Lucinda Williams‘ latest endeavor, Lu’s Juke Box, is a six-episode series that will feature a themed set of songs, arranged by Williams herself. The in-studio performances are mostly full-band and will also feature a new song that fits each episode’s theme.
In the midst of the pandemic, the series of songs and stories will benefit struggling independent music venues. A percentage of each ticket will go directly to the venue. These venues had encouraged and helped her throughout her career and wanted to return the favor. “My hope for this project is that we’ll be able to help as many venues as we can,” Williams says. “They’re our homes, as artists. We have to take care of them, for the sake of live music to come.”
Lucinda Williams is an award winning, respected singer/songwriter, and is about to set upon a musical journey consisting of multiple genres.) Over the course of her career, she released fourteen remarkable albums, received three Grammy awards, and countless accolades, including Time’s Songwriter of the Year of 2001.
The performance is tracked live by Grammy award-winning producer, Ray Kennedy, and captured in HD video by Neighborhoods Apart Productions (John Prine, Jason Isbell). You can stream the episodes individually or view the ticket bundles offered. Digital audio downloads, CD, and vinyl pre-orders, are available for purchase. For more information, please visit the website for schedule and ticketing information.
CF Watkins, an Americana pop artist from Brooklyn, released her single “Babygirl” on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The latest single from Watkins’ upcoming sophomore project Babygirl is set to release on Oct. 16 with Whatever’s Clever Records. Watkins has already released two other singles this year called “The Tell” and “Frances” that will also appear on the 11 track LP.
Babygirl will include a combination of Americana/country-leaning and folk/pop songs. Watkins uses other life experiences including homesickness, family, longing, friendship, and her favorite Dostoevsky short story “White Nights” as song inspirations. While the pandemic did not affect the music production of Babygirl, it gave Watkins more mental space to promote the album. “Writing and recording the music is definitely the most rewarding and fun part of the experience- but putting it out can be very daunting,” Watkins explained. “Once the pandemic started, I was able to finally just take the leap and commit to putting it out.”
Watkins collaborated with producer Max Hart to create an ode to her best girlfriends with “Babygirl.” Max Hart has produced multi-instrumental work with artists such as The War on Drugs, Katy Perry, and Melissa Etheridge. Instead of writing “Babygirl” as a typical love song, Watkins’ new album highlights her personal growth as a woman through relatable, powerful, and vulnerable songs. Watkins describes herself as an empath who draws on her own life experiences, loved one’s experiences, and even characters in books. “I suppose I would identify as an empath, so I feel things that happen to others in a way that sticks with me and moves me- even if they are fictional characters,” Watkins said. “Sometimes being that way is exhausting, but it helps in never running out of song material.”
“When I thought of the purest love I know, these relationships were the first to come to mind. In romance, I’ve always been very confused- but love was so clear, magic, and eternal with my best friends, those I called babygirl – who have danced with me in the early morning rain, laughing through the confusion. This is an album meant for other women to hear — with songs that are vulnerable and powerful.”
CF Watkins
Watkins’s Americana-pop style of music comes from her North Carolina roots. Watkins started performing at 14 and has shared the stage with artists like Langhorne Slim, Future Birds, Chatham County Line, Wilder Maker, Lowland Hum, and Alpenglow. Fans can watch the video for another featured song on the Babygirl album called “The Tell,” down below. Watkins describes the opening track as a mission statement about balancing vulnerability and power.
When I think about my last album, I feel I was writing songs about weakness,” Watkins says. “With this album, I made a conscious effort to write songs about the power of choosing yourself.”
Martin Sexton brought his “Outdoor Shows” Tour to the Fingerlakes Drive-In movie theater in Auburn, NY Saturday evening. With all the restrictions in place due to COVID-19, concert goers were limited to their vehicles and were required to practice social distancing.
It was a brisk night for a concert with temperatures around 40 degrees F. Martin Sexton takes the miniature stage that was set up and greets the crowd telling them “This is the first time I’ve had to wear a jacket while performing.”
The moment he began playing the notes on his guitar brought an overwhelming since of joy as this was the first time most, if not all of the people in attendance have heard live music in at least 6 months. The crowd was cheering him on from their vehicles, shouting “I love you Marty!” and many other words of encouragement. Sexton continued “I was wondering if I was going to still be able to perform these shows because it has been so long, but turns out it’s just like riding a bike.”
Video from Sexton’s performance at Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT
Sexton standing on the stage by himself with no crowd directly around him and a large projection of him performing on the movie screen brought a bittersweet feeling – concerts have changed so much from what we remember them being, but at least they are starting to slowly happen.
Overall the safety precautions were followed very well, the staff all did a great job keeping everyone informed of the regulations in place, and every single person there was following them. This is a great sign, and hopefully one that can continue to allow more concerts to be happening in innovative ways.
Ruby Mack, a new all-female folk band, already makes waves and questions society as we know it with their debut album Devil Told Me, out on October 23.
Photo credit Gianna Colson
In their new album, feminist folk ensemble Ruby Mack turns a traditional bible story completely on its head. What if Eve had eaten the Garden of Eden’s forbidden fruit without shame and then shared her knowledge with the world? In Devil Told Me, Ruby Mack tell their story as direct descendants from that Eve.
Named after Massachuttes’ Pioneer Valley’s Ruby McIntosh Apple, Ruby Mack is made up of Emma Ayres (Vocals/guitar), Abbie Duquette (bass uke), Zoe Young (guitar/vocals), and Abs Kahler (fiddle). In their upcoming album, these strong musicians dig deeper into what it really means to be a woman, or even to reject this label. Devil Told Me closely examines several stories, mythologies, and societal norms that we have been taught to accept without question. These feminists will push social boundaries aside with the release of their album on October 23.
Ruby Mack’s music explores topics left unsaid in traditional folk music. The group tells in “Breadwinner” that they want to be the relationship’s provider as women. The softer “Milktooth” encourages listeners to become fully themselves despite rigid societal rules. The song expresses developing and growing up. “It’s about rejecting the ways in which we are initially told who we are and what we are” notes guitar-vocalist Ayres with the lyrics “Always fighting in this civil war/ Since the devil told me I was born a girl.”
Ruby Mack has come into their own in Massachusetts. “I definitely found my identity as a musician in this place,” Duquette expresses. “The support encouragement I found in the area made me feel like I too could be an artist.” The group has felt united with the music culture of the area. “There’s such an amazing culture of folk music in the valley”, says Kahler, “and we’ve been inspired by so many queer folk artists here.” The band claims their corner of Pioneer Valley, MA area as one of the strongest inspirations for Devil Told Me.
Photo credit Gianna Colson
Listeners can appreciate this album even more today while missing concerts due to COVID-19. The tracks were recorded in an old church, and each song has a strong live feel to it, demanding attention with its energy. Young explains that it was important for the album “to have that special magic of a collaborative performance,” and the result does not disappoint.
The four friends have passionately worked together to create something both beautiful and impactful, starring memorable harmonies and strings as well as poignant lyrics. Farce The Music released a single from the album, “Machine Man,” which is available now. Kahler calls it “an ode to the blue-collar workers, the skilled laborers, without whom the fabric of the lives we live would surely unravel.”
Syracuse native Martin Sexton is set to play a live concert at New York’s oldest operating drive-in, Fingerlakes Drive-In in Auburn. Announced earlier this week by Creative Concerts and Fingerlakes Drive-In, the concert will take place September 19 at 6PM.
With social distancing guidelines in place, each car pass sold will be for standard passenger vehicles only. There has been a limit of four concertgoers per vehicle allowed.
Martin Sexton got his start serenading the streets and subways of Boston during the early 90’s. Not only have fans heard his explosive voice in famous venues across the world but also many of his songs have been featured in spotlight TV shows such as Scrubs and Parenthood to name a few.
The American Singer-Songwriter has produced nine studio albums including his most current release “Mixtape of the Open Road.” After a successful tour, a decision was made to keep going with more performances beginning with the Fingerlakes Drive-In.
His authentic style of artistry has Billboard magazine calling him “The real thing, people.” Furthermore Rollingstone noted Sexton has “Outstanding taste in songwriting as well as a soul-marinated voice.”
Tickets to the live event are on sale now here. NYS Music is running a contest for one car pass to Martin Sexton on the 19th, and Allman Betts Band on Friday the 18th. For more info, enter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Americana/bluegrass artist Molly Tuttle has released the music video for her cover of FKA twigs’ “Mirrored Heart.” The video coincides with Tuttle’s quarantine cover album, …but I’d rather be with you, comprising 10 covers, both classic and contemporary. Released through Compass Records, the album was co-produced by Tony Berg, a frequent collaborator of Phoebe Bridgers.
The original version of “Mirrored Heart” came out last November, as part of FKA twigs’ second studio album, Magdalene. Whereas FKA twigs’ version is electronic and avant-garde, Tuttle puts an acoustic, familiar twist on it while retaining its sense of melancholy. Her stab at “Mirrored Heart” informs the rest of …but I’d rather be with you, where she makes songs as old as the 1960s into her own.
“I absolutely love the whole album, Magdalene. But this song stood out to me specifically. It totally brings me back to my first heartbreak. FKA twigs really nails the feeling of not being seen and accepted by the one you love. For this album, I turned the lights out in my room and recorded all the vocal, guitar, and harmony vocals myself. We decided not to add anything or anyone else to it, which felt fitting since the song is so intimate. I read a quote of her saying she can’t get through it without crying, and even though I didn’t write it I found myself tearing up while singing it as well — music is wild like that!”
Molly Tuttle
On …but I’d rather be with you, the Nashville singer-songwriter leaps from the Rolling Stones to Harry Styles with ease. The perpetually-sunny “She’s A Rainbow” is an early high point, and its momentum continues into covers of Arthur Russell’s “A Little Lost” and Karen Dalton’s “Something On Your Mind.” Even on the album’s most depressing songs, Tuttle’s voice is warm and inviting. There are no true skips, as every cover showcases another mood for her to breathe to life. The closing track, a cover of Cat Stevens’ “How Can I Tell You,” immediately incites a thirst for the next album.
In addition to “Mirrored Heart,” Molly Tuttle has released videos for her covers of “She’s a Rainbow,” The National’s “Fake Empire,” Rancid’s “Olympia, WA,” and the Grateful Dead’s “Standing On The Moon.” The “She’s a Rainbow” video is a feminist statement with messages from friends, fans, and famous artists. Linda Perry, Tom Morello, Chris Shiflett, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and more all appear holding signs to promote the cause.
For more information, visit Molly Tuttle’s website. Stream …but i’d rather be with you below:
This fall, Saratoga’s Caffe Lena is expanding its music school. First announced back in January, the Caffe Lena School of Music has proven so popular it’s offering even more classes for children and adults alike.
Photo from Caffè Lena’s website.
“With people cooped up and needing a positive outlet, especially school kids, the timing turned out to be unexpectedly good,” said Caffè Lena School of Music Coordinator, Vivian Nesbitt.
Saratoga musicians Oona Grady and James Gascoyne will continue overseeing the children’s program, with fall classes beginning on September 15. Courses include beginner and intermediate fiddle, ukulele, and guitar, as well as Irish tin whistle and fiddle tunes. If students qualify for free or reduced school lunch, the school offers full scholarships for their lessons and instruments.
Each class consists of 10 weekly 40 lessons over Zoom in groups of four. Despite the distance, Caffè Lena seeks to uphold the tradition of teaching and learning folk music as a group. Parents have praised the program, calling it “a stellar service” that inspires “motivation to keep the creative spark alight.”
“This is how people entertained themselves before radio and television turned us into music listeners instead of music makers,” said Nesbitt. “It fills our hearts to make music together, even if it has to be online for now.”
Adult classes are 4 weekly lessons of 90 minutes each, also via Zoom. Two-time Grammy winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer have joined the faculty, teaching beginner clawhammer and guitar. Other adult classes include songwriting and accompaniment with Dan Navarro, blues guitar with Guy Davis, and clawhammer banjo and old-time fiddle with Bruce Molsky. Caffè Lena’s website has suggested experience levels for some courses.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDl79mnpImi/
“We believe in the power of music to get us through the hard times,” continued Nesbitt. “Zoom is not what we had in mind when we launched the School of Music, but it won’t be long before these students are on stage in front of a live audience. Our dream is that the next generation of folk musicians will be born out of this crisis.”
Thanks to its increased online presence, the legendary folk venue is still going strong despite restricted operations. In addition to its burgeoning music school, the cafe has been offering a near-nightly “Stay Home Sessions” streaming series on YouTube. The full calendar of Caffè Lena events is available on their website.
Grammy award-winning music producer and lauded field-recording trailblazer Ian Brennan will release his most personal album to date featuring the Sheltered Workshop Singers’ debut album, “Who You Calling Slow?”, on Friday, September 18.
Brennan is renowned for scouring the world in musically underrepresented regions to document singers in an uninhibited, authentic fashion. His most acclaimed recordings include artists such as Tinariwen, Zomba Prison Project, and Malawi Mouse Boys. Brennan’s latest project “Who You Calling Slow?” brings him closest to home as he collaborates for the first time with his older sister, Jane — who has Down syndrome — along with her fellow workshop companions at a Bay Area adult-care facility.
With Brennan’s father on hand for this cherished experience as he battled stage-four cancer (and ultimately passed just two months after the recording was complete), an unparalleled recording session took place that the world now has the privilege to hear. A diverse group of over 20 people participated in “Who You Calling Slow?,” ranging in age from early-twenties to sixties. Many of them had disabilities and no one had sung before into a microphone or attempted to play a stringed instrument.
While Brennan enters each recording project prepared notto release it, a moment of miraculous epiphany came to light when Janet began singing “I’m not afraid of anything” from her wheelchair. The album expresses the hurt, love, and bravery of these sheltered workshop companions.
Speaking about “Who You Calling Slow?” Brennan shares how his sister inspired him to make this album:
Growing up, I’d witnessed my sister’s discomfort — eyes steered down sideways and hard, unable to contain her oversized tongue due to the shame — too many times to not remain vigilant and braced for a lifetime. I had little option but to make the right choice: to always side with those marginalized. Jane was diagnosed as ‘severely retarded,’ just one step above the lowest denomination of catatonic and mute. Our main connection was through music — joy expressed through dance, sadness and longing with melody. As her level of functioning has begun to diminish markedly in recent years, I knew the time was now or never to capture moments where music speaks volumes.
Acoustic guitar pioneer Leo Kottke and Phish bassist Mike Gordon have announced the release of their first new album together in 15 years, Noon.
The first two tracks from Noon to be released, “Ants” and “I Am Random,” are brand new, and are among 11 new tracks created by two accomplished and idiosyncratic instrumentalists of American music. Noon also marks Kottke’s first studio record since his last collaboration with Gordon, 2005’s 66 Steps.
Working with longtime Gordon collaborator, producer/engineer Jared Slomoff, Kottke and Gordon craft a collection of improvisational mood music, including a stripped-back version of Gordon’s classic “Peel,” a fan favorite often performed by Mike Gordon Band, and Kottke’s stark rethinking of the Byrds’ “Eight Miles High.” Noon also drops a bopping cover of Prince’s “Alphabet St.,” featuring Phish drummer Jon Fishman, who joins Kottke and Gordon on four additional tracks.
In addition, the LP includes nearly ambient appearances by pedal steel player Brett Lanier (The Barr Brothers) and cellist Zoë Keating (Imogen Heap, Amanda Palmer, Tears For Fears).
The vibe is very different from the other two albums. I was hearing a darkness in the material Leo was bringing, and some of the material that I wanted to bring, that I thought just reflected going through 10 more years of life. There are overdubs, but it’s still more like you’re in a cafe or a living room with these two guys. And even when we had drums, we wanted to maintain that feeling.
Mike Gordon
I just knew there was a shape and that we were following it. We were trying to get to that place that we get to in a little room, just chasing each other. We’ve found that at soundchecks, and at my place, or his place, or some motel room. We wanted to get that late night feel. It’s a more intimate record than the others are, I think there are depths to it.
Leo Kottke
Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon have both staked out distinctive and original roles in the annals of American music. Beginning his career on John Fahey’s Takoma label in 1969, Kottke virtually invented his own school of playing with his distinct, propulsive fingerstyle. As a co-founder of Phish and solo artist, Gordon has both created both a boundary-pushing discography and helped inspire a generation of improvisers.
The pairing of Kottke and Gordon began some two decades ago when Gordon – a devoted fan of Kottke’s music – audaciously overdubbed a bass part over the veteran Minnesota guitarist’s 1969 solo track “The Driving of the Year Nail.” Gordon hand-delivered the piece to Kottke and the two musicians struck up a fast friendship and musical partnership, beginning with 2002’s Clone and followed by Sixty Six Steps.
NOON arrives via ATO Records at all DSPs and streaming services on Friday, August 28 and the album’s physical release is slated for Friday, November 20. Phish Dry Goods has a limited pressing on clear vinyl with red/gold splatter – pre-order NOON here
Tracklist: Flat Top, Eight Miles High, I Am Random, Noon To Noon, From The Cradle To The Grave, How Many People Are You, Ants, Sheets, Alphabet St., Peel, The Only One
Each Sunday evening from 7-9pm on 102.7 FM, you’ll find EQXposure on WEQX, featuring two hours of local music from up and coming artists. Tune into WEQX.com this Sunday night to hear music from Lucas Garrett, Matt Bosson, Magic Trash Party, and many more!
WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to a ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
The singer/guitarist hails from Upstate NY and continues to meld styles like progressive rock, folk, classic rock, and indie with every new song. He’s performed all over the capital region at coffee houses and reputable venues including Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls, Little Theater on the Farm in Fort Edward, Charles Wood in Downtown Glens Falls, and Hudson River Music Hall just to name a few. He’s remained busy recording new material since the release of his debut EP Evening’s Come, But It’s Not Dark and you can expect the same steady output in 2020. This is just one of more songs to come and if you want to know who’s on what, just take a look below.
This is a friend and former classmate of Tred’s. You know. Tred? From Every Other Tuesday With Tred. On Early EQX? Well, anyway they used to hang out in the Berkshires and now Matt Bosson is making sweet, sweet music in Los Angeles California. He’s spent some time as a singer/songwriter in multiple bands ranging in genres like punk and alt country. Most recently he has been releasing his most personal and unusual music as a solo artist.
Magic Trash Party hails from Windham, NY and they are going for a ’40s-’60s classic pop vibe on this one. If you want to find out more about them like I did you can check out their Facebook page where their bio says they are a “Rock and Pop band from Upstate NY.” Yup. That’s all it says. With a name like Magic Trash Party, who needs details? The magic is in the mystery.
