Amanda Shaw at the Louisiana Music Factory

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature "Desolate Place" from Julian Bachlow's Paradigm.

BUY THIS ALBUM!

Ok, I can't give any better recommendation than the fact that I did buy this album, even though I'm supposed to be getting a free copy in the mail.  (You can still send it Mary, I bought it on ITunes and would still enjoy having a physical copy of the album.)  I've been excited about this album for awhile now, even before she decided to record it.

The album is Mary Lasseigne's Mary Jane and the Brian Surgeon.

I first became a fan of Mary Lasseigne when I saw her singing background for other acts.  She been around for awhile now, singing as part of a group or doing backups with such artists as Susan Cowsill or Paul Sanchez.  For a brief while she was a member of Cowboy Mouth.

This is pop music at its best.  Mary has a wonderful voice and her music is as good if not better than anything out there right now.  While the music bounces the lyrics deal with love lost, parents missed and memories of Katrina.

Till now she's been content to be in the background.  To be a member of a group.  I hope this won't be the only solo album we see from her.  Coming up soon will be our first full length Voices to hear interview and Mary Lasseigne will be our first interviewee.

SIMPLY SIX: Autumn

 Autumn is a singer/songwriter from Austin Texas.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance ofElvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?  

 I did not have a specific defining moment, I just liked to sing.  I never sang out as a child, because my brothers would make fun of me -- so I stuck with piano.  When I went to music school for college, it was a requirement to sing in the choir.  My professor told me that I was good.  That was the first time I even considered singing out...and my brother's don't make fun of me anymore (as much).

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

I am really into Elvis right now.  I get on random music kicks, and Elvis is definitely king right now on my Itunes playlist.  Dinah Washington, too.  I also love Patty Griffin, Ray Lamontagne, Ricky Lee Jones and Grateful Dead.   Texas artists like Bobby Duncan, Jason Eady, The Mystiqueros, Sam Baker, & Josh Grider are also high on my radar.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Playing with the band...in studio or live, is the greatest thrill of life.  I honestly cannot pinpoint one specific instant, because we have had a lot of very special "moments"...and all musicians know what I'm talking about.  The world stops, and everything clears, in real time.  The more we play together, the more we tap into that presence, and the experience becomes increasingly more intense & deep & meaningful each time.  It is beautiful.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

I absolutely 100% believe that music can HEAL the world.  I would not be devoted to this art if I didn't believe that to be true!

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

I dig technology.  I think it keeps us on our toes, and it challenges us to maintain our artistry while staying current with how people communicate.  We are forever evolving & growing & changing...like anything new, it is hard to keep up, but in many ways, technology gives independent artists an advantage to write music and grow their own business on their own.  It also enables fans of music to spread the word, and share their thoughts to a larger audience, passionately & in their own words- and I believe that forum makes a huge difference.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Cowboy boots.  Dependable, trustworthy, and they look cute with almost everything!

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we have a different version of Prince's "What Doves Cry" from The Be Good Tanyas and their album Hello Love.

Video Wednesday:

Anders Osborne and his three man band.

SIMPLY SIX: Paul Kloschinsky

Paul Kloschinsky is a singer/songwriter from  Canada.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

Although I played in Rock bands when I was young, the defining moment for me would be in 1990 in Toronto when I checked out Bob Dylan and heard his song "Its Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)". It inspired me to be ambitious about my songwriting and to pursue a career as a singer songwriter. 

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

    

     Bob Dylan, Robert Johnson, Led Zeppelin, U2, Howlin' Wolf, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Glenn Gould.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

    Winning the 2007 MusicAid Award for Best Canadian Songwriter. 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

   

I think music, like the other arts, can be instrumental in raising awareness of social injustice, and can hopefully sometimes influence decision makers to make changes. 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology has revolutionized the production and selling of music. My career would not be possible without quality home studio equipment and world wide distribution on the internet. Independent artists now have many opportunities to promote their work online, that were non existent 10-15 years ago.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

I'd probably be a pair of cowboy boots. 

SONG OF THE DAY

Today is "Baby Come Back" from Alice Peacock and her album Who I Am.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature "Houston, Tx" from Deer Tick's Born on Flag Day.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is from local Kayla Woodson and her album Which Way with "I"ll Fly Away."

SIMPLY SIX: John Michael

John Michael is the leader of the band MyNameIsJohnMichael from New Orleans.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

When I was ten years old, I wanted to be a professional athlete as many kids do. I was the smallest kid on the playground and my father informed me that small kids like myself don't make it as professional athletes. This crushed me frankly. He told me that there was something that I could do in which it didn't matter how tall you were. He bought me a guitar and I haven't stopped playing music since. 

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

People are often surprised to see me at a Jay Electronica show or to see me tweeting from the Grand Ole Opry. I love all types of music. As a matter of fact, I'm a music junkie. I've been recently listening to New Orleans bounce artists such as Big Freedia and DJ Jubilee(if you don't know what this is, you should find out), "Blood and Chocolate" by Elvis Costello, The National, Delta Spirit, Dolly Parton, Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas, Debussy, etc. I dunno. I really love a lot of music. 

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I think there are a few: 

a) the 52 project where I wrote, recorded, and released a song a week for all of 2008. It's the thing that started this band. I'm forever indebted to that experience. 

b)I think our next record that we are recording in June is going to be the high-water mark for us on record. 

c)Live??? It's a pleasure to share the stage with these guys every night. They truly are a magical bunch. I particularly love our experiences in NYC. 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

I think that music can change a person's life as an individual. I think music can create ideas and idealism amongst people. That said idealism may not translate into actual results or change. The 60s taught us that. To say that music could create world peace is a bit ludicrous. It can propose the idea. I just want music to effect people the way it did for me, ya know?

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Without technology, we wouldn't exist. Plain and simple. We were born out of a web project where we used Pro Tools, etc. That being said, I like the sound of vinyl records and the sound of analog tape in a studio. Nonetheless, I'm not going to go on a rant about how the internet and piracy has ruined music because it hasn't. Music is fine. The business of music is a bit strange right now, but just as the cassette tape didn't "kill music", neither will the web. Technology is essential to us. It's what we stemmed from.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

I like this question. I would hope to be a pair of brown wingtips or penny loafers. I wear these shoes more than any other; and hopefully, I, like them, will never go out of style. 

SONG OF THE DAY

New Orleans' own Trombone Shorty released his newest album on Verve Records yesterday.  The album is Backatown.  Today we feature the song "Hurricane Season" from the album.

SIMPLY SIX: Danika

1.  Danika is a singer/songwriter from Iowa.

     1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

Actually, there was no defining moment at all.  It was more of a metamorphosis.  Originally, I just wanted to write songs and hope for other artists to cut them.  I slowly realized that if I wanted anyone to pay any attention to the songs, I was going to have to learn to perform them myself.  So, I learned how to play the guitar (my first instrument was piano) and got on stage!  From there I realized that once the nervous jitters went away I really loved performing for people!  There’s a contagious energy a live crowd gives you that a songwriter can’t experience when they’re cooped up inside with all their ideas swimming around in their head! 

 

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

Most recently, I’m listening to all things Beatles!  Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson are two of my favorite singer/songwriters.  I have adored Sheryl Crow since I was a kid and Duffy’s voice just knocks me over with its unique qualities and throwback style! 

 

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

It was an internal moment.  Before I became a musician full time, I had a completely different career as a teacher.  I quit my job at the end of the school year, moved, and didn’t even turn in an application for a new teaching job.  I realized that I HAD to do something with my life that I loved.  The moment I said out loud to myself, “I can do this!” was my greatest moment as an artist.  Believing in yourself is the first step, but if you don’t have that you’ll never get anywhere. 

 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

Music has the ability to draw out our emotions.  A happy song makes a good day better and a sad song at the right moment can cause us to cry in our cars as we’re driving down the road (well, me at least!).  Yes, music can cause change in people.  Some of the most amazing philanthropic events are centered around music.  The right song can create a magical moment that just may inspire others to do good or to give a little extra.

 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology has put artists’ careers in their own hands.  Social networking sites have the ability for you to communicate and reach fans directly.  There is no middle man for the indie artist which is amazing!  You don’t have to sit around and wait for a major label to knock on your door.  If you’re dedicated to your art and a hard working anything is possible and technology is a tool that has tremendous empowering effects! And then there’s bloggers, podcasters and internet radio programmers...  There’s an entire group of music lovers out there who make it their mission to seek out the newest and best tunes and then share them with everyone they know!  Take this website, Voices to Hear for instance… isn’t it cool that you’re exposed to new cool songs you’ve never heard of before?!  Music listeners don’t have to be “passive” anymore.  You can create your own internet radio stations now that are catered to your specific tastes.  It’s amazing!  I wonder where we will be in 10 years?!

 

 

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

 

I’m from Iowa so I’d need my winter and summer shoes!  In the winter I’d be a pair of knee high brown boots, fashionable on the outside, but warm and fuzzy on the inside.  In the summer, I’d be a strappy flat sandal that’s comfortable to walk in but still looks good with a dress! 

French Quarter Fest: Brian Stoltz

Brian Stoltz has played with such greats as the Neville Brothers, Bob Dylan, The Meters and many more.  He brings the funk to the music.  Watching him I had forgotten how good a guitarist he is and how his name rarely comes up when I'm thinking of those guys that can sling the music.  He's been a member in the shadows of so many others that it's easy to forget how good he is.  Today's show was a reminder of how good that is.  At the end of his show Brian brought John Michael from the band My NameIsJohnMicheal out to play with him.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature Brian Stoltz from his live New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival 2005 show with "Hoodoo Thing."

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we reach back for one of my favorite groups Lone Justice and their album Shelter with the title song.

French Quarter Fest: Friendly Travelers

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a religious person.  I don't find any comfort in the words of the preacher, but strangely I do find comfort in the music of the church.  The down home gospel sound of especially the Southern Churches brings a joy and feeling of goodness to my heart.  So on this Sunday of French Quarter Fest I found myself not in church but sitting before the gospel sounds of The Friendly Travelers.  I had caught part of their show last year and was impressed, so this year I decided to make it a point to check out the entire show.

They started out singing with no instruments, just the sound of their voices carrying the feeling of the song.  I think what I admire most about these truly dedicated believers is the sound of convication in their voice.  Too many singers in today's world begin to sound bored as they deliver their sounds night after night.  To them it's become no more than a job that has to be done and than to move on to the next city and the next album.  The spark is lost.  But to singers such as these men and women singing the songs is more than just a job, it's providing testament to their beliefs.

You can hear it in their voices.  They want you to believe what they believe.  And while I might never share the same beliefs with them, I can share the joy in their songs.

SIMPLY SIX: Jordyn Jackson

Jordyn Jackson is a singer/songwriter from Jacksonville Florida.


1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

Yes.  When I was in 8th grade, I went to a very small Christian school.  I was overheard singing on the playground by Louis Pecci, a student's father who owned a design firm in Jacksonville, FL.  Louis gave me the gift of studio time for my 8th grade graduation.  As soon as I stepped foot in the recording studio, I knew that I wanted to be a professional singer.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

I have a very wide spectrum of favorites: Led Zeppelin, Nine Inch Nails, Ours, Christina Aguilera, Pink Floyd, Whitney Houston (I learned to sing by emulating her voice), Eva Cassidy, Billie Holiday, Brandi Carlile...The list goes on!

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

There's no way I could pick just one!  In 2005, I visited a friend in Bordighera, Italy, and ended up meeting a promoter who booked me for 2 months along the Mediterranean.  The performances in Italy are definitely my all-time favorite live memories.

Recording "September in the Garden" in New Orleans takes the recording cake.  Everyone involved in the recording process exceeded my expectations and created an experience I'll never be able to duplicate. 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

The belief that music can change the world, and the hearts of the people in it, is what fuels my pursuit of a music career.  People remember lyrics after listening to a song once or twice, but how many people remember a speech made by a politician?  I think that artists take for granted the influence they have over their listeners, and this world would be a much better place if our musicians would focus their creative energy on making a positive difference.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology, like most things, can be used for the good or the bad.  In the music industry, it has caused music to be immediately accessible, which is convenient, but also detrimental to the artist trying to make their money off of record sales.  In recording, technology has created a much easier, cost-efficient process, but it has also caused a surge of artists to excel in the industry that couldn't if they didn't have quantization and pitch-correction.

I am torn as a musician when it comes to technology in the music industry.  I feel that as long as you keep your artistic integrity, you can use it for the good.  As a vocalist who strives to give honest performances, I do wish Auto-Tune and Melodyne had never been invented. 

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

I'm a shoe addict, so this question is great!  I would be a comfortable pair of 5-inch black leather stilettos.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature a song from the group Trailer Bride with the title song from their album Hope Is A Thing With Feathers.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature a song from a solo album from Tommy Malone of the Subdudes.  I believe this came out during the time the group was officially broken up, but luckily they came back together before too long.  This is from his Soul Heavy album with "Fat Tuesday."

French Quarter Fest: Anders Osborne

Anders Osborne closed out the day on Saturday at the Abita Beer Stage.  From his last appearance at Jazz Fest Anders has changed his appearance somewhat.  He now sports a full beard.  But whatever his appearance Anders provides a great show of music.  He has a new album, American Patchwork coming out in time for this year's New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.  He opened with a song from the album "On the Road to Charlie Parker."

In a recent issue of Offbeat Anders talks about his drug problems and his coming clean and that his new music is a reflection of that.  Anders was originally from Sweden and as a young man made New Orleans his home.  Since than he's released some great music and works part time in Nashville as a song writer.  Tim McGraw's number one song "Watch The Wind Blow By" was written by Anders.

Anders band consisted of him on guitar, a drummer and a sousaphone player.  No other guitars were on stage.  But you'd never know it, the band rocked.  Anders mixes rock, funk, americana and blues all into a gumbo that's uniquely his own.  He slowed things down with his crowd favorite "Louisiana Rain."

At the end he brought out Brian Stolz to play on a couple songs with him.  The two traded licks back and forth.

SIMPLY SIX: Gabe Hizer

Gabe Hizer is a singer/songwriter from Nashville.

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

Yes. I was in summer camp around age 8, and being overweight at that time in my life, I was always bringing up the rear. However, on one particular hike I started to whistle a tune I knew and soon I was leading the pack, effortlessly! It was at that moment I realized the power that music had on me and that it would always be a big part of my life.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

I mostly listen to jazz radio, since it gives me fresh harmonic ideas that I don't get from pop. Of course I also like to keep up with country top 40, since I live in Nashville and do occasionally co-write with people aiming at pitching songs to those types of singers.

I'm a huge fan of Kurt Elling, the jazz singer who sounds like an instrument! What a range, too…

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Completing my first CD and getting some wonderful, positive reviews from people I do not know was very gratifying!

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

Yes, definitely it can and has changed the world. From "We Shall Overcome" on. It can also influence current events by bringing attention and focus to pressing issues of the day, and showing how many people are behind a particular issue. 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Technology has totally transformed the music industry, both for the better and for the worse. I'm worried that the proliferation of illegal file sharing has so eaten into the pocketbooks of professional songwriters (who make no money from the artists' gigs and t-shirt sales) that they may be a dying breed. On the other hand, it has allowed bands and solo musicians to get their music out to the world at minimal expense, which is certainly very gratifying even if not particularly profitable!

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

Blue suede, baby!!

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature Michael Behm and "Take Me Down To The River" from his album Saving America.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature Susan Cowsill and "Just Believe It" from he 2006 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage show.

French Quarter Fest: Susan Cowsill

After the show I was talking to Mary Lasseigne, who play guitar with Susan and is an accomplished singer/songwriter in her own right, and told her how much I enjoyed their performance and she said "We had a lot of fun on stage."  I don't think I could sum it up any better than that.

When you go to a Susan Cowsill show it's going to be fun.  No one has more fun than Susan on stage.  I love her stage banter, she'll start on one subject and veer off on a tangent and forget what she started talking about, only to remember it at the last moment and finish her thought.  Her enjoyment is contagious.

I've said it before and I'll continue to say it.  Susan is one of the best that we have.  Her songwriting is as good or better than just about any song out there right now.  Her singing is as good or better than just about anything on the radio right now.  For the life of me I can't understand why she isn't a bigger name.

She's got a new album coming out this month.  (She was selling advance copies at the show, but ran out by the time I got over there to buy one.  Drat!)  It's called Lighthouse and she did a few numbers from it.  Her opening number "Dragonflies"  was in memory of her brother Barry who died in Katrina.  It's a sweet song, with memories of the two of them as kids.  She followed that up with a song written by Barry that's become a staple of her live shows.  Than a song from her former band The Continental Drifters.  This woman has a treasure trove of songs to pick from

Another new song from her forthcoming album was "Oh Nola."  It was written not long after Katrina when Susan and her husband were planning on leaving the city and moving elsewhere.  I remember picking up an issue of Offbeat at the time with Susan on the cover and the headline hinting that she was moving and I can still feel the sadness I felt at that moment.  We've lost too many musicians since Katrina, moving away for newer and I hate to say better places, and I can't blame them.  When they can find a better home and a city that encourages and pays them better in their profession you can't lay blame, but it still is a sad thing when a city built on music can't support its musicians.  Even though I would have understood it would have broke my heart to see her leave.  I was so happy to read that they had decided to stay in the city.  "Oh Nola" was written as a lament to the city when she thought she was leaving.

Along the way we were also treated to a song from the talented Mary Lasseigne.  While Mary was playing she has a habit of staying towards the back and even when she sang her song she didn't come forward.  But as Mary played guitar on Susan's songs you could see she was having fun too, she would pogo up and down, her hair whipping around.  Mary sang her song "Rebecca Sunshine" that we featured as a Song of the Day recently.  Her new album Mary Jane and the Brain Surgeon comes out this coming week.

At the end Susan had to chose between songs left on her set list, she had talked too much to fit everything in.  She gave the choice to the audience.  When one of the songs was "Crescent City Snow" there wasn't much of a choice.  She ended with this song, written shortly after Katrina when Susan and family were exiled to Tenneesse, and an ode to life in the city.   Susan may not have been born in this city, but she has become one of its true daughters.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature Rosie Thomas from her album When We Were Small with "2 Dollar Shoes."

French Quarter Fest: John Boutte

I should know by now that I am going to be amazed at a John Boutte show.  Everytime I have seen him live he pulls some song out that just leaves my mouth hanging open with the sheer artistry of it.  The first time I ever saw him, not really being that familiar with him I was literally blown away by his version of "City of New Orleans."  That was always a song I loved by Arlo Gutherie but after hearing John Boutte sing it live that song now belonged to him.  In fact I was so taken with that song by him I made it my phone ringer.  Than at a New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Show he did a version of Paul Simon's "American Tune" with just Paul Sanchez on guitar that again left me speechless.

Today's show was supposed to be another of Paul Sanchez's Rolling Road shows.  Paul acts as the ringleader for these shows, but he always brings a lot of guest musicians.  John Boutte was one of those that was supposed to appear with Paul today.  Unfortunately Paul was too sick to attend, so the show fell on John Boutte's shoulders.  You could tell that he wasn't prepared for this to be a solo Boutte show.  The musicians and he weren't on the same page of what songs they were supposed to play.  They braved their way through it, with a lot of long pauses between songs while they conferred on what to do next.  Up to that point I was enjoying the show, but it was really nothing spectacular.  Honestly they were taking too long inbetween songs when they only had ninety minutes to do their show.

Than John let the other musicians take a break and he did an Acapella version of Lennon/McCartney's "Blackbird."   Again he was creating art as he sang.  The band came back and he brought one of his sisters out to sing.  She did a couple songs and proved that talent did indeed run in the Boutte family.  Than again the band left and he did "American Tune" with no instruments but his voice.  Again he has taken a song best known by another and made it his own.

Than he did something I thought almost impossible.  He sat down at the piano and began the Leonard Cohen song "Hallelujah."  Now once upon a time I liked this song, but over the last year or so you can't escape it, especially Jeff Buckley's version of it.  Every TV show has to feature it at some point.  Truthfully I've grown tired of the song.  But as John played at the piano and sang I heard the wizardy in this song again.  As he sang Susan Cowsill came out with John's sister and they started providing harmony.  This song took on a new life.  I could only wish that these shows were taped like at the Jazz Fest, but regrettably are not.

Afterwards the band came back and they finished with a few more numbers.  It's shows like this that help me realize why I love music so much.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature Flogging Molly from their recent Live at the Greek Theater album with the song "If I Ever Leave This World Alive."

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature an artist from this past weekend's French Quarter Fest.  Anders Osborne singing his "Louisiana Rain" from the 2004 live Jazz Fest album.

Some French Quarter Festival PIctures

More on the Fest to come.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature a song from Chip and Tony Kinman when they were in the band Rank and File.  This is from their second album Long Gone Dead and is the title cut.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today's song is from Mary Lasseigne (who used to go by the name Mary LaSang) singing "Rebeca Sunshine."  This version was done from last year's New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival with Paul Sanchez and his Rolling Road Show.  After being parts of numerous bands over the years Mary is finally releasing a solo album this month called Mary Jane and the Brain Surgeon.  Mary is another local favorite and I am really excited about the fact of her new solo album and can't wait to hear it.  You'll hear more here the next few weeks.

French Quarter Festival

For those readers that are local I would be remiss if I didn't mention that this weekend is the French Quarter Festival.  Actually I'm a day late, it started today and featured some of our favorites such as Coco Robicheaux and Irene Sage.  But Saturday and Sunday are lined up with more favorites like Amanda Shaw, Susan Cowsill, Paul Sanchez, John Boutte, Charmine Neville and a lot more great musicians.  One of the great things about this Festival is that it's free.  All this great music and it doesn't cost anything.  You can wander from one end of the quarter to the other and hear all sorts of great music.  And what I really like about it is that the music is all local.  The French Quarter Festival features Louisiana artists.   This is worth a trip to New Orleans.  I know the Jazz and Heritage Festival gets most of the news, but this one is worth a trip from out of town, especially if you love the local music.  Be prepared for more words and pictures from the Festival. 

SIMPLY SIX: Kelly Harper

Kelly Harper is a singer/songwriter from

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

My defining moment was sitting in a restaurant in NYC, I was writing in my notebook and it just hit me that this was what I wanted to do, along with when I was younger listening to the artist "Jewel" and other songwriters I admired. 

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

My range is so diverse. I listen to classical, jazz, inspirational,  pop, rap. I am into listening to Nina Simone, Lily Allen, andTori Amos right now, some of my new songs are reflecting a bit of a jazz vibe with still being pop.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

I would say being able to record and write recently with Christopher Ward, he wrote Black Velvet with A. Myles

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

Of course music and change the world for sure, Music is such a huge influence to people. Music can influence current events so much, especially if the music is talking about things that are not good for kids to listen to. Hence; the rise in suicide, depression, drugs, and rebellion. We are the people kids/teenager/people look up to, we need to set a good example.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

Music has changed sooooooo much, some for the better, and some for the worse. It has affected it in a bad way, because the record stores are out of business almost and people aren't buying music like they used to, so we are having to come up with other ways to make music and brand yourself.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

               I would be a pair of "Chloe's" love her shoes they fit my very well. 

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature a song from the album to benefit the New Orleans Presevation Jazz Band.  The album connects some of today's singers with the Preservation Jazz Band accompanying.  Today's song is Jason Isbell on "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out."

SONG OF THE DAY

Peter Wolf is best known as the lead singer of the J. Geils Band. Since the break up of the group he's been a solo artist. His newest album is Midnight Souvenirs and the song is "Tragedy" with Shelby Lynne.

Video Wednesday:

For today we're going with the theme of Marva Wright.  This video was shot last year and may be the last video of Marva before her stroke.  She's performing at Lafayette Square in New Orleans.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we're still thinking of the recent death of Marva Wright so we're featuring her version of the Willie Dixon song "Wang Dang Doodle" from her Blue Queens of New Orleans album.

SONG OF THE DAY

Today we feature Melissa Ferrick's "John's Field" from her album Goodbye Youth.

BUY THIS ALBUM!

I admit I'm a late comer to the party.  This is Caroline Herring's fourth album and somehow I've missed out on how good this woman is until recently.  Originally from Mississippi but more associated with the Austin music scene Caroline took herself out of her comfort zone to make her newest album.  She made the album in Connecticut away from her usual studios and with only the producer David Goodrich adding sparse accompaniment.

As a songwriter herself Caroline decided to put the words of other writers on this album.  She covers "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper and taking nothing from the original she makes the song her own.  While she covers other writer's song on this album she still contributes her own material to the album.  For her writing is not a quick easy process as she explains on how she came to write the first song of the album:

"I've been working on the first song, "Tales of the Islander," for several years.   The melody has changed a lot, the structure has evolved. It's about Walter Anderson, a Mississippi artist whom I've always loved. He was a naturalist and I'm not. It took me awhile to understand his world. I was intrigued with his long trips to the islands around Mississippi, and I wanted to know what he got out of them, what he saw. He was so thirsty for life, and when he was on a good jag, he was so aware and just drinking in everything at once. In the end, I built the song around this little cottage he lived in that no one was allowed to go into. After he died, his family went in and discovered in addition to thousands of pieces of art that he had painted magnificent murals on the walls. Each wall was part of a day's cycle: sunrise, sunset..."

Some other reviews of this album:


Folk singer-songwriter Caroline Herring’s keening alto and hummingbird vibrato will grab you hard on her blisteringly beautiful new album, Golden Apples of the Sun.
                                                                       No Depression


Simple, austere, and lovely, the best moments from Golden Apples shine under a classic folk glow, as crisp and clear as a New England fall morning.
                                                     Pop Dose


Caroline Herring has a warm and earthy presence that just oozes off of Golden Apples Of The Sun. Her songwriting is top notch and her vocal performances are warm and right and draw the listener out of his/her shell.
                                         Wildy's World

 Full of fingerpicked acoustic guitar and solo vocals Herring's album is an intimate musical document that will remind anyone who was around in the ‘60's why they loved "folk music."

                                                   Enjoy The Music.com

As should be evident this is a really good album.  It made the top ten list of our Best Albums of 2009, so it definitely is worth buying.