Since the release of Ray LaMontagne first single ‘You’re the best thing‘ from his forthcoming album ‘Gossip in the Grain’, and some early reviews ; discussions on the ‘Acre of Land‘ message board about his new style are impassioned. Maybe due to close voices, I’ve always drawn a parallel between RayLaMontagne and Kreg Viesselman ; at least in their early releases. If the first seems to enlarge his musical horizon, the second seems to keep digging the same furrow, and time is almost there for an upcoming collect of demos for his new album : as usual with this American songwriter, absolutely gorgeous !
I’ve discovered Minnesota native Kreg Viesselman, and now Oslo resident, with the release of his 2 years-old last album : ‘The Pull’. It’s a wonderful collection of Americana tunes, balancing from blues to gospel. It’s a must have while awaiting for Kreg’s forthcoming album.
I’m fully addicted to the beauty of Spain. Living couple miles on the border between France and Spain, I can feel the pulse of this country according to the wind. Throw me few acoustic accords, then turn the trumpet on and I’ll sell my soul for the closest feria. Lucho, second full length, teased me - captivated indeed- with this amazing hymn that such bands as Calexico could envied : “Mercy !”. From what I’ve heard so far, the other new tracks of the album are great balances : ones bluesy, others folk ; all unique sound that engaged me to qualify this collection as a beautiful jewel. No matter what’s your mood is looking for, you’ll find the perfect song. Oups just forget : Lucho is from London !
Band : Lucho Label : none Where to Buy : right from their myspace page nowhere else. First full length and self-titled album is available from cdbaby.com or from emusic.com (if someone want to gifted me, all my September credits are already gone !!!)
I bought myself a beautiful 1976 Pioneer pl-510a turntable very recently and my first thoughts when i bought it was ‘That deserves summat old played on it’. Ok 1976 is not that long ago but it’s still long enough and that was the main way to play music for most people back then. Having had most of my vinyl stolen one Christmas eve about fifteen years ago i wasn’t sure what to play on it as my collection is pretty sparse now . I thought about playing some of my Neil Diamond as that would fit perfectly with the date it was made but I then had a call at the door by the postman (Have you noticed how late the postmen come these days?) and he had in his hand my Serious Sam Barrett vinyl E.P which he had kindly sent me, Sam not the postman. It seemed fitting that that would be the first record i should play on my new turntable (I have since been pre-occupied wondering what the first ever song played on it was, something i will never know of course). From the first track Tongue Tied Blues and it’s sliding folk/blues railroad riff and some lovely picking asking where his sweet heart has gone I was instantly hooked. Lately I have heard nu-folk, anti-folk, Homicidal-folk (My personal favourite), metal folk and yesterday came across something called Laptop-folk, wtf? What you get with Sam is folk, Pure and simple and all the better for it if you ask me. From Addingham in Yorkshire, his father is also a folk singer and his Mother a lover of the music of Guthrie, Leadbelly and Dylan so it’s no surprise he has crafted songs in that same style. However, he also has a love of 80’s Madonna records as well as Hip hop and Reggae as you will read in the interview below which he has kindly granted us. Also with Sams kind permission he has given me a couple of Mp3’s for your downloading pleasure but please if you like it buy his E.P (Preferably on Vinyl) form the links provided or from your nearest Independant record store who will either have it or can order it for you. A rising star on the folk scene in the UK and is about to embark on a UK tour, go see him play when he visits your area, offer him and his friends a place to stay if you can as their sleeping arrangements at the moment as far as i can gather is an old battered Ford Escort. For me personally it’s so refreshing to hear music like this still being made. Some people say it’s all been done before but who says music has to progress all the time? Perhaps the most perfect music has already been made and all we need to do is keep playing it and making it in that style? Enjoy.
YCD - Hello Sam, or shall I call you serious? How’s it going?
SSB - Alright man, thanks for asking.
YCD - Ok, might as well ask you now, promoting anything right now or recently released anything?
SSB - Yea my first record finally came out in May this year. It’s called the Yorkshire Rambler EP.
YCD - So where can we get a hold of this?
SSB - It’s being distributed by cargo so any independant record shop can get it for you if you ask nicely.
YCD - So you’re from Leeds right? Do you try and make music that reflects your landscape?
SSB - Well I’m from a village called Addingham originally which is a bit North of Leeds on the southern tip of the Yorkshire Dales. I’ve lived in Leeds for about 3 years now though. Yea, The older I get the more I try and put what it means to be from Yorkshire into my music, that is really important to me.
YCD - What are the biggest obstacles you feel a folk singer like yourself faces today?
SSB - An industry that favours the bland, dull, overproduced kind of folk music that you tend to hear nowadays. That’s what pisses me off anyway.
YCD - Ok, I don’t know if you are aware but they have recently found an old law that says all musicians since time began are allowed to take any song from anyone they like from any moment in time and claim it as their own, which one are you having then? Only one mind you.
SSB - Man that’s tough, as far as non-traditional songs go I wish I’d have written “Prove It All Night.” by Bruce Springsteen. That’s a beautiful song
YCD - What’s your guilty pleasure?
SSB - I’m not guilty about any of the music I listen to that a lot of people consider crap. I really like 80s Maddonna records.
YCD - What’s your best musical experience so far and why?
SSB - Going from Nashville to New Orleans with one of my best friends was amazing. We spent about 2 days pretty much in silence because it was such a moving experience finally being there.
YCD - Who’s currently rocking your turntable?
SSB - An old Scruggs style banjo compilation on the folkways label. A bunch of hicks on that record like the Stanley brothers and stuff. It’s ace.
YCD - What band/artist would you most like to play with?
SSB - I really like playing songs with my friends Mike Rossiter and David Broad. They inspire me more than anyone else who’s around nowadays to be honest. The only new music I really like is Hip Hop and Reggae. To me, that’s the only stuff that has the power and sincerity that old blues and folk records had.
YCD - What are your hopes and fears for you in the future, musically?
SSB - I hope to break even and keep travelling around playing songs to people. I only fear that one day I won’t be able to do that any more.
YCD - What did you think the last time you looked in the mirror?
SSB - I’m a greaseball.
YCD - You have a sound that is not dissimilar to the likes of Guthrie, Leadbelly and that depression era. Is this the kind of music you were brought up with?
SSB - Well yea, my Dad is a folk singer too and my Mum loves Woody and Dylan and Leadbelly. I’m a lucky man to have had such an amazing musical upbringing. My parents introduced me to loads of obscure folk music as a child.
YCD - And finally, are you working on anything at the moment? Tours, new albums etc?
SSB - Yup Myself, David Broad and Mike Rossiter are doing a UK tour in early November so check the myspace for the shows on that. I also have a new EP of Yorkshire songs coming out pretty soon. It’s going to be 3 traditional Yorkshire songs and also a song I wrote about growing up around here. I really wanted to make a record that is about where I’m from and the music from here so I’m really exited about it. It’s coming out on an awesome new label started by the guys who currently run Art Goes Pop called Yadig?. It’s sort of a DIY label with a folk/country/roots feel and I’m really happy to be a part of it because it looks really exiting.
YCD - Many thanks for the interview and we here at you crazy dreamers wish you all the best for the future.
SSB - Thank you for having me man, much appreciated.
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It starts like a song reminding me the heighties ; a voice both delicate and dark - reminiscent of Bryan Ferry - over a rolling piano ballad. Then the darkness tone of the ending intro song turns deeper into a superb flying tune : Your Side of the Mountain… Then, an amazing and devilish cover of Dylan’s ‘Girl from the North Country’… then. Then, I’m really grateful to cdbaby.com for such a discovery, allowing me to introduce you : Wade Ogle and his first solo album : Songs from Winter.
At the age of 44, Wade Ogle, following a seven years absence, is back on the rock scene with an awesome collection of 11 tracks recorded during the winter months of 2007/2008. The former singer-guitarist of Dali Automatic, now leading a family, renewed with his unique dark songwriting. Songs from Winter album handles a collection of mature folk-blues originals with personal takes on Bob Dylan (Girl from the North Country), Fred McDowell (Got to Move), and Nick Cave (New Morning). With a series of 5 songs about outlaw Americans - including two of my favorites ‘William Bonney‘ - distilling an enchanting sound from an electric sitar and the staggering Huddie Leadbetter, we’re close to a brand new murder ballads vintage.
Once again, I couldn’t resist asking Wade couple questions about his music.
YCD : Hello Wade, how’s it going ? Wade Ogle : All is well. It’s very beautiful here in northwest Arkansas this time of year.
YCD : It’s about 7 years, you’ve been away from the music scene ? Tell us about this break ? Wade Ogle : I had essentially lived out of a van with 3 or 4 other guys for 13 years playing shows across the US. A struggle that really only makes sense when you’re young. After the band ended, I really wanted nothing more to do with being an “organzied” musician. Also, during this break, I married and started a family.
YCD : After many years playing in various bands (Dali Automatic, the Faith Healers…), what are the motivations for a solo record ? Wade Ogle : I prefer to travel light these days. I had guest musicians perform as a band of sorts on the record and I may form an accompanying live band but I think my “one for all, none for one” band days are well behind me.
YCD : Songs from Winter, your new full length is a collection of old and new songs. It also contains 3 covers (Girl from the North Country - Bob Dylan / New Morning - Nick Cave / Got to Move - Fred McDowell ),. Is it a kind of synthesis in your musical background opening to a new solo career ? Wade Ogle : I hadn’t thought of it but I think you’re right. Especially live. I think I’m stumbling upon this mix of my musical past and present. Mixing experimental music with traditional songwriting. Perhaps I just have too many effects on my pedalboard.
YCD : William Bonney, Bonnie & Clyde, Huddie Leadbetter, Robert Johnson … ? It’s a new murder’s ballads ? Wad Ogle : Maybe. When I began writing new songs again, I wrote an entire collection about outlaw Americans. Many more than are on the record. Some were based on real characters, some were entirely fictional. I think I found it easier to get the writing ball rolling with that limitation. After that, new…more personal songs came.
YCD : As a French, I can’t resist asking you about the intro of your Bonnie & Clyde song referring to Serge Gainsbourg ? Wad Ogle : I had written that song without incorporating the Serge intro. Live, I began to drop it in. In the end, I couldn’t do without it. So, it’s my respectful tip of the hat to Mr. Gainsbourg. You know, as much as some Europeans might romanticize what life must be like in the grand old south, it’s Serge Gainsbourg’s music which makes southerners desire a one-way ticket to Paris…never to return.
YCD : Is there a song you wish you had written ? Wade Ogle : That’s an excellent mind reeling question. Practically any song by the filthy five who are Cohen, Dylan, Cave, Presley and Cash. Barring that, I’d say “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” by Frankie Valli.
YCD :If you could share a stage with any band or artist who would you choose and why? Wade Ogle : Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. We’re in a similar musical park which is dark blues without being blues really. Also, I don’t take up much room on a stage. Perfect support act haha.
YCD : What are your projects for the coming months ? Wade Ogle : I know they’re are two video projects. One for “Your Side Of The Mountain” and another for “Lost All Beliefs”. Also, a remix of “Robert Johnson”. Also, I’m going to release a live solo performance (digital download). Beyond that, I’ll be playing a lot live.
YCD : Thank you so much for your time Wade. For sure, we’ll keep a pair of ears on your music !
I went and saw JJ Grey & Mofro last night in Chicago at the “Taste of Lincoln Fest” to get a little taste of some bluesy southern soul. Best $10 I ever spent (for the fest admission fee.)
I can not say enough how much I love love love LOVE these guys and god damn do they put on an amazing show. Incredible. Stunning. Gave me chills at some points they were so pee-in-your-pants-good. I saw them last year at the House of Blues but this show far surpassed that one for me by miles. I was simply enthralled the whole night. You either had to be deaf or have no rhythm to not groove and dance to JJ. I know I was shakin’ my tail feather most of the night! *shake shake*
Their album “Country Ghetto” was one of my favorites albums of last year. Definately in my top 3 of 2007. If you do not have this CD, I highly recommend that you run right out and purchase it or download it! The whole album is just fantastic.
I’ve very excited for their new release “Orange Blossoms” due out August 26th. You can pre order it: here
One of the highlight of the night was getting to hear one of their new songs off the new album called “Everything Bad is Good”. Upbeat number….I just loved it. Here is a youtube video of the new song (although not from the Chicago performance)…oooh sing it JJ!
Jolie Holland’s future career shows a considerable amount of promise.
She blends together a mix of folk, jazz and blues that casts a slow, woozy spell over it’s listener. The categorization of her genre may not be as easily described as it’s effects, but its all beyond infectious. A quick listen on Thursday was quickly heightened to an all-weekend binge after finding everything she’s ever publically released.
There’s a clear progression in her music that was released over the span of just a few years–from solo singer/songwriter to beautifully accompanied songs that still stay true to their more simplistic roots. It’s a bit of an up and down adventure if your more inclined to one of her styles than another, but it’s all wonderful stuff. So dust off those red-plumed adventuring caps and let her sail around your room for an hour or two.
After months of hunting Sam down and constantly harassing him via e-mail, I now have the interview with Sam for you all to read. Sam has been making noises in the London folk scene for quite a while now but hopefully this will be the year he breaks through to a much wider audience. In one review I read he was compared to an English version of Ray LaMontagne and although I can see why that comparison was made Sam is a much more accomplished guitar player than Ray and for me he has a completely different style, more folky and less country for one. He is an astonishing guitar player as you can see from the youtube clip I recently captured when I saw him play at the tiniest venue ever in Bom Banes in Brighton (posted). In my opinion I would draw a comparison to perhaps John Martyn for his folk style and Nick Drake or Bert Jansch for his guitar playing ability. Now i know that’s high praise especially when just about every new english finger picking folk singer comes along is compared with Drake but he really is that good, he plays the guitar like he and it are one but all done in such an effortless way, it’s a joy to watch. When you hear Sam’s voice live it takes you slightly by surprise, I feel he let’s it rip a lot more than he does on his album and I guess this may be where some reviewers get the Ray LaMontagne connection, still i would love to hear him really belt a few songs out on his album just to show his vocal range which is clear he has when you hear him play live, again it’s astonishing and a joy to listen to. He is due to release a new album Far from you in the very near future and of course I will keep you all updated on any news of that. Has a few dates coming up but one special one is the Union Chapel in London on 7Th June which if you have never experienced a concert there is a must see, breath taking acoustics which will suit Sam and his music perfectly, a ‘must go to’ gig.
In the meantime here is the interview that Sam was forced kindly agreed to do for us along with a couple of mp3’s that he has allowed for YCD to post. Please support this independent artist, he’s a superb talent who i think is on the brink of greatness. If you don’t believe me go and see him live, you will not forget it. Enjoy
YCD - So firstly, could you please tell us who you are and where you are from?
Sam - My name is Sam but my full name is Samuel James Beer, I think that sounds rather grand but everyone calls me Sam so Samuel has never really stuck, Actually people only called me Samuel when they were cross with me.
I have moved around quite a lot in my life as my dad’s work took my family to several places, my first years were spent in Spain although I was born in London.In the end I came back to London to go to Art School and I have been here ever since.
YCD - Ok, might as well ask you now, promoting anything right now or recently released anything?
SAM - I will be bringing out my first album in a couple of months called Far From You.With out sounding over confident I think it is going to be the best and most true thing I have made to date.I am in the middle of recording it and its going really well.I really respect and admire the players I am playing with on the record and I’m recording it in a great studio so its going to be something special when its finished.I’m really enjoying the process and am happy about what I’m doning…
YCD - So where can we get a hold of this?
SAM - You will be able to get the EP through my myspace page and through Itunes ect but we are in discussion with labels and distributers so it should be available all over,I can\t say any more than that at this stage.
YCD - You recently played the Union chapel in London, how did that go?
SAM - I would say it went really well! I have wanted to play there ever since I saw a gig there a few years ago. It is a wonderfully atmospheric place to play and I was lucky enough to play for a very good audience, people really got it and that made it all come alive.
YCD - What are the biggest obstacles you feel a singer/song writer faces today?
SAM - That is a tricky one for any musician and there are a lot of obstacles. It all depends on what you want and where you want to go.
You are only as good as your next song and that can be the biggest obstacle.Most of the barriers are in your own head and for one reason or another I think musicians have an internal struggle that is lifelong and that is the journey to become the best you can be.
YCD - Ok, I don’t know if you are aware but they have recently found an old law that says all musicians since time began are allowed to take any song from anyone they like from any moment in time and claim it as their own, Which one are you having then?
SAM - That answer changes on a daily basis and this one is really difficult. I feel like I am having to save one puppy from a house fire and watch the others cook, do I only have one songshit!
(TWO CUPS OF TEA LATER)
Grant Spivey (Live) by Victoria Spivey.
I heard this song on a compilation CD when I was coming back from a show in Exeter and it completely transported me. I was on a busy train and I think I was moving a bit and really getting into the songI got some odd looks from people around me as I was probably looking a bit special (if you know what I mean).That song devastates me every time I hear it.She sings about her father (Grant) and the song has so much movement and feeling. She is rough around the edges and completely natural.
I would never be able to play that song.If any of my songs come close ill sleep well at night.
There are so many other songs I could have picked for so many reasons
YCD - What’s your guilty pleasure?
SAM - Instruments! They are my heroin as it were.. I love old instruments and am lucky enough to say I own a couple of beauties. Old guitars that have been played a lot in my opinion have something very powerful within them. I could go on and on
YCD - What’s your best musical experience so far and why?
SAM - Again that’s difficult.When ever I truly connect with another musician that is something very special and moving for me.When I connect with a player it feels like we are talking and exchanging something highly personal and open.When ever that happens I am knocked over and I remember why I am doing this.I feel the same when the audience really gets it.
YCD - who’s currently rocking your stereo?
SAM -Quite a lot of story tapes
YCD - What band/artist would you most like to play with?
SAM - Neil Young, Danny Thompson (Double Bass), David Rawlings (Gillian Welsch’s guitar player),Tom Waitts, Joni Mitchell Nina Simone,I would be terrifiedto play with all of them and would probably make a tit of myself. But their all just people, they all have mothers.
YCD - What are your hopes and fears for you in the future, musically?
SAM - I fear my guitar will go out of tune and I won’t be able to write any more songs
I hope my guitar stays in tune and that I do too.
Many thanks for the interview and we here at you crazy dreamers wish you all the best for the future.
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