Asheville Roots Music Review

Rising talent, Sonia Leigh, opening for Amos Lee at the Orange Peel 5.17.2011

2011-05-16T10:56:00.002-04:00

According to Sonia Lee's publicity team: "She’s halfway between the headstrong spirit of Loretta Lynn and the honesty of Lucinda Williams, and her album is good old dusty country, steeped in blues, soul, rock, and southern grit. She’s cut her teeth as a supporting act for Zac Brown Band, Amos Lee, Marc Broussard, Loretta Lynn, and others."

That sounded right up my alley, and in checking out the rising Atlanta talent online, I wasn't disappointed. Sonia was gracious enough to answer a few of my questions about her upcoming Tuesday night slot opening up for Amos Lee at the Orange Peel.

Q: What can Asheville fans expect at the Orange Peel show?
Asheville fans can expect an intimate acoustic performance by myself and my guitarist Will Harrison, filled with various songs from my catalogue. I will probably play some songs I usually do not get a chance to play with the band to make it extra special.

Q: What do you think sets you apart from other up-and-coming artists in your genre?
I think I may have developed some what of a genre of my own. I write my own songs, some artists don't, and that's okay, everyone has their own special gifts and well, we all gotta use what we were blessed with. I think my strength is more located in my writing. I have been told I walk a thin line of originality where it's not too far out there that people don't relate and get it. I think my fans connect with what I write, but it's probably a little differently said than usual. Basically, just about everything in this world has been written about, everyone just writes from their own perspective, I think maybe I may have a unique way of expressing what I see and feel and some people find that refreshing.

Q: What albums are on high rotation on your iPod right now? Any new releases you're looking forward to?

Right now I listen to Billy Currington's new record a lot. Mishka, The Wheeler Boys,Adele, The Beastie Boys (LIcense to Ill) has been in heavy rotation lately. Florence and the Machine, Jason Aldean, Eminem's new record is great! Etta James, Paul Simon. I always listen to Bob Dylan ( Blood on the Tracks) and Jackson Brown (For Everyman) I listen to Bruce Springsteen records when I am home and getting ready for my shows.

Q: What's coming up next for you and the band?
Last time we were in Asheville we were able to go up to Echo Mountain studio and record some songs with DannyKadar, I would love to get back in that studio with the boys again and recordsome more music. The new record is about to come out so we will be doing a bunch of touring and we all love to be on the road so we are in heaven! I suredo love Asheville though, maybe I will get me a place here one day :)

Bass Explosion... live at the Orange Peel.

2011-05-08T12:22:00.001-04:00

This was simply one of the most incredible things I've seen happen on stage. I went to the Abigail Washburn / Wood Brothers show at the Orange Peel last Thursday, and towards the end of Abigail's set-- after a surprise appearance from Bela Fleck-- the band turned of the mics and stepped to the front of the stage to play "Key to the Kingdom" un-amplified. The bassist, Jon Estes, took a killer bass solo, and just as he finished, the neck came right off his bass. Looks like a glue failure, and hopefully fixable, but incredible timing and occurrence! Whoever shot this video was standing just in front of us.

CD Reviews coming up this week! Stay Tuned....

2011-05-04T08:57:00.000-04:00

Sara Jarosz : Follow Me Down

Tara Nevins : Wood & Stone

Tonight at the Grey Eagle: Amy Speace & The Civil Wars!

2011-05-03T11:17:00.000-04:00

The Civil Wars

Amy Speace

So Many Exciting New Releases!!!!

2011-05-02T09:59:00.000-04:00

May is clearly the month for new rootsy releases this year.... Two that I already have and love are:

Allison Krauss and Union Station's Paper Airplane

I plan on doing a full review of this one, but for the time being, just trust me, it's fabulous. Incredible versions of well-chosen songs. Performances = flawless.

Lera Lynn Have You Met Lera Lynn?

An uber-talented singer/songwriter out of Athens, GA. I saw her perform live at the Melting Point last year on the 4th of July. At that time she had yet to release a CD, but I joined her Facebook page and waited for this one. I have not been disappointed. She's a phenomenal singer, and writes captivating-- if sometimes depressing-- songs. I don't have the liner notes & therefore don't know who's doing the pedal steel work, but it's top notch. Just for the record... I was loving this CD before she won the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest this weekend.

Two that I'm eagerly awaiting..... :

Sarah Jarosz Follow Me Down

Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues

Mark O'Connor's String Quartet at the Porter Center May 6th!

2011-05-02T09:43:00.002-04:00

On May 6, 2011 at 7:30 pm Brevard College in Association with Mountain Song Productions will present Mark O’Connor’s String Quartet at the PorterCenter for Performing Arts. This concert will also include the quartet performing with a regional youth orchestra under the direction of Transylvania Youth Strings conducted by Dr. Donald Portnoy, conductor or Brevard Philharmonic.

Debatably one of the most important figures in American music, Mark O’Connor has collaborated and performed with artists as diverse as the many cultures that are present in this country. His astonishing talent bridges the gaps between classical music and the traditional styles of fiddle as well as jazz.

The quartet is Mark O’Connor, violin, Kelly Hall-Tompkins, violin, Gillian Gallagher, viola, Patrice Jackson, cello. Among the most talented and exciting string players on the scene, these four virtuosi combine for an unforgettable evening of explorations in new musical territory. The concert offerings: O'Connor's String Quartet No. 2 "Bluegrass" which features blazingly intricate rhythms" soulful, high lonesome harmonies" achingly beautiful melodies. O'Connor's latest, String Quartet No. 3 "Old-Time" composed on commission for the Quadricentennial of the Hudson River. Also featured are high flying, virtuoso duets with each possible pairing of the group members. All of these celebrated works draw on O'Connor's own well-documented (and uniquely American) musical history.

The second half of the program Mark will be joining Transylvania Youth Strings in support of their efforts to engage youth in music as part of their everyday lives.

When Mark was asked about his method for beginning students he offers, “The foundation for my new Violin Method is that American music can be the material for a violin student learning how to play. The musical literature and styles are so rich in the United States and in the Americasthat I wanted to design a method around these string-playing traditions. Another hallmark to my method is that creativity and improvisation development can start early. And in addition to all of the important techniques the method offers, rhythm is a key focus too.”

Doors open at 6:30 at the Porter Center. For Tickets go towww.theportercenter.org or Rockin Robin Records in the College Plaza. By phone 800-514-3849. For more information 828-243-3496.

Dehlia Low currently in Echo Mountain finishing vocals for new release, Ravens & Crows.

2011-04-04T15:54:00.000-04:00

Local bluegrass, Americana band, Dehlia Low

is in the studio at Echo Mountain laying down the vocals for their first record label release, Ravens & Crows. The anticipated national release date is June 25th, with a home town pre-release show scheduled for May 27th at the Grey Eagle with Underhill Rose.

Grammy Award Winning Carolina Chocolate Drops appear at the Porter Center in Brevard! April 14th

2011-04-04T15:45:00.000-04:00

Mountain Song Productions, in association with Brevard College will be presenting the Grammy Award Winning Carolina Chocolate Drops at the Porter Center on Thursday, April 14th. Show time is 7pm and tickets are $20-25.

Get tickets at: www.theportercenter.org

Woody Wood releasing new album at Highland Brewing Company- April 2nd

2011-03-20T16:54:00.000-04:00

Aaron 'Woody' Wood was hip to Kickstarter, before every other band around jumped on board. He had the first successful campaign in Asheville, and caught a lot of slack for it too... but I think we should all celebrate his drive and ambition and go hear his new album. It's not easy to make a living as a musician, and he's a great one.

Aaron Wood CD Release Party
Highland Brewing
Saturday April 2nd

21+, Doors at 8:30; Show at 9
Tickets $10 in advance; $12 at the door
828-299-7223
12 Old Charlotte Hwy
Asheville, NC 28803
www.highlandbrewing.com

Larry Keel to play SOLO at Pisgah Brewery April 6th!

2011-03-20T16:47:00.000-04:00

Original, and from the soul, Larry Keel has weathered the changing tides of traditional bluegrass, country, jam rock, roots reggae, and even the currently emerging indie-alt scene always honoring the pioneers that introduced Bluegrass and Mountain Music into popular culture. Larry Keel is an award-winning Acoustic Americana flatpicking guitarist, well known for his entirely unique song-writing, gravelly voice and lightning fast licks and "consistently touted as the hottest, most provocative and most entertaining bluegrass band of this decade."

Ladysmith Black Mambazo Live at the Porter Center in Brevard Sunday!

2011-03-12T14:17:00.000-05:00

This is going to be incredible. Without a doubt.

Get your tickets in advance at www.theportercenter.org

Enter to win Lucinda Williams Tickets!

2011-03-10T11:19:00.000-05:00

You have no idea how much I want to go to this show.... not only for Lucinda, but one of my current favorite singer/songwriters, Dylan LeBlanc is opening the show. Details for entering the giveaway below. Awesome Dylan Leblanc video, below that.

Details here:
http://www.ashevillephroogles.com/2011.02.01_arch.html#1297479604276

Sign up to win tickets here:
http://www.phroogles.com/join/asheville/

4th Annual Music Video Asheville Submission Time!

2011-03-09T12:22:00.002-05:00

Future of Asheville Music and HATCH Festival present
The 4th Annual MUSIC VIDEO ASHEVILLE at The Fine Arts Theater on Wednesday, April 13th
A Showcase to Highlight the Pairing of Asheville Musicians & Filmmakers

MUSIC VIDEO ASHEVILLE 2011
Presented by the Future of Asheville Music and HATCH Festival
Screening: Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
Fine Arts Theater

$6
7pm Networking Party, 8-10pm Screening
36 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
(828) 232-1536
foam@futureofashevillemusic.com
www.musicvideoasheville.com
www.fineartstheatre.com

Submission Deadline: Wednesday, March 25th 2011

Asheville, NC - The Future of Asheville Music and HATCH Present the fourth annual MUSIC VIDEO ASHEVILLE to showcase the pairing of Asheville musicians and filmmakers. We are thrilled to announce this year's Music Video Asheville is presented by Hatch and sponsored by Music Allies, Creative Allies, Echo Mountain Recording, and fiscal sponsor The Media Arts Project. The MVA screening is open to the public and takes place on Wednesday, April 13th, 2010 at the Fine Arts Theatre in downtown Asheville starting at 7pm. Tickets are available after April 1st for $6 each at the Fine Arts Theater, Mamacitas, Static Age, Harvest Records, and Orbitz DVD. The submission deadline is March 25th. Please visit www.musicvideoasheville.com for more information on the event and how to submit.

The MVA mission is to increase the awareness and appreciation of Asheville musicians and filmmakers/ videographers by showcasing their collaborative works in a public event. All Buncombe County residents who are musical artists and filmmakers are welcome to submit up to three videos or films showcasing their act's live footage, conceptual music video, experimental/ animation or documentary style music films.

Music Video Asheville will host an awards ceremony at the end of the screening for the Audience Choice Awards as well as the MVA Juried selections. Prizes this year include a $500 cash prize donated by Music Allies, a cash prize from the ticket sales, and a free day of recording at Echo Mountain's full service, analog and digital recording studio valid June-July 2011.

Music Video Asheville happens on the eve of Hatch which takes place April 14-17th. Hatch is a biannual four-day experience that energizes creative professionals and thought leaders who are serious about transforming their ideas and talents into bold action, while inspiring others to do the same. While HATCH invites the mentors and groundbreaking artists, anyone with a creative spirit can participate. Tens of thousands have attended previous HATCH events, and with hundreds of thousands visiting our website.

Musicians, fans and those interested in the music business can attend music panels and workshops during Hatch. This year, the theme for Hatch Music is called "Remix Everything". Panels and workshops will discuss how everything is changing for music fans, musicians and the music business. Visit their website at www.HatchExperience.com.

Music Video Asheville is an independently organized event by members of The Future of Asheville Music (FoAM). Partners of MVA include Sound Mind Media and Dreamspider Publicity. Find out more about FoaM and Music Video Asheville at www.musicvideoasheville.com You can also check out playlists and winners from previous Music Video Asheville Events at The MVA YouTube channel www.youtube.com/musicvideoavl.

Avery County Bluegrass at Jack of the Wood Saturday 3/12!

2011-03-09T12:14:00.000-05:00

AVERY COUNTY BLUEGRASS

Bluegrass. Not that hybrid, genre bending acoustic music, but authentic, hard-edged bluegrass.
Real songs of heartache, pain and tragedy...

Travers Chandler and Avery County came together after two long time bluegrass sidemen decided that after many years it was time to play the music they wanted. With numerous IBMA awards on their mantles after stints with The James King Band, Danny Paisley and The Southern Grass, The Country Gentlemen and numerous others, the band has come together to bring back the sounds of traditional, edge-of-your-seat, bluegrass that was spread from country to city during the 1950s & '60s.

Jack of the Wood 3/12/11 9pm $5

Carolina Call Time @ The Get Down Thursday 3/10!

2011-03-08T10:20:00.000-05:00

Local driving Bluegrass champs Carolina Call Time return to a local Asheville venue this Thursday at the Get Down in West Asheville. This four piece, power ensemble brings a strong line up of some of this towns best, aggressive and tasteful players.
The group consists of 4 friends that were brought together a couple of years ago due to the need to play hardcore, take no excuses, Bluegrass. The line up: Jim Rollins (fomer member of Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys), Sav Sankaran (The Dixie Bee Liners), Ty Gilpin (High Windy), and Rick Cooper (Bobby Miller Band, Stumpwater)

Show starts at 9. Drinking and dancing encouraged.

Show Review: 1st Annual Drone Summit of the Carolinas

2011-03-05T11:38:00.001-05:00

Okay, I’m going to be the first to admit that there must be something major that I am missing about drone music. In fact, I’m not sure that the term ‘music’ can be used to describe it, at least not in the way I define it. For something to be classified as music- as opposed to noise or sound- it must have some semblance of melody, rhythm, harmony… a beat. Wikipedia defines drone music as “a minimalist musical style that emphasizes the use of sustained or repeated sounds, notes, or tone-clusters – called drones.” They pretty much nailed it.

The First Annual Drone Summit of the Carolina’s was held at Stella’s on January 28th. Three performances were scheduled, beginning at 10pm. Arriving just before then, to find about 8 people in the bar, I thought that the term ‘summit’ was maybe a little overly ambitious. Though as the clock hit ten, a fairly steady trickle of people came through the door, and the crowd capped around fifty.
Before the first performance, the stage was set-up with a Gibson hollow-body guitar, a keyboard covered in animal jawbones, two large amps, and an array of pedals & effects boxes. I was very curious about the skeletal teeth, and the orientation of the instruments. They were directly in front of the amps, facing away from the audience. As the first performers, Noose, a duo made up of Eric Foster and Nate Andrews walked onto the stage they did, in fact, kneel down on the floor, as if in humble supplication before their amps, with their backs to the audience. Not my conventional idea of a performance. The house music came down, and the keyboardist hit a low note and held it. The tone was filtered through processors and effects and blasted through an amp into a mic, which sent the sound through the house. To my ears, it seemed like the goal was to get as much distortion as possible, before offensive feedback. To my surprise, he then reached for one of the aforementioned jawbones, and wedged it between the keyboard key and the console, forcing it to stay pressed down, sustaining the drone sound. This continued until he had 4 or 5 jawbones wedged into his keyboard. The rest of the 10 or so minute performance consisted of the duo constantly turning knobs on various boxes and pedals. The guitarist would hit a note now and then, but it was very hard to differentiate individual sounds. After about 9 minutes, the keyboardist suddenly screamed into a vocal mic, startling nearly everyone in the bar. He continued to do this for another minute or two and then, it was quiet. Noose started packing up their pedals, and unplugging cables making way for the next performance.

The house music came up, as did the volume of the conversation. The audience seemed comprised mainly of college-aged kids. There were a lot of skinny jeans, pea-coats, and thick-framed glasses, but little discussion about the drone performance. During the 30 minute changeover the next performer, Kima Moore, set up a table, a stool, and his MacBook. He ran a cable from the output jack to the house soundboard, stood up and thanked everyone for coming. The room quieted down, a few people sat down on the floor in front of him, and we waited. After a few awkward minutes, he quipped, “that’s the thing about computer music…. still loading…” Eventually we heard a sound, like one my old MacBook made when the hard drive crashed, sort of like a digital tea kettle whistle. Several layers of those digital whistles were added to the initial sound. The result was what I imagine the death-throes of a Q-Bert arcade game might sound like. This is when I left.

There was a third performance scheduled and that may have been the one to turn me on to drone music, but I can’t say because I couldn’t take anymore. I’m sure this will seem close-minded, and likely stems partially from my lack of understanding of the genre, but we can’t all like everything now can we?

Taylor Martin's Engine Thursday 3/3 at Westville Pub!

2011-03-01T11:05:00.000-05:00

Taylor Martin is an original singer/songwriter who's debut album Engine gained him local notoriety in 2009. His new release due out this summer includes a stellar line-up including Stuart Duncan, Cody Kilby, Aaron Ramsey as well as local players Pete James (The Honeycutters), Ty Gilpin, Rick Cooper and more.

This Free show starts at 9 and the line-up includes: Lyndsey Pruett, Ty Gilpin, Rick Cooper, Pete James and Richard Folk.

Fantastic Concerts coming up in Brevard, NC-- First one Friday night!

2011-02-28T09:11:00.000-05:00

Brevard College, in association with Mountain Song Productions presents: Upcoming Concerts at the Porter Center! Greg Brown this Friday Night, special guest Shannon Whitworth!

The creators of Brevard’s own Mountain Song Festival have come together to present concerts held at the Porter Center for Performing Arts at Brevard College. The 2011 season will kick-off Friday, March 4th with headlining singer/songwriter, Greg Brown. Local favorite, Shannon Whitworth will open the show. Sunday, March 13th will feature the intricate rhythms and harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Mountain Song Productions will be presenting several other concerts this year including the Carolina Chocolate Drops on April 14th.

Venue Website: The Porter Center

Upcoming Show Information:

THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 4th: GREG BROWN with Shannon Whitworth
8pm Tickets: $20-25

Greg Brown's songwriting has been lauded by many, and his songs have been performed by Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, Michael Johnson, Shawn Colvin, and Mary Chapin Carpenter. He has also recorded more than a dozen albums, including his 1986 release, Songs of Innocence and of Experience, when he put aside his own songwriting to set poems of William Blake to music. His latest CD, One Night (Red House), is a re-release of a 1983 live performance originally on Minneapolis' Coffeehouse Extemporé Records.

Website: http://www.gregbrown.org/

Shannon Whitworth has made her mark on the Americana music scene with her unmistakable voice, her original songwriting, and the sincerity and warmth of her live performances. Whitworth instinctively knows how to capture the listener completely, reaching directly to the heart. Her richly textured songs are transcendent of love and heartbreak, gracefully dancing between folk, blues, and country. A talented songwriter and instrumentalist, Whitworth has dabbled throughout the Americana genre, originally the front-woman in the acclaimed bluegrass/folk group The Biscuit Burners, and now a successful solo artist. Her first album, No Expectations, debuted in 2008. Whitworth’s new release, Water Bound (2010) has been met with critical acclaim, favorably reviewed in Blurt, No Depression, and People Magazine.

Website: http://www.shannonwhitworth.net

MARCH 13th: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
7pm Tickets: $22-27

For over forty years, the voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo have married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. The result is a musical and spiritual alchemy that has touched a worldwide audience representing every corner of the religious, cultural and ethnic landscape. Their musical efforts over the past four decades have garnered praise and accolades within the recording industry, but also solidified their identity as a cultural force to be reckoned with.

Website: http://www.mambazo.com/

Town Mountain! Record Deal and CD Release on March 19th!

2011-02-27T10:34:00.001-05:00

Town Mountain
CD Pre-Release of Steady Operator
The Grey Eagle
The Black Lillies open
Saturday, March 19, 2011

$10, 9pm
185 Clingman Ave. 28801
828-232-5800
www.thegreyeagle.com
www.townmountain.net

A common thread that binds us to music is familiarity with tradition and the unexpectedness of progression. In a time when bluegrass music is all over the place with it’s predictability; whether it is the crisp clean sound of the contemporary side, the tones of a sixty-year tradition, or the jam band mentality, you can see it coming. It’s all great and Town Mountain is happy to be right in the middle of this bluegrass gumbo.

You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again, “Town Mountain’s not your grand daddy’s bluegrass”, or “Town Mountain is a great traditional bluegrass band”. Fortunately both of these statements are true and false all at the same time therefore canceling each other out and in turn making it hard to pigeonhole just what Town Mountain can be called. Town Mountain is Phil Barker (Mandolin, vocals), Robert Greer (Guitar, vocals), Jesse Langlais (banjo, vocals), Bobby Britt (fiddle), and Jon Stickley (bass, vocals).

How do they maintain this sound? A lot of it has to do with influence. Everybody in the band brings their own unique musical background to the table. Some of the boys grew up listening to classic country such as George Jones and Waylon Jennings, while others were paying attention to Jimi Hendrix and The Grateful Dead. But at some point in time they all started to expand their musical horizons. Some found jazz, some found punk, some found Americana, but it’s safe to say that all of them, at about the same time, either found or started to pay more attention to one of America’s oldest musical traditions, bluegrass.

Now 10 years after this discovery the band is ready to plant their foot into it’s sixth year of existence. Starting back in 2005, the band joined ranks with The Steep Canyon Rangers and Yonder Mountain String Band winning the prestigious Rockygrass band competition. That win kicked the band’s future into high gear establishing the group as a force among American string bands. Their live show is not to be missed. You are now more than likely to see the band at major festivals across the country from the west coast, Yonder Mountain’s String Summit to North Carolina’s Merlefest and all points in between. Sharing the stage with some of their heroes like The Del McCoury Band and The Seldom Scene or with their contemporaries like The Infamous Stringdusters and The Steep Canyon Rangers.

Musical influence, fine-tuned vocals, precision crafted instrumentalists, and charming stage presence are all ingredients in what makes a sound…unique. One more ingredient that is essential in producing this sound: new songs. Town Mountain has the capacity to bring fresh and exciting material to their high quality music. With topics ranging from love lost and heartache to the weariness of a midnight drive across Americas heartland to politically charged topics that most steer clear of. You will find that Town Mountain’s songwriting is heartfelt, sincere and honest.

This year Town Mountain has teamed up with Pinecastle Records to release their third album, Steady Operator in the late spring. Now the band, more musically mature and honing in on a sound that suits them collectively as well as personally, is ready to show the acoustic music world that they are in fact on the cutting edge of old and new. A recognizable sound with youthful interpretation of a music that continues to evolve, this is Bluegrass.

After 20 years in the bluegrass music industry by founder Tom Riggs, Pinecastle Records has changed hands. Today, Pinecastle is situated in the mountains of southwestern North Carolina owned by businessman and medical doctor, Lonnie Lassiter. After taking ownership on August 1, 2010, Dr. Lassiter brought two of the company's former executives on board to head up the new venture. Ethan Burkhardt was named the company's Vice President of Operations and Matt Hood its Vice President of Public Relations. Pinecastle is proud to announce that it has signed Town Mountain from Asheville, NC to its roster and is excited to be releasing their latest album Steady Operator in late spring 2011.

“This album is a culmination of thousands of miles traveled across America, playing for audiences as diverse as the traditional bluegrass crowd to the hippie jam band contingent in big cities and festivals to pubs and house concerts. Diverse audiences that have one thing in common, a love for inspired, original, well played music, performed with a spirit that appeals to fans of all types and ages.” -Mike Bub, Steady Operator Producer and Grammy winner with The Del McCoury Band

I have really sucked at blogging!!!

2011-02-23T21:54:00.000-05:00

Here's my declaration of attempting to turn over a new leaf. So my initial goal of a post a day, was obviously a little overly-ambitious. So, let's get real and go with one a week. That way, if I post more than one a week, we can all be pleasantly surprised and extra happy, and if I don't post more than one a week, at least no one felt like they were set up to have unrealistic expectations.....

Jenny Juice's Brown Bag Songwriting @ MoDaddy's final rounds...

2010-11-29T11:07:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the last round to decide the last finalist to compete on Dec. 4th! There are not many things rootsy-er than original songwriters... vocals and a guitar. I had the privilege of sitting on the judges panel last week and was amazed and the wide range of talent. The bar was pretty crowded and the contestant list was full before 8 o'clock, with a wait. Tonight's round will solidify the 10th and last finalist and next Friday will be the be final round, crowning the winner and bestowing the $500 prize.

This info came from Dreamspider's Blog: (more here)

“The Brown Bag an open mic songwriting competition that offers a way to network the Asheville music scene by inviting seasoned musicians and music business people to listen and judge the raw, fresh, talent in town that shows up regularly.”~ Jen Greer Bi-annually (fall and spring) Jenny “Juice” Greer of Jen and the Juice hosts a 10 week open mic with a twist at Modaddy’s. Musicians put $3 into a brown lunch bag to perform. Celebrity judges select a winner, and the one performer they select takes home the bag of cash.
Win $500! At the end of the Monday night series there is a final shoot out of the weekly winners. This is the BIG Brown Bag which contains $500 and many other prizes. The BIG Brown Bag Finals are Saturday DEC. 4 at Modaddy’s.

Tonight: Modaddy's 8:30 pm NO COVER

Iron & Wine tonight at the Orange Peel!

2010-11-15T13:12:00.001-05:00

Weekly Music Must-Sees!

2010-11-11T09:20:00.000-05:00

THURSDAY: The Belleville Outfit @ The Grey Eagle!

Love, love, love this band. Swingy, jazzy, rootsy, danceable fun. You will not be disappointed. I've had the pleasure of seeing this band at festivals around the country several times over the past year and am continually amazed by their high-energy show.

“… their instrumental virtuosity … and sophisticated songwriting touch moves their music beyond fun revivalism. ... They're capable of moving in most any direction they wish.” - Nashville Scene

8:30 at the Grey Eagle $12

Applesauce opens the show

FRIDAY: Local Brewery Shows!!!

Friday is easy... first head down to my favorite local brewery, The French Broad, order a Rye Hopper, and listen to Woody Wood. You never know if he's going to play solo, duo, full band, but my favorite is his solo acoustic set at the FBB... incredible songwriting, amazing singing and playing... perfect way to spend happy hour.

After that, you can cruise on over to Craggie Brewery, and catch Nikki Talley. I hear she's promoting a new CD, Beautiful Charmer.

Two great local acts, at two great local breweries... I heart Asheville.

Shannon Whitworth "I've Got the Blues" @ The Grey Eagle 8/28/10

2010-11-09T13:01:00.001-05:00

What a week! Music Must-Sees.....

2010-10-13T10:10:00.000-04:00

WEDNESDAY:

Blue Jeans & Khaki Pants @ The Pisgah Brewery

WARNING: Although this is country music... some of it is X-rated!

Fronted by local sound guy, engineer extraordinaire, Russel Anders, this is a country band, that makes you feel just a little uncomfortable.... in the best way possible.

According to Pisgah Brewing's website:

Blue Jeans & Khaki Pants makes their stateside debut with their aptly titled “Banned In Forty States”. Following their wild commercial successes and constant touring of Japan the last 6 years, the group rebanded and decided that America was (almost) ready for the most rude and crude country album to be released in years. Pulling no punches, the group is making a name for itself with its sometimes witty, sometimes dark, but always fucked up rockin’ country stylings. Remember, this is not your grandparent’s country!! Rated XXX for content, we recommend this “family night” entertainment for anyone living in sin, a single wide, or making their living cruising the local truck stop parking lot.

Show is FREE--- nothing to lose. Tonight at 6:30pm with food by The Half Shell

THURSDAY: Raul Malo & Shannon Whitworth at the Don Gibson Theatre

Shelby, NC

This is a bit of a drive... but two amazing singers... one a Grammy winner... it's within range.

FRIDAY: Tim O'Brien and Bryan Sutton at The Grey Eagle

This almost goes with out saying.... this is going to be amazing! Two of my favorite bluegrass musicians, one of which (Bryan Sutton) born and raised right here in Western North Carolina, Hominy Valley to be exact, combining forces at the Grey Eagle. I recently had the pleasure of seeing them perform together in Nashville, and it was incredible. Master's of their instruments, and Tim O'Brien's pitch-perfect singing will make for an exceptional night of music.

9pm $25 Fully-seated show

Thurs- Sun... Can't forget about L.E.A.F

With the Indigo Girls headlining, and other personal favorites like the Wood Brothers... how can you decide what to do!?!?!?

Dehlia Low Included in FestivaLink.net Compilation

2010-09-24T09:24:00.000-04:00

Alongside Doc Watson, Steve Martin and Steep Canyon Rangers, The Duhks, The Sam Bush Band and more!

New Bluegrass Jam at my new favorite West Asheville bar on Mondays!

2010-09-20T09:40:00.000-04:00

The Get Down is the new place to be in West Asheville. It's your neighborhood dive bar, where you feel safe and welcome. Think punk-tinged, way cooler, Cheers. Opened by three wonderful folks, one of whom is former long time bartender at Jack of the Wood, Mikki Fox.

The Get Down seems to be catering to a really diverse crowd and clientele. It seems just as likely to see a bluegrass show there as a punk, indie, or metal show. There are pool tables, a jukebox, and vinyl records on the walls. I love it. They are hosting a Monday night bluegrass jam (Master's Fiddle Jam) that starts at 8:30. I went last week and the players were top notch and the sound was exceptional. It's an open jam so bring an instrument, and if you don't play, come out and hear some great music-- for free!

Been really slacking lately....

2010-09-20T09:31:00.002-04:00

Loving this though! Can't find her music online anywhere... let me know if you do!

Lera Lynn (Birds & Wire) Athens, GA

CD Review: Red June "Remember Me Well"

2010-09-07T09:18:00.001-04:00

A coming together of three exceptionally talented Asheville-area musicians created the emerging Acoustic/Americana band, Red June. This is their debut release, Remember Me Well....and you will.

With 11 tracks of mostly original music, the CD starts of with a rock-influenced number by Will Straughn called "Biscuits & Honey." Will's singing is reminiscent of Paul Simon in his younger days and lyrics seem to speak of a personal journey of regret, intentions, reparations, and homecoming. The dobro, fiddle, and mandolin come into the raucous guitar beat adding layers and supporting Straughn's vocals. Straughn is behind the beautiful dobro playing throughout the album.

Natalya Weinstein on harmony vocals and fiddle, is one of the most tasteful back up players I've heard. She drones, chops, plays a harmony line, fills unobtrusively, always adding to the song and supporting vocals. She then shines through on her instrumental breaks displaying the true talent that she is on her instrument. My only complaint about the whole album is that I'd like to hear more of that. Although "Callahan," a bouncy instrumental written by bluegrass great, Jim Shumate, (also John Miller's Grandfather) offers a chance for a fiddle showcase.

Remember Me Well includes a great version of the Neil Young song, "Comes A Time," as well as several other nice originals from John Miller and Straughn. The stand out track for me is the final song, "Come Patience." You can listen here: Come Patience This is a sweet song penned and sung by John Miller. I fully agree with Riley Baugus' description of Miller's singing seen here:

"John Miller's singing reminds me of being in the Blue Ridge Mountains, high on a hill all alone and hearing the sound of the mountains coming from all around and filling your soul with the feeling that everything is just right in that place. His voice is strong and pure and harkens back to a time when there was no need for electronic enhancement and tuning adjustments. In short, John's singing is the real thing and is just incredible."

I had heard this song done years ago with Miller's former band, Lo-Fi Breakdown, but the reworking Red June gave it, really allows this song it's full potential. The fiddle into dobro intro set the stage perfectly for Miller's vocals. Beautiful three part harmonies on the chorus seal it for me. The first listen through of the CD, I hit repeat on this song at least 3 times.

I can't wait for their CD release party at the Grey Eagle, September 25th! You will not regret the purchase of Remember Me Well. Red June has certainly put their best foot forward, and like the apple inspiring the band name, the season is ripe for this record, a perfect transition from Summer to Fall.

You can buy the album pre-release here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/redjune

CD RELEASE PARTY: The Grey Eagle 9/25/10 8:30pm $10 w/Eliza Lynn

Johnsons Crossroad at Jack of the Wood Friday night.

2010-08-27T11:41:00.001-04:00

Check them out here- this was recorded at the Mockingbird in Staunton, VA. (One of my personal favorite venues.)

Weekly Music Must-Sees!

2010-08-26T12:19:00.000-04:00

Seems like it's that crazy-busy time of year... school starts back, long list of 'one-more-time-this summer' things to do....work? The eve of the big slow down... lucky for us, Asheville has good music all year. This weekend is no exception.

THURSDAY:

The White Horse Black Mountain is where it's at tonight. For a mere $8 you can see Greensboro, NC's Holy Ghost Tent Revival being supported by locals, Now You See Them.

Judging from the name you may be expecting a backwoods gospel band... not the case. As described on their website: "The overall air of their creation breathes a sense of celebration and salvation; of a raucous party where everyone's welcome and where even the most stoic will find their toes tapping and a smile breaking free. It's as if, in the same spirit as the blues greats that traveled the highways of the American psyche before them, theirs is not music to lament life's hardships but rather to celebrate in life itself; with all its hodgepodge of pleasure and pain."

You can watch a music video for "Needing You" here:

FRIDAY:

Still looking..... got any recommendations?

SATURDAY:

Smart Bets in the Mountain Xpress says it all for Saturday. Shannon Whitworth's CD release show at the Grey Eagle. If you've been following along on her Facebook or Twitter Page, you'll know she's was featured as writer of the week in American Song Writer, the new CD Water Bound received 3 out of 4 stars in People Magazine, and she just appeared live last night on Music City Roots in Nashville. A rising local star.....

Show starts at 9pm. $10 in advance, and $12 at the door. Another fabulous singer- Julie Lee opens the show.

Mountain Song Festival! Sept 10th and 11th in Brevard, NC

2010-08-25T11:12:00.000-04:00

Not only does this festival have an incredible line-up of Roots & Bluegrass music, it's close, AND it's a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club. Pretty Impressive.

Festival Website Here

Buy Tickets Here!

Doc Watson returns to headline the 5th Annual Mountain Song Festival!

Hosted by the Steep Canyon Rangers......

Also appearing: Darrell Scott, Shannon Whitworth & Barrett Smith, David Holt, Red Wine,

The Kruger Brothers, and Jerry Douglas.

CD Review: Ashleigh Caudill, Fruit of the Vine

2010-08-17T16:46:00.001-04:00

There are a lot of really cool things about this CD, and one of them is that the CD tray itself, is made of potato. I think that is rad. In addition to that random tidbit, there is some great music on this album with an all-star cast of serious bluegrass heavy-hitters helping Ashleigh present 12 original tunes. Jim Hurst appears on guitar and harmony vocals and produced the album. Rebecca Frazier, Mark Schatz, Michael Witcher, and Claire Lynch contributed as well, just to name a few. Ashleigh penned all 12 songs (two are co-writes), sings lead vocals on all but one track, and hold down the upright bass throughout.

Fruit of the Vine is an expression that leads you to think of bounty, harvest, reward, sweetness... also of forbidden fruit, sins, transgression. I think all of these elements should be included in the description of a good bluegrass album, and this CD is aptly titled. It starts with a lively number, Dancin' in the Kitchen, that celebrates love, family, laughter and music even in hard times when there's "no bread in the oven, no oil in the pan." This song could be an anthem for today's times for many people. After filling you up with the sunny-side of life, it plunges you down to the depths of despair with Toil & Shame. Perfect.

Row by Row is the standout track for me. With a gettin' to gloryland plot line and an exceptionally catchy chorus, the song imparts a sense of hope while creating really nice mental imagery. This is the chorus that is still in my head while I'm trying to fall asleep at night. Another, in my opinion, essential element on any bluegrass album that's worth it's salt is a good old murder ballad. William White gave me goose bumps on the first listen, in fact I have them now as I'm remembering the tale. It doesn't seem like there is much room for variation in the plot of a murder ballad. Scorned lover, revenge, grave mistake, guilt, fleeing... but Caudill manages to spin a new tale that surprised me with it's complexity. It's a lovely duet all the way through with her sister, Jessica Weatherly, and the harmonies and pretty melody off-set the macabre outcome to the story. Matt Purinton is spotlighted on Henry Tracy, a jailhouse story told from the perspective of a formerly locked-up man refusing to be chained again, where he delivers a great lead vocal performance.

Fruit of the Vine is a quality, contemporary bluegrass album. It sheds the rind of triteness often found in 'new' bluegrass records and offers up a fresh taste of original song writing, tasteful arrangements, and exceptional musicianship. Bravo!

You can find it on CD Baby : http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ashleighcaudill2

And on Amazon: Fruit of the Vine

Update on the Shannon Whitworth Album Review: It's out today!

2010-08-17T16:07:00.000-04:00

On iTunes

NewReleases.com

Weekly Music Must-Sees! (Friday and Saturday)

2010-08-13T10:34:00.001-04:00

FRIDAY: Jack of the Wood 9:30pm $5cover

Now You See Them

Often described as a breath-of-fresh-air, Now You See Them conveys an upbeat and beautiful sound. Live, they supply an endless amount of fun and energy that transfers to everyone around; diving further into their music reveals slow burning lyrics that take shape, evolve, and become more personal with every listen. Sporting unique instrumentation while delivering beautiful harmonies, they’ve quickly turned their fan base from a few errant bar stragglers and by passers to perpetually packed houses.

It's true, these guys play in town a lot. So you can see them often, but the fact is, they're good. So you should go see them. Looking ahead on their calendar they're getting out of the region in the next few weeks and heading to he Northeast so Now You See Them...... now you don't. Catch them while you can. If you haven't yet heard of or checked them out, Dulci Ellenberger is the front woman and plays and instrument that I don't know the name of. You can see it in the photo..... with guitar, jembe and great vocals, they offer up a very unique sound complementing original lyrics. Good stuff folks. According to their website:

"Most likely due to their blue-collar backgrounds, the band members have a firm grasp on the struggles and victories of the middle class, and much like traditional American folk and oldies, the root of their music is in spiritual growth through life experience while appealing to the everyman’s constant search for quality of life."

SATURDAY: Jack of the Wood again... or Westville Pub

Camping out at Jack of the Wood for the weekend is not a bad thing. They've got great food, the new-ish Fiddlehead Pale Ale is superb, the $5 menu, the $5 cover.... barring the tourist throngs in the summer, it's one of my favorites. But all of that aside, Nora Jane Struthers and the Bootleggers will be there on Saturday. She describes her music as Classic Americana. I'd say it's a cross between country and bluegrass. I have only seen her perform solo thus far, and have met her at IBMA & Folk Alliance and she's perfectly delightful. Nora Jane just released her debut CD on June 22nd, and I'm sure Saturday's show will be fantastic. Here's some info from her website about Nora Jane:

"Struthers performs her material with a voice as pretty and homespun as the vintage dresses she favors on stage. Her accompanists on the album include acclaimed singer/multi-instrumentalist Tim O’Brien, all-star fiddler Stuart Duncan, award-winning dobro player Rob Ickes, top bluegrass guitarist Bryan Sutton, banjo ace Scott Vestal, veteran bassist Dennis Crouch, and, on backing vocals, do-anything performer Shawn Lane. Truitt contributes mandolin and octave mandolin."

SATURDAY on the Westside: Westville Pub 9:30pm, $5

Cary Fridley and Down South

They're fantasic. Country, Honky-Tonk, Rock-a-Billy. Watch the video. Go see them.

Weekly Music Must-Sees!

2010-08-12T09:35:00.000-04:00

My close friend just moved back to Asheville from California. We were walking around downtown yesterday and she says something to the effect of "Yay! I'm back in the land of music, where the biggest problem is choosing what to go see!" I agreed whole-heartedly, although she was scanning the Orange Peel calendar for Electronica... not exactly my thing, but to each their own.

THURSDAY:

Two really good choices tonight. In town at the Westville Pub is Evan Swink & the E-Flat Rigs. This is the newest incarnation of Evan Swink's- local singer/songwriter- original music. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of his other projects, The Good Roads Movement being one of my favorites, so I'm sure I'll like this no less. It's right up my alley with pedal steel, drums, guitar and bass. The tracks up on their Reverbnation site sound great! Westville Pub 9pm No Cover

Out in Black Mountain you can catch Ashleigh Caudill & Narrow Gauge at the Town Pump Tavern!

Ashleigh just released an excellent solo album called, Fruit of the Vine, described here in the photo to the left. I've heard it, it's great. I'll be posting a review in the next week or so. Her band has recently gone through some personnel changes (the story can be found on their blog) so I'm not sure who will be appearing on stage besides Ashleigh on bass and vocals, and Matt Purninton on mandolin and vocals. But regardless, I'm sure it will be an excellent cast of musicians, singing and picking on Ashleigh well-crafted original tunes. Town Pump Tavern 9pm Usually a $5 cover, but call to verify.

Great article on the No Depression Blog.

2010-08-10T08:55:00.000-04:00

No Depression. I loved this magazine when it was in print, and I still love it in it's online only format. This morning had an exceptionally good blog about the future of bluegrass.... something I think about all the time. In addition to, what is bluegrass? Do I want to be labeled a bluegrass band? Is there a ceiling to success in bluegrass? Etc. I don't want to mislead you, these aren't all answered in this article, but questions to contemplate, hope, and an all around good read.

http://www.nodepression.com/profiles/blogs/junior-sisk-a-bluegrass-ramble

The Mast Farm Inn Songwriting Sessions with Dan Tyminksi and Ronnie Bowman

2010-08-09T14:57:00.002-04:00

I just had the great privilege of spending 3 nights, and four days at the beautiful Mast Farm Inn in Valle Crucis, NC. Not only is the Inn itself, and the grounds it sits on, incredible- but I was there to attend the first Songwriting, Arranging, Business & Production work shop facilitated by two of Bluegrass and Country music's greats: Dan Tyminski and Ronnie Bowman. This event was the brain-child of Henri Des-Champs, the wizard behind the curtain of so many things bluegrass- including the Bluegrass Legacy page on Facebook- and owner/proprietor of the aforementioned Mast Farm Inn.

To try and sum up the whole of this experience in a readable blog- is impossible. Though at the risk of sounding cheesy, there is no doubt it was life changing. There was so much talent, passion, life, commitment, and support in the circle the 16 of us created in 'The Granary' (one of the buildings at the Mast Farm Inn) it would have been impossible to leave the experience without feeling inspired, uplifted, and recharged.

Pre-session there were four assignments. Two books were to be read:

Writing Better Lyrics should be required reading for any songwriter, of any genre. There was so much wisdom contained in the pages of that book, that I know it will take me several re-reads to absorb it all. My favorite quote was,
"Don't be afraid to write the bad stuff, it makes great fertilizer." There are exercises, palatable tips and tricks, as well as truly technical analysis of meter, rhyme, and rhythm. Made to Stick is generally about effective ideas, clear communication, being heard. It could apply to so many things in life, from workplace dynamics to songwriting.

The other thing we had to do was submit a set of lyrics, on a deadline. Just the words, basically a poem. No music, no melody, no recording. These lyrics were distributed to all the participants. You might assume this-- but I had no idea how
much the melody to a song could change the meaning of the words. Completely.
The last assignment was to take someone else's set of lyrics (pre-assigned by Henri the Wizard) and put them to music, creating a melody line and an arrangement for the song of a stranger. For me this was fairly nerve-wracking as the last thing I wanted to do was piss someone off by effectively bastardizing their song, before we'd even met. You know how people can be about their songs.... and if you don't, Dan Tyminski gave me a great example: "Imagine telling someone else how to raise their kid, and imagine how they would most likely react... that's often times how it is to critique someone's song... it's their baby."

So these were the things we did before we got there... these four things alone have been invaluable, so add the actual workshop... whew.

I'm sure I could write a small novel about this experience, but in the spirit of interesting blogging, I'll try to condense, and limit my appreciative gushing. The day we arrived we were treated to a very intimate concert in an old country church by Dan and Ronnie. As expected it was incredible. They are both such talented musicians and singers, their harmonies are seamless, and they looked like they were having a great time. Dan introduced me to a term that I love, and recognized the symptoms of immediately: Goat Throat. When you get nervous as a singer, your voice is the first thing to go. Shaky, unreliable, weak and thin, prone to 'wild-pitch' notes... imagine the bleating of a sick, elderly goat. Just to be clear- Dan didn't sound like that once, but I sure did when I had to perform my song in front of two of my bluegrass heroes, and 12 other incredibly talented people the next morning. I felt like my first piano recital when I was 6. Actually, it was worse than that. I felt like it was the first time I ever went to an open mic. I had to wear a cowboy hat and sunglasses, and yes it was night time. Over this past year I've had the good fortune of performing in front of tens of thousands of people at times, but this was much harder. Right before I hit the first chord I thought, "I can't believe I'm about to play some dumb song I wrote to Dan Tyminski and Ronnie Bowman in this silent room where no one is allowed to applaud." Did I mention this was being filmed as well? Documenting all our glory and failure was String Theory Media's guru, Craig Havighurst, writer, documentary film-maker, frequent contributor to NPR, and a fine picker of a Collings Guitar. We listened to everyone's performance that first morning with no applause, no feedback, simply scribbling notes in our very well-designed and highly organized binders.

The workshop continued with lots of feedback, great advice, constructive criticism, all focusing on building onto the strengths of the songs, and of the participants. I can't imagine better instructors than Dan and Ronnie. After the initial awe and intimidation factor wore off, they both were exceptionally down to earth guys. Ronnie is very sincere and encouraging with a wealth of experience in the songwriting and publishing industry. He is really good with lyrics and took time to meet one-on-one with every participant to do some fine-tuning. Dan is so down-to-earth that I can imagine him mowing the lawn next door and tinkering with old cars. He's into iPhone's (showed me some features on mine I didn't know existed), cigars, and is so easy to talk to about any random thing that you forget how many Grammys he's got on his mantle at home. His strength at the workshop was comic relief, and the musicality of a song, the arrangement, the phrasing, the melody line. They were a great team.

After a great deal of feedback we all sat down to work on rewrites. Some of us tore everything down and started almost from scratch, some of us tweaked, moved, and experimented, and there were a few who's songs were so well-crafted that they generously gave their time and talents to help others improve theirs. The next day we focused on music, fine-tuning, and collaboration in preparation for the recital of the new improved version of our songs. We recruited harmony singers, lead instruments, and last minute arrangement advice. And the recital was amazing. Every person presented a great song. Some had gone through such a metamorphosis that the exposed butterfly resembled the fuzzy caterpillar it had been, not in the least.

I think I can speak for all the attendees when I say that we left feeling inspired, hopefully, and excited about songwriting. The supportive, building off of strengths way that the workshop was conducted cut out self-doubt, and the option of giving up. Witnessing, and participating in everyone's process was priceless.

Lastly, given that I'm a mostly working musician, and a sometimes blogger, I wouldn't have been able to attend this phenomenal event without the generous scholarship from Music on the Mountain Top. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Weekly Music Must-Sees!

2010-08-05T10:20:00.001-04:00

Well Folks, once again there is a plethora of choices this weekend in our fine music mecca... If you're here, I'm assuming your interested in my humble opinion, so her it is:

THURSDAY: The 83rd Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival at the Diana Wortham Theatre

This is an incredible community-centered event that has gone on in Asheville for 83 years! MDFF is the longest running folk festival in the nation, and it's sure to be a good one this year. For only $20 per night you can see around 15 different acts from clogging, old-time, bluegrass, ballad-singing, and smooth dancing. This great event takes place Thursday 8/5- Saturday 8/7. Each night is a different performance line up, so pick one, or come to all three! This year features some of the area's legacy performers such as Ralph Lewis, Bobby Hicks, and Annie Shores. You can see the full line-up and read more history about the festival here: Folk Heritage Committee Website

Here is a little info off of the website:
Bascom Lamar Lunsford founded the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music and dance traditions that have been handed down through generations in western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

FRIDAY: Sanctum Sully at Mo Daddy's.

I haven't actually heard this band yet, but I've heard a lot about them - mostly good - which makes me want to see them, and decide for myself. If you read my blog much, you may have noticed that I'm partial to bands that are rooted in bluegrass, but aren't afraid to break out of the traditional parameters. That's how I've seen this band described.... so I'm anticipating liking them. Plus, their publicity shot is fantastic, no trains, no junked cars, no brick walls. Just the band, dressed dapperly, and some trees- good choice guys. This is a CD release party for their new album, Crooked-Eyed Toad.

Show starts at 9:30 with a $5 cover.

Love this band. Madison Violet, from Canada.

2010-07-31T12:43:00.000-04:00

CD Review: Shannon Whitworth "Water Bound" (Release Date: 8/17)

2010-07-30T10:42:00.002-04:00

Water Bound can mean either bound for the water, or surrounded on all sides by water, like an island. Whichever definition Shannon Whitworth had in mind when she chose the title is completely fitting.

Even without knowing the title, the opening track invokes feelings of floating slowly... underwater. It's a seascape painting of sounds. The first sound is reminiscent of the heartbeat you hear in your ears when you're holding your breath underwater, then multiple layers of strings, pedal steel, drums, electric guitar flow in perfectly to create a building wave of sound peaking in Whitworth's vocal entrance. I haven't heard a better introduction to an album in a long time. You're already feeling something, 30 seconds in.

If Whitworth's debut release, No Expectations, can be considered her musical adolescence, Water Bound is the full expression of woman-hood. She has really come into her own on this recording. Whitworth has evolved her sound some, adding more drums and electric instruments, but it's an appropriate evolution. Her vocals remain languid, relaxed, and emotional, and there is no lessening of her ability to fully captivate an audience. This is not an album you want to throw in as background music, it's one that you want to sit still in a comfortable chair and listen through headphones, paying full attention.

Water Bound is beautifully packaged showcasing a visual artwork painting credited to Kenson Marbutt, and creative photography by Coke Whitworth. There are 12 tracks all written or co-written by Whitworth. There is such a nice flow to this record it is obvious a great deal of time was put into constructing the track order. I could spend time discussing each individual track, for they all have their highlights, but the standout track for me is the tenth, Taking It Hard. Again, the intro sucks you right in, it's beautifully orchestrated, and then falls back and opens up for Whitworth's vocal entrance singing, "One day when I walk out that door, you might not come after me no more..." This song has a beautiful melody and exceptionally tasteful harmonies, Whitworth develops a character who's situation cuts right to the core of someone feeling like they're not doing the best that they can for their partner, and wanting to change. Songwriting at it's best. Spring is Here is a bouncy banjo-driven celebration of the departure of winter. Mermaid's Song draws you gently under the water again, and Wrong Kind of Man gets your feet tapping, and inspires you to learn the words to the chorus right away so that you can sing along.

Did I mention that I really like this CD? This is without a doubt one of the best releases I've heard in 2010, I think Whitworth's loyal fans will fall in love with it as well, and I can't begin to predict how many new fans she will garner as a result of this incredible release.

Local CD Release Party is August 28th at the Grey Eagle.

Weekly Music Must-Sees!

2010-07-29T10:02:00.000-04:00

Well folks, lots of great music to see this week in town!

I'm particularly excited to catch gypsy-jazz quintet Viper's Dream at Jack of the Wood on Friday. For only $5, this is not only going to be a great show, but budget-friendly as well. This is a really exciting new local band, that just rocked the stages of Belle Chere this past weekend. Dan Bletz, formerly of The Biscuit Burners, fronts this band on Jazz Guitar. He's equally -if not more- talented in the Django style as he was on blazing bluegrass breaks with the Burners. In a recent Facebook post Bletz promoted this Friday's show, and stated, "Don't expect to hear a G-run." Straight-ahead danceable gypsy-jazz is what you'll get, and you'll like it.

SATURDAY:
You can head down to the Lab and catch another local sensation riding high on a great new release- Big Daddy Love.

These guys are working hard, they're beating the miles on the road, and playing 3-4 nights a week regionally to get their name out there, and collect new fans. So far... it's working. They're bringing their brand of Appalachian Rock to the masses. Keep your eye on them.

Back from Vacation!

2010-07-28T16:43:00.000-04:00

Spent 8 days in Colorful Colorado and had a wonderful time! Saw tons of music!

Went to the RockyGrass Bluegrass Festival held in Lyons, CO and put on by Planet Bluegrass and was unsurprised to see Asheville, NC so well represented both in the instrument and band contests as well as in attendance.

The quick report is Madison County's 18-year-old instrument phenom, Bryan McDowell, made contest history by winning first place in Guitar, Fiddle, and Banjo, and placing 3rd in Mandolin. His poise, creativity, and virtuosity were amazing to watch, and especially on guitar- he was in a class of his own. I wonder if he had room in the van to cart all those new instruments home...

Asheville's own, Ricky Cooper placed 3rd in Guitar and gave an exceptional solo performance of a David Grier tune.

Fairview's Dobro guy, Aaron Ballance (formerly NC State Dobro champ & currently with Dehlia Low) won the dobro competition and earned himself a new Hounddog Dobro.

And local bluegrass/Americana quintet, Dehlia Low advanced to the final round in the band competition and then placed 3rd overall. In my humble opinion, they should have had it - :) but traditional bluegrass seemed to rule the day. The other two bands were great!

Dehlia Low's Merlefest Cabin Stage set available through Festival Link

2010-07-18T10:39:00.001-04:00

Local Bluegrass/Americana band, Dehlia Low, has a new CD or download available through Festival Link. This is a live recording of their Merlefest debut on the Cabin Stage.

The Folks at Festival Link say:

"DEHLIA LOW MAKES FIRST MERLEFEST APPEARANCE

Sunday afternoon brought this NC-based quintet to the Cabin Stage. "No Depression's" Iaan Hughes said it well: "One of those kinds of bands that I just really fall in love with. At the bare bones, they're a string band, but in a way string bands used to be when there wasn't such a genre splint of what country music was and what bluegrass music was and what blues music was. It's where those points converge for me."

He didn't mention the dobro - we love what it brings to their music."

You can get it here: http://flink.livedownloads.com/show.asp?show=5272

Recent AVL transplant, Jessica Smith joins Avery County Bluegrass Band

2010-07-15T16:00:00.000-04:00

Jessica Smith moved to Asheville this spring and jumped right into the local bluegrass scene. She's an exceptionally solid bass player and fantastic singer with the street cred, degree, and experience to prove it. Formerly the front-woman of Spring Creek Bluegrass Band based in Colorado, Jess has been playing pick up gigs around town with the likes of Dehlia Low, High Windy, and Carolina Call Time. She's also often spotted at the Thursday night Jack of the Wood Bluegrass Jam. I had heard rumors that she signed on to Patuxet Records recording artists, Avery County, and found the picture to prove it. Best of luck to Jess, and the band!

Weekly Music Must-Sees!

2010-07-15T12:37:00.001-04:00

Alright folks, here are my Friday and Saturday recs:

FRIDAY: Underhill Rose & Uncle Mountain at Jack of the Wood $5 9:30pm showtime

Underhill Rose is 1/2 of the former Barrel House Mamas. Molly Rose Reed on guitar and vocals, and Eleanor Underhill on banjo and vocals. They do mostly original music with beautiful folk-tinged harmonies. Somewhat mellow, but awesome.

Uncle Mountain is an increasingly local band... I thought the were Boone-based, but they seem to be playing Asheville quite a bit these days. Sort of ballady harmony heavy singing... maybe along the lines of Fleet Foxes or Dawes? There is some serious talent in the band, but I haven't totally decided to love them yet. I need to see them a few more times.

SATURDAY: Jill Andrews and Brian McGee at the Grey Eagle. $10 adv/ $12 at the door. 9pm

I'm noticing a trend here... I think every one of my Weekly Music Must-Sees so far has had at least one Grey Eagle show... Grey Eagle, prime venue for Roots Music in Asheville? I think so.....

Jill Andrews is the former front woman of the now defunct everybodyfields. (Loved them, sad they're gone.) Both she and the other Sam Quinn (everybodyfields) have started their own projects separately, and she is bringing hers to the Grey Eagle on Saturday. I have yet to see her new project live, but I have heard the album, and I like it. I'm sure this will be a great night of music.

There's an excellent article that appeared in Paste Magazine about the bands break up and Jill's resurgence here: http://www.jillandrews.com/press/2009/11/23/paste-magazine.html

Brian McGee- local and one of my personal favorites- opens the show.
McGee's songwriting is poignant, direct, and often emotional in a gritty, tough, this-is-how-it-feels way. Every time I've seen him he gives it all he's got on stage, and there are all ways one or two lines in a new song that that really stand out and make you shake your head in disbelief.... "how'd he come up with that?"

Thursday Music Must-See!

2010-07-14T09:50:00.001-04:00

This weeks must-sees start tomorrow (Thursday), because there is an awesome show lined up at the Grey Eagle Tavern.

Frank Fairfield, Ian Thomas, and the Twilite Broadcasters

This will be a great night of throw-back, roots revival, American songster, wonderfulness. I can't wait!

Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door, and the show starts at 8:30 pm.

http://www.myspace.com/frankfairfield

http://twilitebroadcasters.com/

http://www.ianthomasmusic.com/

Web places rife with info....

2010-07-12T09:56:00.000-04:00

Here's a bluegrass-focused website that talks about venues, festivals, events, bands, lessons, you name it. Got a question about the bluegrass happenings in WNC, here's your site:
http://www.wncbluegrass.com/

Here's a blog that always has interesting music news and tidbits. Asheville-based, but far reaching:
http://dreamspider.wordpress.com/

This website is always a winner for the latest news in Americana and Roots:
http://www.nodepression.com/

Got a new CD you want reviewed? A press release? Some verifiable news about Asheville's Roots Music scene? Drop me a line at avlrootsreview@gmail.com

Weekly Music Must-Sees!

2010-07-08T11:39:00.000-04:00

FRIDAY:

Well.... let's just move ahead to Saturday....

SATURDAY:

WNCW 21st Birthday Jam at the Orange Peel!!!!!!

This, I am really excited about! I absolutely love WNCW 88.7 (wncw.org), I feel like they are one of the few independent, public radio stations left in the country introducing a big listening region to eclectic, local, regional, non-commercial radio-- on a daily basis. Commercial radio gives me a headache... it's so nice to tune in and hear real DJ's express excitement about music, about community, and NO commercials! I would go to this event regardless of the line up, purely to support the station. But lucky for me it's a win-win, because I'm excited about the line up too. I don't know much about Gandolf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus, Jess Klein, or Delta Moon, but I'm going to trust that WNCW picked some good ones. I do know about Dehlia Low, and Eliza Lynn and am very much looking forward to those bands on the big stage at the Orange Peel.

Tickets are $21 and benefit WNCW 88.7

Weekly Music Must-Sees!

2010-07-08T09:58:00.000-04:00

Well, tonight is so easy. Chatham County Line at the Grey Eagle.

This band is entertaining, talented, they write smart original music, they work hard, and have a photo shoot in a bowling alley, which is what I really, really wanted to do with my band... then I saw their photos. So, instead of being angry, I figured, great minds think alike. Also, this is a CD release show for their new album, Wildwood, and I can't wait to get a copy.

9pm. $10 advance / $12 day of show. Mandolin Orange Opens.

"I don't think Chatham County Line's future lies in becoming the next great bluegrass or alt-country band, I think they have a shot at becoming one of the next great American bands, period."
- D. Renville, This is Just A Modern Rock Blog

Just Announced: Shannon Whitworth to release new CD, Water Bound, August 17th!

2010-07-07T14:37:00.000-04:00

Official hometown CD release party will be August 28th at the Grey Eagle! Mark your calendars! Looks like you can pre-order through Amazon at this link:
Water Bound

CD Review: Bobby Miller and the Virginia DareDevils, Brother Adieu

2010-07-07T09:17:00.000-04:00

This debut CD from local bluegrass group, the Virginia Daredevils is a very welcome addition to my CD collection. Sad to say, I have stacks of local/regional band's records on my bookshelf gathering some dust, but this one got ripped right to the iPod. The Daredevils are the brainchild of Bobby Miller on mandolin and vocals, who's musical resume is long and esteemed. The four other core members are Griff Martin (Guitar/Vocals), Bill Cardine (Dobro), Billy Constable (Banjo), and Stefan Custodi (Upright Bass.) The guest musician list on the album is impressive and includes Bobby Hicks and Don Lewis.

The CD starts off strong with a bouncy three minute track. Judging from the title "Clayton Lunsford Died" I expected a murder ballad, or a sad waltz, but was surprised to hear Miller and Martin harmonizing about the celebration of life at the protagonists funeral. I was already intrigued with the CD...

Equally divided between vocal tunes and instrumental numbers, the album has a very nice flow to it. Each instrumentalist get a chance to shine, and the interplay between all of the soloist is captivating. Martin's guitar playing, both rhythmically and lead, is impressive and dead on. Miller seems to be channeling John Hartford at times, particularly on the track "Boots on Betsy" though sounding distinctly like himself on the one John Hartford cover included on the album, "Scotland/I'm Still Here."

The title track, "Brother Adieu" is the standout track. This is a traditional song that's been done hundreds of ways by hundreds of bands, but Miller and the DareDevils managed to bring something uniquely their own to this recording. With a dissonant melody line that has an unexpected progression, and the spot on harmonies by Mary Lucey Cardine (who's vocals many of you have probably missed since the disbanding of the Biscuit Burners) perfectly complementing Millers resonant lead, the Daredevils completely reinvent this song, and have solidified it for me as the best version I've heard.

Brother Adieu falls into that vague 'New Appalachian Country' genre... bluegrass, newgrass, old time, progressive... and distinctly Appalachian. This is the CD I want in my car stereo as I drive along the Blueridge Parkway, just outside of Asheville.

You can order a copy of the album here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bmillervdd

The Spokenfolk of Joe Craven returns to Asheville with a performance @ Mo Daddy's on Friday

2010-07-07T08:41:00.000-04:00

Joe Craven is nothing, if not entertaining. I can guarantee you will not be bored. Here's some info from a press release from Geniass Productions:

Geniass Productions and Mo Daddy's Bar are proud to present the return of the "One Man Foakee Joe Show" aka Joe Craven, performing live at Mo Daddy's in downtown Asheville on Friday July 9, 2010. Joe Craven is perhaps best known as Jerry Garcia and David Grisman's multi-instrumental and multi-talented percussionist, a man capable of making beautiful sounds out of anything, from a garbage can to a cake mold to children's old Fisher Price toys. Joe Craven is not just an entertaining musician with a penchant for the mischievous, he is a teacher and student all at once and he will draw you into his performance by including you as though you’re part of the show itself. Picture a stage that looks more like a yard sale; found objects from the natural environment as well as dumpsters, yard sales & thrift stores. Throw in string & percussion instruments from around the world - and around the house. Connect this with a dash of technology involving plugging in electric bedpans and balalaikas and looping landscapes of sound - all created in the moment by Joe. Then toss rhythmically with some corny jokes, storytelling, a little theater thickener, a pinch of audience participation and - voila! Welcome to “The Joe Show”…

CORRECTION! Red June plays Saturday not tonight!

2010-07-02T13:38:00.000-04:00

Oops! Red June is at Pack's Tavern on Saturday, July 3rd, not tonight! I got ahead of myself yesterday!

The best part about the mistake means that I get to see them on Saturday. How perfect to walk right over to Pack's Tavern from Shindig on the Green!

Weekly Music Must-Sees!

2010-07-01T13:39:00.005-04:00

So much to do this weekend! I like Asheville that way.

I'd start tonight by heading over to the Fletcher Feed & Seed for the Life O'Mike Benefit. You can read more about the benefit, featuring Buncombe Turnpike and Paul's Creek, and the motivation behind their organization at their website, lifeomike.org.

FRIDAY:

1) My top pick is the 2nd Annual Independence Day Gerton Show, hosted by Dehlia Low. See Tuesday's post for more info.

2) If you can't muster up the gumption for the beautiful drive to Gerton (approx. 25 minutes) then I'd go to Pack's Tavern to see up-and-coming trio, Red June. This band is made up of John Cloyd Miller on vocals, guitar and mandolin, Natalya Weinstein on the fiddle, and Will Straughn on guitar and dobro. All three of them are incredibly talented musicians and I'm sure their show will be incredible.

SATURDAY:

Shindig on the Green 2010! This free event gets started "Along about Sundown..." and usually wraps up around 10pm. This is a great way to start off your Saturday night, and you can still head down to MoDaddy's... you can even walk... and catch Asheville's newest sensation, the Asheville Country Music Revue.

I mentioned these guys before, without having seen them, and I went out to their Wild Wings show and I loved them! I liked them so much that I desperately wanted to be in their band. They had Robert Greer, Phil Barker, and Jesse Langlais of Town Mountain. Matt Smith and Jon Stickley of the Shannon Whitworth Band, and Evan Martin on drums. They played a bunch of classic country tunes and I heart them. An older woman in the booth adjacent to ours leaned over and asked if we knew the guys. When I told her yes, she said, "Well, I just want to take that cute little blonde boy home with me!" So... the band is a multi-generational hit. The only disappointment was that Wild Wings management had them stop at 8:30! Go see them this Saturday night at MoDaddy's. 10pm showtime.

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

2010-06-29T08:54:00.002-04:00

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

2010-06-28T09:18:00.001-04:00

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!

2010-06-25T14:49:00.001-04:00

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.

2010-06-24T14:44:00.001-04:00

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

2010-06-22T12:28:00.001-04:00

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.

2010-06-22T09:34:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-06-18T18:37:00.000-04:00

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

2010-06-15T10:26:00.004-04:00

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.

2010-06-11T10:20:00.001-04:00

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....

2010-06-11T10:07:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-06-10T10:46:00.007-04:00

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!

2010-06-09T10:45:00.007-04:00

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

2010-06-07T20:45:00.007-04:00

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.

2010-06-04T11:22:00.002-04:00

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

2010-06-04T09:41:00.003-04:00

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!

2010-06-03T12:45:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-06-03T11:56:00.001-04:00

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