Listening to......Doug and Telisha Williams

This is the album getting the most air play around my house the past week or so. It was one of those haphazard radio discoveries. Driving home one day I heard these words coming at me, delivered in the rollicking bluesy/honky tonk fusion I love so much:

"I'm stuck between last call and alter call

Save my soul or have a ball

Put a stop to my sinnin' ways or

put it off another day.

Maybe I'm not livin' right

but sometimes I still see the light

on the crooked path I walk

between Sunday morning and Saturday night. "

Maybe it's just the fact that I spent much of my formative years in a pretty hardcore hellfire and brimstone backwoods church (and then underwent the inevitable rebellion that sort of thing generally entails), but I nearly ran off the road when I heard it. I'd say that's some pretty good songwriting. And the rest of the album is just as impressive. The title track, "Ghost of the Knoxville Girl," gives an old bluegrass murder ballad a new twist by telling the story from the victim's perspective. A few other favorites: "Learning to Drink Whiskey," "Loretta's Ballad" and "I Wonder."

Doug and Telisha Williams hail from Martinsville, Virginia and you can read more about them here. I love their sound: emotive, raw, alternately rowdy and reflective. But even more than that, I'm just floored by their songwriting. Honestly, I can't imagine how I haven't heard about them before now. The English major in me wants to talk about how this album calls to mind "southern gothic" writers like Flannery O'Connor and William Faulkner, but that might be overkill. Just take a listen.

Natalie Merchant: Leave Your Sleep

My college roommate was a huge Natalie Merchant fan, so that was my first real exposure to her music. I vaguely remember liking the sound, but for whatever reason, it didn't really stay in the forefront of my consciousness, and until this past weekend, I had sort of forgotten about her. But over the course of our studio weekend (which, by the way, was quite a success, more about that later), I spent some of the down time catching up on this month's Paste magazine, which did a feature article about Natalie and her upcoming project, Leave Your Sleep, and I was hooked. Critics are calling this her most ambitious album to date, spanning genres and featuring a vast entourage of collaborators (some 130 artists! wow!), including Wynton Marsalis, Lunasa and the Klezmatics, The Memphis Boys, and Medeski Martin & Wood.

The project began five years ago. Basically, the songs on the record are poems, mostly about childhood, ranging from obscure nursery rhymes and lullabies, to poems by British Victorians, mid 20th century Americans, and a few contemporaries as well. The poets are both well known and obscure, the better known ones including: Odgen Nash, E.E. Cummings, Christina Rossetti, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Gerard Manley Hopkins. The thing that really intrigued me is the sheer amount of historical research and curation involved in bringing this project about. Merchant hired three research assistants (what a cool gig that must have been!) to track down biographical information about the poets, and a fourth assistant to research photos. It sounds like quite an undertaking, but how inspiring! To not only be creating music, but unearthing obscure gems and preserving important history. The album will come in two versions: a "cheap and cheerful" 16 track CD and a 26 song edition that will include an 80 page book created based on the historical research. Part of the tour in support of this project will include a "library tour" starting at the New York Public Library that will be part performance and part lecture. Release date is April 13th on Nonesuch Records.

Catnaps and Studio Plans

This is what Friday afternoon looks like around these parts. Those two are the best of friends. Hope everyone is gearing up for a nice weekend. We've had an entire week of spring-esque weather, and I'm practically giddy from it. This afternoon turned a bit rainy, forcing us back indoors, but at least it's not snow.

We're staying cabin bound this weekend, but we have big plans. Miss Katie Mae is spending the entire weekend with the grandparents, and Mark and I are locking ourselves into the home studio to finish up some recording projects that have been lingering around for awhile. Because our little cabin is, well, little, we don't have a separate room to keep a studio set up permanently. That means every time we want to record, we have to set up mics and such all over the house, and that gets a bit dicy with a two year old running rampant.

So, we've set aside an entire kid free weekend where we can leave everything set up and pretty much plow through as needed. We have two new songs on the board, and a third waiting in the wings if we get really ambitious.

I'm determined to improve my production chops this weekend. Usually I've just let Mark handle all the computer and equipment stuff, and merely pushed buttons or whatnot, but this weekend I'm breaking out a pen and notebook and what I'm sure will be a slew of annoying questions. But, I am determined to learn. It would really speed up production if I had more than a mere working knowledge of the process. Besides, I'm really shooting for a co-producer credit, rather than production assistant. :) Baby steps.

Wish us luck! I'm almost nervous about it, even though essentially, we're just spending a weekend at home, but the stakes are high and the red light's coming on.

I'll leave you with a few of my favorite links from this week:

This poster pretty much sums up my life philosophy.

I can't wait to make this cake for St. Patrick's day next week.

When I look through my bank statement and realize that the grocery store somehow ends up with most of my money, this great article from Martha Stewart hits home: 12 Ways to Prevent Food Waste

Lilith Fair lineup looks AWESOME! Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn, Heart, Sheryl Crow! And so many others! Mark and I are just trying to figure out which concert to go to: probably Raleigh, Charlotte, or Nashville.

And don't forget we spring forward this week folks. Here's to long days again!

Jill Andrews: These Words

Mark and I went to see Jill Andrews a few weeks ago, at the Gray Eagle, and I was completely blown away. Her voice is mesmerizing. Smooth and ethereal, but still twangy and powerful. You can hear East Tennessee in every syllable, and in my book that's a good thing. This video is not from that show, but it features one of her songs that has been nominated for the International Songwriting Competition. I confess, I don't normally participate in these kind of things, but I was so floored by this song, that I hopped myself right over here and cast my vote. Whether or not you vote, please take a moment and listen to this song. Jill also showcases one cover song a month on her website, plus has a new EP out, so if you like what you hear, there's more.

Last Days of Winter

More snow this week. I suppose you could say that March came in like a lion, which leaves me hopeful for the whole easing out like a lamb at the end of the month. We'll see. In any event, snow in March is not so bad. In fact, it's much easier to enjoy it because there is a definite light at the end of the tunnel, which is not the case in January or February when winter seems dark and endless. Plus, this weekend is supposed to be gorgeous, in the 50s and 60s.

Today is Kate's Kindermusik class, and after that she is having a little friend, Molly, spend the day with her. I'm looking forward to it, because Molly is a real sweetheart. Her mom and I went to both high school and college together, and I used to work with Molly's dad. I'm a wee bit nervous though, because, well, two toddlers!

This weekend, we're headed down to stay with some friends in Lenoir, NC. Patrick and Kay put on the yearly Caldwell County Traditional Music Showcase (a consistently amazing show!), and after the show they always host a big soiree at their lovely home. It's one of those pickin' parties that last until the wee hours of the morning, if you can make it that long (which I rarely do).

I'll leave you with a few things catching my fancy lately:

• Kate and I made these granola bars yesterday and oh my! They're rather homely there on the plate, but they taste delicious! I've made my own homemade granola for ages now, but until yesterday had never tried to make actual bars. Well, they were quite a success, albeit more squares than bars. Still, yummy and portable. For the three cups of fruit/nut mixture, I used: 1/2 cup wheat germ, 1 cup almonds, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1/2 cup of coconut.

• I read this book, Girls Like Us, a few weeks ago, and never got around to posting about it, but it was exceptional. It's a bit hefty, but reads quickly, much like a novel, and the lives of Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon certainly provide a wealth of fascinating material. Besides being a simple biography of these three women, the book is really a sort of social history of feminism and what it meant to be a woman during the tumultuous years of the 60s and 70s. I found Joni Mitchell the most intriguing, although not always the most likeable, and watched this documentary after reading the book. It's available on Netflix instant play, if you're interested.

• We've been led (okay, pushed might be more like it, by a very strong willed two year old) into the realm of kid's music lately, and to save our sanity, have been seeking out adult friendly kid's music. I'm sorry, but I do not allow obnoxious purple dinosaurs into my home. We just wanted music all of us could enjoy. Elizabeth Mitchell is one of the first such artist's I discovered, and both Kate and I love her! The whole sound is mellow, folky, and acoustic, but very kid (and adult!) friendly. I've spent a lot of time perusing her website, and that of her adult indie band, Ida. I LOVE her independent record label's manifesto. A great NPR interview can be heard here.

Happy Birthday to the Man in Black

In the midst of all the shampoo hoopla, I neglected the most important thing about today! Shame on me. Today would have been Johnny Cash's 78th birthday. Okay, I didn't technically know this until I got in the car and turned on the radio, but still. I bet you would be hard pressed to find a country/Americana artist who doesn't claim Johnny Cash as a major influence. I grew up singing so many of his songs, from "Boy Named Sue" to "Fulsome Prison" to "Sunday Morning Coming Down." Although Willie Nelson was the unchallenged favorite in my house growing up (we've often referred to Willie as the patron saint of our family, which probably doesn't do much for the concept of sainthood....), Cash held a prominent role as well, and his deep melancholy growl is etched into the furthest reaches of my memory.

As much as I love Johnny, what I really mean is that I love Johnny and June. It's hard for me to think of them separately. Two such polar opposites: dark, somber Johnny and bubbly, effervescent June. I suppose Walk the Line was a tolerable movie (I didn't hate it, although some parts were cringe worthy for true fans), but all in all I don't think any biopic could accurately reflect the magnetism and charisma those two had, both individually, but especially together. I think these two pictures of the real deal capture that much better than any star-studded film ever could. Especially the bottom one, when they are older. It gives me chills.

This is one of my favorite Johnny Cash performances, and by "favorite" I mean I find it powerful, poignant, and heart-wrenching beyond words. Johnny died less than four months after June, but during that brief window of time he worked incessantly, as June had urged him to do before her passing. The combination of frailty and raw power in this performance stuns me every time. Happy Birthday Johnny.

*In related news: Today, to coincide with Cash's birthday, American VI Ain't No Grave, was released. I heard the song, "Redemption Day" written by Sheryl Crow and covered by Cash on this record, on the radio on the way home today, and oh my. Exquisite. I can't seem to find a streaming version of this to link you to, but you can listen to Sheryl perform it here. I can't decide which version I like better. The Cash version is more subdued and reflective, which makes you better appreciate the lyrics, but Sheryl's version is pretty rockin'. Check them both out if you get a chance.

In Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Driving home from the grocery store today, mindlessly listening to WNCW, I was snapped to attention by the chilling, powerful lyrics of this song. It seems especially appropriate today.

Blue Mother Tupelo

My current obsession: Blue Mother Tupelo. First of all, I really dig their name. If that's not enough, they sound pretty awesome too. Husband and wife duo, Ricky and Mikol Davis, exude southern soul, combining elements of blues and country music, creating a new sound that is raw, honest, passionate, and inspired. Equally at home on a performing arts stage or a juke joint, these guys are simply amazing. Listening to Blue Mother Tupelo on this cold, blustery day has me dreaming of summer music festivals, sundresses,and sandals. Spring, please come soon!

Leonard Cohen and the Webb Sisters

A few days ago, I watched this Leonard Cohen tribute concert via Netflix instant play, and it was amazing. I'm in complete awe of Leonard Cohen, and I've been on the lookout for a song to cover on my upcoming album. "Hallelujah" has long been one of my favorites, but it's been done by so many artists that I don't think I would have anything new or original to bring to it. This song is most often associated with Rufus Wainwright, and although I love his version (and this one by Bon Jovi), I think this acoustic performance by Sheryl Crow is my alltime favorite.





So anyway, I heard a few new (to me) songs on the tribute concert, and the one that captivated me most was "If It Be Your Will." The words are deceptively simple, and the song is almost a prayer. The performance by Antony on the film was powerful, but when I searched on youtube, I came across the song being performed by Leonard Cohen with the Webb Sisters. Oh my goodness. I could rack my brain for words to describe how incredible this is, but I think I'm going to take the easy (and more effective) way out, by urging you to drop what you're doing this very second and watch this.



I had never heard of the Webb Sisters before, but now I'm completely obsessed. The British sisters, Charley and Hattie, have the most captivating harmony, tight in a way that only family harmonies can be, and both are multi-instrumentalists, although it seems that performance wise, one sister usually plays guitar and the other accompanies with a small harp. I've always thought the harp to be one of the most beautiful instruments, both it's physical self as well as the sound. It lends an air of other worldliness to a song, in a fragile, delicate, ethereal way. I spent the past half hour perusing their website and listening to their latest EP, Comes in Twos, which is definitely going on my Christmas list, and if Santa doesn't come through, I'm buying it myself. :)

Live Gram and Emmy

Unpolished, live performances of Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris are somewhat rare, so I was thrilled to discover this. The video quality is not perfect, but you can still get a real feel for the dynamic, dare I say frenzied, excitement I imagine most of their shows held. Emmy is playing the fool out of that tambourine, no? :)

Caroline Herring

I just bought this album by Atlanta based artist, Caroline Herring. Completely mesmerizing! Imagine if Eudora Wetly had chosen to write songs instead of short stories and you have Lantana. Herring is a Mississippi native herself, and actually sites Welty as a huge influence on her songs. The album falls squarely within the southern gothic tradition, unflinchingly delving into the troubled past (and present) of the region. The song "Paper Gown" (about the infamous South Carolina woman, Susan Smith, who murdered her two children) is utterly chilling and disturbing, but hauntingly beautiful at the same time. The entire album is powerful, soulful, and brilliant.

New album, Golden Apples of the Sun, comes out October 27th!

Listening To............Madeleine Peyroux

Lately, I’ve been making an effort to branch out musically. When an artist has recorded tunes made famous by both Patsy Cline and Hank Williams, Sr., one might question how exactly that is expanding my already Americana/country/roots music saturated horizon. But take a listen to Madeleine Peyroux’s smoky, jazz infused versions of “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “Weary Blues” and you’ll get it. Wow! You know, my idol, Emmylou Harris, is often referred to as a “collector of songs” and I think the same could be said of Madeleine Peyroux. Although her latest album, Bare Bones, is comprised of all original songs, much of her earlier work showcased carefully chosen existing songs (to call them covers just seems unfair, because the treatment is so original!) Her taste is impeccable, with each album showcasing an eclectic collection ranging from Elliot Smith’s “Behind the Bars” to Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me to the End of Love.”

Born in Athens, Georgia, but spending much of her life in Paris, Madeleine Peyroux has a wide array of diverse musical influences converging in her style. Although one might think an album featuring songs by both Hank Williams and Edith Piaf might seem crazy, she makes it work. Beautifully. Peyroux perfectly pairs elegant European sophistication with a down home southern charm. Listening to her music makes me want to drink Champagne and eat banana pudding. And I think I just might.

*I'm loving this video!

The Swell Season

I had almost forgotten how exquisitely beautiful this is. Mesmerizing, captivating, hypnotic.....throw in any fancy adjective of your choice and it still won't do justice to this performance, so just watch it. I'm in awe. And completely heartbroken, because the closest their fall tour comes to Asheville is Washington, D.C. and despite my subtle (and not so subtle) hints that Mark should take me, that's just not quite close enough. So I have to be content with buying their new album (release date is October 27th!) and making my husband watch this movie with me, yet again. One must make do.

Les Paul and Mary Ford

I was so excited to stumble across these old "interludes" created by Les Paul and Mary Ford in the 1950s. In this one, Mary is unpacking groceries and singing along, while Les perches on a kitchen stool and plays guitar. Wouldn't a kitchen serenade make the drudgery of domestic chores so much more fun? The kitschy retro Listerine commerical break is hilarious!