Roots music column, December 18, 2009

Welcome back to Fervor Coulee. In my Red Deer Advocate Roots Music column this week I advance several coming shows and feature a review of a dynamic album from The Undesirables. This http://tinyurl.com/y9vdru3 will get you to the newspaper. Cheers, Donald

House Concert- Hannam, McCann, and Stagger

My wife and I just got home from a really enjoyable house concert in Sylvan Lake tonight. Our friends Ross and Cheryl hosted twentysome of us for a ’songwriters in the round’ with John Wort Hannam, Dave McCann, and Leeroy Stagger. The Highway 3 Roots Revue, it was.

I went in knowing how much I enjoyed John, who I truly feel is one of the most original and talented songwriters and vocalists working today. His voice is pure and his words resonate; every song has cinematic qualities that allow the listener to see the events dance with the words he sings with the imagination providing additional details.

The biggest surprise was that he didn’t sing “Church of the Long Grass,” followed closely by his decision- well-timed as it was- to perform Robert Earl Keen’s “Merry Christmas From the Family.”  It provided a nice, light interlude within the evening of (often) more serious songs. Each of John’s songs were warmly received by these ears with “With the Grain” and “Lucky Strikes” being favourites. Oh, and “Requiem for a Small Town.” And don’t forget about…Buy his music. You’ll be glad you did!

I was very familiar with Dave McCann as well, having enjoyed his albums and having caught him on a few different occassions. He didn’t disappoint, with “Circle of Stones” and “Leaving this Town” being highlights. He got a lot of sound out of his Gibson, and the intimate setting allowed listeners to hang on his every word.

Leeroy Stagger was a bit of a surprise as I am not overly familiar with his music. He quickly won me over with songs like “Stormy” and “Brothers.” “Beautiful House” was dedicated to the hosts and is another fine song. I’ve already downloaded one of his albums from iTunes and imagine that others will soon follow.

The entire evening was perfect. Each performed only six songs, but I can honestly say I enjoyed them all and the singers did jump in and play and sing a little on each others tunes, always a nice touch. Stories were told, laughs were had. Snacks were eaten. Recipes were swapped.

A great night. Thanks to the hosts for making it possible, to the friends to attended and supported the performers, and the three very talented men who stopped by Sylvan lake on too cold of a night. Hopefully we get to do something similar again before too long. See www.johnworthannam.com for a listing of the remaining shows on this tour- they are back in Central Alberta Monday for a show in Red Deer.

Roots music column, December 11, 2009

Due to a miscommunication, my column scheduled for last week ran today. No big deal really as I was not advancing anything of a time-sensitive matter. However, since the column was submitted, a couple interesting shows have been added to the local roots music calendar.

This coming Friday, Dec. 18, a fundraiser for a few area charities including the food bank goes at The Hub downtown featuring a variety of acts- the only one I have nailed down is Will White with Byron Myhre. $10 at the door and I’ll try to find the entire slate. Also, in huge news, Sam Baker with Gurf Morlix will make a Valentine’s Day appearance at the Matchbox. I caught the pair at the Edmonton Folk Festival this summer, and I dare say Gurf almost overshadowed Sam.  I have already reserved my tickets for that one. Also, bluesman Mark Sterling brings The Songs of John Lennon to the same venue March 6.

This week I reviewed two new albums, the Amchitka set from Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Phil Ochs and the 1965 live set from Pete Seeger. The reviews can be found at the Red Deer Advocate website: http://tinyurl.com/ybelpec

Thanks for visiting Fervor Coulee. Donald

Edmonton Folk Music Festival, 2010

I received a mass email from Edmonton Folk Music Festival producer Terry Wickham yesterday. As part of his message, he dropped the following names as confirmed for the EFMF in August: Levon Helm, Calexico, Kate Rusby, Ian Tyson, Lau, Zachary Richard, Aterciopelados, Four Men and a Dog, and Kailash Kher.

Book holidays for Aug. 5-8 now! www.efmf.ab.ca

Justice for Kirsty- Not Achieved

I received this email today. After almost ten years, there will be no justice for Kirsty MacColl. I was last in Mexico during the same week Kirsty was killed, and have purposely avoided the country since. I haven’t been back, nor do I plan to visit the country again. For all things Kirsty, visit http://www.kirstymaccoll.com/

The committee which has led the fight to achieve justice for Kirsty MacColl has agreed to cease campaigning. It will disband and stop collecting money to fund its activities. The remaining funds will be distributed to charities of which Kirsty would have approved.

The committee recently received news that the Mexican government have closed their case file on Kirsty’s death, and regard this as the end of the matter. They said they had exhausted all avenues of investigation and taken statements and affidavits from many witnesses. None of these had led to further information as to who may have been implicated, apart from the boat hand Cen Yam, who had already been convicted of causing the accident.

Once the case was closed there was virtually nothing left for the committee to campaign for. We are not able to bring any more pressure on the Mexicans than we have achieved already.

After Kirsty’s tragic death in Cozumel, Mexico in December 2000, her mother, Jean MacColl, launched the Justice for Kirsty campaign. Its primary purpose was to establish whether the Mexican judicial system had investigated the case sufficiently thoroughly for Kirsty’s family, friends and fans to accept that justice had been done in accounting for her untimely death. It did so by rallying the outrage and anger at the accident, and raised funds to allow Jean and the committee to pay for lawyers, and to approach governments at the highest level.

The committee was successful in achieving most of its aims. The Mexican government was compelled to re-open its enquiries after pressure from the campaign and the British government exposed the clumsy cover-up that followed the accident. In the unstable circumstances in Mexico in recent years, it is unlikely that any more could be achieved: the case has been re-examined very thoroughly.

Jean intends to continue working in a personal capacity to raise public awareness of the key issues in the campaign: committee members have pledged their informal support for her efforts. She wishes to thank everyone who has contributed in any way to helping her and the campaign. The support of The Pogues and Billy Bragg have been especially important in increasing the public profile of the campaign.

The two charities receiving the remaining campaign funds are:

• Casa Alianza Mexico, which provides care and rehabilitation for homeless children and others at risk in Mexico

• Cuba Music Solidarity, which Kirsty had supported enthusiastically.

 

 

 

Glossary- My new favourite band (this week)

A night ago, I had never heard of Glossary. I’ve since discovered that they’ve been around for years, have a number of albums, and a very wonderful sound. I’m sharing this because the band needs to be heard, and while I haven’t heard everything and am only the 97th most influential roots music writer in Canada- if I’ve missed them, I’m guessing others have as well.

And here’s the deal- they have two albums up on their website for free download. The first is their new album entitled The Better Angels of Our Nature. As I am wont to say, “It’s better than the Wilco.” Perhaps the best song title of 2009- “Gasoline Soaked Heart,” and the tune lives up to the billing.

The second is a fresh release by one of the band members, Joey Kneiser. Music is not a competition, but this release (The All-Night Bedroom Revival) is stellar- Darkness on the Edge of Town meets Songs: Ohia, just not as happy. The Anti-Gap commercial soundtrack, perhaps.

http://www.glossary.us/downloads/ Give them a listen; you won’t regret the time spent. Thanks for visiting Fervor Coulee, Donald

Greg Hawks- Coming Home

And a final review for this weekend. This one was originally published in one of the final online-only editions of Bluegrass Now in July, 2008.

Greg Hawks

Coming Home

www.greghawksmusic.com

Master of a rich baritone, Greg Hawks comes to bluegrass after wandering a variety of country roads. With the unheralded Coming Home, adventurous listeners are in for a treat.

Familiar to some from his root-rock debut Fool’s Paradise six years ago, Hawks has dispensed with Springsteen-flavored Americana in favor of more rustic sounds. Comprised of a dozen originals and a pair of public domain numbers, Coming Home has all the earmarks of becoming a bluegrass favorite.

On “Just Because You Can (That Don’t Mean You Should)” Hawks reveals a little John Anderson in his voice; elsewhere he reminds listeners a bit of Josh Turner and Randy Travis. These vocal references may hint otherwise, but Hawks’ album is most definitely bluegrass.

Hailing from Mount Airy, NC, Hawks returns to his roots by creating an album inspired by classic mountain sounds, recognition of faith, and devotion to family.

A multi-instrumentalist, Hawks plays guitar, bass, banjo, and mandolin. Several songs feature his multi-tracked talents, while elsewhere Hawks is joined by capable local talents including fiddler Steve Fraleigh. Rick Lafleur provides some drop-dead gorgeous banjo work throughout including on “Sacred Vow,” “I Belong to You,” and “Some Things Are Better Left Alone.”

Ancillary to this, Daniel Aldridge lays down some mandolin on the lead track “What’s Your Hurry,” and Emily Franz provides fiddle and backing vocals in spots.

Throughout the recording, one gets the sense that most of these songs- had they been written fifty years ago- would have sounded natural coming from the likes of Carter Stanley, the Louvin Brothers, or Jimmy Martin.

Beyond displaying impressive vocal talents, Hawks reveals himself to be an astute songwriter. On the title track, Hawks writes, “Well, I’ve seen a lot of places and I know a lot of faces/ In this country that I’m proud to call my home./ So much more I’d like to see if the opportunity/ comes my way before my time on earth is gone.” It is a classic sentiment delivered expertly by a fresh modern voice. It is only one of several such instances spread over Hawks’ award-worthy compositions.

An exceptional, multi-faceted release, Coming Home will be most appreciated by those listeners who like country in their ’grass; this one is destined to become an album that is recommended from friend to friend.

Chris Vallillo- Abraham Lincoln in Song

Another from the Fervor Coulee, pre-blog archive.

Originally published in The Red Deer Advocate, April 18, 2008.

Chris Vallillo

Abraham Lincoln in Song

www.chrisvallillo.com

An album of old-time music from and inspired by the times of Lincoln; there’s a commercial bonanza just a-waitin’!

Within detailed liner notes, Illinois songwriter and musician Chris Vallillo outlines the connection each track has to Lincoln, whether a personal favourite of the sixteenth president of the U.S., an artifact of the time, or a contemporary piece reflecting a historical perspective. Anticipating the bicentennial of his birth, Abraham Lincoln in Song present thirteen tunes and songs from the familiar- Lorena, Hard Times, and Dixie’s Land­- to the less known- El-A-Noy and Let the Band Play Dixie.

Vallillo has a pleasant, masculine voice that is fully capable of carrying the nuance of a popular sentimental melody while bringing a bit of bombast to more inspirational numbers. Vallillo’s guitar arsenal is large, and he is accompanied by mandolin, fiddle, bass, and harmonica.

Those interested in the aural tradition and historical basis of familiar songs within a stunning acoustic context are well advised to investigate Abraham Lincoln in Song.

Carlene Carter- Stronger

This weekend I made the decision to revamp Fervor Coulee a bit, so you’ll notice a few tweaks. I also realized I hadn’t dug into the non-posted archive for a long time. I dug out this review of Carlene’s ‘comeback’ album originally published just before this blog was born. I’ll make an attempt to update a few older reviews as the weeks pass.

Originally appeared in The Red Deer Advocate, August 1, 2008

Carlene Carter

Stronger

YepRoc

Fans can be forgiven for believing they were unlikely to hear new material from June Carter’s first-born.

On her first album in over than a decade, Carlene Carter displays the passion that has consistently been present in her country-rock hybrid while instilling depth that was frequently missing from her chart hits. Stronger has more than a little of the spirit of her Carter family ancestors woven within the tracks. 

Having spent years out of the spotlight, Carter’s voice is huskier than it was on Little Acts of Treason, her major label swan song. But she displays control and sensitivity throughout, never over-extending her voice.

Her honest treatment of On To You signifies that at fifty-plus, Carter can give those half her age something to consider, and the mid-tempo, country shuffle To Change Your Heart would fit nicely on any of Carter’s mid-90s albums.

While Carter exposes herself emotionally throughout Stronger, the album’s mood isn’t dense or bleak. I’m So Cool is as lively as when she first recorded it almost thirty years ago. Attention to phrasing and delicate instrumentation allows the gentle love song Spider Lace to stand out as a highlight.

But Carter saves the best for last. The album’s intense title track doesn’t mince words, and Carter’s mature performance of what could be a clichéd lyric (“What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger”) elevates the song. When one considers from where Carter was for much of the last thirteen years- addiction, career bankruptcy, criminal charges, family losses- June, Johnny, sister Rosey, ex Howie Epstein- “this hell-raising angel” is entitled to look back with contented perspective. Stronger should become Carter’s signature song.

Without apologizing for her past, Carlene Carter has documented the challenges, celebrations, and lessons of a hard-lived life on Stronger. Not only Comeback of the Year, Stronger is a candidate for Comeback of the Decade.

2009 update- I just listened to Stronger again, and while it holds up quite well, it isn’t the remarkable ‘comeback’ I perhaps thought it was. In too many places lush overwhelms lust, and that can’t be a good thing for a singer with Carter’s vocal traits. Still, I’m glad the album got made, and I’m just as happy that it brought Carlene Carter some positive press after years of less than stellar news.

Dale Ann Bradley news

I love Dale Ann Bradley’s music, and the fact that she is one of the nicest people within the world of bluegrass makes one want to do even more to promote word of her excellent bluegrass music. She recently appeared here in Red Deer, and the show- presented by the Waskasoo Bluegrass Music Society- was absolutely incredible.

Dale Ann was in excellent voice, played the guitar like she was ringin’ a bell- man, she is one smooth player. A great set of songs, although I wouldn’t have minded a few more of the older tunes, but that is definitely nit-picking.

 

As you may know, Dale Ann recently had her band shaken up once again with Terry B. leaving rather abruptly, and we would have loved to have heard his talents last night. But let me tell you, for what it’s worth- the band she put together for this brief tour of Alberta is one I hope holds together for a good long time.

 

I had never heard of Mike Sumner prior to his walking into the hall that night, but I left impressed. The notes just popped from his flathead. Brandon Godman’s fiddling went over huge with the audience, and we had more than a few knowledgeable listeners in the audience. More than one person mentioned how tight the band sounded. Ron Shuffler on bass is a true gentleman of the south, if I can be so bold, and while Chris Harris may be giving Trisha Gagnon a run for the longest hair in bluegrass, he can more than hold his own on the mando, and has a fine voice.

 

And Dale Ann is quite simply the best- generous, pleasant, easy to work with- the sound check was done and over in about 5 minutes. Everyone was so friendly, which we are quite used to with our visiting American guests, but Dale Ann and her crew took things to a new level of genuineness and good-naturedness, which aren’t really words, but they work.

 

A most impressive performance; it appeared everyone was hanging onto every note.

 

Festival bookers and presenters- have no fear that Dale Ann isn’t at the top of her game. She is- and she just keeps getting better and better. If I could, I’d have her back immediately. Maybe we’d get more people out- that was the only negative- not enough bums in the seats. Not sure what we can do differently, but we’ll keep trying!

Anyhow, I told you that to tell you this- Dale Ann will be hitting the road in 2010 with former band member Michael Cleveland. The Bluegrass Blog has all the news:

http://www.thebluegrassblog.com/dale-ann-with-michael-cleveland-2/

Best, Donald