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I read elsewhere that The Word have a couple of shows coming up and I had to dig out that CD. This is a really cool band or spin off, whatever you want to call it. John Medeski of MMW, the North Mississippi All-Stars, and Robert Randolph all cooked up together delivering a gospel album. There are some super cool jams on here. Medeski keeps the mood going and I am surprised he doesn't get more solos. The real fireworks are the dueling slide guitars of Robert Randolph and Luther Dickinson. This is great stuff.
At the Cross
Waiting On My Wings
The show is Sunday and the rate I am going this will be the last post till then. I frickin' love the Gourds. They have a great laid back vibe. There lyrics are very creative and enjoyable. They can rock it out and slow it down. You think they are just a rowdy sloppy bar band from Texas and then you really listen and they are totally in control and professional. They have two strong personalities as song writers. All these mixes come together in a ying yang; sweet and sour thing and it is just fantastic.
Pickles
High Highs and Low Lows
I need to get a couple of these up that have been simmering (while I have the time). I go hot and cold on Rhonda Vincent. Sometimes I really like her (and her band) and sometimes I like her band. Her voice is something special and she is a competent mandolin player. I am going to throw out there two tracks. The first is a great mandolin and fiddle duet (something I would love to hear more of) with Hunter Berry on fiddle and Josh Williams on mandolin. This is great stuff but again really her band and not Rhonda.
Son Drop In
Now to be fair I have to post something by Rhonda. This is a great tune with good harmony. This was not written by Rhonda and Josh Williams is still on mandolin (Rhonda on guitar).
I've Forgotten You
Getting entries up for this blog is harder than I thought. I guess not harder but more time consuming and time is one thing I do not have a lot of. I am still new to the whole Uncle Tupelo thing which includes all the off shoots, etc. I guess I had my head in Blues Traveler and Spin Doctors at the time. But going back to their catalog has been rewarding. I haven't touched Son Volt and Wilco yet, but with NPR in fund raising this Uncle Tupelo CD has been playing in my car. This is a good song (that even my band should cover).
Still Be Around
I really should have gotten this up yesterday; but alas, it is todays post. How 'bout I double up the tunes. The Gourds first album is still fantastic and really the best (or second best) way to get to know the flavor of this band. Kevin's mandolin playing' is what I enjoy best (or Max's). But just the energy and groove is tip-top.
Caledonia
Ringing Dark and True
This is a classic tune penned by Peter Rowan. He has a new version out performed by a quartet with Tony Rice on guitar, Sharon Gilchrist on mandolin , and Bryn Davies on bass. This is a fantastic recording and some incredibly tasteful solos. Tony Trishka wrote the liner notes and I'll let him take it away: "Peter weaves a lovely, chord based guitar break, egged on by Tony. Sharon's mellifluous turn is a study in tonal beauty. Then Tony burns the studio down with a musical statement that will be the talk of acoustic circles for years to come. If I counted correctly, he takes nineteen passes through the progression, spinning off one ear-popping fusillade after another." 'nough said; check it.
Midnight Moonlight
The continued excitement is palpable. I have decided to add a Gourds track everyday this week till the show. This way the uninitiated can be baptized and the old hat can be recharged. This track is hands down, my favorite from the Stadium Blitzer album. The jam is great, classic Gourds. Catchy lyrics and a super cool groove at about the 3:30 mark. Enjoy
Lament
This is a great tune. I remember hearing this for the first time live in Colorado with Patty performing solo and I was blown away by the energy of it. This take here is from the album Stranger's World. Two extra bonuses, and the reason I am posting it is the mandolin parts from John Leventhal and that the supporting vocals from Bruce Cockburn.
Me and That Train
Dem Boys are coming to Vermont for the first time as far as I know and I am starting to get really excited. This is going to be a fantastic show. It is a little interesting that the Dropkick Murphys are playing the same night in the same building but that just means there will be a lot of drunk people having a lot of good times.
It's interesting the Gourds do not get talked about more. They have the groove like no one else and they are all excellent magicians (!), no I mean musicians. Great lyrics and personalities. I could just go on and on. This tune off of their newest album is really cool. Normally, I am a Kevin guy but Noble Creatures is really a Jimmy album. He is freakin en fuego on this LP. Hopefully, I can get some more tunes up before next weekend.
All in the Pack
I do not have any back story on this one, but this is a great band from Canada called Nathan. I have enjoyed tracks from them before and now that I have bought their album, I am posting this up too. Cool song and great voices/harmonies. Some fun slide guitar work. Enjoy.Let Them Look
I read elsewhere that The Word have a couple of shows coming up and I had to dig out that CD. This is a really cool band or spin off, whatever you want to call it. John Medeski of MMW, the North Mississippi All-Stars, and Robert Randolph all cooked up together delivering a gospel album. There are some super cool jams on here. Medeski keeps the mood going and I am surprised he doesn't get more solos. The real fireworks are the dueling slide guitars of Robert Randolph and Luther Dickinson. This is great stuff.
