Tom Russell Band - Poor Man's Dream (1989)

                                                                

                     

 Rose Records was a record store on Wabash Avenue in downtown Chicago. There were several floors of recordings separated by genre. I always headed for one of the upper floors where the folk and country records were located. It was a music lover’s paradise. On one particular day, in the early 90s, I was reading the cover notes of Tom Russell's Poor Man’s Dream. I had not heard of Russell, but something told me to take a chance. It was a wise choice.

Tom Russell has produced several great albums over the course of his career, but I have chosen to write about Poor Man’s Dream since it was my introduction to his music. Released in 1990, it contains several of his best songs. “Blue Wing” co-written with Dave Alvin has become one of his standards. “Gallo Del Cielo,” a song that got the attention of Robert Hunter, Grateful Dead songwriter. The heartbroken inhabitants of “Spanish Burgundy.” This is a songwriter at the top of his game. 

Recorded in Norway where Russell frequently tours it features the guitar work of Andrew Hardin who subsequently toured with Russell for years as a duo. This album also features “Outbound Plane” which Russell wrote with Nanci Griffith and was a hit on country radio as performed by Suzy Bogguss.

Russell has built a successful career and has avoided the Nashville scene, or any other scene. He writes well-crafted intelligent songs detailing the American experience and has steadily forged a path of success by turning out great songs. He is also one of those rare artists who hasn’t made a poor record, and some are landmarks of the Americana music scene. The Man From God Knows Where explores the roots of his Irish and Nordic family history.  

In the pantheon of Americans music, Tom Russell is one pillar of artistic ingenuity. Check him out.

 

 

James McCandless - A Forgotten Chicago Treasure

                                                    

Chicago has had its share of accomplished singer/songwriters, most notably Michael Smith, Steve Goodman, and John Prine. But another artist, just as talented, was the late James McCandless. He passed away in 2013, but his music still deserves a larger audience.

 I first heard McCandless around 1990, at Fitzgerald’s night club just outside of Chicago. It was their Tuesday evening open mic. I sat at the bar as various aspiring musicians wandered in with guitar cases in hand. Others huddled in a corner talking shop or tuning up to prepare for their performance.

The proceedings began as the first gentleman slowly took the stage. He looked disheveled in his baggy pants and loose sweater. Then he played some of the best songs I had ever heard. Others in attendance seemed to know him, and I quickly learned I had been listening to James McCandless, a local songwriter.
He immediately stood out by the quality of his songs and his almost classical finger style guitar. The first chance I got, I drove to the Old Town School of Folk Music on Armitage and bought Out West Somewhere. I went to see him every chance I got, which was usually at Fitzgerald’s. He occasionally opened for a touring artist whose songs would usually pale in comparison.

I discovered his music just as he was about to release Sea of Freedom, another collection of stellar compositions. “Lily Langtry” which I have heard called one of the best songs written about celebrity. His own family history is the subject in “Springfield.” Irish musicians John William, Martin Hayes and Jackie Moran join Julianne Macarus to round out the instrumentation.

The music of James McCandless is intelligent, insightful, and will leave you wanting more. Hopefully, more artists will cover his songs in ther future. His wonderful songs are widely available on streaming services and at jamesmccandless.com     

                                                

Best Americana Albums

 What exactly is “Americana “music? It can be argued at length, but perhaps the best way to explain it is  to give my list of favorite recordings that I consider outstanding examples of the genre. Drum roll please...

Guitar Town - Steve Earle 

This was the record that put Steve Earle on the map. It rocks and has enough twang to earn some success on the country charts. Key tracks: “Fearless Heart,” “Someday”

Trace - Son Volt 

After the break-up of Uncle Tupelo, Jay Farrar released this stunning collection with new band mates as Son Volt. This 1995 release still holds up as an example of brilliant songwriting. Key Tracks: “Windfall” “Tear Stained Eye”

Poor Man’s Dream - Tom Russell

Tom Russell has flown under the radar for most of his career. He has produced one of the most impressive catalogues of any American songwriter and is still going strong. This 1989 record is a great introduction. Key Tracks: “Eyes of Roberto Duran” “” Blue Wing"

Time (The Revelator) - Gillian Welch

This contemplative 2001 release is a masterclass of understated excellence. Accompanied, as always by partner David Rawlings, this undoubtedly the high point of her career. Key Tracks: “April 14th (Part One)” “I Dream a Highway”

The Missing Years - John Prine

This alum is all over the place, stylistically. From folkie finger picking cuts “All the Best” to the radio friendly rock oriented “Take a Look at My Heart” produced by Tom Petty bassist, Howie Epstein, this includes several great songs and remains one of Prine’s bestselling albums. Key Tracks: “Picture Show” “Everything is Cool”

Out of California - Dave Alvin

Dave Alvin is Americana. After leaving The Blasters, he began a stellar career that includes this live recording. Armed with a full band, including the late Chris Gaffney, this encompasses everything from blues to straight ahead rock-and-roll. Key Tracks: “Out in California” “Blue Boulevard"

All These Dreams - Andrew Combs

This 2105 recording has been in steady rotation since its release. This Nashville based singer/songwriter has been compared to Glenn Campbell or Mickey Newbury for his countrypolitan sound, but don’t let the easy going vibe be taken lightly. Key Tracks: “Rainy Day Song” “Nothin’ To Lose”

Southeastern - Jason Isbell

The release that made everyone stand up and take notice. The former Drive By Trucker gave up alcohol and in the process became an artist who seems incapable of releasing a poor record. Key Tracks: “Elephant” “Cover Me Up”

Gloryland - Kevin Gordon 

 Gordon’s music has inherited the swampy sound of his native New Orleans. Several cuts were inspired by growing up in the South, as with the “Colfax/Step in Time.” This 2011 recording just never grows old. Key Tracks: “Pecolia’s Star” “Trying to Get to Memphis”

Tribute to Greg "Troop" Trooper

 

Greg Trooper, one our best singer/songwriter’s passed away January 15, 2017 at 61. Armed with his trademark Martin guitar and pork-pie hat, he left behind an impressive catalogue of songs and legions of fans in Europe and here in the states. Several artists, Vince Gill and Steve Earle among them recorded his songs. In one of his last performances, he opened for John Prine and joined him onstage for Prine’s “Paradise.” 

He died on this date three years and is greatly missed. I first heard Greg Trooper in 2003. Sugar Hill released his Floating record to rave reviews. I am one of the many fortunate fans who got to know “Troop,” through a mutual friend who booked him for a few gigs. He was fond of talking music, enjoying a glass of wine, and sharing all his great songs. He was also willing to discuss his inspiration and his admiration of other artists.

A native of New Jersey, “Troop” formed The Greg Trooper Band in New Your in the 90s, which featured Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan). He eventually moved to Nashville where he continued to release critically acclaimed records. These included Noises in the Hallway, produced by E Street Band bassist, Garry Tallent, and Popular Demons, produced by Buddy Miller. After moving from label to label, he released two more stellar recordings for the Sugar Hill label. He moved back to New York in 2009 and continued to tour, write and release records. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and tragically passed away in 2017.

Like any road warrior, he had plenty of stories.I once asked him about his popularity in The Netherlands. I had noticed he toured there at least once a year. He told a story about being invited to headline a festival. He brought a band and played the prime slot on the Saturday night of the festival. “It was one of those dream gigs. We just nailed it! And ever since I’ve had a steady audience there.”

Even a casual music fan would recognize that “Troop” deserved a much wider audience. Greg Trooper’s music is still readily available on all streaming platforms. Give him a listen. RIP Troop.

Best Recordings of 2020 - Lauren Mascitti God Made a Woman

 

It takes but a few seconds into God Made a Woman to know this is country music. Acoustic guitars, piano and a soft pedal steel humming in the background frame the introduction as Lauren Mascitti’s vocal draws you in.

Too many artists try to be too many things to too many people, so It’s refreshing to hear a “new” artist embrace the sounds of classic country music.  I say “new” because she has been releasing music for several years, but this release has gained her the attention and critical accolades she deserves.

Produced by Nashville veteran songwriter Shawn Camp, this release (along with appearances on American Idol), places Mascitti as one of the most engaging and talented performers in country music.

Mascitti is not a newcomer to the Nashville scene, but this is her most fully realized recording to date. Besides being a talented singer/songwriter, Mascitti works a night shift as a nurse and financed the recording herself. Its independence guarantees its disregard for any commercial trends in popular country music. She is joined on this record by Ricky Skaggs, pedal steel master Paul Franklin, guitarists Guthrie Trapp and Camp among others.

Her connection to the songs are obvious as her emotional yet restrained vocals add just the right touch to put these stories across. The title track has gained her a wider audience since she performed it on Idol. Another standout is “I Wanna Show You My Town.” Anyone who has taken a drive to show a loved their hometown or the old neighborhood will appreciate the details of the song. “Hello Sad Eyes” is inspired by her work as a nurse. She sings every cut with feeling and never over reaches for cheap sentiment.

Above all these are great songs, tastefully produced and sung by an artist embraces that is good about country music.

Best Recordings of 2020: Lori McKenna - The Balladeer

 

Lori McKenna has progressed from singing open mics in her hometown of Stoughton, Massachusetts, to writing hits songs for Tim McGraw (“Humble and Kind”), Little Big Town (“Girl Crush”), and others. Her success has pushed her to the top of sought after songwriters. Meanwhile, she has released her own recordings that have improved with each release. In 2020 she released her best record thus far with The Balladeer (CN Records).

These songs explore the experience of middle age with reflection and appreciation of what has been and what it is still to come. She writes from a refreshing point of view, that of a middle-aged woman who lost her mother at an early age, has been married to her childhood sweetheart for thirty years, and watched her own children grow into adulthood. This is not the usual subject for the often inane topics of commercial country music. Her music falls more into the singer/songwriter genre than country. There are no wailing pedal steel guitars or fiddles on The Balladeer. Acoustic guitars and piano lead the way, allowing the songs themselves to be the center of attention. Dave Cobb, celebrated Nashville producer, has kept the arrangements simple but appropriate to each selection. McKenna has an understated, empathetic tone to her voice that perfectly suits these songs.

There are many well-known songs that have dealt with friendship, “Lean On Me,” “You’ve Got a Friend, and countless others. It’s a challenge for any writer to deal with a well-worn subject, but she adds her own spin to “Uphill.” 

“Marie” is a touching song inspired by her sister, and “When You’re My Age” is a heartbreaking look at a mother worrying about her children in an ever changing world. Her voice soars in the chorus of “Two Birds” and finds the right touch of tenderness in “The Dream.” Lori McKenna has achieved a near perfect album with The Balladeer.

Best Recordings of 2020: Ray Wylie Hubbard "Co-Starring"

 

Ray Wylie Hubbard was destined to be remembered as the author of “Redneck Mother” that appeared on the late Jerry Jeff Walker’s best-selling Viva Terlingua. But somewhere  along the way he reinvented himself by embracing the blues influenced finger picking guitar style of legends such as Sam “Lightnin’ Hopkins. He subsequently produced several impressive recordings, The Grifter’s Hymnal and The Ruffian’s Misfortune’s among them. His 2020 release Co-Starring is his first release for Big Machine Records and is one of the finest releases of 2020.

Major labels don’t sign too many 74-year-old artists, especially someone who has never had a hit record. One might assume that teaming Hubbard with several well-known artists was a scheme hatched by the record company to gain a wider audience for a deserving artist. Regardless of whose idea it was or its motivation - it works. 

Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh, Ronnie Dunn, Chris Robinson, and several more well-known musicians lend their talent. The results are impressive. This recording touches on several musical styles, including the rock and rolling “Bad Trick” featuring Ringo on drums and Joe Walsh on slide guitar. Ray Wylie will never be accused of taking himself too seriously, as evidenced by the honky-tonk classic “Drink ‘Till I See Double,” a duet with Elizabeth Cook with additional vocals by Paul Nelson. He also pays homage to a late blues legend with the gospel influenced “Mississippi John Hurt.” Ray Wylie Hubbard is included on the list of those labeled “Outlaw Country” and “Outlaw Blood” is a good example. He’s joined on the track by Ashly McBryde, another artist who possesses the ability to produce quality music and achieve commercial success.

Ray Wylie Hubbard is an Americana artist, blues, country, soul, and rock-and-roll to think about, to laugh and to dance along with. Co-Starring in a highlight of 2020.