Vibrant, Rootsy, and Vivid, Damn Tall Buildings Release 1st Single From ‘Sleeping Dogs’- Out 9/9

Vibrant, Rootsy, and Vivid, Damn Tall Buildings
Independently Release Their 3rd Album
Sleeping Dogs Sept 9

1st Single “Cold Rain” Out Today 
https://damntallbuildings.hearnow.com/cold-rain

Presave/ Preorder Sleeping Dogs

“Virtually unmatched energy and enthusiasm, underpinned by intelligent songs that don’t skimp on the infectiousness… The musicianship is smart and skilled, but still playful and groove savvy”
—Saving Country Music

“The Carter Family for the millennial generation” —The Boston Globe

“The natural groove made by a string band seriously happy with the music they are making speaks louder than words” —The Alternate Root

Brooklyn, NY — Acoustic Americana trio fed on bluegrass, roots rock, old time, and vintage swing, Damn Tall Buildings are excited to release their 3rd album, Sleeping Dogs, on September 9. Whether sharing lead vocals and instrumental solos or blending their voices into loose, joyous harmony, the three members of Damn Tall Buildings—multi-instrumentalist and primary lyricist Max Capistran (guitar and banjo), bassist Sasha Dubyk, and fiddler Avery Ballotta—delight in entertaining.

Witty and engaging, Damn Tall Buildings’ energizing music finds beauty and glory in the mundane workaday struggle of everyday life: time keeps passing and the seasons come and go, you scroll too much, you smoke too much, you lose yourself, only to sit with yourself and find yourself again, you laugh with your friends, and you look out the window and dream about what else might be out there. It all keeps coming around. You carry on, intent on flourishing and thriving. This is what Damn Tall Buildings sings about, what they seek to share with their audience.

Sleeping Dogs is a bop about looking things smack-dab-right-in-the-face and is essentially about how it has become almost impossible to not be constantly influenced by current events, media, and all of the other things that surround you in your day-to-day life.

Sleeping Dogs opener, “What A Nice Life,” has some extra pep to balance out the darker “I-don’t-know-who-I-am-anymore” lyrics. The old timey, swingin’ “Dark Window Panes” (which adds Garrett Eaton [Dana Williams, Gracie and Rachel] on trumpet) and “Podcast” see the band pondering a pending apocalypse.

1st Single “Cold Rain” Out Today 
damntallbuildings.hearnow.com/cold-rain

The velvety and rejuvenating “Cold Rain” is the album’s first single, and was premiered by AmericanaUK who calls it, “music that is determinedly of Now.” For the song, they are joined by mandolin wizard Dylan McCarthy (2019 Rockygrass Mandolin Champion) and rock-steady drummer Micah Cowher [STOMP in NYC]. Micah also lays down the beat on the catchy “Sweet Girl,” with its chorus, “I am not myself, I am everyone else,” which became what the band calls, “the motto for the record; It’s basically our new anthem.” 

Damn Tall Buildings calls Sleeping Dogs, “an exploration to the depths of oneself to discover who we truly are… maybe it really is as simple as buying some new shoes, and feeling really good wearing ‘em, while you cruise down the block on the sunny side of the street.” You can hear this cheery sentiment echoed in the deep groove and colorful melodies of “Lemons,” in which the virtuosic flute playing of Anh Phung [Twisted Pine] elevates the song to a new level. This fresh energy can also be felt as the sunshine slips in on “Patio.”

The mid-tempo shuffle “Painter” illustrates a re-emergence into the world; with Lars Thorson [Kane Brown] bringing the magic of the lap steel to this track. They slow things down a bit in a rainy day ode to waiting, “Quietly Heartbreaking,” and the gentle “My Baby.”

The album closes with the title track, “Sleeping Dogs,” pulling from the old proverb—“Don’t you let them sleeping dogs lie”—the song emphasizes the theme of the album: don’t ignore life, get out there and live it, take pleasure and meaning from the little things that keep us all connected and growing.

Self produced and recorded, the album was mixed & mastered by Dan Cardinal [Darlingside, Lula Wiles, Josh Ritter] at Dimension Sound Studios. Dan also played keyboard on the title track, adding to the texture of the song.

The trio is individually from all over the United States (New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Montana), but were born as a band while attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA in 2013. They started as buskers on Newbury Street in Boston, started touring nationally, and then moved the band to Brooklyn in 2017. Since their busking days, they’ve made two albums—Cure-All (2014) and Don’t Look Down (2019)—and released a self-titled EP in 2015. 

Sleeping Dogs Track Listing
1.) What A Nice Life – 3:02^
2.) Dark Window Panes – 1:56
3.) Podcast – 3:40
4.) Cold Rain – 3:31^
5.) Lemons – 2:3
6.) My Baby – 4:19
7.) Patio – 2:25 
8.) Painter – 2:27
9.) Quietly Heartbreaking – 3:40
10.) Sweet Girl – 2:56
11.) Sleeping Dogs – 2:58
^FCC Warning

www.damntallbuildings.com
www.facebook.com/DamnTallBuildings 
Twitter: @DamnTallTweets
Instagram: @gramtallbuildings
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/damntallbuildings 

Damn Tall Buildings on Tour:

7/15 Fri – Towne Crier – Beacon, NY
7/16 Sat – The R Bar – Asbury Park, NJ
7/20 Wed – Rockwood Music Hall – New York, NY
7/23-24 Sat-Sun – Hiawatha Music Festival – Marquette, MI 
7/28-29 Thu-Fri – Ossipee Valley Music Festival – S. Hiram, ME
7/31 Sat – The Word Barn – Exeter, NH
8/4 Thu – Kent Summer Concert Series – Kent, WA
8/6 Sat – Hart House Concert – Beaverton, OR
8/7 Sun – Yachats Commons Building – Yachats, OR
8/10 Wed – The Royal Room (w/ Carly Ann Calbero) – Seattle, WA
8/12-14 Fri-Sun – Bear Creek Folk Festival – Grand Prairie, AB, Canada
9/3 Sat – Rettich Preserve @ Madison Land Trust – Madison, CT
9/9 Fri – Coppell Arts Center – Coppell, TX
9/10 Sat – Cactus Cafe – Austin, TX 
9/15-17 Thu-Sat – Walnut Valley Music Festival – Winfield, KS
9/27-29 Tue-Thu – IBMA Bluegrass Ramble – Raleigh, NC
9/30 Fri – Bourgie Nights – Wilmington, NC
10/1 Sat – IBMA Wide Open Bluegrass Festival – Martin St. Stage  – Raleigh, NC
10/13 Thu – Parlor Room – Northampton, MA
10/15 Sat – Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival – Glastonbury, CT
10/16 Sun – 118 North – Wayne, PA
11/10 Thu – Prius Hall-Ball State University – Muncie, IN
11/11 Fri – Thrasher Opera House – Green Lake, WI

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Announcing Anya Hinkle’s ‘Nightingale – Bootleg for Peace’ and Europe Tour 2022

Anya Hinkle Announces 2022 European Tour
Touring in Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and France This May
w/ Billy Cardine, Mary Lucey, Julian Pinelli, and Marius Pibarot
 
New Single Benefiting Ukraine
“Nightingale (соловейко) – Bootleg for Peace”
All Proceeds go to Benefit The Ukrainian Relief Project – Guardians of Hope

Available Now On Bandcamp →
https://anyahinkle.bandcamp.com/releases

Streaming Everywhere on March 31 → https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/anyahinkle/nightingale—-bootleg-for-peace

ASHEVILLE, NC — With vivid storytelling, vibrant musicianship and arresting honesty, Anya Hinkle explores the beauty of song craft through the lens of the Appalachian string band tradition. She is excited to announce her upcoming European tour as well as a new single, “Nightingale (соловейко) – Bootleg for Peace.” 

Originally from the mountains of Virginia, Anya’s music is steeped in the tones of folk and bluegrass and seasoned by travels across the world. A founding member of Asheville, NC-based bands Dehlia Low (Rebel Records) and Tellico (Organic Records), Anya released the first full-length album under her own name, Eden And Her Borderlands, in July 2021 on Organic Records. Hinkle won the MerleFest Chris Austin Songwriting Competition in 2019 for her song “Ballad of Zona Abston” and was runner-up in the International Acoustic Music Awards in 2022 for her song “Hills of Swannanoa.” 

PopMatters calls Hinkle, “A burgeoning force behind the Appalachian roots revival,” and AmericanaUK writes, “Certainly striking, certainly beautiful… everything one could look for in a bluegrass-tinged Americana.” No Depression calls her song “Lady Luck” “one of roots music’s gems so far this year.”

Anya will be on tour in Europe this May, presenting music from her new album with two wonderful lineups. First, as a trio featuring Billy Cardine on Dobro and Mary Lucey on bass and vocals; the second, in France only, featuring Billy Cardine along with Julian Pinelli on fiddle and vocals, and Marius Pibarot on bass and vocals. 

Anya Hinkle. Photo by WW Reaves

Hinkle says, “This will be my second European tour and my first visit to the far northern countries of the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden. This tour was rescheduled several times due to the pandemic and we are all thrilled to finally be able to have this incredible experience. Sharing music in a different culture brings many things together in a once-in-a-lifetime sort of way—you make memories and form bonds that can never be forgotten.”

She continues, “At the same time, we are saddened by the events in Ukraine. Although the war feels very remote here in the States, I think that in Europe, people feel a real chill in their bones. The old wars linger heavily—the shadows over the generations, the scars on the landscape. As I prepare to visit, I want to bring my new single ‘Nightingale’ with me to try to help in some small way.”

The day after Putin invaded, Anya had decided to take a day-long songwriting retreat:

With a few early images from the New York Times in my mind, somehow a song began, without my trying—I didn’t plan to write about this at all. But the dark grinding images of war were haunting me, and suddenly I thought, ‘there is a bird here.’ I discovered with a quick search that the nightingale is the most highly honored bird of Ukraine. Its song represents fertility, spring, love, and hope. 

The next day, I played a show and a woman named Tatyana came up to talk to me. She told me that exactly four years ago to the day she had come out to hear me sing and immediately afterward went to the hospital and gave birth to her first child. Our connection was so crazy and delightful. We laughed. Then she told me she was from Ukraine. I told her I had just written a song called “Nightingale” but it needed someone to sing for: Tatyana, and her family in Ukraine. Our conversation turned into a bridge section, and her insights gave the song a real purpose that it didn’t have before.

I made a quick recording in my home studio; Bridger Dunnagan at Echo Mountain Recording Studio here in Asheville donated the mix and David Glasser at Airshow Mastering in Boulder, Colorado donated the master. 

Anya is offering “Nightingale (соловейко) – Bootleg for Peace” as a downloadable track on Bandcamp. 100% of contributions go to The Ukrainian Relief Project – Guardians of Hope, an on-the-ground non-profit organization working to bring supplies back and forth across the Ukrainian border with Poland. It’s a group that Tatyana suggested because it’s someone she actually knows. 

The Anya Hinkle Trio features Dobro master Billy Cardine and Mary Lucey on bass and vocals.

Watch the trio as they perform “Ballad of Zona Abston” live at The Grey Eagle in Asheville → 

Anya Hinkle with Billy Cardine and Mary Lucey

Billy Cardine has been recognized as a slide guitar pioneer, taking the Dobro into unchartered genres for the instrument. Dobro master Jerry Douglas calls him “… an amazing Dobro player… He is fluent in everything that I do and… everybody that has come before. I couldn’t…pick a better example of where the Dobro is now or what the possibilities are with the instrument.” Billy has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and The Grand Ole Opry. He tours and teaches in India, Japan, Europe, and Canada. More info at www.billycardine.com/epk.

Mary Lucey is a talented vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and performer. She has played bass for the The Biscuit Burners and the all female group, Uncle Earl. She has graced stages at The Kennedy Center, Ryman Auditorium, Bonnaroo, MerleFest, Rockygrass, Mountain Stage, and Woodsongs Radio Hour.

Julian Pinelli is a free-spirited violinist who spins deep tone with modern ease. A graduate of Berklee College of music, Julian was awarded the 2016 Fresh Grass Fiddle Award and winner of the 2017 RockyGrass fiddle competition. “His fiddle playing is unique and joyful,” says Aoife O’Donovan, “a rare mix of technical precision and soul.” Darol Anger calls Julian “one of the most exciting fiddlers…who can play just about anything.”

Marius Pibarot is a Franco-American multi-instrumentalist and composer from Paris, France. He has traveled widely to learn the music and cultures of many different countries and namely those of Venezuela, India, Armenia, Turkey, and the US. 

Anya recently joined Black Oak Artists on their booking agency roster. “I’m thrilled to join Black Oak as we springboard from the success we had with Eden and am excited to see where we can go together!!” says Hinkle. Along with her upcoming European Tour, she will be announcing additional US dates, singles and videos ahead of her sophomore solo project, slated for release in 2023. 

NETHERLANDS, DENMARK AND SWEDEN TOUR:
Anya Hinkle Trio Feat. Billy Cardine (Dobro) & Mary Lucey (Bass, Vocals)

May 7 (Sat) Festival Obdam voor Oekraïne – Obdam, Netherlands
May 8 (Sun) Roots of Heaven – Haarlem, Netherlands
May 9 (Mon) Muziekgebouw Frits Philips – Eindhoven, Netherlands
May 10(Tue) Blue Room Sessions – Verkadefabriek, Hertogenbosch
May 11 (Wed) Crossroads @ Vestzaktheater – Bergen op Zoom
May 12 (Thu) TivoliVredenburg Cloud Nine – Utrecht, Netherlands
May 14 (Sat) Cafe De Amer – Amen, Netherlands
May 15 (Sun) Theater Walhalla – Rotterdam, Netherlands
May 18 (Wed) 2022 Grenna Bluegrass Festival – Gränna, Sweden
May 19 (Thu) Karens Minde Kulturhus – Copenhagen, Denmark
May 20 (Fri) Bobuska Cafe – Copenhagen, Denmark
May 21 (Sat) BRUUNS HJØRNE – Skaelskor, Denmark

FRANCE TOUR: 

Anya Hinkle Featuring Billy Cardine (Dobro)
with Julian Pinelli (Fiddle, Vocals) and Marius Pibarot (Bass, Vocals)
May 24 (Tue) La Machine – Trémons, France
May 25 (Wed) 2022 Chez Maquignon – Touvérac, France
May 26 (Thu) La Souris Verte – Épinal France
May 27 (Fri) Peniche Anako – Paris, France
May 28 (Sat) The Church – St. Andeol de Vals, France
May 29 (Sun) TBA – France

Official Videos:

“Eden And Her Borderlands” → https://youtu.be/D7-EduKxw_M
“Hills of Swannanoa” →  https://youtu.be/YS5Hkfmb4Bk

Stream Anya Hinkle online → https://clg.lnk.to/PBHjp

Stay tuned to for more information and updates at www.anyahinkle.com.

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Anya Hinkle Releases ‘Why Women Need Wine (At Christmas)’ – Holidaze At Home LiveStream

ANYA HINKLE INDEPENDENTLY RELEASES
“WHY WOMEN NEED WINE (AT CHRISTMAS)”
Single Out Dec 17, 2021

Pre-save the “Why Women Need Wine (At Christmas)” here —>
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/anyahinkle/why-women-need-wine-at-christmas-holiday-version

Hear Anya Perform “Why Women Need Wine (At Christmas)”
@ Holidaze At Home Livestream

Sunday, Dec 19 @ 5pm ET at www.facebook.com/anyahinkle.music
also streaming at www.anyahinkle.com/holidaze-at-home
Add it to your calendar on Facebook

ASHEVILLE, NC — Anya Hinkle is bringing some holiday cheer with “Why Women Need Wine (At Christmas).” It is a fun and festive take of her original song “Why Women Need Wine,” from her album Eden and Her Borderlands (Organic Records July 16, 2021) and will be independently released on Friday, Dec 17. 

Pop Matters calls “Why Women Need Wine” “a musical eye roll that takes on the patriarchy” and Folk Alley says the accompanying video is, “Full of tinkling effervescence, wry nods and winks, and capacious laughter… With a bright canniness, Hinkle points out many of the expectations women face in our society.” 

Anya says, “‘Why Women Need Wine’ has always been about honoring women’s work and women’s journeys into trusting themselves while celebrating their own unique ways of doing things… even when it feels like we are getting it all wrong. A wonderful friend of mine suggested that a holiday-themed rewrite of the song could be a fun thing to do for the holidays this year, and she was right—writing a Christmas version of the song has been just what I needed to jump in with two feet. With this version I want to celebrate all the incredible work women do to make the holidays special, and laugh a little while we work. Happy Holidays and Cheers!” 

Taking to social media for some suggestions she cooked up new lyrics and recorded it solo in her home studio in Asheville, laughing all the way, ho ho ho… She says, “Y’all, it’s been fun! I’ve been laughing out loud, really. Bellyfulls of laughter. Levity I’ve really needed recently.”

Anya Hinkle at Home
No one was injured while decorating…

Just as the original relates stories of situations and attitudes that women deal with day to day and reminding them with a little humor, a lot of friendship — and maybe an eye roll — they can shake it off and move on with their lives, the Christmas version sums it up for the holiday season.

“When I woke up this morning I tested all of the Christmas lights… (Tell-me) Why when one burns out the rest go out on down the line” and “Santa, Do you hear what I hear? Let me get this through my mind… You’re just gonna let everybody thank you for all the stuff I go out and find.” 

The phrase “Why Women Need Wine” came to Hinkle when she was feeling down and reached out to a friend who said “Come over, I’ve got a great bottle of wine, let’s talk.” “I spilled it all out, just said every ridiculous thing and we laughed, I cried, and on my way home I just felt so much better,” says Hinkle. “Everything seemed possible again, I got a grip, and this line popped into my head: This is why women need wine.”

Anya is hosting a special holiday livestream program, Holidaze At Home, on Sunday Dec 19 and will perform “Why Women Need Wine (At Christmas)” along with some tunes from Eden and Her Borderlands, and you can see her tree!

We hope you will enjoy listening and sharing the song as you gather with your friends and family over the Holidays. Most importantly, enjoy this beautiful time of year. The light is so beautiful and poignant.

“Why Women Need Wine (At Christmas)” is available as a free download with any purchase from her online store before Dec 31 at www.anyahinkle.com/store and it will hit the digital streams on Dec 17.

For further news and updates, please visit: www.AnyaHinkle.com, Facebook.com/AnyaHinkle.Music, and @AnyaHinkle.Music. Eden and Her Borderlands is available HERE.

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Dreamspider Publicity Year in Review

‘Tis the Season and the end of the year! Here’s a rundown of the albums that Dreamspider Publicity publicized in 2018 in order of release date. Please do keep listening to and supporting live and recorded music! THANK YOU to all the artists, writers, DJs, listeners, and concert goers!!

Cheers and have a fantastic Holiday Season!

~Erin Scholze, Dreamspider Publicity
These Things Just Don’t Happen By Themselves… 

Love Canon – Cover Story
Released on Organic Records: July 13
www.lovecanonmusic.com

“Charlottesville, VA’s Love Canon have established themselves as prodigious interpreters of others’ songs. Their latest is chock full of circa 1980’s classics, each imbued with an acoustic charm. In some ways it speaks to the flexibility of the underlying song… In others it speaks the group’s ability to transform the song.” —Twangville, Mayer Danzig

“A guest-filled ride through familiar old favorites, interpreted not as party reboots but as thoughtful reimaginations. Songs from an era known for indulgent electric sheen get broken down and rebuilt with serious bluegrass chops… Throughout the record, the band dips into its deep rolodex of musical friends, tapping quirky troubadour Keller Williams to sing lead on R.E.M.’s ‘Driver 8,’ which features blazing solos and an extended reggae breakdown. Ace fiddler Michael Cleveland and singer Aoife O’Donovan also show up for one of the album’s best tracks, a mountain-hop version of Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland.’ Bluegrass has always been about passing songs down the line and sharing them with friends; Love Canon is toying with that tradition in a good way.” ––Blue Ridge Outdoors, Jedd Ferris

“Stripped of its slick ’70s country production and replaced with upbeat horns and killer harmonies, ‘Islands in the Stream’ is a perfect laid-back love ballad when performed by Love Canon. The band’s friend Lauren Balthrop evokes Parton in the high harmonies, and Bobby Read and John D’Earth provide a little bit of funk on the saxophone and trumpet, respectively.” –The Boot, Amy McCarthy

Hot Buttered Rum – Lonesome Panoramic
Independently Released: July 20
www.hotbutteredrum.net

“Tight Tunes and Whispers of Tom Petty: Lurking behind each song is a rhythmic urgency that’s less prog-bluegrass and more rock oriented… Over its 15-plus-year career, the band has proven itself capable of pulling together strands of country, folk, bluegrass, and jam music into an energetic, good-time experience. But with the batch of well-crafted, sharply performed tunes they cooked up on Lonesome Panoramic, Hot Buttered Rum has managed to blend its ragged charms with that of a well-oiled musical machine.” —No Depression, Jim Shahen

“Ultimately, Lonesome Panoramic reflects the work of a talented group of close-knit colleagues who know how to share their skills and play in sync, with no one individual eager to overshadow the others. The band emphasize subtlety over sizzle, finesse as opposed to frenzy, and a confidence and assurance that makes melody the primary focus. It’s a decided skill set to be sure…” —Bluegrass Today, Lee Zimmerman

“Probably best described as a tangling of jam, country, folk, and bluegrass that results in a timeless energy and easily enjoyable spirit, this is a criminally underappreciated outfit and a fantastic album.” —The Daily Vault, Tom Haugen

Chicago Farmer – Quarter Past Tonight  – Live Double Disc Album
Independently Released: August 3
www.chicagofarmer.com

“I’d never heard of transplanted son of the soil Cody Diekhoff and you probably haven’t either. But this tenth-anniversary double-live, 24 songs and eight spoken bits that include a tribute to his heroically supportive wife entitled ‘Benefits’… he’s funny, he’s kind, and he’s preparing an instructional video about ‘how do you get that drawl that you do—it’s kind of a mix between a small-town big-city kind of a northernly southernly easterly westerly stuck-in-the-middle type of a drawl.’”  —Noisey, Robert Christgau

“You don’t hear many albums these days like this two-CD set, which hearkens back to a time when solo folk artists like Tom Paxton and Arlo Guthrie strode onstage offering nothing but their voices, guitars, harmonicas, visions, and wit.”  —The Morton Report, Jeff Burger

“A great example of his songwriting and performing chops is ‘I Need a Hit,’ the first song off disc one. It’s about a road-worn troubadour dreaming about a John Hartford scenario — meaning he’d have a money-maker like ‘Gentle on My Mind’ funding his traveling circus.” —Wide Open Country, Bobby Moore

Chad Elliott & The Redemptions – Rest Heavy: The Sun Studio Sessions
Independently Released: August 10
www.chadelliott.net

“Iowa suggests such names as Greg Brown, Bo Ramsey, and Pieta Brown among others but now singer-songwriter, artist and author, Chad Elliott can join their esteemed company with Rest Heavy. Even if you didn’t know that these tracks were recorded at Sun Studios in Memphis, you’d still sense a bit of that Elvis Presley style in Elliot’s mix of roots-rock, soul, blues and modern gospel… This album just oozes soul, truth, and seems rather timeless as it could have been recorded almost any time in the last fifty-sixty years.” ––Elmore, Jim Hynes

“Rest Heavy… opens with an arpeggiated piano riff and cymbal crash before launching into a leaned-back, eyes-closed, soulful-howl gospel-blues tune of which Sam Cooke would have approved… As he croon-wails his way through tracks that range from hardscrabble stories and ain’t-life-like-that tunes to songs of somber reflection, his constellation of influences is clear, with stylized moments and melodic arrangements that evoke the likes of Tom Waits, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen and Doc Watson.”
—Little Village Magazine, Lucas Benson

“ … there is a timeless feel all along the tracks that tell his talent.. roots rock, gospel, soul, blues in a perfect spirit… I would even say this album is the perfect tribute to the spirit of the Sun Studios. I already listened at least 10 times to it and these songs take me with them…” —ISA Radio, Mike Penard, France

Rudi Ekstein – Carolina Chimes: Rudi Ekstein’s All Original Bluegrass Instrumental Showcase Featuring Stuart Duncan, Jeff Autry, Mark Schatz
Independently Released on Foxfire Recording: October 5
www.carolinachimes.com

“The bulk of [the songs] are flat-out, hold-on-to-your-hat wild rides that he takes you on… The entire album brings back many great memories to me of John Hartford’s many musical excursions through the years, jam sessions with Mike Marshall down in Florida back in the ’70’s and all sorts of good stuff... I would suggest the best way to listen to this CD is on a nice drive through the country or anywhere.” —Elmore, Ken Spooner

“These twelve original numbers flow brilliantly, a set of mandolin-based bluegrass the likes we haven’t experienced in a number of years. I’ve hit ‘repeat’ more than once listening to the set, the minutes passing by much too quickly…. An absolute stunner of a bluegrass album.” –-Fervor Coulee, Donald Teplyske

“This is some serious, hard core bluegrass played with a lot of fire… Good stuff.” —Mandolin Cafe

Edward David Anderson – Chasing Butterflies
Independently Released on Black Dirt Records: October 18
www.edwarddavidanderson.com

“Key tracks are the disturbing epic tale of race and injustice (with majestic, swirling fiddle) in ‘The Ballad of Lemuel Penn’, the brutally honest ‘Bad Tattoos’ (‘The story of my life’s written on my skin’) and the hypnotic ‘Crosses’ with its rousing and extended instrumental section closing out the track… On Chasing Butterflies, Edward David Anderson commands our attention with his accomplished songwriting and sublime presentation. He certainly has mine. It’s a triumph.” —Listening Through The Lens, No Depression, Rob Dickens

“…nothing here is overplayed: the sound is light, mainly acoustic and upbeat… Judging by his self-penned songs, Anderson observes his world and writes what comes to mind. On his second solo release he covers family, misspent youth (tattoos), dogs, inspirational friends, bleak Montana landscapes and injustices… All in all an interesting outing that explains his wide fanbase.” –Americana Music Show, Tony Ives

“The quality of songwriting here is exemplary. Without exception we are treated to consistently strong melodies with memorable hooky choruses that will live with you after only a few listens. There is a very strong and diverse lyrical theme to these songs while the musicianship on the record is outstanding throughout.” —AmericanaUK, Mark Hegarty

Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield – Reckless Saints
Independently Released on Shiny Gnu Records: Nov 2
www.RecklessSaints.com

“This husband and wife team runs the gamut from engaging acoustic folk to driving bluesy tunes, with hints of twang sprinkled in… The ringing impression from this offering is the seamless blending of so many forms of roots music, combined with meaningful and often insightful lyrics. It works beautifully.”
—Making A Scene, Jim Hynes

“Reckless Saints is an acoustic duo comprised of Roy Schneider Music on guitar, harmonica, dobro, drums, banjo and bass with wife Kim Mayfield on guitar, baritone ukulele, mandolin and piano. They both sing and they both write. Their self-titled debut only has one cover: “Election Day” by the late Blaze Foley (the subject of Ethan Hawke’s new movie, Blaze.) Bonnie Raitt bassist Freebo is on hand as is the legendary Nashville harmonica player Charlie McCoy and fiddler Keven Aland. It all amounts to an Americana gem that fans of real pure mountain-stream country will love.” —The Aquarian Weekly, Mike Greenblatt

“Enlisting Blaze Foley’s old musical partner Gurf Morlix for help, Schneider and Mayfield cover Foley’s classic ‘Election Day’ with rough passion, but the beautifully rendered ‘If I Die Tomorrow’ and ‘Poison Arrow’ swoon in their arms. All who cry out for salvation from Reckless Saints might experience the same effect.”
—Elmore Magazine, Peter Lindblad

Taylor Martin – Song Dogs
Released on Little King Records: Nov 16
www.taylormartin.org

“Indeed, Martin, an Asheville, NC resident, delivers a stunning work of eight original and three covers all done in a sometimes rock, sometimes blues, sometime ballad and sometimes folk style. His cover of Neil Young’s ‘Music Arcade’ is definitely a Cajun themed sound. Martin’s voice is rather gravelly sounding and is surprisingly easy to listen to for an entire CD… All in all, Song Dogs is an excellent release of music to which almost any listener can relate. Lets face it, maybe some of us can’t relate to love lost or being on the highway. But seriously, who among us can’t claim overuse of a cell phone, at least at some point in time. This is just great music. Highly recommended.” —Audiophile Voice, Paul Wilson

“The piano driven, haunting title song comes last, inspired in part by coyotes howling (per cover art) to find each other at night… It may seem that it stands apart from the others in tone and style, but several listens to Martin will have you hearing an array of styles and influences. That’s what makes it so infectious. Each song stands apart.” —Country Standard Times, Jim Hynes

“The song [‘Little Pictures’] rings instantly familiar and simplifies a complex message in clear lyrical fashion, over catchy, punchy, piano-prominent rhythms.” —Americana Highways, Melissa Clarke

NEW FOR 2019!

Be on the lookout for a new book about Leftover Salmon in February entitled Leftover Salmon: Thirty Years of Festival! Written by Tim Newby

New albums in early 2019:
Amy McCarley
MECO  – (Feb 8, 2019)

Reed Foehl
Lucky Enough – (Feb 1, 2019)

 

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Chicago Farmer’s ‘Quarter Past Tonight’ OUT TODAY – Recorded Live at the Apollo Theater in Peoria

Chicago Farmer Releases a Live Double Disc Album, Quarter Past Tonight, on Aug. 3
Recorded at the Apollo Theater in Peoria, IL During Two Nights of Sold Out Shows

Available now on Chicago Farmer’s online store, Amazon, iTunes & cdbaby

BLOOMINGTON, IL — Based in Bloomington, IL, Chicago Farmer (A.K.A. Cody Diekhoff) independently releases his first live Chicago Farmer album, Quarter Past Tonight, a two-disc set on Aug. 3. With long time studio engineer Chris Harden (I.V. Labs Studio/Chicago) in tow and armed with just his guitar, harmonica and distilled words and stories of heartache, social injustice, hometown pride, love and loss, Chicago Farmer played two sold out nights at the Apollo Theater in Peoria, IL in December of 2017 and captured it all as it went down.

Quarter Past Tonight offers a greatest-hits retrospective of his work with 32 tracks of stories and songs, including “Watch Doctor,” “Round Table,” and “Postcards” from his debut album, “Illinois Anthem” and “Assembly Line Blues” off of From a Small Town in Illinois [2006], “Weatherman” from Talk of Town [2007], “Workin’ On It” and “Backseat” from Backenforth, IL [2013], and “Rocco N’ Susie” and “Umbrella” from Midwest Side Stories [2016].  The album also features three new original Chicago Farmer songs — “Dirtiest Uniforms,” “$13 Beers,” and “I Need A Hit “— as well as a cover of Backyard Tire Fire’s “Good to Be.”

What folks are saying:

“Chicago Farmer has the novelist’s gift of building a suspenseful story to a surprising conclusion. He’s clever, insightful, and witty with his between songs banter, making the stories often every bit as good and memorable as his songs… His trademark appeal is his ability to sing about the regular person, the working person, in a relatable way.’” —Country Standard Time, Jim Hynes

“I’d never heard of transplanted son of the soil Cody Diekhoff and you probably haven’t either. But this tenth-anniversary double-live, 24 songs and eight spoken bits that include a tribute to his heroically supportive wife entitled ‘Benefits’… he’s funny, he’s kind, and he’s preparing an instructional video about ‘how do you get that drawl that you do—it’s kind of a mix between a small-town big-city kind of a northernly southernly easterly westerly stuck-in-the-middle type of a drawl.’” —Noisey, Robert Christgau

“You don’t hear many albums these days like this two-CD set, which hearkens back to a time when solo folk artists like Tom Paxton and Arlo Guthrie strode onstage offering nothing but their voices, guitars, harmonicas, visions, and wit.” —The Morton Report, Jeff Burger

“The troubadour is standup – a storyteller like the best standup comics and an upright fellow standing up for regular folks and the lives of quiet desperation and outright glee we all experience to the soundtracks in our heads and hearts…. He’s comparable to John Prine, Loudon Wainwright and Neil Young, and also occasionally like the late Steve Goodman, Art Thieme and Woody Guthrie, with a soulful sense of humor and keen insight to the human condition and all its passion, silliness and dreams.”
—The Community Word, Bill Knight

“A riveting live performer who has cultivated a loyal following with folk songs and stories about the American heartland” —WGLT, Jon Norton

“As hard-working musicians go, few can hold a candle to the Midwest’s own folk hero, Chicago Farmer. Back and forth across the great wide open, the authenticity of his music just resonates with something in the human spirit, with material ranging from raucous and boot-stompin’ runaway hootenannies, to subdued and heartfelt odes to love and loss.” —News-Gazette, Andrew Howie

“Like the stage name that Cody Diekhoff adopted for himself, Chicago Farmer’s music has an urban big-city sensibility with rural small-town roots, similar to the genre of Americana music itself, which is a combination of different American music idioms.”  —South Bend Tribune, Andrew S. Hughes

Americana Highways Song Premiere: “Dirtiest Uniforms”

Tomorrow’s Verse Song Premiere: “I Need A Hit”

Quarter Past Tonight Track Listing:

Disc One

1. Dirtiest Uniforms   (4:52) [Previously Unreleased]
2. Round Table   (4:38)
3. Pulled Over On 29   (1:29)*
4. Anymore   (2:54)
5. Benefits   (1:23)*
6. Backseat   (7:57)
7. Assembly Line Blues   (3:23)
8. $13 Dollar Beers   (3:03) [Previously Unreleased]
9. Six Records   (1:00)*
10. Who On Earth   (4:42)
11. Fall   (4:05)
12. Illinois Anthem   (4:03)
13. Jon Stokes Prison Break Blues   (3:34)
14. People N’ Places   (10:56)
15. Good To Be   (3:27) [by Edward David Anderson & Backyard Tire Fire]

Disc Two

1. I Need A Hit   (5:07) [Previously Unreleased]
2. Umbrella   (4:55)
3. We’re All Billy   (:48)*
4. Quarter Life Crisis   (2:17)*
5. Watch Doctor   (5:58)
6. Weatherman   (3:04)
7. Nostalgia & Folklore   (2:02)*
8. Postcards   (2:41)
9. Hats   (3:49)
10. Workin’ On It   (7:38)
11. Breaking Bad   (1:57)*
12. Rocco N’ Susie   (5:55)
13. Thank You’s   (:45)*
14. Victoria Walker   (5:13)
15. Farms & Factories   (4:22)
16. Won’t Let You Down   (5:04
17. For Dad (Pool Song)   (8:04)

All tracks FCC clean
*Banter/Story

Further information can be found at www.chicagofarmer.com, www.facebook.com/chicagofarmer, and twitter.com/chicagofarmer.###

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Bluesy and Soulful, Chad Elliott Releases ‘Rest Heavy: The Sun Studio Sessions’ on Aug 10

Chad Elliott & The Redemptions Release Rest Heavy on August 10, 2018
Bluesy, Rockin’ and Soulful Original Music
Recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis

LAMONI, IA — Iowa singer-songwriter, artist and author, Chad Elliott, independently releases Rest Heavy: The Sun Studio Sessions on August 10, 2018. Elliott’s writing weaves love, loss and forgiveness into well-worn lyrics with timeless melodies. “Low, loose, and full of juice. This album’s got a lot of life to it,” said acclaimed Iowa singer-songwriter Greg Brown.

With Rest Heavy, Elliott shows his love of roots-rock, soul, and blues music with a rocking band behind his artfully crafted songs and gravelly delivery. The self-produced album was recorded by Ples Hampton at the famed Sun Studio in Memphis, TN. Hampton said, “It was honestly one of the best sessions I’ve ever had up here. This is gold.”

Elliott, performing on acoustic guitar and harmonica, is joined by his full band, The Redemptions, which includes Tommy Lewis (electric guitar, harmonica, background vocals), Travis McFarlane (piano, B3 organ, keys), Kevin Boehnke (acoustic guitar, trumpet), Joseph Cafaro (upright bass), and Jim Van Dorn (drums).

Chad Elliott
Photo by Michael Gruich

“I could, literally, feel the shift in the music just by walking through the doors at Sun Studio. The room seemed to have its own electric currency running through it and it made the songs come alive. We walked away feeling like we had an out of body experience. There were times I would just sit in the corners and look into the air of the room to see if that legendary music was still floating there, mixing with ours,” Elliott said.

Elliott’s live performances, whether with a full band or solo, are a blend of engaging storytelling and memorable song lyrics that captivate audiences of all ages. He said, “Live performance is every bit as creative as the writing process. I love the energy created between performer and audience. It can be a heartbreaking solo ballad or a full band, foot-stomping blues song. When it connects there is no better feeling.”

The Daily Country premiered the title track, “Rest Heavy,” and says it, “grabs your heart and soul with its classic harmonica-infused melody, tempered backbeat, and Elliott’s gravelly yet warm delivery that nods to the memory of the greats who made their mark at Sun.”
Listen here → http://bit.ly/TDC_RestHeavy_SongPremiere.

Rest Heavy ranges from modern gospel love songs like the title track (with its throwback soul sound) to the tale of unrequited love in “Alberta.” He delves into country soul with “Hills of Tennessee,” recalls early Tom Waits in the jazzy “Cadillac Problems, Buick Times,” adds in some Parlor blues in “Slow Again,” and offers some bottom feeder blues with “Dirty River (Catfish Blues).”

An American ramble song that tips its hat to beat poets, musicians, and ramblers of the world, “Shy of Shameless” is a travel log of sorts. It depicts Elliott’s years of touring and wandering America, living out of a vehicle.

“Embarcadero Street” has a raw feel to it with its slinky slide guitar, trashy drums, and the lyrics “Never would’ve guessed I was on the edge… Because I kept myself so clean… Shaved my beard up good and tight… Tried to wash away all the mean…” Elliott said, “Years ago, Embarcadero Street in San Francisco was my stomping grounds during a difficult time in my life. I slept on park benches and abandoned piers. This song is like a brief journal entry for me.”

A deeply personal song, “Shining Stars” has a more ethereal sound, highlighting the acoustics of the room and the B3 organ, making this intimate song feel like a throwback to the 50s. Similarly, “Water Under the Bridge” is a mending song with a serene groove. Elliott said, “Forgiveness for the sake of peace — that is what ‘Water Under the Bridge’ is about. Finding a place of atonement so one can move on past pain and fear.”

“St. James Infirmary,” the only cover on the eleven-track album, is an old New Orleans flavored traditional. Elliott said, “We were in Memphis, so we picked up the tempo and did it in just one take as a bonus track. I have always loved the dark mystery of this song. It was an added bonus track and the entire band let loose.”

Elliott’s early career demonstrates a love of folk, roots, and singer-songwriter music. He has worked with many greats and shared the stage with artists of the highest caliber, including Odetta, Tom Paxton, Loudon Wainwright III, R.L. Burnside, Greg Brown, Ruthie Foster, Jimmie Vaughan, etc.

“Chad’s songs are inspired by real life and by real people,” said Bronson Herrmuth, “They’re not conjured up in a cookie cutter fashion designated by songwriting rules or regulations. He sings out loud and proud about the places he’s been, the things he’s seen, his life experiences, and those of his family and friends.”

Elliott has released 22 albums including The Den Sessions in 2010 which is a ten-volume set. His most recent being RINGGOLD (2017) and Wreck and Ruin (2015). He has been featured on Iowa Public Radio’s Java Blend (“rootsy, gravely growl and impressive, tasteful guitar work”), showcased at Folk Alliance International, composed and performed music for several IPTV documentaries, and won prestigious awards, such as the Woody Guthrie Song Contest (2009).

Elliott performs more than 200 shows each year and is lauded as “Iowa’s Renaissance Man” by Culture Buzz. He has cultivated over 1,000 songs in his career while also honing his skills as a painter, sculptor, and children’s book author/illustrator (Wilderman’s Treetop Tales). He recently published a poetry book, Rumble & Flash.

“Rest Heavy jumps right at you and doesn’t let go,” said Rob Ellen of The UK’s Medicine Show Radio. “The whole piece has an edge you can shave with.”

Rest Heavy Track Listing:
1. Rest Heavy  (3:12)
2. Shy of Shameless  (5:23)
3. Hills of Tennessee  (3:29)
4. Shining Stars  (4:22)
5. Cadillac Problems, Buick Times  (4:56)
6. Alberta  (4:20)
7. Slow Again  (3:47)
8. Dirty River (Catfish Blues)  (3:45)
9. Embarcadero Street  (5:08)
10. Water Under the Bridge  (7:06)
11. St. James Infirmary  (6:21)

Chad Elliott – vocals, electric guitar, harmonica
Tommy Lewis – electric guitar, harmonica, vocals, track 10 chorus
Travis McFarlane – piano, B3 organ, keys, track 10 chorus
Kevin Boehnke – acoustic guitar, trumpet, track 10 chorus
Joseph Cafaro –  upright bass, track 10 chorus
Jim Van Dorn – drums (all), track 10 chorus
Roger D. Feldhans – track 10 chorus

All songs written by Chad Elliott except “St. James Infirmary” (Anonymous)

For more information, tour dates and news from Chad Elliott, please visit, www.chadelliott.net, www.facebook.com/elliottmusic, www.twitter.com/chadelliottlive, and www.instagram.com/chadelliottmusic.

 

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Chicago Farmer’s ‘Midwest Side Stories’ OUT TODAY – Modern Day Protest Songs – L4LM Premier

Singer/Songwriter, Chicago Farmer Releases Midwest Side Stories Out TODAY 9.30
Get it now at iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby

Head on over to Live For Live Music (L4LM) for the world premier of “9pm to 5”
“…Cody is fully present, as the subtle and not so subtle jokes and metaphors he employs to such ingratiating effect are fully evident”
Listen in here→ http://bit.ly/ChicagoFarmer_9pmto5_L4LM_Premier

BLOOMINGTON, IL — Chicago Farmer, the moniker Bloomington, Illinois’ Cody Diekhoff performs and writes under, independently released his 7th album, Midwest Side Stories, September 30, 2016. Midwest Side Stories is about hope, depression, job loss, meth, skateboards, a divided nation, used cars, the late shift, farms, factories, the destruction of our environment, and still being around to sing about it. The new release contains ten tracks all of which were written by Diekhoff (pronounced dee-cough), with the exception of the John Hartford classic “I’m Still Here.”

Folk hero Todd Snider says, “I love Chicago Farmer’s singing and playing and songs, but it’s the intention behind the whole of his work that moves me to consider him the genuine heir to Arlo Guthrie or Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. He knows the shell game that goes on under folk music… which is sacred to me. Chicago Farmer is my brother; if you like me, you’ll love him.”

Diekhoff co-produced Midwest Side Stories, with engineer Chris Harden at I.V. Labs Studios in Chicago, Illinois. Harden also played Glockenspiel and harmonized vocals on select tracks. Others on the album include vocalist and guitarist Ernie Hendrickson, drummer Darren Garvey, vocalist Heather Horton, and a handful of other Midwestern mainstays.

What folks are saying about Chicago Farmer’s Midwest Side Stories:

“At heart, Diekhoff is a protest singer, who in this election year paints a rather dark picture of the country. Unfortunately, many of the subjects he sings about ring true, but Diekhoff is smart enough to offer hope and some solutions too. Besides the hope, we find tales of depression, job loss, meth, skateboards. A divided nation, used cars, the late shift, farms, factories, the destruction of our environment and the gift of still being here with a chance to effect change.” —Elmore Magazine, Jim Hynes

“Previously, frequent comparisons to the works of famed folk troubadour Arlo Guthrie have been spot on. With this impressive step forward in song craft and dimension, Chicago Farmer has moved beyond any previous limitations and associations. Storyteller, humorist and heartfelt proponent of the core values of humanity itself, Chicago Farmer has always had a message of compassion that the world truly needs to hear. Thanks to the added power backing his insight and infectious spirit he is ready to take his message farther than ever before, as he does to wonderful effect on Midwest Side Stories.” —Live For Live Music (L4LM), Rex Thomson

“[Chicago Farmer] has a style that reminds me of the country/folk pop singers of the early 70s—the R. Dean Taylors, John Denvers, and Ray Matericks of the day. Earnest. Bold. Honest.” —Fervor Coulee, Donald Teplyske

“Midwest Side Stories begins with the Neil Young-like ‘Umbrella.’ With a strumming guitar and lyrics such as, ‘I want to sing you a sad, sad song that I hope will make you smile,’ the resemblance between Diekhoff and Young is unmistakable — and undeniable. But, he is no mere imitator. He springboards from that auspicious beginning to songs generally about the current state of the formerly industrious Midwest, offset with its many rural areas, and their many problems: job loss, meth, farms, shift-work factories, social divisions, etc.” —No Depression, Amos Perrine

“And that is where Diekhoff shines, as a phenomenal storyteller in the vein of Prine, Earle, and his somewhat mentor, Todd Snider (who provided a glowing recommendation in the liner notes of the record).

Midwest Side Stories is strong from start to finish.” —No Depression, The Broken Jukebox, Adam Dawson

“Midwest Side Stories is full of great lyrics and wonderful music. It doesn’t matter if you live in the American Midwest or somewhere else. These songs will speak to you in a language the is easy to understand. If you are a regular person who works for a living, you will find yourself absorbed into the stories. In other words, if you are an earthling you will get great enjoyment by listening to Midwest Side Stories by Chicago Farmer.” ––Independent Midwest Music

“Chicago Farmer’s songs have always been thoughtful, and there is definitely a somber tone at the start of opening track ‘Umbrella’. However, it does quickly establish the singalong vibe that has more and more people heading to Chicago Farmer shows. The hard-rocking ‘Revolving Door’, with its Decemberists-esque harmonica intro, really pulls you in and demands your attention, with a backing band of music scene friends contributing to the down-by-the-water feel before heading into an outro that just gets stuck in your head for days.” —News Gazette, Andrew Howie

“Songs like ‘Revolving Door’, ‘9pm to 5’, ‘Farms & Factories’, and ‘Rocco and Susie’ all paint the picture of life in a Central Illinois town from the perspective of the 3rd shift clock puncher, families getting squeezed, or the couple losing their dream and their sanity along the way. Warts and all.” —Tomorrow’s Verse, Kevin Foss

“He calls each song, each ‘Midwest Side story,’ a chapter in the album’s book of life as he sees it. The tone can waver from the plaints of ‘Revolving Door,’ about the loss of manufacturing jobs hereabouts, to the darkness of ‘Rocco N’ Susie,’ which grapples with meth addiction.” —Pantagraph, Dan Craft

“Chicago Farmer, aka Cody Diekhoff, is neither a farmer nor – any longer – a Chicagoan, but his family history in rural farming communities runs through all his work. Fellow folk journeyman Todd Snider calls him ‘the genuine heir to Arlo Guthrie or Ramblin’ Jack Elliott’ and he’s the perfect person to honor his fellow Midwesterner John Hartford.” Stream Chicago Farmer’s version of John Hartford’s “I’m Still Here at  Cover Me Songs → www.covermesongs.com/2016/09/chicago-farmer-covers-john-hartford.html

Further information can be found at www.chicagofarmer.com, www.facebook.com/chicagofarmer, and twitter.com/chicagofarmer.

Chicago Farmer Midwest Side Stories Tour Dates

Full Band
9/30 Fri – Redstone Room – Davenport, IA
10/1 Sat – Castle Theatre – Bloomington, IL
10/2 Sun – The Bootleg – St. Louis, MO

Solo Shows
10/5 Wed – Woodlands Tavern – Columbus, OH
10/6 Thu – Steiner’s Tavern – Chillicothe, OH
10/7 Fri – Southgate House Revival – Newport, KY
10/8 Sat – Radio Radio – Indianapolis, IN
10/11 People’s Brewing CO. – LaFayette, IN
10/13 Thu – Knuckleheads Retro Lounge – Kansas City, MO
10/14 Fri – Blue October – Hannibal, MO
10/15 Sat – Bar None – Springfield, IL
10/20 Thu – The Walnut Room – Denver, Co
10/21 Fri – Lazy Dog Saloon – Boulder, CO
11/3 Thu –  Five Spot – Nashville, TN
11/4 Fri – Paducah Beer Werks – Paducah, KY
11/5 Sat – Hangar 9 – Carbondale, IL
11/9 Wed – The Cedar Cultural Center – Minneapolis, MN
11/10 Thu – The Root Note – LaCrosse, WI
11/11 Fri – Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL

Midwest Side Stories Track Listing
1. Umbrella 4:32
2. Revolving Door 5:09
3. Rocco N’ Susie 6:00
4. Skateboard Song 3:03
5. Two Sides of the Story 5:19
6. New Used Car 4:05
7. 9pm to 5 3:33
8. Farms & Factories 4:07
9. Homework 4:01
10. I’m Still Here 5:57

*All songs by Chicago Farmer except #10 “I’m Still Here” by John Hartford

Album Cover by Jay Miller at Reverb Soul
Album design layout by Jon Griffin

Further information can be found at www.chicagofarmer.com, www.facebook.com/chicagofarmer, and twitter.com/chicagofarmer.

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Jane Kramer’s ‘Carnival of Hopes’ Out Today! New Music Video

Jane Kramer Makes a Full Voiced Return to Her Roots with Mountain-made Second Solo Album,
Carnival of Hopes – Out TODAY Fri, Feb 26, 2016

ASHEVILLE, NC — Vocalist and songwriter Jane Kramer independently release her gutsy and ambrosial second solo album entitled Carnival of Hopes on Friday, February 26, 2016. With deep ties to the area, Carnival of Hopes boasts a sparkling cast of Ashevillian producers and players. Kramer’s longtime friend Adam Johnson of Sound Lab Studios, whose portfolio of clients includes such names as Alison Krauss and Yo Yo Ma, produced and engineered the album. You can now pick it up at iTune: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/carnival-of-hopes/id1071615103.

The ten-song album was recorded at the award-winning Sound Temple Studios in February of 2015, while she still lived on the other side of the country in Portland, Oregon. A few months later, after a four-year run spent writing and reflecting on the West Coast, Jane Kramer pulled up stakes and returned to Western North Carolina with a renewed energy to share her new music with the world. The sense of homecoming that rings through was a conscious effort, Kramer says. “I did that because Asheville is my dirt. It’s my home and my culture, musically and otherwise. I missed it and knew somewhere in my bones I would be coming back to stay soon,” she says.

Kramer is backed by Chris Rosser on piano and harmonium, Eliot Wadopian on upright bass and River Guerguerian on drums and percussion, the virtuoso trio that comprises Free Planet Radio, as well as master Georgia-based bluegrass musicians/ multi-instrumentalists, Pace Conner (steel string, high string and baritone guitars, ukulele, mandolin, and backing vocals) and Michael Evers (Dobro, banjo, mandolin, and backing vocals) who arranged the songs for recording and perform and tour with Kramer regularly. Virtuoso players, Nicky Sanders of Steep Canyon Rangers and Franklin Keel of Sirius B play orchestral fiddle and cello, respectively, on “Good Woman.” The New Orleans jazz-influenced “Why’d I Do That Blues,” features a horn section comprised of JP Furnas on trombone and Ben Hovey on trumpet.

Jane Kramer. Photo By Sandlin Gaither.

She credits her songwriting hero and mentor, Mary Gauthier, with helping her reach for, and express, everything she hoped to communicate with the album. Carnival of Hopes aches and soars with her connections to Appalachian balladry, a force she first encountered at Warren Wilson College and honed while performing with the Asheville-based all-female trio, the Barrel House Mamas, who helped reintroduce Americana music to the Blue Ridge Mountains a decade ago. However, it is as a solo artist where the power of Kramer’s songwriting and world-class vocals truly shine. The songs on the album were all penned by Kramer with the exception of one cover, “Down South,” written by Tom Petty.”

Kind Words About Carnival of Hopes

“Pulling from her roots as a mountain-made musician, she zeroes in on Americana elements like folksy instrumentation while giving her lyrics center stage… Kramer’s voice is so smooth it melts into her own guitar-playing and violin overlays.” —Elmore Magazine’s Savannah Davanzo
WATCH World Premier of Music Video for “Carnival of Hopes.”

The Bluegrass Situation premiered a stream of the title track here.

“Kramer’s vocal glides between sorghum-sweet low notes and a breathy upper register, maintaining a wink the whole time. But even with its moments of levity and meet-cute two-steps, Carnival of Hopes is sincere.”
—Mountain Xpress, Alli Marshall

“[Jane] embraces songwriting that runs through a gamut of emotions, with heartache, regret, fear, and hope resounding deeply in her lyrics, and each tune is delivered with a voice that only be described as one of the purest in modern Americana… Carnival of Hopes is a steady stream of beauty.”
—Blue Ridge Outdoors, Dave Stallard

“… you can tell Kramer is having fun singing these songs and that feeling endearingly transcends to the listener. Kramer’s vocals are soulful and textured allowing for a range of emotions to illustrate each beautifully poetic song.”
—That Music Mag, Jane Roser

“Jane Kramer says her new album Carnival of Hopes is about facing down inner demons while still clinging to ‘that tiny chirping of light in your bones that somehow keeps you tethered to keeping on.’ And if that sounds like the sort of perseverance Tom Petty writes about, well that might not be a coincidence… Jane Kramer Brings Appalachian Past Into Cover of Obscure Tom Petty Song”
—Ray Padgett, Cover Me Songs premiered “Down South.” Stream it here.

“Jane Kramer is writing and playing classic folk with mountain influences, her strong voice lilting through honest expressions of life, love and the human condition.” —Asheville Citizen Times, Carol Rifkin

“Enchanting and accessible song-crafting; country, honky tonk, blues.”
—Rapid River Magazine

“Well produced, highly melodic and beautifully accessible”
—Northern Sky, Allan Wilkinson

“Like the title implies, Carnival of Hopes presents a festival of emotions from a woman who is cognizant of the fact that life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but one who embraces hope, knowing that through hardship often comes something of beauty.” —The Daily Country, Tara Joan

“…this album has the feel of a country record from the late 1980s, similar to Patty Loveless or Kathy Mattea.” —WNC Magazine, Tim W. Jackson

“Jane Kramer makes gorgeous music. With sensual magnetism in her voice, honesty in her lyrics and elegance in her melodies, her songs cast a wonderful spell. Give this record a listen; you will be taken on a lovely ride deep into the mystical world of an artist on the rise.” —Mary Gauthier, American songwriter and performer

Learn more about Jane Kramer and her music at www.JaneKramer.net and stay up to date with news at www.facebook.com/janekramersongstress.

 

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Magnolia Fest 2015 Lineup Additions: Del McCoury Band, Jeff Austin Band, Oteil and Roosevelt, Rebirth Brass Band, Jerry Joseph and more

Magnolia Fest 2015 Lineup Additions: Del McCoury Band, Jeff Austin Band, Oteil and Roosevelt, Rebirth Brass Band, Jerry Joseph and more!

The 19th Annual Magnolia Fest on October 15-18, 2015 at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL 3076 95th Dr, Live Oak, FL 32060 www.musicliveshere.com | www.magnoliafest.com

Lineup Additions:
The Del McCoury Band
Jeff Austin Band featuring Danny Barnes, Ross Martin & Eric Thorin
Oteil Burbridge and Roosevelt Collier Band
Rebirth Brass Band
Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons
New Orleans Suspects
The Congress
Band of Heathens
Nikki Talley
The Applebutter Express
Whetherman
Grits & Soul
Big Cosmo
Berry Oakley’s Skylab
Habanero Honeys
Flagship Romance
The Mojo Gurus
Back From The Brink
Bonnie Blue

See the Full Lineup Below

More information and tickets → www.magnoliafest.com/tickets/

Magnolia Fest celebrates its 19th year at the magnificent Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL on October 15-18, 2015 and is thrilled to announce a handful of additions to this Fall’s lineup including The Del McCoury Band, Jeff Austin Band featuring Danny Barnes, Ross Martin & Eric Thorin, Oteil Burbridge and Roosevelt Collier Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons, New Orleans Suspects, The Congress, Band of Heathens, Nikki Talley and more!

They will be joining the already stacked lineup which includes Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Avett Brothers, Keller Williams Grateful Gospel, Lake Street Dive, Steep Canyon Rangers, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Col Bruce Hampton, Lost Bayou Ramblers, The Lee Boys, and many others! Tickets are on sale in advance and at the gate. → www.magnoliafest.com/tickets/

Festivalgoers enjoy four days of camping and live music, arts and crafts, and a selection of great foods. Magnolia Fest consistently features some of the world’s finest performers in Americana, Roots Rock, Acoustic Blues, Singer/Songwriter, Bluegrass & Newgrass, Cajun/Zydeco, New & Traditional Folk and other forms of American Roots music.

This energetic and family friendly musical celebration is a gem of a festival with a great lineup, beautiful fall weather and a stunning natural setting. The Live Oak Music And Arts Foundation (LOMAF) will have a booth with raffles to raise money for the local music and art programs in the area.

Get your tickets early and save! Tickets for Magnolia Fest are on sale now in advance for $175 through July 19th; $185 until August 20th; $200 until October 14th; and $210 at gate. All weekend tickets are inclusive of all taxes and fees, and include 4 days of primitive camping and music. Kids under 12 are invited to join for free. Fans can also upgrade their experience with VIP tickets for $350 through 8/30 ($400 after that) which includes dinner, discounts, VIP Lounge, festival poster, & other perks.  For RV hook ups, cabin rentals and golf cart rentals, please call SOSMP at (386)-364-1683. For further information and tickets, please visit www.MagnoliaFest.com.

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, located just north of Live Oak, FL, is a one-of-a-kind music park and premier 500+ acre campground nestled on the shady banks of the historic, tea-colored Suwannee River in North Florida. Along with the camping, there are nearly 12 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature exploring. Bring along a fishing pole and wet a line from the dock on Rees Lake. Canoe and bike rentals are available at the on-site canoe outpost. Or take a dip in the nearby Suwannee Springs. SOSMP is located between Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee, Florida about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line, about 45 minutes north of Gainesville. Please visit the park’s web site at www.musicliveshere.com or call them at 386-364-1683 for more information.

Magnolia Fest 2015 Full Lineup
Tedeschi Trucks Band
The Avett Brothers
The Del McCoury Band
Keller Williams Grateful Gospel
Lake Street Dive
Jeff Austin Band featuring Danny Barnes, Ross Martin & Eric Thorin
Oteil Burbridge and Roosevelt Collier Band
Steep Canyon Rangers
Rebirth Brass Band
New Orleans Suspects
Donna the Buffalo
Jim Lauderdale
Col. Bruce Hampton
Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons
Lost Bayou Ramblers
The Lee Boys
The Congress
Band of Heathens
Nikki Talley
The Applebutter Express
Whetherman
Grits & Soul
Sloppy Joe
Quartermoon
Grandpa’s Cough Medicine
The Corbitt Brothers
Quebe Sisters
Big Cosmo
Berry Oakley’s Skylab
Habanero Honeys
Flagship Romance
This Frontier Needs Heroes
JacksonVegas
Bryce Alastair Band
The Mojo Gurus
Back From The Brink
Bonnie Blue

Stay up to date with Magnolia Fest news at  www.MagnoliaFest.com, www.facebook.com/MagnoliaFestfl, www.twitter.com/MagnoliaFest, and www.instagram.com/magnoliafest.

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Magnolia Fest 2015 Initial Lineup Includes Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Keller Williams Grateful Gospel, Steep Canyon Rangers and more

The 19th Annual Magnolia Fest 2015 Initial Lineup Includes
Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Keller Williams Grateful Gospel,  Steep Canyon Rangers,  Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Col Bruce Hampton and more!

October 15-18, 2015 at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL

Tickets are on sale now with early bird rates.
More information is here: www.magnoliafest.com/tickets/

Magnolia Fest celebrates its 19th year at the magnificent Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL on October 15-18, 2015 and is thrilled to welcome to the 2015 stages Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Keller Williams Grateful Gospel, Steep Canyon Rangers, Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Col Bruce Hampton, The Lost Bayou Ramblers, The Lee Boys, Sloppy Joe, Quartermoon, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, The Corbitt Brothers, Quebe Sisters, This Frontier Needs Heroes, JacksonVegas, and many more will be announced. Tickets are on sale in advance and at the gate. → www.magnoliafest.com/tickets/

Festivalgoers enjoy four days of camping and live music, arts and crafts, and a selection of great foods. Magnolia Fest consistently features some of the world’s finest performers in Americana, Roots Rock, Acoustic Blues, Singer/Songwriter, Bluegrass & Newgrass, Cajun/Zydeco, New & Traditional Folk and other forms of American Roots music.

This energetic and family friendly musical celebration is a gem of a festival with a great lineup, beautiful fall weather and a stunning natural setting. The Live Oak Music And Arts Foundation (LOMAF) will have a booth with raffles to raise money for the local music and art programs in the area.

Get your tickets early and save! Tickets for Magnolia Fest are on sale now in advance for $160 until the price increase to $175 on May 25th through July 19th; $185 until August 20th; $200 until October 14th; and $210 at gate. All weekend tickets are inclusive of all taxes and fees, and include 4 days of primitive camping and music. Kids under 12 are invited to join for free. Fans can also upgrade their experience with VIP tickets for $350 through 8/30 ($400 after that) which includes dinner, discounts, VIP Lounge, festival poster, & other perks.  For RV hook ups, cabin rentals and golf cart rentals, please call SOSMP at (386)-364-1683. For further information and tickets, please visit www.MagnoliaFest.com.

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, located just north of Live Oak, FL, is a one-of-a-kind music park and premier 500+ acre campground nestled on the shady banks of the historic, tea-colored Suwannee River in North Florida. Along with the camping, there are nearly 12 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature exploring. Bring along a fishing pole and wet a line from the dock on Rees Lake. Canoe and bike rentals are available at the on-site canoe outpost. Or take a dip in the nearby Suwannee Springs. SOSMP is located between Jacksonville, Florida & Tallahassee, Florida about 30 minutes south of the Georgia State line, about 45 minutes north of Gainesville. Please visit the park’s web site at www.musicliveshere.com or call them at 386-364-1683 for more information.

Magnolia Fest 2015 Initial Lineup
Tedeschi Trucks Band
The Avett Brothers
Keller Williams Grateful Gospel
Lake Street Dive
Steep Canyon Rangers
Donna the Buffalo
Jim Lauderdale
Col. Bruce Hampton
The Lost Bayou Ramblers
The Lee Boys
Sloppy Joe
Quartermoon
Grandpas Cough Medicine
The Corbitt Brothers
Quebe Sisters
This Frontier Needs Heroes
JacksonVegas
Bryce Alastair Band

… and many more TBA!

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