NORAH JONES-BILLY JOE ARMSTRONG FROM GREEN DAY COVER THE EVERLY BROTHERS

From our friends over at Americana Songwriters, comes this great clip from a November 25th release by Norah Jones and Billy Joe Armstrong from Green Day. At first , this may sound like an odd pairing, but give this a listen and see what you think.
To me, the sound is great..the mix is done exceptionally well...and they remained true to the song itself...which is always important when covering a classic.

So here it is...this release could be a good one.

http://www.americansongwriter.com/2013/10/track-review-billie-joe-armstrong-norah-jones-long-time-gone/

LIVE MUSIC UNLIKE ANY OTHER

My wife and I were blessed on Saturday evening...truly. We made the two hour trip from our home down to Louisville, Kentucky to witness what has to be one of the best live performances I have seen...ever. Tim O'Brien and Darrell Scott laid out 2 sets of music that was vibrant, energetic, and inspiring. These two will leave you shaking your heads at the immense talent they possess and show.
The Clifton Center is a great place to enjoy a show. It is a small auditorium that seats perhaps 300 people I am guessing...with 15 rows of seats on the main level and a small balcony area with 4-5 rows of seats. So, there is honestly not a bad seat in the house, plus you are extremely close to the stage.
The night began with even another great surprise. Old Man Luedecke, a two person acoustic band opened with some exceptional music. Chris Luedecke, the lead singer/banjo player opened the night with his own unique style of folk music. His vocals were exceptionally crisp, and the songs were sometimes humorous, but always very entertaining. I was not familiar with his music until this evening, but left with a couple of CD's...a hearty smile...hand shake...and another talented musician to check out further and follow for sure. Sometimes you hope the opening act is done soon, so you can see who you really wanted to...but that was not the case here. With each song, Luedecke was gaining an attentive audience, along with more fans.
Then came the main course. Tim O'Brien and Darrell Scott walked out upon the stage, each wearing small black hats...which we later learned were in honor of John Hartford. With only the two on the stage, and a line of string instruments behind them, you knew this would be special...but I honestly was not prepared for what I witnessed.
Tim O'Brien is a beast as a musician. He can play the banjo, mandolin, violin, or guitar equally well. His picking and finger work are enough to make the regular picker such as you or me want to either give up completely since we will never sound like that...or drive yourself crazy trying to even get close. He would pick up an instrument with each song and play so effortlessly but the sounds that he made were incredible.
When you add in his vocals, as well as the powerful vocals as well from Darrell Scott, who also can pick a guitar exceptionally well, you have quite a combination. Now throw in the fact the two are brilliant song writers also, and you get music that is so unique, it is breath taking.
The harmonies that each would add into the songs were incredible. You would think the two of them have performed together for decades...the each blend and enhance the other so well.
The acapella version of "House of Gold" brought the audience to its feet halfway through the show. It was inspiring how these two could compliment each other and pour their hearts and souls into their music.
I may never see another show in my lifetime as moving as this one. Tim O'Brien and Darrell Scott are simply an amazing combination that is second to none.

DARRELL SCOTT AND TIM OBRIEN DO IT AGAIN!

Sometimes music can touch a person...strike them in the heart...sweep through their mind like a cool breeze in July...refreshing their hope that there is something to look forward to tomorrow. The latest release by Darrell Scott and Tim O'Brien titled "Memories and Moments" does exactly this and more.
I first became aware of this talented duo through there live record released a few years ago. I was of course familiar with each artist and their talents on their own, but was stunned by the tremendous harmonies I heard streaming from the speakers as I listened to this record. Of course I immediately searched for more...and found their original gem "Real Time", which has become a cult classic through the years.
On their new release, this duo keeps the same vibe going...lets have fun and play some REAL music. No reason to shoot for the moon...try to get things perfect... or mix in some new sound. Simply allow the music to flow openly and freely. Mission accomplished!!
This one has so many highlights, it would be much easier to just say buy it and thank me later. From the opening song "Time To Talk With Joseph", you realize that this is something unique and special. The tongue on cheek "Keep Your Dirty Lights On", describing the true impact the coal industry has on the liberal green movement, will captivate you.
When I first seen the list of songs on this record, I was immediately drawn to one of my favorites..."Paradise" by John Prine. I have always loved this song....like playing it..singing it...and hearing how others attempt to capture the essence of the song themselves. Imagine my surprise when I first listened to it here and heard none other than Prine himself singing the first stanza. They continue the song allowing each to sing a portion...then ending with Prine. Loved it.
I was so moved by their music, that I searched out a way to catch them live together on tour. That show is coming Saturday the 19th in Louisville, Kentucky. Looking forward to this very much.
If you love music...harmonies...good writing...get this one.

HANK III - YET ANOTHER STEP BACK?

Hank Williams III releases his new double CD this week. To be honest, I could not bring myself to purchase it after listening to a few songs, and researching some of the material.
While it may not be fair to pass judgement without listening to the entire record, there is a track record here and past history suggesting this is yet another step back in what should be a solid music career.
I had the great opportunity to interview Hank III about 5 years ago. He was very gracious, spoke openly and candidly about his music, his fight with his label, and wanting to control his music. Well, this is his second release since gaining that control, and to be honest I am disappointed.
I would like to make one thing quite clear...ANY music Hank III puts out is FAR AND BEYOND better than 95% of what comes out of Nashville today. It is real music...it does show his immense talent and fire to keep his music pure...yet the problem here is you know he can do so much better.
The songs on his new release stretch the realm of the listener due to the length of the songs, varying anywhere from 5 to 9 minutes in length. Within these songs lie the man and his great music...it is just the battle wading through the other carnage at times to find it that is the issue.
This is not a slam to Hank III or his music. As I said, the man has talent far and beyond the typical Nashville joke. Plus, you can not fault a man for carving out his own trail. After all, it is his music, he can certainly do whatever he wants with it. I only wish he finds peace within himself...a happiness that he realizes his music can stand alone...and sit down with his guitar...a mic...and record it. Just the man..a guitar...and a voice. Simple and pure. It would be something amazing.