like You and the overall impact of Fennario, close seconds. Born in Louisiana, pair this album with Louisiana Spirits, makers of Bayou Rum situated not far from Landry's hometown of Lake Charles

Album Review: James McMurtry - Complicated Game

This week James McMurtry releases Complicated Game, his first studio album in six years (that was Just Us Kids). I'm probably one of a very few set of people who love McMurtry's music, but am not a big fan of his protest songs. Yet, I can say, I love everything about this release. McMurtry's strength is story telling, I guess you can say he's a fiction writer like his father, just a different media. Produced by C.C. Adcock and Mike Napolitano, Complicated Game is full of stories of the working man and catches your attention with the opening lyrics: "Don't yell at me while I'm cleaning my gun" and Copper Canteen continues with a vivid account of the song's hero.  The album proceeds in a similar vein - vivid storytelling. You Got To Me is another remembrance song, while How'm I Gonna Find You Now is vintage McMurtry staccato rap. My favorite track is Carlisle's Haul, a song about fishermen, which apparently received its inspiration from McMurtry spending time on the southern Potomac where it meets the Chesapeake. Deaver's Crossing has a great melody and the album concludes with Cutter, a slow, serious, song of introspection. I think this is his best overall album yet - perhaps not an individual hit like Just Us Kids or Levelland, but the overall quality of each song makes this a classic album.

The musicianship is also first rate; completely expected when you examine the cast of players. McMurtry's traveling band consists of Daren Hess (drums), Tim Holt (electric guitar) and Cornbread Traylor (bass), and all perform on the album, but McMurtry had loads of assistance recording Complicated Game. Producer Adcock plays the electric guitar on most tracks and there are appearances by Curtis McMurtry (Banjo), Rick Nelson (Violin, cello), Sam Broussard(Strings), Derek Trucks (Slide guitar), Sam Broussard (Electric guitar), Richard Comeaux (Pedal steel), Kevin Smith (Upright bass), Benmont Tench (Hammond B3, Wurli, Piano), Danny Barnes (Banjo, Ivan Neville (Moog bass), Dirk Powell (Mandolin, fiddle, banjo, upright bass, violin, harpsichord), Donald Shaw (Piano, accordion, harmonium), Warren Storm (Drum kit), Dustin Welch (Banjo), Dave Rosser (Bass), Denny Freeman (Bari guitar), and Doyle Bramhall II (Backing vocals). Now, that's some talent.

Evidently, McMurtry and the band are fans of Lagunitas Brewing Company so pair Complicated Game with a Little Sumpin' Sumpin' or Hop Stoopid Ale. Cheers. 

A Nomadic Life Springs Forth Jason Tyler Burton and Headwaters

With all my WineCompass duties in July, I missed the July 8th release of Headwaters, the sophomore release from Jason Tyler Burton. But I've been catching up all day with the release on a continuous loop. Not one sour grape in the bunch. And I can't decide which track I enjoy most. I thought A Garden Grows, then The Waltz, then A Finer Line, then the powerful title track, and so on down the line. All are characterized by Burton's soft, easy vocals; subtle harmonica, strings, and guitars; and phenomenal backing vocals. Must be either Katy Taylor, Jessika Soli Bartlett, Rachel Panitch, or Lynsey Shelar. The inspiration for the album comes from Burton's wandering ways - specifically trying to find the source of the Green River in the mountains of Wyoming:

In 2007, he and his wife ventured west from Kentucky to the Utah wilderness, leaving behind the security of a career in higher education, with a desire “to take some risks and live a better story,” living out of their van and working with the National Park Service and other seasonal jobs. The idea for the album came to him while searching for the source of the Green River in the mountains of Wyoming, recalling his childhood pastime. The songs on Headwaters were born out of the stories he encountered while living this nomadic life in the heart of the American West, stories about the search for meaning and belonging.

Listen often and pair with Bitter Creek Brewing, located not far from the Green River in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Cheers.

Album Review: Brian Pounds - Strikes and Gutters

When I received the Strikes and Gutters EP from Brian Pounds, I was immediately impressed by his smooth, soulful vocals. I guess The Voice was a relevant venue to display his talents.  Then you add in the pedal steel and I'm hooked. The pedal steel is played by Brian Douglas Phillips (also the producer) and I enjoy listening to the interplay between Pounds' vocals and the country twang of the instrument. Pounds' songwriting is also passionate and honest, the opening track reminds me of the late Brad Payne, whereas I feel Keep My Hands to Myself was written for JJ Grey. Fred Mandujand (drums), Matt Wiley (electric guitar), and Billy Masters (electric guitar) round out the supporting cast; and I looking forward to following this obviously upward mobile musician. Pair with Austin's Adelbert's Brewery. Cheers.

Jeff Black's "Folklore" Released Today April 1st

Jeff Black continues his roots music tradition by releasing his 10th CD, Folklore. I'm not sure what part I enjoy more, Black's clear vocals and powerful and vivid songwriting or the "bare bones" musical notes from the 5 string banjo, 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars and harmonica. The title tack is my favorite song, with Break the Ground and Flatcar close behind - but all of Folklore is acoustic poetry. The cover photograph is also pretty cool and reflects the roots tradition of this release. The photo was taken by Black's paternal grandmother, Lotos Nile Black in 1930. Jeff Black writes in his liner notes: “I think it’s the picture of my Dad looking into the camera, into the future, that inspires me, and the fade of my Uncle into the unknown that keeps me searching.”  Recorded at Black’s Arcana Studios and mixed by Dave Sinko (Chris Thile & the Punch Brothers, Sam Bush Band, Don Williams), the CD comes highly recommended. Pair with Nashville's Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery rootsy pre-prohibition brand Belle Meade Bourbon.

Nickle Creek Returns with A Dotted Line

Photo by Brantley Gutierrez

I was completely surprised last week to learn that Nickle Creek has regrouped to release a new CD - A Dotted Line. I've enjoyed following the careers of Sara Watkins, Sean Watkins, and Chris Thile since the "tragic" disbandment - when was that, early 2007?  Each have proven that the prodigy label was no fluke, by continuing their solo careers and successfully fronting other bands.  Now they are back with a release that accentuates each performer's strengths - gliding between each of their instruments and then punctuated with stellar harmonies. The songs oscillates between traditional and non-traditional so this isn't the bluegrass you were accustomed from hearing from the 2000's era Nickle Creek. Just check out the punkish Hayloft or the gospel-ish 21st of May where Sean Watkins' guitar sounds a bit like Larry Keel. The album grabbed my attention with Destination, which has it all - Sara Watkins wonderful voice, tight harmonies, and catchy picking. They nail the two instrumentals (Elsie & Elephant in the Corn) and Thile fronts a couple sure winners in Love of Mine and You Don't Know What's Going On. The trio are touring all Spring in support of A Dotted Line so get your tickets soon as some venues have already sold out - like the Nightclub 9:30. Pair with Carlsbad California's Witch Creek Winery.

Album Review: Greg Trooper - Incident On Willow Street

Recently I was sent the SoundCloud link for Greg Trooper's Incident On Willow Street and it's been making me wonder why I hadn't been following this singer songwriter earlier.  There's nothing to really fault about this release. The songwriting makes you pay attention to learn how his distraught or luckless characters fare in the end; there's no laid back mindless listening here. The musicianship is first rate (check out Good Luck Heart) and why not with multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell on hand. Sadly, makes me miss Levon Helm even more. Also appearing on the album are Kenneth Blevins, Texan Jack Saunders, Oli Rockberger, and harmony vocals from Lucy Wainwright Roche. Not bad. Other favorites are Steel Deck Bridge and One Honest Man. Pair with Trooper's hometown brew: Brooklyn Brewery.

Album Review: The Blushin' Roulettes - Old Mill Sessions

Anybody else ever heard of The Blushin' Roulettes? I came across their latest release - Old Mill Sessions - from Hearth Music and I strongly encourage you to seek out this act. Their tag line is "The Blushin’ Roulettes deliver old-time tunes with a modern twist"; and they are true to form. Modern twist - yea, check out Coffee Black Night or the exquisite Sadness Thief. Whereas Angie Heimann (guitar) leads most songs, and has a beautiful voice, the best comes when Cas Sochacki (dobro) adds his baritone voice to the duet in Let It Roll. Heimann's solo in Jillian is another favorite accompanied by fine instrumentals from Buddy Stubbs (lead guitar). One sad note is that drummer Jubal Stedman passed away suddenly right before their mid-February release. God bless.

Album Review: Amy Speace - How To Sleep In A Stormy Boat

I'm about a year behind this album, but I just got word that Amy Speace is releasing a new deluxe edition of How To Sleep In A Stormy Boat which includes the companion CD, Same Old Storm - for $25. This is a serious compilation - particularly in the songwriting; but also fragile in its composition. Speace has an enchanting voice - Bring Me Back My Heart - and she can delivery it in multiple fashions - folk, celtic, bluesy - all gracefully.  Being a Baltimore native, pair with the elegant Pinot Noir from Elk Run Vineyards. Cheers.

Free Songs from Dean Fields - Any Minute Now

Recently I signed up on Dean Fields newsletter and received a link for free songs from his latest release Any Minute Now.  These are honest songs some with soothing backing vocals; others with a soothing string orchestra. This is simply an enjoyable collection of songs.Check out Fields tour schedule because in the next few weeks he is scheduled to appear with Levi Lowrey, Ari Hest, and Matthew Mayfield.

Album Review: Cahalen Morrison & Eli West - I'll Swing My Hammer With Both My Hands

All it takes to appreciate I'll Swing My Hammer With Both My Hands, the latest from the acoustic duo Cahalen Morrison & Eli West, is to listen to the first track Fiddlehead Farm.The song includes all the attributes that I have come to appreciate from these two: outstanding picking, melodies, and balanced harmonies. What a song. The rest of the album mixes gospel, Appalachian themes, and Irish folk, with special guest fiddlers Ryan Drickey and Brittany Haas as well as bassist Erin Youngberg played bass, and Tim O’Brien. In fact O'Brien produced the release, ensuring a CD well worth grabbing - all you need is a Pocket Full of Dust (my 2nd favorite track).  Since it was recorded in the Colorado Rockies, pair with Fort Collins based Odell Brewing Company or New Belgium Brewing Company. Cheers.

Jim Hanft and Samantha Yonack Harmonize in "Run My Love"

Last night we were invited to the IOTA Club  to see Jim Hanft and partner Samantha Yonack open for Hoots & Hellmouth. Hanft is touring in support of his new CD, Weddings or Funerals which we discussed previously here.  This evening, the duo performed several songs from this release which showcases their vocal harmonies. This is what I believe differentiates Hanft from the cadre of other singer songwriters. There are many like him who can write interesting songs and handle the harp\guitar combo - but few supplement with beautiful harmonies - particularly those from Ms. Yonack. Just check out the video below of "Run My Love" to see what I mean. More videos are available at the MyJoogTV YouTube channel. 

Jim Hanft Releases 'Weddings or Funerals'

Makes you wonder how difficult the music industry has become when it takes an American folk artist to be discovered by a Swedish record producer. That's what happened to Jim Hanft when Veranda Records owner, Petra Marten, attended a show in NYC. a short while later she offered Hanft a record deal and it was off to Stockholm with musical partner Samantha Yonack to record some music. Twelve of the twenty songs recorded made it into his new CD, Weddings or Funerals which was officially released today.

I received a Soundcloud link to the release a few weeks back and have been listening to it quite regularly when online. And actually had it piped through speakers playing in our condo last week during vacation. Got to like unlimited broadband. These are real songs, honest songwriting recorded with minimalist production. Just Hanft, his acoustic guitar, harmonica, and supporting vocals from Yonack. Their duo in "Lazy Love" showcase her vocal abilities. "Run My Love" and "Alternate Route" are my favorite tracks; each with Yonack's soft backing and Americana at its heart. The later really reminds me of James Hyland from the old South Austin Jug Band. Check this CD out.

Paul Kelly Brings His Box Set and Memoir to the States

For thirty years, Paul Kelly has been writing and performing some of the best songs you've probably never heard of. Me too - but not my more musically inclined brother - who's been listening to Kelly since his debut album Talk in 1981. I'm a late convert - but fortunately all his recordings are now available in a 8-disc (105 song), live box set called The A-Z Recordings which will be officially available in North America exclusively via Amazon on February 28. It will also available as a deluxe box-set version that bundles it with his critically acclaimed “mongrel memoir” How To Make Gravy: A to Z, A Mongrel Memoir (Penguin Int’l), available by itself and as a 9-disc audio edition (the 9th disc features guest readers that include: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, and Hugh Jackman). iPhone and iPad apps are available for the book.

Even better, Kelly is returning to the states for a quick one month tour starting on the 28th in Austin and then traveling to a few cities with some being multiple night stops. Like the shows at Jammin Java March 11th & 12th. Below is his tour schedule plus links to audio and video samples. Take a listen to that clear, precise guitar playing and honest lyrics.  I'm almost through the complete box set - 105 songs that keep your mind occupied.


Paul Kelly Greatest Hits: Songs From The South Volumes 1 & 2

(Deeper Water Live)




US Tour:

Paul Kelly - Cactus Cafe Austin, TX: Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Paul Kelly - Cactus Cafe Austin, TX: Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Paul Kelly - Club Cafe Pittsburgh, PA: Saturday, March 03, 2012

Paul Kelly - Mountain Stage Charleston, WV: Sunday, March 04, 2012

Paul Kelly - Rockwood Music Hall New York, NY: Monday, March 05, 2012

Paul Kelly - Rockwood Music Hall New York, NY: Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Paul Kelly - Rockwood Music Hall New York, NY: Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Paul Kelly - Rockwood Music Hall New York, NY: Thursday, March 08, 2012

Paul Kelly - Rockwood Music Hall New York, NY: Friday, March 09, 2012

An Evening with Paul Kelly - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Sunday, March 11, 2012P

An Evening with Paul Kelly - Jammin' Java Vienna, VA: Monday, March 12, 2012M

Paul Kelly - World Cafe Live Philadelphia, PA: Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Paul Kelly - World Cafe Live Philadelphia, PA: Thursday, March 15, 2012

Paul Kelly - Club Passim Cambridge, MA: Friday, March 16, 2012

Paul Kelly - Club Passim Cambridge, MA: Saturday, March 17, 2012

Paul Kelly - Largo Los Angeles, CA: Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Paul Kelly - Swedish American Hall San Francisco, CA: Thursday, March 22, 2012

Paul Kelly - Swedish American Hall San Francisco, CA: Friday, March 23, 2012

Paul Kelly - The Triple Door Seattle, WA: Sunday, March 25, 2012

Paul Kelly - The Triple Door Seattle, WA: Monday, March 26, 2012