MyJoog Blog: The Tillers

Frequent readers will know that the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is one of our favorite music festivals. (See past coverage.) Where else can you enjoy live music at a large outdoor pavilion or inside a coffee shop or perhaps an historic theater or a billiards hall. Only in Bristol Tennessee and Virginia. And the price for a 3 day ticket ranges from an early bird $50 for three days to only $100 at the gate. In addition to headliners Loretta Lynn and Buddy Guy, the lineup is spectacular as listed below with special attention to Cracker, Hayes Carll, Darrell Scott, Scythian, Blair Crimmins & the Hookers, Mike Farris, and The Tillers. Hope to see you there.

I generally associate old time string music with the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains, but sometime fail to realize the significance of music culture on the western side. Particularly the music emanating from the northwestern edge of Appalachian coal country. But after receiving a copy of The Tillers Hand on the Plow, no longer. These former punk rockers become historians, cover the coal mining history of the area, the loss of farmland, the unionization caused by abuses from the coal companies, even going back into the Indian wars and the conflicts with Tecumseh and the Shawnee in Ohio.

Brothers Sean and Aaron Geil, along with Michael Oberst deliver a moving compilation of songs, from Old Westside to Weary Soul - a powerful finale for the CD. In between you will be captivated by the musicianship and the lyrics - all raw and recorded straight to tape. This trio nails it.

Saturday, July 16, 2016

It's Not Too Early to Plan for the 2016 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Album Review: The Tillers - Hand on the Plow