Here's a musical treasure trove he and his mates created:
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Andy M. Stewart has passed
Here's a musical treasure trove he and his mates created:
"When I Go" - Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer
Imagine having the following as your initial musical exposure to Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer. Wow.
Call it one of my cherished musical memories -- such a way with words and music and it was wonderfully followed up by so many more compelling creations.
Dave, you and your music are so missed. Thank you so much for the beauty you gave to us.
Call it one of my cherished musical memories -- such a way with words and music and it was wonderfully followed up by so many more compelling creations.
Dave, you and your music are so missed. Thank you so much for the beauty you gave to us.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
John Runsey's top picks for 2015
John Rumsey of KVMR in Nevada City and his "Four Strong Winds" show offers his top picks for 2015:
Another incredible year of high quality recordings
1. Andy and Judy, Follow Your Dreams, Cherry Bridge Records
2. Barwick and Siegfried, The Trestle, FGM Records
3. Tom Russell, The Rose of Roscrae , Proper Records
4. Greg Blake, Songs of Heart and Home, Self Produced
5. Steve Spurgin, Solo Flight, Blue Night Records
6. Rita Hosking, Frankie and the No-Go Road, Self Produced
7. Boxcar Lillies, Knockout Rose, Self Produced
8. Pharis & Jason Romero, A Wanderer I’ll Stay, Lula Records
9. Honey dewdrops, Tangled Country, Self Produced
10. Dave Gunning, The Lift , Self Produced
...along with other favorites from the year including John McCutcheon, Avery Hill, Gene & Gayla Mills, David Llywellen & Ida Kristin...
Another incredible year of high quality recordings
1. Andy and Judy, Follow Your Dreams, Cherry Bridge Records
2. Barwick and Siegfried, The Trestle, FGM Records
3. Tom Russell, The Rose of Roscrae , Proper Records
4. Greg Blake, Songs of Heart and Home, Self Produced
5. Steve Spurgin, Solo Flight, Blue Night Records
6. Rita Hosking, Frankie and the No-Go Road, Self Produced
7. Boxcar Lillies, Knockout Rose, Self Produced
8. Pharis & Jason Romero, A Wanderer I’ll Stay, Lula Records
9. Honey dewdrops, Tangled Country, Self Produced
10. Dave Gunning, The Lift , Self Produced
...along with other favorites from the year including John McCutcheon, Avery Hill, Gene & Gayla Mills, David Llywellen & Ida Kristin...
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Best of 2015 English, Irish, Scottish, celtic (you name it) releases
Moving across the pond, here's Martin Chilton with his selections as the best 2015 folk releases. Count 65.
Another folk Top 10 list
Folk Alley's 10 Favorite Artists of 2015
"I’m With Her, Three Americana Virtuosos"
Jon Pareles' "I’m With Her, Three Americana Virtuosos" reviews a recent concert featuring Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and mandolin and Aoife O’Donovan performing together.
Friday, December 11, 2015
American Songwriter's Top 50 albums of 2015
Rich Warren's Favorites of 2015
(I hope this reproduces properly as I did not format it as cleanly as I
do my playlists.)
Favorites of 2015
First, an explanatory note:
I refrain from calling these "The Best of 2015" because the following list is but one listener's biased opinion. I have culled these from the many good recordings that crossed my CD player this year. I'm sure I forgot to include several notable recordings. They say the CD is waning, yet all told, I estimate The Midnight Special received at least 1000 new recordings, and I listened to about 500 new recordings, of which about 250 made it into the WFMT library, and about 150 received airplay. I do not include reissues and most compilations among these favorites, although there is a major exception this year. As the cut-off date is November 25, some of the newest recordings will not be considered until next year.
Sometimes the mediocrity completely overwhelms me, while at other times I marvel at the creativity and brilliance. There are ten favorites this year. It boiled down to being exceptionally discriminating or a list of 25. I probably could have halved these or doubled the number yet again. There was ample good music, but only these ten grabbed me. While I thought about these choices long and hard for several weeks, if not most of the year, had I made the list a day earlier or a day later it might have been slightly different.
If a good friend visited from out-of-town with only an hour or two to spare, and asked me to play my favorites from 2015, I would play the following. Actually, I have purchased quantities of several of them to give to friends for the holidays.
By way of explanation, I have annotated the CDs on the list, arranged alphabetically.
Matthew Byrne: Hearts & Heroes self 79444-00525 (matthewbyrne.net)
Matthew Byrne, a young newcomer, hails from remote Newfoundland. The CD is a mixture of traditional and traditional-sounding songs, and a couple of exceptionally beautiful instruments showing of his guitar virtuosity. His interpretations show a respect for and intelligence about the music that makes this album special.
Dave Gunning: Lift Wee House of Music 2015 (davegunning.com)
One of the many top notch singer-songwriters from Canada, another artist from the Maritimes, in this case, Nova Scotia, Gunning collaborates with a wide range of co-writers to sing about an array of topics and subjects that keep this album exceptionally entertaining, from songs with political overtones to old-fashioned love songs cleverly expressed. Gunning also is a fine singer and guitarist and this album will hold your attention from first to last track.
Lori Lieberman: Ready for the Storm Drive On 11511-14 (lorilieberman.com)
Lori Lieberman's voices remains as gorgeous and expressive as it was 40 years ago, but now is even more nuanced and knowing as it expresses some exceptionally good lyrics and memorable melodies. Although most of the songs are broken-hearted love songs, there are few quite interesting vows and explorations that keep the CD interesting throughout. "Three Days" literally is a heart-stopper. Lieberman co-wrote most of the songs, so each has a slightly different flavor and feel. The production is simple and appropriate, never masking her superb voice.
Jim Malcolm: The Corncrake self 80992-14431 (jimmalcolm.com)
Jim Malcolm is now the dean of performing Scottish folk singers. Unlike many Scots singers, he spends most of his time at home in rural Scotland. His obvious affinity for the music gives this album authenticity, but he never buries the lyrics beneath an exaggerated Scots burr, although the dialect remains intact. As usual, he's chosen mostly traditional and traditional sounding songs to share. Beyond the material, his truly lovely voice proves that traditional singers can be enjoyed for their beauty as well as for keeping the great songs alive. Malcolm was once the lead singer of the popular group Old Blind Dogs and that band has never been quite as good since he left. Meanwhile, he's impressively grown as a solo artist.
Tom Paxton: Redemption Road Pax 010 (tompaxton.com)
Tom Paxton creates one amazing album after another. He's been at it for over 50 years. Not all of are equal brilliance, but a good Tom Paxton album surpasses most other singer-songwriters with ease. It's uncertain if this will be Paxton's last album of new material, but he ties up a few loose ends with songs about aging and retiring, as well as one exceptional love song, "Central Square." His sense of humor remains intact with a pair of humorous songs. No Paxton album would be complete without some humor. He also retains his political edge. In other words, this is the full Paxton buffet. However, he ends with "The Parting Glass," perhaps a message to his fans that he is leaving. Thus, this album is worth savoring as an example of the genius who has given us so many great songs.
John Roberts & Debra Cowan: Ballads Long and Short Golden Hind 111 (goldenhind.com / debracowan.com)
Put together two of the most serious and humorous traditional singers of our time and be prepared for an album that honestly brings to life traditional music with a knowledge of the genre rare in our time. They compliment the traditional songs a few contemporary traditional sounding songs, including one with a definite wink and a nod. John Roberts a long time practitioner of the art of traditional music finally found a new singing partner worth his mettle in Debra Cowan, who possesses a most pleasing voice and love of the music. It's not merely that they do justice to the material on this CD; it's obvious that they enjoy it.
Elaine Romanelli: The Hour Before self 88295-24554 (elaineromanelli.com)
In an era of singer-songwriters with dubious production values, Elaine Romanelli shines like a super nova with just her and her grand pianos. Her utterly haunting performance leads down the mirrored corridors of lost love with highly original reflections and melodies that tug and pull emotions. While normally producers gum up recordings, in this case Si Kahn, mostly known for his labor and political songs, brings Romanelli to her full glory via sparseness. Of all the singer-songwriter recordings received this year, this one most unnerved me with its simultaneous simplicity and complexity.
Tom Russell: The Rose of Roscrae - A Ballad of the West Frontera 9 (tomrussell.com)
Tom Russell operates on Daniel Burnham's edict: "Make no small plans, they have no magic to stir men's blood." Picking up where The Man From God Knows Where left off over a decade ago, this magic rollicking, rambling two CD epic includes a score of guest performers, both living, recorded especially for this album and deceased from various audio archives. Thus, the album includes Walt Whitman and Lead Belly along with Maura O'Connell, Guy Clark and Eliza Gilkyson and even the Swiss Yodel Choir of Bern and the Norwegian Wind Ensemble. It ranges from rock to nearly acoustic, with bits of spoken poetry and narration. The original songs are Tom Russell instant classics. This is a mind bending journey through American history and the Irish diaspora best enjoyed with a sip of single- barrel aged bourbon.
Happy Traum: Just for the Love of It Lark's Nest 00261-42584 (happytraum.com)
The title of the album sums it up. Happy Traum, the preeminent guitarist who started during the folk boom and accompanied many great artists, along with several albums with his late brother Artie, sat back, took stock and with a deep, subtle passion recorded an album of his favorite traditional and contemporary songs and instrumentals. Although well on in years, his fingers still do their dance on the guitar as agilely as in his youth and he sings with the experience only years provide. Many older artists attempt to go back and mine gold, but Traum succeeds. He's accompanied by many talented artists including John Sebastian on harmonica; Abby Newton, cello; Martin Simpson, guitar and David Amram, the one-man orchestra.
Joy of Living - A Tribute to Ewan MacColl
Damien Dempsey, Martin Carthy, The Unthanks, Seth Lakeman, Marry Waterson, Jack Steadman & Jamie MacColl, Dick Gaughan, Eliza Carthy, Chaim Tannenbaum, Steve Earle, Jarvis Cocker, Paul Buchanan, Paul Brady, Norma Waterson, Karine Polwart, Martin Simpson, Christy Moore, Billy Bragg, Rufus & Martha Wainwright, Kathryn Williams, David Gray
Compass 748572 (compassrecords.com)
The contributors to the 21-tracks of this two-CD set read like a who's who of contemporary British folk, along with some surprises such as the Wainwrights and Steve Earle. The songs were selected by Ewan's children from his marriage with Peggy, Neill, Calum and Kitty. They included well known songs, some of which have slipped into the folk tradition, and some of Ewan's lesser known songs. If you're not familiar with Ewan MacColl, a Renaissance man, actor, writer, and singer, this is a fascinating introduction. For Ewan's fans this is a confirmation of the artistry and validity of his work. He would have been much more famous in the U.S., save for his politics that kept him out of this country for a decade or more. MacColl ranks high in the pantheon of traditional and contemporary folk artists and should never be forgotten. This set does him justice.
Rich Warren
The Midnight Special & Folkstage
www.midnightspecial.org
98.7 FM WFMT Radio & nationally syndicated
5400 N. St. Louis Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
Favorites of 2015
First, an explanatory note:
I refrain from calling these "The Best of 2015" because the following list is but one listener's biased opinion. I have culled these from the many good recordings that crossed my CD player this year. I'm sure I forgot to include several notable recordings. They say the CD is waning, yet all told, I estimate The Midnight Special received at least 1000 new recordings, and I listened to about 500 new recordings, of which about 250 made it into the WFMT library, and about 150 received airplay. I do not include reissues and most compilations among these favorites, although there is a major exception this year. As the cut-off date is November 25, some of the newest recordings will not be considered until next year.
Sometimes the mediocrity completely overwhelms me, while at other times I marvel at the creativity and brilliance. There are ten favorites this year. It boiled down to being exceptionally discriminating or a list of 25. I probably could have halved these or doubled the number yet again. There was ample good music, but only these ten grabbed me. While I thought about these choices long and hard for several weeks, if not most of the year, had I made the list a day earlier or a day later it might have been slightly different.
If a good friend visited from out-of-town with only an hour or two to spare, and asked me to play my favorites from 2015, I would play the following. Actually, I have purchased quantities of several of them to give to friends for the holidays.
By way of explanation, I have annotated the CDs on the list, arranged alphabetically.
Matthew Byrne: Hearts & Heroes self 79444-00525 (matthewbyrne.net)
Matthew Byrne, a young newcomer, hails from remote Newfoundland. The CD is a mixture of traditional and traditional-sounding songs, and a couple of exceptionally beautiful instruments showing of his guitar virtuosity. His interpretations show a respect for and intelligence about the music that makes this album special.
Dave Gunning: Lift Wee House of Music 2015 (davegunning.com)
One of the many top notch singer-songwriters from Canada, another artist from the Maritimes, in this case, Nova Scotia, Gunning collaborates with a wide range of co-writers to sing about an array of topics and subjects that keep this album exceptionally entertaining, from songs with political overtones to old-fashioned love songs cleverly expressed. Gunning also is a fine singer and guitarist and this album will hold your attention from first to last track.
Lori Lieberman: Ready for the Storm Drive On 11511-14 (lorilieberman.com)
Lori Lieberman's voices remains as gorgeous and expressive as it was 40 years ago, but now is even more nuanced and knowing as it expresses some exceptionally good lyrics and memorable melodies. Although most of the songs are broken-hearted love songs, there are few quite interesting vows and explorations that keep the CD interesting throughout. "Three Days" literally is a heart-stopper. Lieberman co-wrote most of the songs, so each has a slightly different flavor and feel. The production is simple and appropriate, never masking her superb voice.
Jim Malcolm: The Corncrake self 80992-14431 (jimmalcolm.com)
Jim Malcolm is now the dean of performing Scottish folk singers. Unlike many Scots singers, he spends most of his time at home in rural Scotland. His obvious affinity for the music gives this album authenticity, but he never buries the lyrics beneath an exaggerated Scots burr, although the dialect remains intact. As usual, he's chosen mostly traditional and traditional sounding songs to share. Beyond the material, his truly lovely voice proves that traditional singers can be enjoyed for their beauty as well as for keeping the great songs alive. Malcolm was once the lead singer of the popular group Old Blind Dogs and that band has never been quite as good since he left. Meanwhile, he's impressively grown as a solo artist.
Tom Paxton: Redemption Road Pax 010 (tompaxton.com)
Tom Paxton creates one amazing album after another. He's been at it for over 50 years. Not all of are equal brilliance, but a good Tom Paxton album surpasses most other singer-songwriters with ease. It's uncertain if this will be Paxton's last album of new material, but he ties up a few loose ends with songs about aging and retiring, as well as one exceptional love song, "Central Square." His sense of humor remains intact with a pair of humorous songs. No Paxton album would be complete without some humor. He also retains his political edge. In other words, this is the full Paxton buffet. However, he ends with "The Parting Glass," perhaps a message to his fans that he is leaving. Thus, this album is worth savoring as an example of the genius who has given us so many great songs.
John Roberts & Debra Cowan: Ballads Long and Short Golden Hind 111 (goldenhind.com / debracowan.com)
Put together two of the most serious and humorous traditional singers of our time and be prepared for an album that honestly brings to life traditional music with a knowledge of the genre rare in our time. They compliment the traditional songs a few contemporary traditional sounding songs, including one with a definite wink and a nod. John Roberts a long time practitioner of the art of traditional music finally found a new singing partner worth his mettle in Debra Cowan, who possesses a most pleasing voice and love of the music. It's not merely that they do justice to the material on this CD; it's obvious that they enjoy it.
Elaine Romanelli: The Hour Before self 88295-24554 (elaineromanelli.com)
In an era of singer-songwriters with dubious production values, Elaine Romanelli shines like a super nova with just her and her grand pianos. Her utterly haunting performance leads down the mirrored corridors of lost love with highly original reflections and melodies that tug and pull emotions. While normally producers gum up recordings, in this case Si Kahn, mostly known for his labor and political songs, brings Romanelli to her full glory via sparseness. Of all the singer-songwriter recordings received this year, this one most unnerved me with its simultaneous simplicity and complexity.
Tom Russell: The Rose of Roscrae - A Ballad of the West Frontera 9 (tomrussell.com)
Tom Russell operates on Daniel Burnham's edict: "Make no small plans, they have no magic to stir men's blood." Picking up where The Man From God Knows Where left off over a decade ago, this magic rollicking, rambling two CD epic includes a score of guest performers, both living, recorded especially for this album and deceased from various audio archives. Thus, the album includes Walt Whitman and Lead Belly along with Maura O'Connell, Guy Clark and Eliza Gilkyson and even the Swiss Yodel Choir of Bern and the Norwegian Wind Ensemble. It ranges from rock to nearly acoustic, with bits of spoken poetry and narration. The original songs are Tom Russell instant classics. This is a mind bending journey through American history and the Irish diaspora best enjoyed with a sip of single- barrel aged bourbon.
Happy Traum: Just for the Love of It Lark's Nest 00261-42584 (happytraum.com)
The title of the album sums it up. Happy Traum, the preeminent guitarist who started during the folk boom and accompanied many great artists, along with several albums with his late brother Artie, sat back, took stock and with a deep, subtle passion recorded an album of his favorite traditional and contemporary songs and instrumentals. Although well on in years, his fingers still do their dance on the guitar as agilely as in his youth and he sings with the experience only years provide. Many older artists attempt to go back and mine gold, but Traum succeeds. He's accompanied by many talented artists including John Sebastian on harmonica; Abby Newton, cello; Martin Simpson, guitar and David Amram, the one-man orchestra.
Joy of Living - A Tribute to Ewan MacColl
Damien Dempsey, Martin Carthy, The Unthanks, Seth Lakeman, Marry Waterson, Jack Steadman & Jamie MacColl, Dick Gaughan, Eliza Carthy, Chaim Tannenbaum, Steve Earle, Jarvis Cocker, Paul Buchanan, Paul Brady, Norma Waterson, Karine Polwart, Martin Simpson, Christy Moore, Billy Bragg, Rufus & Martha Wainwright, Kathryn Williams, David Gray
Compass 748572 (compassrecords.com)
The contributors to the 21-tracks of this two-CD set read like a who's who of contemporary British folk, along with some surprises such as the Wainwrights and Steve Earle. The songs were selected by Ewan's children from his marriage with Peggy, Neill, Calum and Kitty. They included well known songs, some of which have slipped into the folk tradition, and some of Ewan's lesser known songs. If you're not familiar with Ewan MacColl, a Renaissance man, actor, writer, and singer, this is a fascinating introduction. For Ewan's fans this is a confirmation of the artistry and validity of his work. He would have been much more famous in the U.S., save for his politics that kept him out of this country for a decade or more. MacColl ranks high in the pantheon of traditional and contemporary folk artists and should never be forgotten. This set does him justice.
Rich Warren
The Midnight Special & Folkstage
www.midnightspecial.org
98.7 FM WFMT Radio & nationally syndicated
5400 N. St. Louis Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Tim Grimm -- one the most unappreciated artists around
Here are a handful of examples:
"Holding Up The World"
"So It Goes"
"Heart So Full"
"King Of The Folksingers"
"Anne In Amsterdam"
"Family History"
"80 Acres"
"Joseph Cross"
"Holding Up The World"
"So It Goes"
"Heart So Full"
"King Of The Folksingers"
"Anne In Amsterdam"
"Family History"
"80 Acres"
"Joseph Cross"
Here's more.
A June 2014 interview.
Hayes Carll
Hayes Carll seems to still be an unknown in the Americana music field although deserving of the recognition other excellent artists receive.
One example:
Jamie was a barmaid at the Underground Longrail
Seems like every Friday evenin’
She’d find herself in Jail
Not a friend this side of Houston
With the time to throw her bail
But she’ll be fine, she’ll be fine
Spent a lifetime walkin’
Through the walls of a broken home
Not a man round here still standin’
For the girl to call her own.
Every time she tried to hold him
She just ended up alone
But there’s still time, there’s still time
Davey drove a taxi
Through the streets of Boston town
Like the billboards up above him
The world just wore him down
Only soul he’d ever cared for
Was the one he’d never found
But He’ll be fine, He’ll be fine
Broken Half of Winter, with a wind chill ten below
Davey sittin’ in his kitchen laughin ‘bout
How the world had done him so
Then the postman burst his bubble
With a letter from below
And now it’s time, now it’s time
Chorus
And there’s a lot of people runnin’ round
Not quite sure which way to go
But as for me I believe I finally found
It’s just easy come and easy go
Jamie grabbed a bottle, threw her apron on the bar
Packed her whole world in a suitcase
And tossed it in the car
Woke up in Texarkana
Wondrin’ how she’d got this far
And on her own, on her own
Stranger at the motel let Jamie stay for free
She was gone before the daybreak
On her ways to Tennessee
Lookin’ to make the whole world over
Into a place she wants to be
But not alone, not alone
Davey left his taxi
In the bottom of a Beantown lake
He said this whole world’s full of chances
And this is one I gotta take
So he caught the line to Nashville
To finally find his break
And make a home, make a home
As the train flew out of Boston
His whole world passed him by
He said I spent a lifetime runnin’
And now’s the time to try
If I can’t find someone to hold me
My dreams will surely die
And I’ll be gone, I’ll be gone
Repeat Chorus
When Davey hit the pavement
The sky was almost gray
He lit a smoke off of the sidewalk
To drive the storm away
And when Jamie turned the corner
With the world upon her brow
Davey said I must be dreamin’
How could this happen now
And then she walked right towards him
Looked him right up in the eye
Davey reached out for forever
And Jamie walked on by
Repeat Chorus
One example:
Jamie was a barmaid at the Underground Longrail
Seems like every Friday evenin’
She’d find herself in Jail
Not a friend this side of Houston
With the time to throw her bail
But she’ll be fine, she’ll be fine
Spent a lifetime walkin’
Through the walls of a broken home
Not a man round here still standin’
For the girl to call her own.
Every time she tried to hold him
She just ended up alone
But there’s still time, there’s still time
Davey drove a taxi
Through the streets of Boston town
Like the billboards up above him
The world just wore him down
Only soul he’d ever cared for
Was the one he’d never found
But He’ll be fine, He’ll be fine
Broken Half of Winter, with a wind chill ten below
Davey sittin’ in his kitchen laughin ‘bout
How the world had done him so
Then the postman burst his bubble
With a letter from below
And now it’s time, now it’s time
Chorus
And there’s a lot of people runnin’ round
Not quite sure which way to go
But as for me I believe I finally found
It’s just easy come and easy go
Jamie grabbed a bottle, threw her apron on the bar
Packed her whole world in a suitcase
And tossed it in the car
Woke up in Texarkana
Wondrin’ how she’d got this far
And on her own, on her own
Stranger at the motel let Jamie stay for free
She was gone before the daybreak
On her ways to Tennessee
Lookin’ to make the whole world over
Into a place she wants to be
But not alone, not alone
Davey left his taxi
In the bottom of a Beantown lake
He said this whole world’s full of chances
And this is one I gotta take
So he caught the line to Nashville
To finally find his break
And make a home, make a home
As the train flew out of Boston
His whole world passed him by
He said I spent a lifetime runnin’
And now’s the time to try
If I can’t find someone to hold me
My dreams will surely die
And I’ll be gone, I’ll be gone
Repeat Chorus
When Davey hit the pavement
The sky was almost gray
He lit a smoke off of the sidewalk
To drive the storm away
And when Jamie turned the corner
With the world upon her brow
Davey said I must be dreamin’
How could this happen now
And then she walked right towards him
Looked him right up in the eye
Davey reached out for forever
And Jamie walked on by
Repeat Chorus
Looking for older release suggestions?
Jim Vorel with "10 More Obscure Folk Albums to Add to Your Collection"
New Dave Rawlings Machine release
Top 15 "folk-rooted or folk-branched albums of 2015"
Here are Mike Regenstreif's choices for top 15 releases of the year, with a bent towards the blues.
A book on the genesis of a number of American folk songs
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