Kevin Long is a Seattle based singer songwriter whose new record Buena Vista is out now. Kevin’s been compared to James Taylor by some; both for his rich vocals and his super sensitive songs (I would have gone with Richard Shindell but that’s just me). Live I imagine Kevin’s show is just him and his guitar but on this record the songs are imbued with a string section and on some a rhythm section.

You can download the new record here via Bandcamp. Check out the beautiful title track below.

Buena Vista

The Will Callers are an Austin based band that combines the whole roots music genre into a big gumbo of folk, rock, and country. They’re basically a duo comprised of Jake Murphy and Daniel Slatton but on this recording they are joined by Austin man-about-town Scappy Judd Newcomb and Bukka Allen. The record is ably produced by Ray Wylie Hubbard.

The debut record from The Will Callers What Else Is Left is available now here via iTunes or here via Bandcamp.

House Of Falling Cards

The fine folks at Nine Bulletts have already covered the new record In The Throes from John Moreland. And their impassioned post will not see its equal here. Although I do have an opinion or two about the music of John Moreland and the malaise of the average music fan.

I’m sure that a comparison to early Bruce Springsteen will not shock John Moreland and company. His songs are honest like Nebraska era Springsteen and his voice has that same slightly husky delivery. The boss obviously has millions of fans but do you think even half of 1 percent is ever going to hear of the music of John Moreland. I’m afraid not. And why is that. I guess you can blame the decline of radio (esp formats suitable for music like this), the unadventurous listener, and tv shows like The Voice that reward stellar vocal performances without any substance (would it kill them to have the artist perform an original song somewhere in the competition).

I don’t know the answer but I’m just glad there are still folks like John Moreland writing songs like these and performing them in dives and juke joints across the country. Preorder the new lp or cd here.

Nobody Gives A Damn About Songs Anymore

This little blog rarely contributes much to the larger society. We don’t do any good works besides trying to spread the word about deserving artists. So when the chance came to both spread the word about Alastair Moock and point you in the direction of a great cause it was an easy post to write.

Last year one of Alastairs twin girls was diagnosed with Leukemia. They have been battling ever since. And one of the few ways Alastair knew how to help was through his music (and circle of musician friends). So he (along with his daughter Clio) put together an album of songs to help kids with cancer called Singing Our Way Through: Songs For The Bravest Kids. While you can buy the record; the plan is to use the record as a free resource for patients and pediatric oncology programs around the country. Therapists and child life specialists will be able to add this CD to their arsenal of tools aimed at helping kids cope with cancer.

You can buy the digital version of the record now here, or pre-order the cd here or just donate to the project here.

Here’s Alastair and Chris Smither performing the classic song of “You’ve Got A Friend In Me”

You’ve Got A Friend In Me

All my favorite Austin bands play at a place called The White Horse. Whether it’s Ramsay Midwood or Mike and the Moonpies or national acts like Elana James they all wind up at White Horse in one way or another. Now one of the “house bands” have created an ode to the White Horse and I think it accurately describes the charms of this place.

Here’s Them Duqaines with the song “Over At The White Horse” which should be available on the band’s upcoming record.

It goes without saying that you should catch the band tonight at 10pm…where else…but at the White Horse in Austin, Tx.

Over At The White Horse

A love song performed as a duet from the perspective of the sea and the shore with a guest appearance from the moon doesn’t sound like the recipe for a breakout hit and I guess it won’t be to the larger music world. But to me, in my small corner of the music world, it’s in the running for song of the year. The song is credited to Amy Speace of course (since it’s on her new record How To Sleep In A Stormy Boat) but it is John Fullbright’s deep voice (as the sea) that kicks the song off. Fresh off his Grammy nomination Fullbright adds an amount of solemnity and gravitas that sets a somber mood for the song. Once Amy comes in (as the shore) with her apologies for hooking up with the moon I’m all in and completely hooked.

You can and should purchase the whole new release here. Other guests include Mary Gauthier and Ben Sollee.

The Sea and The Shore

One more time with the video for “The Sea and The Shore” for good measure

Well this is fun and unexpected. The Backsliders have released a long lost recording as an EP called Hictopia. It contains five songs that were produced by the great Eric Ambel but left off their last record (Southern Lines, Mammoth Records, 1999). The music (and the promo photo above) bring me back to the day when there were fewer releases, more quality stuff, and vinyl. The band broke up shortly after this release but members went on to play in or form bands like Two Dollar Pistols and Whiskeytown.

As of 2012 the band is mostly back together and performing shows in and around their howetown of Raleigh, NC. Pick up the free ep (though tips are appreciated) here at Bandcamp.

Restless Heart

P.S. It seems John Fullbright is the man of the moment. He’s been featured on a couple albums, was nominated for a Grammy and is even scheduled to appear at Bonnaroo. Here’s a duet he did with Amy Speace for her new record How To Sleep In A Stormy Boat. Buy it here. I’ve already heard talk of this tune for song of the year and although it’s early I can’t argue with that.

Over the years Howe Gelb has explored just about every nuance and every square inch of the rock landscape. With Giant Sand he has played noisy experimental rock, rootsy folk, instrumentals and choir music. He’s explored spanish music by collaborating with a Band Of Gypsies, country rock with his band Band of Blacky Ranchette, and as simply Howe Gelb he has performed solo in a style that could be called desert folk. The desert and the Tucson surroundings are always present in his songs whether it’s obvious through the lrics or more subtle through the soundscapes he employs. On the new Howe Gelb record Dust Bowl he has captured the lonely sounds of the desert through the use of reverb, piano, banjo and guitar. Here’s the title track. The album is availble on Bandcamp for $3.33.

Dust Bowl

The Quiet American is a husband and wife duo from the great northwest. Aaron used to be in the band Boulder Acoustic Society but left to get back to basics. On this new record they explore the story of “Wild Bill Jones”. Musically you’ll hear everything from ukelele to jug band sounds. There are similarities between this group and Pharis and Jason Romero – most notably they both are duos, both are exploring old time country music and both make their own instruments.

You can buy Wild Bill Jones here via Elderly Instruments. Here’s the song “Keys To The Kingdom”.

Keys To The Kingdom

David Ramirez is an acclaimed singer-songwriter based out of Austin, Tx who has somehow hovered just outside my awareness. With several full length albums and a couple of EP’s under his belt David has made a name for himself as an honest songwriter who captivates live and ensnares victims with his intimate songs.

The new record is an EP called The Rooster that will be available exclusively on iTunes on May 5. According to David he’s taken some sonic risks and altered his sound somewhat on this ep. As a new listener I hear some of that sonic experimentation but by and large it bubbles under the surface. On “The Bad Days” David sings about his love and how even on his bad days she is there for him.

Catch David on a co-headlining tour with Jay Nash from May 22-June 15.

The Bad Days

“The Forgiven” also from the new EP The Rooster