Already excited about this weekend and it's only Tuesday!

On Friday, local band, Dehlia Low will host their 2nd Annual Independence Day show in Gerton, NC. Last year it was at the Gerton Community Center, but this year it's at the new Laughing Waters Retreat Center.  Located between Fairview and Chimney Rock, and open to the public!

Saturday marks the first Shindig on the Green event of 2010! Returning to the downtown location, and a beautiful weather forecast should bring out a big crowd! The new Bascom Lamar stage will be christened with smooth dancing, clogging and a ribbon cutting around 7pm!

If you're feeling especially adventurous, and want to
head to the lowlands for a bit, take a 2:45 minute drive down to Athens, GA. The Melting Point will be hosting an American Music Festival featuring

Cherryholmes, Packway Handle Band, and Shannon Whitworth. 


There's even more than this going on this 4th of July weekend! Stay tuned.... 

Contra Dancing on Monday nights at the Grey Eagle

This weekly event is almost an institution here in town. Everybody knows that there is a Contra Dance on Monday's at the Grey Eagle. Even when there was a rare cancellation, due to a Gillian Welch & David Rawlings Monday night sold-out show, I saw more than one patron approach the door carrying soft-soled dance shoes, and one very disappointed fiddle player who lamented to the owner... "but.. it's Monday?"

According to Wikipedia Contra Dance is:

"At the end of the 17th century, English country dances were taken up by French dancers; hybrid choreographies exist from this period using the steps from French court dance in English dances. The French called these dances contra-dance or contredanse. As time progressed, English country dances were spread and reinterpreted throughout the Western world, and eventually the French form of the name came to be associated with the American folk dances, especially in New England (this Frenchified name change may have followed a contemporary misbelief that the form was originally French)."  

I think the simplest explanation is that it's sort of like a square dance... there is a caller and a live band (often a very good one). One of the main differences-- to my untrained eye-- is that the dancers form up in lines, not squares. I am sure there are readers far more educated on the subject than I, that can explain the subtler differences (as well as the glaring ones) that I'm missing and I would welcome your comments on the matter.

I've been to the Monday night contra dance a few times -usually when a friend of mine is playing in the band- and I must say it is really fun. Unfortunately for me, I get dizzy very easily so after one dance I usually need to find a non-moving piece of furniture to flop down into to recover my equilibrium. A seasoned dancer once told me that if you look into your partner's eyes when you spin, you don't get dizzy. But as you switch partners every few moves-- I felt funny staring down my new  partner (a stranger) right off the bat.... although I noticed that seemed like normal and acceptable behavior. (Someone else suggested taking Dramamine before going until I got used to it.)

It was beautiful to watch the really good dancers, and there were plenty! They would spin and whirl and slide around the wooden floor in a trance-like state, gracefully moving with the music that seemed to ebb and flow in intensity at just the right moments. In my experience, the people running the dance and the dancers, were very friendly and welcoming. Especially when I announced right away that I was a beginner. They usually pair you up to start with an experienced dancer so you can learn the moves. Or, they have 2-3 lines of experienced dancers, and a beginner line in the back. After a few minutes, when you understand the basic formations... you're dancing! There is endless room for variations and enhancements... but I think that comes down the road. It's nice to go with a partner, but it's not necessary. When the numbers are uneven a few people just sit out a song.
The last time I went it was $5 to dance, and free to spectate--- not sure if this is still the going rate, but it was worth it. Not only is it fun, but it is great exercise. Be prepared to sweat!

Weekly Music Must-Sees!

FRIDAY:

No confusion or hard decisions for me tonight. Hands down, The Honeycutters at Highland Brewery.

I'm a big fan of this band. They've sort of gone through several members/incarnations/collaborations over the past few years, but Amanda and Pete are the foundation and they keep writing great songs, and I could listen to her singing all night. Their debut album, Irene, is a favorite local album of mine and received a great deal of air-play on WNCW 88.7.

SATURDAY:
This is a tougher one... but due to proximity I think both can be done. There are two CD releases happening:  Paul's Creek Band at Pack Tavern, and The Virginia Dare Devils at MoDaddy's.
Both bands are in the bluegrass umbrella, though Paul's Creek leans more towards Old-Time.

Paul's Creek is the musical spawn of Carol Rifkin. You probably recognize the name from her years of local music reporting with the Asheville Citizen-Times, and you'd recognize her voice as well from DJ-ing WNCW's "This Old Porch," and being a frequent panel member on "What It Is?" The CD release is a free show from 8-11pm and you can purchase their debut CD for only $10! Special guest and living fiddle legend Arvil Freeman will be sitting in on the fiddle. Carol's original songwriting, great singing, and the bands harmonies should be plenty of motivation to get you out of the house and down to Pack's Tavern, but if that's not enough, getting the chance to see Madison County master fiddler, Arvil Freeman in action should seal the deal.

Arvil Freeman







After you've gone to see Paul's Creek, you can head to MoDaddy's to catch the Virginia Dare Devils.

This band is made up of some of the bluegrass all-stars of the local jam scene. Many of them play, or have played in other projects as well. According to their Myspace page the members are: Griff Martin-Guitar & Vocals, Bobby Miller-Mandolin and Vocals, Bill Cardine- Dobro, Billy Constable-Banjo, Stefan Custodi-Upright Bass and Vocals.... but I'm pretty sure Ricky Cooper is actually the bassist these days, and knowing Asheville, I'm sure there will be other surprise guests. This is Bobby Miller's band--- so it's bound to be a good show. According to MoDaddy's website, the show starts at 9pm and there isn't a cover listed, but I'd guess it's about $5. I'm sure it will be worth it.

Luthier- someone who makes or repairs stringed instruments.

Taking your instrument-- which can often be a musician's most valuable possession (mine is worth far more than my car)- to a luthier for a repair is often a nerve-wracking experience. I rank it right up there with dropping my dog of at the vet for a surgical procedure, or being 'put under' for some medical purpose... you have to really trust the people involved.

Because -in my opinion- Asheville is the center of the roots music revival, you can find about as many luthiers in and around town as you can acoustic musicians. And as with most things musical... if you talk to 5 different people, you'll get five different opinions. If you want to test this theory, just ask any working musician one of these 3 questions: 1) "What is the best vocal mic?" 2) "Do you think it's better to pick-up or mic an acoustic instrument?" 3) "Tortise shell pic, or plastic?" If you don't get several conflicting answers... I'll eat my hat.

But back to luthiers... the other thing about them is that they tend to have specialties... maybe one's an incredible builder, but isn't a good set up guy. Maybe one will transform your mandolin to get this big beefy bark sound from it, but might put your fiddle bridge in the wrong place. Maybe one is so good that they have a 2 month turn around time, and if Tony Rice calls with a guitar emergency, you're looking at 3 months. There's a guy with one arm and a prosthesis that makes exquisite fiddles, there is guy specializing in instrument voicing changing that cell alignment in the wood, there is guy that invented an aerospace-grade polymer for repairs, they're is a guy that can rebuild a shattered instrument, there's a guy whos kitchen is his workshop.... it goes on and on.

My advice: Get several references from people that have actually used the person you're considering taking your instrument to. Not just... "I've heard so-and-so is great." Most reputable luthiers will give you a free evaluation and explain what's up with your instrument and what they'd do to fix it.  Like any good mechanic, if something unexpected comes up during the repair, they'll call and tell you about it and get your approval before doing anything you hadn't previously discussed.

Like most things... it's so much better and less expensive to have things done right the first time.

Asheville Country Music Revue

New semi-mystery band in town. Very limited online info and no music clips to be found... but judging from the brief description on their new Facebook Fan page... I'm going to like it. Sounds to me like an amalgamation of the Shannon Whitworth Band, and Town Mountain.

Composed of:  Jesse Langlais, Robert Greer, Phil Barker, John Stickley, Matt Smith and Ryan Oslance- the bad ass drummer! Although this is the foundation of the band, ACMR has a revolving cast of musicians.

Genre: ClassicCountrySouthernRockGrass

Free show tonight at Wild Wings from 6-9pm!

Belle Chere....hmph.

Well, can't say I'm too excited about this line-up. Granted there are some good acts, and it's nice to see so many local acts on the bill this year....but it definitely makes me wonder about the selection process. Overall, this line up just doesn't pack a punch for me....

You can download the whole tentative schedule grid here:
http://www.belecherefestival.com/pages/entertainment_lineup.htm

There are 4 stages this year, Rock 'n' Kiss Stage on Coxe Ave, U.S. Cellular Stage on Biltmore, The Battery Park Stage, and the Haywood Road Stage. The 'big' headliners are...

FRIDAY:
The Fabulous Thunderbirds  ......um...........seriously?  
Southern Culture on the Skids
Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band  (Excellent local band... but a Belle Chere, LEAF staple)

SATURDAY:
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals  (I am excited about this one... getting lots of buzz right now)
Bomshel (Band motto on website: "A true Bomshel aint afraid to act like herself, and fight like a girl." I'll tell you what, I'm skeered)
Toubab Krewe
(Another super talented local act, that no longer plays in town much. This is a good choice.)

SUNDAY:
hmmm......

Balsam Range is Sunday afternoon. The last time I saw them live they were super-tight, with exceptional harmony arrangements. Grammy-winner, Mark Pruett keeps the show light with entertaining, if sometimes corny, stage banter. They're just off a Merlefest appearance and it seems like you can't catch them at the Fiddlin Pig every other day anymore, so this should be a good set!

Viper's Dream is a new local gyspy-jazz collaboration, that really impressed me when I saw them at the Django Reinhart Birthday Celebration. Dan Bletz, formerly of the Biscuit Burners, heads up this super-talented group which includes infamous local musician and bluegrass professor, Cary Fridley, as well as fiddling extraordinaire (just named 'Fiddler of the Festival' at Fiddler's Grove) Adam Masters. 

Town Mountain is also on the bill. You probably know these guys, as they've been around town for a while. But they are really burning up the road this year with several appearances at great festivals nationwide. I've heard rumors that they are getting ready to record another album.

Overall, there's nobody on the line up that is going to solidify my presence at Belle Chere this year... or even in town for that matter. I know money is always an issue for free events... but maybe having fewer stages and better/bigger acts would be an improvement?  You can't ever please everyone, and Asheville is nothing if not an eclectic city with a variety of different views and tastes... but that's my take on it.

Weekly Music Must-Sees!

Well, I'm a little late on the draw with this post.... I'm trying to commit to at least one post a week day to get this blog rolling, and I'm already slacking! Guess that happens when you're at the beach getting sunburned. Charleston, SC is an incredible city, but two things they've got too much of- that I'm glad Asheville doesn't- is Styrofoam and humidity. And two things they don't have enough of that I'm glad Asheville does, is music venues and good local bands. But hey, this post is supposed to be about what's happening in Asheville!

FRIDAY: 
Honestly, I'm having a hard time coming up with a music event in town tonight that I'd say go spend your hard-earned money on.... that doesn't happen often to me in this town, but tonight might be a great night to have a few friends over for grilling out, a growler or three of some French Broad Brewery beer (I'd recommend the Alt or the RyeHopper)  and a little Apples to Apples. There is Downtown After 5 tonight, which is free... but Rootsy, it's not and loud it is.

SATURDAY:
Saturday on the other hand is a different story. There are 3 events I'd love to attend... not sure how to choose.

I already wrote in depth about the SongSmith Gathering/Whimsical Art Sale happening in Brevard. See the previous post for more info.

For those of you not inclined to trek down to Brevard, there are two great things in Asheville. First, a classic, Iris Dement.  Her website states:

"One of the most celebrated country-folk performers of her day, singer/songwriter Iris Dement was born on January 5, 1961, in rural Paragould, AR, the youngest of 14 children. At the age of three, her devoutly religious family moved to California, where she grew up singing gospel music; during her teenaged years, however, she was first exposed to country, folk, and R&B, drawing influence from Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell. Upon graduating high school, she relocated to Kansas City to attend college."   I think she has an incredibly unique voice and is an incredible lyricist and songwriter.
She's performing at the Grey Eagle at 8pm tickets are $25 in advance and $27 at the door.


Then, down at Jack of the Wood you can see Kelley and the Cowboys. This band is classic honky-tonk at it's finest. I heart them. Kelley Breiding is the front woman, and damn. She can sing. Absolutely worth going to hear them if you're looking for a budget-friendly show this weekend. You will get far more than your $5 worth. Show starts around 9:30. 

"With a voice like Patsy Cline and a pair of cowboy boots to match, Miss Kelley heads up a hot lickin' group of gents who play some of the best classic country we've heard in a long, long time. "- Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance

2010 Songsmith Gathering & Whimsical Art Sale 6/19 in Brevard

This is an event that I'm excited about! Not only is one of my favorite musicians- Shannon Whitworth- performing, but so are 3 other extremely talented women. (More on them in a minute...) AND, there is the awesome community-focused "Whimsical Art Sale" during the day. I had the pleasure of attending this annual event last winter and although it was freezing, there was a plethora of handmade crafts, paintings, candles, jewelry, pottery, and more. There is a deluge of talent in the Brevard area and it seemed most of them displayed their wares that day. This is the first time this event will be held in the summer months, so make sure you don't miss it. AND, proceeds from the event will benefit SAFE, Inc, a non-profit offering programs and services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Visit the website at: www.songsmithgathering.com

 Now... more information about the performers!

This information was gleaned from a press release about the event:

Shannon Whitworth is no stranger to Brevard. Over the past several years she has garnered great respect from her musical peers as her impact in the world of Americana Music has created lofty expectations by fans nationwide. As a founding member of the acclaimed acoustic quartet The Biscuit Burners, Shannon received national praise for her definitive songwriting and captivating voice.   Featured at Brevard’s Mountain Song Festival last year, Shannon is having a big year this year with a stellar showing at this year’s Merlefest and a new record soon to be released.  www.shannonwhitworth.net

Beth Wood is a veteran songwriter with multiple awards from Kerrville to Telluride. The Washington Post says, “Beth Wood is a musical triple-threat - a thoughtful songwriter and talented multi-instrumentalist with a supple, soulful voice. She has had a few breaks - her debut album, ‘Woodwork’ had a song ‘Geometry’ featured on Fox television’s popular series, ‘Party of Five’ and her album ’Late Night Radio’ was met with great reviews around the same time she was voted Campus Activities Club’s Performer of the Year for her relentless schedule of dynamic college performances.”

With her eighth record in the works she is sure to continue to shine, weaving stories into song. www.bethwoodmusic.com

Nikki Talley is known for her powerful voice and recently won the “Carolina Star” contest. There are many songwriters with powerful voices but few that display the control and sensitivity that Nikki possesses.  Her record “To Be a Bird” was #27 on WNCW'S Top 100 Releases of 2008, and #8 in the Regional Category. She was also a featured artist in the olde-time documentary film 'Why Olde Time?' www.nikkitalley.com

Just when you think you can label Julie Lee into one category or genre, you hear something different.  Julie is a collage of various traditional American styles.  In her songwriting, as well as her work as a visual artist, she takes bits and pieces from each of her myriad of influences to make something of her own that is both old and new.  Lee has lived in Nashville, TN for 14 years and travelled and performed extensively across the US and Europe.   She has had her songs recorded by Country, Bluegrass and Contemporary Folk artists, most notably and recently by Alison Krauss, who included Julie's songs “Jacob's Dream” and “Away Down The River” on her most recent Platinum-selling collection “A Hundred Miles Or More.”

www.julielee.org

This event is being put on by Looking Glass Entertainment, LLC, the same company that puts on local favorites such as the White Squirrel Festival, Music on the Mountaintop, and Mountain Song Festival.
The Whimsical Art Sale starts at noon in the amphitheater adjacent to the Porter Center, and the concert begins at 7:30, in the Porter Center. Admission to the Art Sale is free, and tickets to the concert are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door.

Favorite Roots Music book of the Year so far... up next, Tony Rice.

This is my recommended Roots, summer reading. I just finished this book, that I actually bought for a friend. I admit, you have to like the Stanley Brothers to appreciate this book. Well... that might not be totally true, if you don't love the Stanley's you have to at least be interested in the history of bluegrass music. What it was like beating the miles on the road in the 40's with an upright bass strapped to the top of a sedan, driving in the middle of the night all over the hills of Southwest Virginia to play churches and schoolhouses. Always back to Bristol, VA for the "Farm and Fun Time Show" on WCYB. I found several pearls of wisdom from Dr. Ralph embedded in the stories somewhat haphazardly woven throughout the autobiography. The main theme, be true to yourself, your sound, and what you like to do, "there ain't no reason to change for somebody else."

Almost forgot....

This show would totally be worth checking out as well tonight at The Rocket Club in West Asheville. I haven't gotten to see Underhill Rose live since the Barrelhouse Mama's split down the middle. But all 4 of those women are so talented that I'm sure both of the new incarnations are great. I'm a sucker for great female harmonies. 

Johnson's Crossroad is opening the show. They are the definition of gritty vocals, and good songwriting. They're fresh off 9 sets at Merlefest 2010.

Weekly Music Must-Sees!

Thursday:

Two bluegrass jam choices.... in town there is the venerable Jack of the Wood jam (see previous post for more info) and the Zuma's bluegrass jam out in Marshall. You'll often see some Madison county fiddle greats at that one including Bobby Hicks, Adam Masters, and Roger Howell.

Friday:

June 11th almost has too many choices... but I think I'd go with The Grey Eagle for The Devil Makes Three

"The jug-band-meets-punk-rock sound is alluring and wild like an untamed bull: powerful, reckless and beautiful." Metro Santa Cruz - Garrett Wheeler



If that's not to your liking... I'd also recommend the Emerald Lounge where Boone-based, Uncle Mountain take the stage. I recently saw these guys at the White Squirrel Festival in Brevard and was impressed. Their drummer, in particular is fantastic.



Saturday:

I've already mentioned Actual Proof for Saturday at MoDaddy's... not Roots music, but very cool none-the-less. Additionally, if you want to stay on the West side... I'd go for Garbage Bear at the Westville pub. Really loving the pedal steel playing from Will Straughn.

Not Roots... but worth checking out!

Actual Proof, out of Charlotte, NC. I saw these guys on accident, last time they were at MoDaddy's and it's worth the trip down there and the $5. If just to watch their front man, Eric Mullis, on the xylophone, and various other mallet-able instruments that I don't know the names of. It's accessible jazz/funk... with something else...originality? Good show, bring your dancing shoes. They're back at MoDaddy's this Saturday at 10pm, with local band, Dashvara.

Shindig on the Green:: Mountain Music and Dance in the Heart of Downtown

I can't think of many things rootsy-er in Asheville than Shindig on the Green.



This year will mark the 44th season of Shindig on the Green, a free music and dance event organized by the Folk Heritage Committee of Asheville. Shindig on the Green is all about mountain music and dance. You will hear fiddles, banjos, dulcimers, and ballad singers. You'll see cloggers, smooth and buck dancers whirl around the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage in the newly renovated Pack Square Park. I'm sure there are many people, other than myself, that are thrilled that Shindig on the Green is returning to it's original location downtown. Four years at Martin Luther King Jr. Park was a long time. Not that it wasn't still a great event, it just wasn't quite the same not having the the courthouse tower over you as you hit that G-run on the 6 string, and not having the historic Magnolia tree to circle around for a good jam.

The beautiful new stone stage is named after Bascom Lamar Lunsford, founder of Shindig on the Green and Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. He was a folklorist, lawyer, and banjo player (primarily although he played fiddle as well.) Bascom was born in Madison County, NC in 1882 and he died after a long life in September of 1973.



At Shindig on the Green there are performances on the stage, as well as acoustic jam circles scattered throughout the event. Some jams are old-time, some are bluegrass, most are traditional songs that most bluegrass players know or have heard, or are fairly easy to pick up on if you know the usual bluegrass patterns. In general the musicians are very friendly and welcoming, and the spectators super-appreciative. If you're a band... or if you're at least a few people that know two songs together, you can often secure a spot to perform on the stage. They are not scheduled ahead of time, but they do fill up quickly, so you have to get there "Along about Sundown" to sign up. You also never know who's going to perform, I've seen Bryan Sutton and Bobby Hicks on the stage in the old City/County plaza before. Every now and again groups that have a particularly good jam going will be invited up to perform. Suddenly you are in front of a captive audience of anywhere from 500 to 3000 people!

This is an amazing event, and it's even more incredible that it's free! People travel from all over the region to attend Shindig on the Green, bluegrass bands schedule tours around it, and families plan vacations in order to go. The Folk Heritage Committee works tirelessly-- and has been for more than 44 years-- to organize and present this event. Head on down to the first one, it's July 3rd. Buy a T-shirt or a raffle ticket. Who knows... maybe you'll be the winner of a Martin Guitar.

Here's a link to the website for more info and additional dates: http://www.folkheritage.org/index.htm

Why this guy isn't a huge star... is beyond me. Fantastic.

Ian Thomas live at Paste Magazine in Atlanta. He was an Asheville resident for a year or so, but now makes his home in Knoxville, TN. So talented, great song writing, "Live at the Grey Eagle" is one of my favorite releases of 2009.

Jack of the Wood-- Open Bluegrass Jam, Thursday Nights

When you hear the term "open jam" it has to be approached with some skepticism, for several reasons. As a musician you wonder, is it really open? I know I'll be 'allowed' to play, but will people be friendly and inclusive? What is the unspoken etiquette? How good do I have to be? As an audience member you think, open jam... this could either be an incredible, impromptu musical masterpiece, or it could be the guy who knows two guitar chords and sings 50's pop songs at the bluegrass jam. As a jammer, you wonder, should I go down there tonight? Who's going to show up? Will it be a high-caliber fun jam, or all the beginners? Will there be 8 guitar players already?

But really, that's the beauty of an open jam, you never know what you're going to get. Jack of the Wood has been taking that risk on Thursday nights for about 10 years now. Some nights, its some of the best live bluegrass you can find in the state. There are anywhere from 6-20 musicians (mostly men, but women are certainly welcome and invited... and tend to get the most applause for singing) crammed on the stage playing a mix of instrumentals and vocal bluegrass traditionals. You'll here Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers, and Jimmy Martin without a doubt. One of the most entertaining aspects of the show from an audience standpoint it watching the instrumentalists jockey for mic position to take an incredible instrumental solo, often at breakneck speed. Although you will often find band members from the Steep Canyon Rangers, Dixie Bee-Liners, Dehlia Low, Virginia Dare Devils, Buncombe Turnpike, Copper Kettle and more in attendance, the excitement happens when musicians who don't normally sing and play with each other, come together and nail a three part harmony, or when triple fiddles take over "Lonesome Moonlight Waltz." It is almost guaranteed that someone in the crowd will request "Rocky Top," "Fox on the Run," "Man of Constant Sorrow,"or "Wagon Wheel" not understanding that these are sort of bluegrass taboos for serious players. Some times those requests work though, especially if accompanied by a $20 bill as evidenced on the Bluegrass Jam @ Jack of the Wood's Facebook fan page.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=10150101002855045&ref=ts

That's on a good night, when the excitement, spontaneity, tenor, lead, and baritone all come together to create something beautiful. And then there are those other nights.....

Last night was a definite hybrid of the good and the painful. Upon arriving at Jack of the Wood to sit down for some dinner, there were two musicians on stage. They deserve a great deal of credit for getting up there in a pretty packed bar and trying hard to entertain. The problem was that Mexican folk songs (en Espanol) , and 'Oh When the Saints' on banjo don't tend to go over well with the bluegrass crowd. (Not that they're not great songs... just not the right venue...) There was a virtual take over of the stage around 9pm when the local/regular bluegrassers rushed the stage mid- "Dream, dream, dream." Next up, Big Sciota. Ahhhh....

From that point on, the jam was lively and talent saturated. I heard some exceptional mandolin playing last night, and got to watch some beautiful harmony singing. So my point is, take the chance-- go to the jam, it's almost always worth it.

Every Thursday night at Jack of the Wood 8pm start time, and musicians get free beer!

First Recommendation: Check out the Jon Stickley Band, either tonight at the French Broad Brewery 6-8, or tomorrow night at the Town Pump Tavern in Black Mountain.

Jon Stickley is one of the most talented young bluegrass guitarist playing today. He spends most of his time playing in the Shannon Whitworth Band. When he's not touring with them, he recruits talented Ashevillian musicians to join him onstage for a mix of traditional bluegrass songs, instrumentals, and progressive original tunes of his own. I hear that tonight's performance is going to be heavy on 3-part harmonies and will include Greg "Stig" Stiglets, of Dehlia Low, Billy Gilmore of Brittney Riley and the Almost Acoustic Band, and Joseph Scott.

Welcome to my new blog!

Thanks for stopping by. I follow a lot of blogs, tweets, facebook notes, etc, and I have a lot of opinions, thoughts, revelations, ideas, praise and complaints about music, the music scene in Asheville, and the industry as a whole. So it dawned on me recently.... write a blog. I looked around on-line to see who was already blogging about the vibrant music scene in Asheville... lo and behold... nothing. Ashvegas puts things up occasionally.... and there are a few others. But I couldn't find anyone dedicating internet space to Asheville's music scene. So here it is.

Although my iPod playlists are eclectic and varied-- I'll tell you my biases right off the bat. I like acoustic music. Particularly female vocals. Some of my favorite artists are Gillian Welch, Martha Scanlon, and Allison Krauss (the old stuff.) But I also love Great Lake Swimmers (the first album), Justin Townes Earle, Madison Violet, and M.Ward. Lyrics make or break songs for me. I don't care how great the instrumental solos are, if the lyrics are cheesy or trite... I'm not interested. I love old country. Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Gram Parsons. Pop country radio today makes me physically nauseous. I honestly feel like it has made our country dumber. I am wary of the label, "singer/songwriter." I do not particularly care for accordion or flute. I feel very strongly about supporting live music, and live music venues. I think it's lame when you call your friend who's in a band and ask them to put you on the guest list because you don't want to fork over 5 bucks.

These are some of my biases and leanings, we all have them. Regardless, I try to approach new music and live shows with an open mind. I'll tell you what I like, and I hope you'll tell me what you think. Let me know who's playing, who just put out a great album, what's the future of Roots music?

"I like to see a good trainwreck on stage, it reminds you that there are live people up there playing." - Keith Richards, Rolling Stone Magazine