I describe the festival frequently as the world's most selfish gift. It's a fantastically selfish gift, but it is a gift. There are hundreds of thousands of people there who are appreciating it. Just being able to do something that is completely not commercial, that is pure, hopefully, pleasure for the participants--to create a surrounding where the musicians and professionals like it as much as the crowd does. How could you have more fun than that? What the hell is money for if it isn't for … [Read more...]
August 23: Celebrating Country Women
August 23, 2011 by 7 Comments
It's safe to say that August 23 is the greatest day in all of 2011 for the women of traditional(ish) country music, with a sophomore album from Sunny Sweeney, a long-awaited return by Connie Smith, and a much-anticipated debut from Miranda Lambert's throwback girl trio, Pistol Annies. While all three albums will be in serious contention for many Best of 2011 lists, the odds-on favorite is the Pistol Annies' Hell on Heels, which benefits from Lambert's big-name exposure but succeeds on the … [Read more...]
More Than 80 Reasons (and Counting) to Come to San Francisco September 30 through October 2
August 9, 2011 by 7 Comments
I know, I know. San Francisco is a crowded metropolitan area (-1) with lots of hippies (-2) that's probably a long way from where you live (-3), but once a year it becomes a country/bluegrass/roots music mecca that's more than worth the pilgrimage. This year's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival is set for the weekend of September 30 through October 2 at Golden Gate Park. What makes this festival different from others around the country is (a) that it features just about all the big names … [Read more...]
Second Randy Travis Duets Album On the Way
March 29, 2011 by 14 Comments
Almost 25 years to the day after debuting with Storms of Life, Randy Travis is set to release a duets collection entitled Anniversary Celebration on June 7. Travis' earlier duets collection, Heroes and Friends, convinced me that he can meet just about anyone halfway--Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, B.B. King, Conway Twitty, Clint Eastwood--but parts of this new track listing still have me a bit nervous. The Alan Jackson and Jamey Johnson collaborations are obvious slam dunks, but James Otto? Zac … [Read more...]
The Class of 2011: Back to the ’90s?
March 16, 2011 by 4 Comments
There have been quite a few promising '90s-inspired debut singles from male artists lately, a surprising number of which have come from major Nashville labels. It remains to be seen how any of these guys will fare on the charts, but it's encouraging to see such an infusion of promising new 'throwback' blood. Here's a quick roundup of the acts and their '90s counterparts. Bradley Gaskin - "Mr. Bartender" (listen) The best of early Travis Tritt. Call it "If I Were a Drinker 2.0." The … [Read more...]
Upcoming: New Album from Larry Cordle
February 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I don't do much real news, so hopefully you know I must think this particular item especially deserving of your attention. Larry Cordle, writer of hits like "Highway 40 Blues," "Murder on Music Row" and "Mama, Don't Forget to Pray for Me"*---and impressive country/bluegrass singer in his own right---has a new album called Pud Marcum's Hangin' due on March 15. Released on his own label, the album's cast of Cordle originals is set to include "Sometimes a Man Takes a Drink," widely touted as … [Read more...]
Of Historical Interest: Price and Kristofferson
September 8, 2010 by 5 Comments
The 1971 album I Won't Mention It Again successfully paired Ray Price - then already on the tail end of his commercial career - with the songs of Kris Kristofferson, who had released his first album just one year prior. While these guys both belong to the 'old guard' now, that definitely wasn't the case when the album was released. In his notes on the back cover, writer Juan Canaday seems almost dismissive of Kristofferson's writing as he celebrates Price: Ray Price, in fact, was one of the … [Read more...]
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