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FOLK Music
LibraryPreviews.com NEWSLETTER
FOLK Music
Editor, Marc Greilsamer
associates of amazon.com,bn,tower,cdnow
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PREVIOUS PREVIEWS
POSTED 10 AUGUST 2001
"Down From the Mountain: Live Concert Performances by the Artists &
Musicians of O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
Various Artists
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $4.98
...available here.
"O Brother" mania is in full bloom in the summer of 2001. The
platinum-selling soundtrack to the Coen Brothers' Depression-era
comedy "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" has introduced (and seduced) a
large new audience to the rich history of American roots
music--bluegrass and mountain music in particular. Recorded live in
May of 2000 at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium, "Down from the
Mountain" features performances by "O Brother" artists such as
Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, Fairfield Four, and the Cox Family. It
also serves as the soundtrack to D.A. Pennebaker's documentary of
the concert.
Listen to "Blue and Lonesome" by Alison Krauss
...available here.
"Sky Like a Broken Clock"
Kelly Joe Phelps
Our price: $12.99 | You save: $3.98
...available here.
Slide-guitar phenom Kelly Joe Phelps puts down the slide in an
effort to accentuate his vocal and songwriting skills, and he
succeeds admirably. "Sky Like a Broken Clock" is a mellow, beguiling
treat all the way through. For the first time, Phelps works with a
band behind him--a subtle and graceful band to be sure--but the
focus falls squarely on his thoughtful, magnetic tunes. One of the
year's best in folk for sure.
Listen to "Sally Ruby"
...available here.
"Blood Red Cherry"
Jann Arden
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $3.98
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005LCFX/ncdn">...available here.
The pride of Calgary, Alberta, Jann Arden remains one of Canada's
most respected songwriters. The folk-pop singer looks to conquer new
territory with "Blood Red Cherry," an album that is more beat-driven
and energetic than her past releases, though her songs still retain
their emotional impact.
Listen to "Waiting in Canada"
...available here.
"Eternal and Lowdown"
Ray Wylie Hubbard
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $3.98
...available here.
The veteran Texas singer-songwriter continues his impressive
resurgence with "Eternal and Lowdown," an album that looks to the
blues for its inspiration and offers another sterling set of
thoughtful original songs. Hubbard's singing and slide playing have
become more assured with each release, and the strength of the
material proves that he's as prolific today in his mid 50s as he's
ever been.
Listen to "Three Days Straight"
...available here.
More new releases:
* Gordon Downie, "Coke Machine Glow"
...available here.
* "Heartland: An Appalachian Anthology"
...available here.
* Pierce Pettis, "State of Grace"
...available here.
* Vassar Clements, "Full Circle"
...available here.
See more new releases
...available here.
DAVID GRAY REISSUES
"A Century Ends"
Gray's 1992 debut inspired Joan Baez to call him "the best lyricist
since Dylan."
...available here.
"Flesh"
This 1994 sophomore effort, which built on "Century"'s success,
mixed urgent folk-rock with soft ballads.
...available here.
"The EP's 92-94"
This new set collects singles and B-sides from Gray's first two
releases.
...available here.
Other David Gray releases:
* "White Ladder"
...available here.
* "Lost Songs"
...available here.
* "Sell Sell Sell"
...available here.
PERFECT HARMONY
"Just a Song of Old Kentucky, Vol. 2"
Monroe Brothers
Our price: $14.49 | You save: $1.48
...available here.
Before Bill Monroe made his name as the chief architect of the
driving, high-lonesome bluegrass sound, he and his brother Charlie
made a landmark series of wonderful close-harmony duets of old-time
and gospel songs.
Listen to "Don't Forget Me"
...available here.
"Another Saturday Night"
Dudley Connell
Our price: $14.99 | You save: $1.98
...available here.
Dudley Connell (of the Seldom Scene) and Don Rigsby (of the
Lonesome River Band) have played together in the bluegrass
supergroup Longview, but they've also been recording in the
close-harmony, brother-duo style. While their first effort tended
toward the sounds of 1930s acts like the Monroes and the Blue Sky
Boys, this second collection leans toward slightly more modern
practitioners like the Louvins and Everlys.
Listen to "Dreams of Home"
...available here.
Related recordings:
* Monroe Brothers, "What Would You Give..., Vol. 1"
...available here.
* Dudley Connell and Don Rigsby, "Meet Me by the Moonlight"
...available here.
IN MEMORIAM
Fred Neil
Best known for writing folk standards such as "Everybody's Talkin'"
(turned into an AM hit by Nilsson), "Other Side of This Life"
(covered by Jefferson Airplane), and "The Dolphins" (a Tim Buckley
signature), Fred Neil was much more than the pen behind others' art.
In the 1960s, Neil was a vital presence on the Greenwich Village
scene, a distinctive singer himself and a source of inspiration to
countless (and eventually better known) folk artists. Despite Neil's
self-imposed absence from the music world since the 1970s, a strong
cult of fans had long hoped for a resurgence--or, at least, a simple
sighting. Those hopes will never be fulfilled: Fred Neil passed away
on July 7 at the age of 65.
See all Fred Neil recordings
...available here.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
Jeb Loy Nichols melds elements of country, soul, folk, reggae, and
electronica to create the toned-down tunes on "Just What Time It
Is." His sleepy singing style fits perfectly with the gently swaying
music, graced with sumptuous melodies and engaging laid-back
grooves. For a taste, you can download " Heaven Right Here" for
free.
...available here.
Go to all Folk downloads
...available here.
COMING SOON
"Time (The Revelator)"
Gillian Welch
Our price: $12.99 | You save: $3.98
...available here.
Welch returns with her much-anticipated follow-up to 1998's "Hell
Among the Yearlings"; once again she delivers a subdued but sublime
effort.
"Clock Without Hands"
Nanci Griffith
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $4.98
...available here.
Griffith finds her pen and offers her first set of new original
material since 1997.
"New Favorite"
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $3.98
...available here.
Following 1999's solo effort "Forget About It," Krauss rejoins her
Union Station mates for a contemporary bluegrass album.
...available here.
"Down From the Mountain: Live Concert Performances by the Artists &
Musicians of O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
Various Artists
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $4.98
...available here.
"O Brother" mania is in full bloom in the summer of 2001. The
platinum-selling soundtrack to the Coen Brothers' Depression-era
comedy "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" has introduced (and seduced) a
large new audience to the rich history of American roots
music--bluegrass and mountain music in particular. Recorded live in
May of 2000 at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium, "Down from the
Mountain" features performances by "O Brother" artists such as
Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, Fairfield Four, and the Cox Family. It
also serves as the soundtrack to D.A. Pennebaker's documentary of
the concert.
Listen to "Blue and Lonesome" by Alison Krauss
...available here.
"Sky Like a Broken Clock"
Kelly Joe Phelps
Our price: $12.99 | You save: $3.98
...available here.
Slide-guitar phenom Kelly Joe Phelps puts down the slide in an
effort to accentuate his vocal and songwriting skills, and he
succeeds admirably. "Sky Like a Broken Clock" is a mellow, beguiling
treat all the way through. For the first time, Phelps works with a
band behind him--a subtle and graceful band to be sure--but the
focus falls squarely on his thoughtful, magnetic tunes. One of the
year's best in folk for sure.
Listen to "Sally Ruby"
...available here.
"Blood Red Cherry"
Jann Arden
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $3.98
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005LCFX/ncdn">...available here.
The pride of Calgary, Alberta, Jann Arden remains one of Canada's
most respected songwriters. The folk-pop singer looks to conquer new
territory with "Blood Red Cherry," an album that is more beat-driven
and energetic than her past releases, though her songs still retain
their emotional impact.
Listen to "Waiting in Canada"
...available here.
"Eternal and Lowdown"
Ray Wylie Hubbard
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $3.98
...available here.
The veteran Texas singer-songwriter continues his impressive
resurgence with "Eternal and Lowdown," an album that looks to the
blues for its inspiration and offers another sterling set of
thoughtful original songs. Hubbard's singing and slide playing have
become more assured with each release, and the strength of the
material proves that he's as prolific today in his mid 50s as he's
ever been.
Listen to "Three Days Straight"
...available here.
More new releases:
* Gordon Downie, "Coke Machine Glow"
...available here.
* "Heartland: An Appalachian Anthology"
...available here.
* Pierce Pettis, "State of Grace"
...available here.
* Vassar Clements, "Full Circle"
...available here.
See more new releases
...available here.
DAVID GRAY REISSUES
"A Century Ends"
Gray's 1992 debut inspired Joan Baez to call him "the best lyricist
since Dylan."
...available here.
"Flesh"
This 1994 sophomore effort, which built on "Century"'s success,
mixed urgent folk-rock with soft ballads.
...available here.
"The EP's 92-94"
This new set collects singles and B-sides from Gray's first two
releases.
...available here.
Other David Gray releases:
* "White Ladder"
...available here.
* "Lost Songs"
...available here.
* "Sell Sell Sell"
...available here.
PERFECT HARMONY
"Just a Song of Old Kentucky, Vol. 2"
Monroe Brothers
Our price: $14.49 | You save: $1.48
...available here.
Before Bill Monroe made his name as the chief architect of the
driving, high-lonesome bluegrass sound, he and his brother Charlie
made a landmark series of wonderful close-harmony duets of old-time
and gospel songs.
Listen to "Don't Forget Me"
...available here.
"Another Saturday Night"
Dudley Connell
Our price: $14.99 | You save: $1.98
...available here.
Dudley Connell (of the Seldom Scene) and Don Rigsby (of the
Lonesome River Band) have played together in the bluegrass
supergroup Longview, but they've also been recording in the
close-harmony, brother-duo style. While their first effort tended
toward the sounds of 1930s acts like the Monroes and the Blue Sky
Boys, this second collection leans toward slightly more modern
practitioners like the Louvins and Everlys.
Listen to "Dreams of Home"
...available here.
Related recordings:
* Monroe Brothers, "What Would You Give..., Vol. 1"
...available here.
* Dudley Connell and Don Rigsby, "Meet Me by the Moonlight"
...available here.
IN MEMORIAM
Fred Neil
Best known for writing folk standards such as "Everybody's Talkin'"
(turned into an AM hit by Nilsson), "Other Side of This Life"
(covered by Jefferson Airplane), and "The Dolphins" (a Tim Buckley
signature), Fred Neil was much more than the pen behind others' art.
In the 1960s, Neil was a vital presence on the Greenwich Village
scene, a distinctive singer himself and a source of inspiration to
countless (and eventually better known) folk artists. Despite Neil's
self-imposed absence from the music world since the 1970s, a strong
cult of fans had long hoped for a resurgence--or, at least, a simple
sighting. Those hopes will never be fulfilled: Fred Neil passed away
on July 7 at the age of 65.
See all Fred Neil recordings
...available here.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
Jeb Loy Nichols melds elements of country, soul, folk, reggae, and
electronica to create the toned-down tunes on "Just What Time It
Is." His sleepy singing style fits perfectly with the gently swaying
music, graced with sumptuous melodies and engaging laid-back
grooves. For a taste, you can download " Heaven Right Here" for
free.
...available here.
Go to all Folk downloads
...available here.
COMING SOON
"Time (The Revelator)"
Gillian Welch
Our price: $12.99 | You save: $3.98
...available here.
Welch returns with her much-anticipated follow-up to 1998's "Hell
Among the Yearlings"; once again she delivers a subdued but sublime
effort.
"Clock Without Hands"
Nanci Griffith
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $4.98
...available here.
Griffith finds her pen and offers her first set of new original
material since 1997.
"New Favorite"
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $3.98
...available here.
Following 1999's solo effort "Forget About It," Krauss rejoins her
Union Station mates for a contemporary bluegrass album.
...available here.
Posted 9 JULY 2001
"Blue Boy"
Ron Sexsmith
...available here.
This Canadian singer-songwriter's star is clearly on the rise.
Working with producers Steve Earle and Ray Kennedy, Ron Sexsmith
delivers his most ambitious--and possibly his best--record yet. His
voice is more assertive, his musical settings more varied, and his
writing as sharp as ever.
Listen to "Blue Boy."
...available here.
"Avalon Blues: A Tribute to the Music of Mississippi John Hurt"
Harper, et al
...available here.
Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Ben Harper,
Bill Morrissey, Gillian Welch, and John Hiatt are among the
high-profile contributors to "Avalon Blues: A Tribute to the Music
of Mississippi John Hurt," a loving homage produced by Peter Case.
The gentle bluesman Hurt is a worthy subject indeed and, as tribute
albums go, this one is remarkably consistent.
Listen to "Angels Laid Him Away" by Lucinda Williams.
...available here.
"Little Lights"
Kate Rusby
...available here.
The Mercury Award-winning Kate Rusby has already built a wonderful
reputation as one of British folk's most sublime voices--and she's
merely 27 years old. The Yorkshire-born singer's third album boasts
a number of special guests--John McCusker, Eddi Reader, and Ian Carr
among them--but this is Rusby's show all the way. She offers some
engaging original songs along with tasteful arrangements of
traditional tunes, and delivers them all with her gorgeous vocals.
Listen to "I Courted a Sailor."
...available here.
"Drum Hat Buddha"
Dave Carter, Tracy Grammer
...available here.
Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer have developed a devoted following
for their self-described "postmodern mythic American music." The new
"Drum Hat Buddha" is another strong collection featuring Carter's
poetic, original songs; a timeless, acoustic-based sound; and
seamless vocal harmonies.
Listen to "Ordinary Town."
...available here.
More new releases:
* Norman Blake, "Flower from the Fields of Alabama"
...available here.
* Tim Eriksen, "Tim Eriksen"
...available here.
* Heather Eatman, "Real"
...available here.
See more new releases
...available here.
BLUEGRASS PATCH
"Mountain Soul"
Patty Loveless
...available here.
The Kentucky girl leaves the world of mainstream country behind for
a terrific all-bluegrass album that takes her back to her musical
roots.
Listen to "The Boys Are Back in Town."
...available here.
"Storm Still Rages"
Rhonda Vincent
...available here.
The International Bluegrass Music Association's reigning Female
Vocalist of the Year returns with a superb collection of new songs
and covers of classic country and bluegrass material.
Listen to "Drivin' Nails in My Coffin."
...available here.
Recent bluegrass releases:
* Bobby Osborne and Jesse McReynolds, "Masters of the Mandolin"
...available here.
* Country Gentlemen, "On the Road (and More)" (reissue)
...available here.
* Red Allen with Frank Wakefield, "The Folkways Years" (reissue)
...available here.
CITY FOLK
"Washington Squar
...available here.
This enlightening, gracefully packaged three-disc set explores the
folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s in vivid detail, including
everyone from mentors like Woody Guthrie and Josh White to young
disciples like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, and beyond.
Listen to "He Was a Friend of Mine" by Dave Van Ronk.
...available here.
Recent Folk box sets:
* Rev. Gary Davis, "Demons and Angles"
...available here.
* Newport Folk Festival, "Best of Bluegrass: 1959-66"
...available here.
* Newport Folk Festival, "Best of the Blues: 1959-68"
...available here.
IN MEMORIAM
John Hartford
Most obituaries for him included the words "Gentle on My Mind" in
the first paragraph--if not the first sentence--but it would be a
shame if John Hartford was merely remembered for writing Glen
Campbell's classic country hit. Hartford, who succumbed to cancer on
June 4 at age 63, was a talented banjo player and fiddler who
brought a unique vision to his beloved bluegrass and old-time music,
deftly blending sincerity with silliness and sardonicism like few
others could.
See all John Hartford recordings
...available here.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
Bill Morrissey's latest, "Something I Saw or Thought I Saw," is his
first album of new material in five years, an understated gem
focusing on love's demise. For a taste, you can download a pair of
cuts from the CD for free: "Just Before We Lost the War" and
"Traveling by Cab."
...available here.
...available here.
Go to all Folk downloads
...available here.
COMING SOON
"Eternal & Lowdown"
Ray Wylie Hubbard
...available here.
Hubbard's new one is steeped in the blues.
"Del & The Boys"
Del Mccoury
...available here.
McCoury and crew prove yet again that they're the most reliable
outfit in bluegrass.
...available here.
This Canadian singer-songwriter's star is clearly on the rise. Working with producers Steve Earle and Ray Kennedy, Ron Sexsmith delivers his most ambitious--and possibly his best--record yet. His voice is more assertive, his musical settings more varied, and his writing as sharp as ever.
Listen to "Blue Boy."
...available here.
"Avalon Blues: A Tribute to the Music of Mississippi John Hurt"
Harper, et al
...available here.
Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Ben Harper,
Bill Morrissey, Gillian Welch, and John Hiatt are among the
high-profile contributors to "Avalon Blues: A Tribute to the Music
of Mississippi John Hurt," a loving homage produced by Peter Case.
The gentle bluesman Hurt is a worthy subject indeed and, as tribute
albums go, this one is remarkably consistent.
Listen to "Angels Laid Him Away" by Lucinda Williams.
...available here.
"Little Lights"
Kate Rusby
...available here.
The Mercury Award-winning Kate Rusby has already built a wonderful
reputation as one of British folk's most sublime voices--and she's
merely 27 years old. The Yorkshire-born singer's third album boasts
a number of special guests--John McCusker, Eddi Reader, and Ian Carr
among them--but this is Rusby's show all the way. She offers some
engaging original songs along with tasteful arrangements of
traditional tunes, and delivers them all with her gorgeous vocals.
Listen to "I Courted a Sailor."
...available here.
"Drum Hat Buddha"
Dave Carter, Tracy Grammer
...available here.
Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer have developed a devoted following
for their self-described "postmodern mythic American music." The new
"Drum Hat Buddha" is another strong collection featuring Carter's
poetic, original songs; a timeless, acoustic-based sound; and
seamless vocal harmonies.
Listen to "Ordinary Town."
...available here.
More new releases:
* Norman Blake, "Flower from the Fields of Alabama"
...available here.
* Tim Eriksen, "Tim Eriksen"
...available here.
* Heather Eatman, "Real"
...available here.
See more new releases
...available here.
BLUEGRASS PATCH
"Mountain Soul"
Patty Loveless
...available here.
The Kentucky girl leaves the world of mainstream country behind for
a terrific all-bluegrass album that takes her back to her musical
roots.
Listen to "The Boys Are Back in Town."
...available here.
"Storm Still Rages"
Rhonda Vincent
...available here.
The International Bluegrass Music Association's reigning Female
Vocalist of the Year returns with a superb collection of new songs
and covers of classic country and bluegrass material.
Listen to "Drivin' Nails in My Coffin."
...available here.
Recent bluegrass releases:
* Bobby Osborne and Jesse McReynolds, "Masters of the Mandolin"
...available here.
* Country Gentlemen, "On the Road (and More)" (reissue)
...available here.
* Red Allen with Frank Wakefield, "The Folkways Years" (reissue)
...available here.
CITY FOLK
"Washington Squar
...available here.
This enlightening, gracefully packaged three-disc set explores the
folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s in vivid detail, including
everyone from mentors like Woody Guthrie and Josh White to young
disciples like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, and beyond.
Listen to "He Was a Friend of Mine" by Dave Van Ronk.
...available here.
Recent Folk box sets:
* Rev. Gary Davis, "Demons and Angles"
...available here.
* Newport Folk Festival, "Best of Bluegrass: 1959-66"
...available here.
* Newport Folk Festival, "Best of the Blues: 1959-68"
...available here.
IN MEMORIAM
John Hartford
Most obituaries for him included the words "Gentle on My Mind" in
the first paragraph--if not the first sentence--but it would be a
shame if John Hartford was merely remembered for writing Glen
Campbell's classic country hit. Hartford, who succumbed to cancer on
June 4 at age 63, was a talented banjo player and fiddler who
brought a unique vision to his beloved bluegrass and old-time music,
deftly blending sincerity with silliness and sardonicism like few
others could.
See all John Hartford recordings
...available here.
DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
Bill Morrissey's latest, "Something I Saw or Thought I Saw," is his
first album of new material in five years, an understated gem
focusing on love's demise. For a taste, you can download a pair of
cuts from the CD for free: "Just Before We Lost the War" and
"Traveling by Cab."
...available here.
...available here.
Go to all Folk downloads
...available here.
COMING SOON
"Eternal & Lowdown"
Ray Wylie Hubbard
...available here.
Hubbard's new one is steeped in the blues.
"Del & The Boys"
Del Mccoury
...available here.
McCoury and crew prove yet again that they're the most reliable
outfit in bluegrass.
Editor, Marc Greilsamer. The reviews excerpted are copyright © 2001 amazon.com & associate ncdn and CDnow, TowerRecords, Barnes & Nobel associates.