Folk Music
- Upcoming Records to Covet
- Elvis Perkins, Modern Troubadour
- New Grateful Dead Album
- Norah Jones, Songwriter
- Build Your Own Bluegrass Song
- Tribute to Joni Mitchell
- Denny Doherty Dies
- Leonard Cohen Reissued
- Ron Sexsmith Returns
- Jose Gonzalez Preps for a Big 2007
Posted by
Brett Hooton
Today, new records are out from Bright Eyes, and the distinctly non-folk Arcade Fire. Spring will also bring new releases from Ryan Adams, Tori Amos, and Feist.
Ahoy, folk fans. We are slowly making our way towards spring, and as we move along, one thing has become clear: 2007 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for music fans.
A whole slew of highly-anticipated discs have either just dropped or will be out in the coming months.
So, we thought everyone could benefit from a few of our picks. Here we go…
First, we want to expand your folk horizons with an album that is distinctly not folk music. But the new album from indie-rock darlings (and my fellow Montrealers), Arcade Fire hits the streets today.
I know this is a bit outside of my usual domain, but as folkies, we are not close-minded people, are we? I thought not.
The record is called Neon Bible and it’s great. The band deserves your support, so run out there and get yourself a copy. Don’t believe me? Check out what the critics are saying, here and here.
Still in a slightly indie vein, but much more folky, is our friend and yours Bright Eyes. We blogged before about his new EP and full-length discs that are due out in the coming months. Well, the former finds its way onto record store shelves today, and is called Four Winds. Also, be sure to check back, because we’ll be posting our own review soon.
Next is another Folk101 favorite, Ryan Adams. This alt-country, all-around rock star superhero will be unleashing his 9th studio album, Easy, Tiger on June 5. Check out the unfinished track list here.
Also, there are two sexy, singing ladies with new works on the way.
First, there is my lifelong crush, Tori Amos, who will be releasing her American Doll Posse on May 1. It promises to be more beautiful piano, more abstract lyrics and more angst than you can shake a 13-year-old wannabe poet at.
Word has it, however, that this one also sees Tori venturing into a more country-feel on some tracks. Should be good.
Finally, there is Calgary-born, Paris-living Feist. She will be releasing the much-anticipated follow-up to her smash hit, Let It Die on May 1 as well. The record is called The Reminder, and a tour will be accompanying its release.
So that’s the brief round-up. As always, feel free to let me know if there is a record that you are particularly looking forward to hearing this spring. Otherwise, keep strummin’. We’ll shout at you soon.
A whole slew of highly-anticipated discs have either just dropped or will be out in the coming months.
So, we thought everyone could benefit from a few of our picks. Here we go…
First, we want to expand your folk horizons with an album that is distinctly not folk music. But the new album from indie-rock darlings (and my fellow Montrealers), Arcade Fire hits the streets today.
I know this is a bit outside of my usual domain, but as folkies, we are not close-minded people, are we? I thought not.
The record is called Neon Bible and it’s great. The band deserves your support, so run out there and get yourself a copy. Don’t believe me? Check out what the critics are saying, here and here.
Still in a slightly indie vein, but much more folky, is our friend and yours Bright Eyes. We blogged before about his new EP and full-length discs that are due out in the coming months. Well, the former finds its way onto record store shelves today, and is called Four Winds. Also, be sure to check back, because we’ll be posting our own review soon.
Next is another Folk101 favorite, Ryan Adams. This alt-country, all-around rock star superhero will be unleashing his 9th studio album, Easy, Tiger on June 5. Check out the unfinished track list here.
Also, there are two sexy, singing ladies with new works on the way.
First, there is my lifelong crush, Tori Amos, who will be releasing her American Doll Posse on May 1. It promises to be more beautiful piano, more abstract lyrics and more angst than you can shake a 13-year-old wannabe poet at.
Word has it, however, that this one also sees Tori venturing into a more country-feel on some tracks. Should be good.
Finally, there is Calgary-born, Paris-living Feist. She will be releasing the much-anticipated follow-up to her smash hit, Let It Die on May 1 as well. The record is called The Reminder, and a tour will be accompanying its release.
So that’s the brief round-up. As always, feel free to let me know if there is a record that you are particularly looking forward to hearing this spring. Otherwise, keep strummin’. We’ll shout at you soon.
Elvis Perkins, Modern Troubadour
Posted by
Brett Hooton
Elvis Perkins writes thoughtful, poetic folk songs that have been winning him comparisons to Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. His album Ash Wednesday is out now.
Elvis Perkins is one of the most exciting young musicians to arrive on the indie-folk scene in recent years.
Raised in New York and Los Angeles, he writes deeply introspective poem-like ballads. The subjects are often immense, but his astute use of details makes questions of life, death and love seem manageable, almost quaint.
What may be the most remarkable aspect of Perkins’ music is its inherent optimism and sense of hope. This is noteworthy simply because his personal story has been marked by such tragedy.
His father was the famous actor, Tony Perkins, who played Norman Bates in Psycho, and his mother was the renown photographer, Berry Berenson. The former died in 1992 from complications related to AIDS, and the latter died when she was on one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Thankfully, Perkins has been able to channel his emotions into producing a brilliant freshman effort called Ash Wednesday, which hit record store shelves last week.
Listen to a few tracks on Perkins’ MySpace page and see if his upcoming tour with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah will be coming to your town.
Speaking of his tour, last week’s Folk101 article was on the new Grateful Dead live album. Perkins, like the Dead, permits concert-goers to record his shows and post them on the internet for others to enjoy.
Check out his archive of performances. You have the register, but it’s free and worth the small effort.
Finally, if you would like to hear more from Mr. Perkins, NPR has had him in the studio twice in recent months, where he played a few tunes and chatted about the album. In the second interview, he discusses how the album is in chronological order, reflecting both the order the songs were written and the ideas and events that they recount.
Folk101 is still waiting for our review copy to arrive, so no word yet as to when our review will be posted. Until then, look up Perkins music and let us know what you think.
Raised in New York and Los Angeles, he writes deeply introspective poem-like ballads. The subjects are often immense, but his astute use of details makes questions of life, death and love seem manageable, almost quaint.
What may be the most remarkable aspect of Perkins’ music is its inherent optimism and sense of hope. This is noteworthy simply because his personal story has been marked by such tragedy.
His father was the famous actor, Tony Perkins, who played Norman Bates in Psycho, and his mother was the renown photographer, Berry Berenson. The former died in 1992 from complications related to AIDS, and the latter died when she was on one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Thankfully, Perkins has been able to channel his emotions into producing a brilliant freshman effort called Ash Wednesday, which hit record store shelves last week.
Listen to a few tracks on Perkins’ MySpace page and see if his upcoming tour with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah will be coming to your town.
Speaking of his tour, last week’s Folk101 article was on the new Grateful Dead live album. Perkins, like the Dead, permits concert-goers to record his shows and post them on the internet for others to enjoy.
Check out his archive of performances. You have the register, but it’s free and worth the small effort.
Finally, if you would like to hear more from Mr. Perkins, NPR has had him in the studio twice in recent months, where he played a few tunes and chatted about the album. In the second interview, he discusses how the album is in chronological order, reflecting both the order the songs were written and the ideas and events that they recount.
Folk101 is still waiting for our review copy to arrive, so no word yet as to when our review will be posted. Until then, look up Perkins music and let us know what you think.
Posted by
Brett Hooton
Rhino Records releases new HDCD recording of the Grateful Dead’s landmark concert that rang in 1977. Folk101 throws some resources your way before posting our review.
Like every folky, I spent a good part of my teenage years in tie-dye tee-shirts, paying homage to the Grateful Dead.
I remember that on my first ski trip, I was enamored by (and instantly bought) a blue and purple shirt, featuring a skeleton cutting fresh powder with a rose between his teeth. I sported it around the village all weekend.
The influence of the Dead on folk music is undeniable. While many people think of them primarily as a psychedelic jam band, their influence is also felt in the areas of jazz, R&B, and even bluegrass.
For me, however, it was always the Dead’s folk-oriented albums that stood out. American Beauty and Workingman’s Dead are essential components of any catalog of acoustic music.
That being said, there is no denying the artistry and craftsmanship of this group of musicians throughout their careers, and all of their talents are on display in a new three-disc live concert album, Grateful Dead: Live at the Cow Palace, New Year’s Eve 1976.
This record, remastered in HDCD, has grown to legendary status in Dead mythology. There is over 180 minutes of music, three-sets (including a countdown to midnight), and the band at the height of its powers playing some of its best songs.
The band's line-up at the time featured Jerry Garcia on guitar and vocals, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann on drums, Phil Lesh on bass, Bob Weir on guitar and vocals, Keith Godchaux on keyboards and backup vocalist Donna Godchaux. It was probably their strongest and tightest manifestation.
The result is a show that spans several distinct periods of the Dead’s music and development.
Stay tuned for Folk101’s review of this record. It will be up by the end of the week, so please check back.
Until then, you can listen to some 24/7 streaming Dead radio or check out the annotated version of the group’s lyrics.
Make sure you visit the band’s official homepage, and especially the Taper’s Section, which is full of great songs to download and information about the fine tradition of amateurs recording and sharing Dead performances.
And, as always, don’t forget to check out our sponsors.
I remember that on my first ski trip, I was enamored by (and instantly bought) a blue and purple shirt, featuring a skeleton cutting fresh powder with a rose between his teeth. I sported it around the village all weekend.
The influence of the Dead on folk music is undeniable. While many people think of them primarily as a psychedelic jam band, their influence is also felt in the areas of jazz, R&B, and even bluegrass.
For me, however, it was always the Dead’s folk-oriented albums that stood out. American Beauty and Workingman’s Dead are essential components of any catalog of acoustic music.
That being said, there is no denying the artistry and craftsmanship of this group of musicians throughout their careers, and all of their talents are on display in a new three-disc live concert album, Grateful Dead: Live at the Cow Palace, New Year’s Eve 1976.
This record, remastered in HDCD, has grown to legendary status in Dead mythology. There is over 180 minutes of music, three-sets (including a countdown to midnight), and the band at the height of its powers playing some of its best songs.
The band's line-up at the time featured Jerry Garcia on guitar and vocals, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann on drums, Phil Lesh on bass, Bob Weir on guitar and vocals, Keith Godchaux on keyboards and backup vocalist Donna Godchaux. It was probably their strongest and tightest manifestation.
The result is a show that spans several distinct periods of the Dead’s music and development.
Stay tuned for Folk101’s review of this record. It will be up by the end of the week, so please check back.
Until then, you can listen to some 24/7 streaming Dead radio or check out the annotated version of the group’s lyrics.
Make sure you visit the band’s official homepage, and especially the Taper’s Section, which is full of great songs to download and information about the fine tradition of amateurs recording and sharing Dead performances.
And, as always, don’t forget to check out our sponsors.
Posted by
Brett Hooton
Norah Jones returns with Not Too Late, a collection of self-penned tunes. Will this be another mega hit or will this one fall short? Folk101 surveys the din for you.
Norah Jones burst onto the music scene in 2002 with her über-successful, Come Away With Me, which sold over 20 million copies worldwide and won 8 Grammy Awards.
She followed these accomplishments with another solid effort, 2004’s Feels Like Home and her side-project, The Little Willies.
The latter represents a welcomed change from Jones’ typical, laid-back, jazzy style as The Willies (apparently named for Jones’ hero, Willie Nelson) play, for the most part, an upbeat, swinging version of old-school country.
After all this success, what could the extraordinary Ms. Jones do next? Well, she decided to ring in 2007 with an important milestone in her career. Her new album, Not Too Late, features songs exclusively written or co-written by the sexy songstress.
Initial critical reaction has been up and down. Here is a collection of reviews that seemed particularly apt from Now Toronto, the LA Times, Coke Machine Glow, and Rolling Stone.
Fear not, faithful readers. Folk101 will help you cut through the media din and let you know if there will be another truck-load of shiny statues on the horizon for Norah, or if this one is destined to be one of the “lesser known” albums in what is sure to be a long and fruitful career.
Until we post our review, you can entertain yourself with some of the recent press onslaught that comes with a big-name release.
Check out the New York Times’ portrait of the singer (It’s worth it just to see their adorable picture of Jones in her Oscar the Grouch tee-shirt). Also, there is NPR’s great feature/review of the record.
Check back. Tell your friends. And remember to pay a visit to our sponsors.
Peace.
She followed these accomplishments with another solid effort, 2004’s Feels Like Home and her side-project, The Little Willies.
The latter represents a welcomed change from Jones’ typical, laid-back, jazzy style as The Willies (apparently named for Jones’ hero, Willie Nelson) play, for the most part, an upbeat, swinging version of old-school country.
After all this success, what could the extraordinary Ms. Jones do next? Well, she decided to ring in 2007 with an important milestone in her career. Her new album, Not Too Late, features songs exclusively written or co-written by the sexy songstress.
Initial critical reaction has been up and down. Here is a collection of reviews that seemed particularly apt from Now Toronto, the LA Times, Coke Machine Glow, and Rolling Stone.
Fear not, faithful readers. Folk101 will help you cut through the media din and let you know if there will be another truck-load of shiny statues on the horizon for Norah, or if this one is destined to be one of the “lesser known” albums in what is sure to be a long and fruitful career.
Until we post our review, you can entertain yourself with some of the recent press onslaught that comes with a big-name release.
Check out the New York Times’ portrait of the singer (It’s worth it just to see their adorable picture of Jones in her Oscar the Grouch tee-shirt). Also, there is NPR’s great feature/review of the record.
Check back. Tell your friends. And remember to pay a visit to our sponsors.
Peace.
Posted by
Brett Hooton
Not only has Virginia’s Crooked Road area given the world some amazing musicians, now it helps you to write your very own bluegrass song, the perfect Valentine’s gift.
Here at Folk101, we know that our readers idolize Ralph Stanley, Bela Fleck and any other musician that can tease the old banjo into makin’ sweet, sweet music.
Well, now is your chance to live out your dream of becoming a bluegrass musician. Well, sorta.
The State of Virginia has created an amazing new website for its Crooked Road, Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. This tiny, scenic stretch of road winds through rural areas of the state, beginning where the Piedmont Plateau meets the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you listen close enough, you may even hear John Denver singing.
In addition to a great overview of the area and its history, the website gives you a chance to build your very own bluegrass song!
You simply answer a series of questions, such as your recipient’s name, his or her occupation, his or her hobbies, etc. Then, your completed song is played by that group of bluegrass virtuosos, No Speed Limit.
Write one for someone you love, and then have it delivered via email or over the phone.
Guys, listen up. If there is one thing that Folk101 knows, it’s the ladies. And ladies love Old Timey music. Well, maybe not all of them, but this is still pretty cool.
As an added bonus, residents of the lower 48 states can then enter to win a handmade mandolin, or if you are lucky enough, the grand prize of a trip to Virginia and a hand-crafted guitar.
The Crooked Road area has long been considered the heart of traditional American folk music. It has given us the original Carter Family, the Stanley Brothers, and many, many more influential musicians.
As the website says, “Musicians keep the spirit and values of a place better than its historians,” in that they keep these traditions alive, growing and evolving.
Be a part of this music by creating your own song and discovering this fantastic art form.
Well, now is your chance to live out your dream of becoming a bluegrass musician. Well, sorta.
The State of Virginia has created an amazing new website for its Crooked Road, Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. This tiny, scenic stretch of road winds through rural areas of the state, beginning where the Piedmont Plateau meets the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you listen close enough, you may even hear John Denver singing.
In addition to a great overview of the area and its history, the website gives you a chance to build your very own bluegrass song!
You simply answer a series of questions, such as your recipient’s name, his or her occupation, his or her hobbies, etc. Then, your completed song is played by that group of bluegrass virtuosos, No Speed Limit.
Write one for someone you love, and then have it delivered via email or over the phone.
Guys, listen up. If there is one thing that Folk101 knows, it’s the ladies. And ladies love Old Timey music. Well, maybe not all of them, but this is still pretty cool.
As an added bonus, residents of the lower 48 states can then enter to win a handmade mandolin, or if you are lucky enough, the grand prize of a trip to Virginia and a hand-crafted guitar.
The Crooked Road area has long been considered the heart of traditional American folk music. It has given us the original Carter Family, the Stanley Brothers, and many, many more influential musicians.
As the website says, “Musicians keep the spirit and values of a place better than its historians,” in that they keep these traditions alive, growing and evolving.
Be a part of this music by creating your own song and discovering this fantastic art form.
Posted by
Brett Hooton
Singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell is inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame with much pomp and circumstance. Here’s your link to the festivities.
Attention Joni Mitchell fans! Sunday night, January 28, one of folk music’s most influential singer/songwriters was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
This is quite an honor. Ms. Mitchell, as always, is now among a very select group of musicians that includes Neil Young and Leonard Cohen.
A star-studded tribute concert took place as part of the festivities and featured the likes of James Taylor, Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman, and funk-pop legend, Chaka Kahn, amongst others.
The other songwriter inductees were: Broadway and film score creator Raymond Egan (The Pioneers), the father of Canadian country music, Wilf Carter a.k.a. “Montana Slim” (Radio Era) and passionate Quebec artist Jean-Pierre Ferland (Modern Era).
In addition, the CBC has set up an incredible tribute page to Mitchell, entitled “All Sides Now.” This website contains archival footage from all periods of her career, including segments on her work in jazz and painting.
If you are bored some day, watch the great clips and try to count (a) how many cigarettes you see Joni smoke? and (b) how many berets she wears in the process?
It is an incredible resource if your YouTube-generation nephew needs to write an essay on a musician. Man, you got to give the Ceeb some credit on this one, they are definitely stepping out of their comfort zone.
Then, predictably, they fall right back in. Segments of the concert will be airing on CBC Radio 1 and 2 over the next few days. It will not appear on CBC television until March 5. Check your local listings for more details.
Until you actually find the broadcast, check out some of the reviews of the evening from Canada’s newspapers. American coverage has been pretty generous as well.
If you miss it, remember you can always put on Blue or one of her other amazing albums, drink a glass of red wine, and relax with a loved one. I think Joni would consider that enough of a tribute.
This is quite an honor. Ms. Mitchell, as always, is now among a very select group of musicians that includes Neil Young and Leonard Cohen.
A star-studded tribute concert took place as part of the festivities and featured the likes of James Taylor, Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman, and funk-pop legend, Chaka Kahn, amongst others.
The other songwriter inductees were: Broadway and film score creator Raymond Egan (The Pioneers), the father of Canadian country music, Wilf Carter a.k.a. “Montana Slim” (Radio Era) and passionate Quebec artist Jean-Pierre Ferland (Modern Era).
In addition, the CBC has set up an incredible tribute page to Mitchell, entitled “All Sides Now.” This website contains archival footage from all periods of her career, including segments on her work in jazz and painting.
If you are bored some day, watch the great clips and try to count (a) how many cigarettes you see Joni smoke? and (b) how many berets she wears in the process?
It is an incredible resource if your YouTube-generation nephew needs to write an essay on a musician. Man, you got to give the Ceeb some credit on this one, they are definitely stepping out of their comfort zone.
Then, predictably, they fall right back in. Segments of the concert will be airing on CBC Radio 1 and 2 over the next few days. It will not appear on CBC television until March 5. Check your local listings for more details.
Until you actually find the broadcast, check out some of the reviews of the evening from Canada’s newspapers. American coverage has been pretty generous as well.
If you miss it, remember you can always put on Blue or one of her other amazing albums, drink a glass of red wine, and relax with a loved one. I think Joni would consider that enough of a tribute.
Posted by
Brett Hooton
Denny Doherty, the principal vocalist of the Mamas and Papas, passed away last week. Folk101 says goodbye and rounds up the best retrospectives for readers.
Denny Doherty, the main vocalist for the folk-pop super group, The Mamas and the Papas, died January 19 at his home in Mississauga, Ontario. He was 66, and had recently been ill.
Sorry for the delay in relaying the information. But in case you missed it, I thought I should share the sad news with you nonetheless.
Canadian readers may feel a special affinity for Mr. Doherty. Not only did he make some great music in the 1960s and 70s, but most recently, he played the only human character on the widely popular CBC children’s show, Theodore Tugboat.
Plus, all Canadians who are currently experiencing the dead of winter, will always relate with the group’s smash hit, “California Dreamin’.”
While John Phillips was the group’s principal songwriter, Doherty provided the majority of lead vocals, always with a clean, friendly tone that could, at times, also sound slightly rough and downright mean.
In addition to “California Dreamin’,” songs such as “Monday, Monday” and “Dedicated to the One I Love” earned the group an induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Perhaps most importantly, though, they were one of the first pop groups to feature male and female singers equally.
Recent days have seen the appearance of several interesting obituaries and retrospectives on Doherty’s career. My favorites are from the New York Times, CBC, Rolling Stone and NPR.
It is sad news indeed. Remember, though, if you are feeling depressed, just hum those immortal bars “All the leaves are brown…,” and I guarantee that you’ll feel better.
Join the Folk Music Section's weekly newsletter by sending an email to folkmusic@suite101.com.
Sorry for the delay in relaying the information. But in case you missed it, I thought I should share the sad news with you nonetheless.
Canadian readers may feel a special affinity for Mr. Doherty. Not only did he make some great music in the 1960s and 70s, but most recently, he played the only human character on the widely popular CBC children’s show, Theodore Tugboat.
Plus, all Canadians who are currently experiencing the dead of winter, will always relate with the group’s smash hit, “California Dreamin’.”
While John Phillips was the group’s principal songwriter, Doherty provided the majority of lead vocals, always with a clean, friendly tone that could, at times, also sound slightly rough and downright mean.
In addition to “California Dreamin’,” songs such as “Monday, Monday” and “Dedicated to the One I Love” earned the group an induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Perhaps most importantly, though, they were one of the first pop groups to feature male and female singers equally.
Recent days have seen the appearance of several interesting obituaries and retrospectives on Doherty’s career. My favorites are from the New York Times, CBC, Rolling Stone and NPR.
It is sad news indeed. Remember, though, if you are feeling depressed, just hum those immortal bars “All the leaves are brown…,” and I guarantee that you’ll feel better.
Join the Folk Music Section's weekly newsletter by sending an email to folkmusic@suite101.com.
Posted by
Brett Hooton
Fans of poet, singer/songwriter, and all-around ladies’ man, Leonard Cohen will be treated to remastered versions of his early classics come this April.
Attention fans of the original ladies’ man.
Leonard Cohen’s first three albums will be re-released by Columbia/Legacy Music on April 24 of this year. In addition to the original classics that appear on Songs of Leonard Cohen (1968), Songs from a Room (1969), and Songs of Love and Hate (1971), each album will feature bonus tracks and alternate takes.
Buy these for the new, improved quality of such masterpieces as “Suzanne,” “Bird on a Wire,” and my favorite, “Famous Blue Raincoat.” Keep it for the rarities, including “Nothing to One” (an early version of “You Know Who I Am”) that features vocal harmonies by David Crosby.
Not enough for you Cohen fanatics? Well, Columbia is also re-releasing the recent album Blue Alert by Cohen’s companion, Anjani Thomas. The album features her impeccable jazz vocals and songs co-written by Mr. Cohen.
This is, of course, all good news after the financial scandal that rocked Cohen and the music world in 2005. If you don’t know the Hollywood-esque story, the singer was left almost penniless after the gross mismanagement of his finances by a long-time friend and manager.
If you can’t wait until April, check out the recent documentary and its accompanying soundtrack, I’m Your Man, about a tribute concert to Cohen. It contains performances by U2, Nick Cave, and Folk101 favorites, The Handsome Family.
Or you can always bone up on your lyrical poetry by checking out some of Cohen’s non-musical classics. He has been and always will be, first and foremost, a poet.
Join the Folk Music Section's weekly newsletter by sending an email to folkmusic@suite101.com.
Leonard Cohen’s first three albums will be re-released by Columbia/Legacy Music on April 24 of this year. In addition to the original classics that appear on Songs of Leonard Cohen (1968), Songs from a Room (1969), and Songs of Love and Hate (1971), each album will feature bonus tracks and alternate takes.
Buy these for the new, improved quality of such masterpieces as “Suzanne,” “Bird on a Wire,” and my favorite, “Famous Blue Raincoat.” Keep it for the rarities, including “Nothing to One” (an early version of “You Know Who I Am”) that features vocal harmonies by David Crosby.
Not enough for you Cohen fanatics? Well, Columbia is also re-releasing the recent album Blue Alert by Cohen’s companion, Anjani Thomas. The album features her impeccable jazz vocals and songs co-written by Mr. Cohen.
This is, of course, all good news after the financial scandal that rocked Cohen and the music world in 2005. If you don’t know the Hollywood-esque story, the singer was left almost penniless after the gross mismanagement of his finances by a long-time friend and manager.
If you can’t wait until April, check out the recent documentary and its accompanying soundtrack, I’m Your Man, about a tribute concert to Cohen. It contains performances by U2, Nick Cave, and Folk101 favorites, The Handsome Family.
Or you can always bone up on your lyrical poetry by checking out some of Cohen’s non-musical classics. He has been and always will be, first and foremost, a poet.
Join the Folk Music Section's weekly newsletter by sending an email to folkmusic@suite101.com.
Posted by
Brett Hooton
This blog post looks at two of our favorite acoustic artists: Ron Sexsmith who has a new album out and…Jay-Z? Find out what they have in common besides Folk101 as a fan.
Canadian crooner Ron Sexsmith is a bit of a throwback. He has been called the “songwriter’s songwriter,” and his work is frequently praised by the likes of Elton John and Paul McCartney. Not back for a fan list, huh?
Despite the praise, his music has never achieved mainstream success. In a recent interview with NPR, he talks about how strange it is that he will attend black-tie, red-carpet awards shows and then go back to his rented apartment in Toronto. The interview is fascinating, and we recommend you check it out.
Mr. Sexsmith is best known for his high quality melodies. No one can do it like him. And truly, a smooth, complex tune, supported by thoughtful, emotional lyrics tends to be a rarity these days. Why is it that we often see one and not the other? Maybe this is a topic for the discussions page if someone wants to share their thoughts.
Back in the 1960s and 70s, with the likes of James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel dominating the airwaves, he would have fit right in. Unfortunately, today we live with popular music that is dominated by R&B and hip-hop.
Don’t get me wrong, I love hip-hop. Recently, I’ve been playing Jay-Z’s MTV Unplugged record non-stop. But I digress…
This week Ron released a new album entitled, Time Being. Early response has been rather laudatory, and the assessments are definitely warranted. As the title suggests, the record is a prolonged rumination on his life and what he’s gained and lost along the way.
Stay tuned for Folk101’s review of the album, which in our opinion, is among Ron’s most accomplished.
Join the Folk Music Section's weekly newsletter by sending an email to folkmusic@suite101.com.
Despite the praise, his music has never achieved mainstream success. In a recent interview with NPR, he talks about how strange it is that he will attend black-tie, red-carpet awards shows and then go back to his rented apartment in Toronto. The interview is fascinating, and we recommend you check it out.
Mr. Sexsmith is best known for his high quality melodies. No one can do it like him. And truly, a smooth, complex tune, supported by thoughtful, emotional lyrics tends to be a rarity these days. Why is it that we often see one and not the other? Maybe this is a topic for the discussions page if someone wants to share their thoughts.
Back in the 1960s and 70s, with the likes of James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel dominating the airwaves, he would have fit right in. Unfortunately, today we live with popular music that is dominated by R&B and hip-hop.
Don’t get me wrong, I love hip-hop. Recently, I’ve been playing Jay-Z’s MTV Unplugged record non-stop. But I digress…
This week Ron released a new album entitled, Time Being. Early response has been rather laudatory, and the assessments are definitely warranted. As the title suggests, the record is a prolonged rumination on his life and what he’s gained and lost along the way.
Stay tuned for Folk101’s review of the album, which in our opinion, is among Ron’s most accomplished.
Join the Folk Music Section's weekly newsletter by sending an email to folkmusic@suite101.com.
Jose Gonzalez Preps for a Big 2007
Posted by
Brett Hooton
Jose Gonzalez releases an EP with his new band Junip, adds the finishing touches to his sophomore disc, pays tribute to others, and receives praise in return.
Folk101 favorite, Jose Gonzalez is currently holed up in Sweden preparing for what should be an mega-successful 2007. On the heels of his highly successful debut, Veneer, this singer-songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire refuses to rest on his laurels.
First, he just released a new EP with his side project band, Junip. This trio, fronted by Gonzalez’s signature guitar, also features keyboards and drums. The record, called Black Refuge, was released in December in Gonzalez’s native Sweden, and the group will follow it up with a yet-to-be-named single early in 2007.
He is also in the process of penning new material for his sophomore album. Stay tuned on this front.
As if that wasn’t enough, Gonzalez also recently participated in a Beatles tribute in celebration of George Martin’s introduction into the UK Music Hall of Fame. The performance will flicker across U.S. screens on VH1 in the near future.
And with this being award season and everything, Gonzalez was recently indirectly nominated for a Grammy as Zero 7’s album The Garden, on which he contributed some stellar vocal parts, received a nod for best Dance Album. Check out the Suite101 Dance and Techno section's look at Zero 7 for more information.
Finally, while you’re waiting for the actual appearance of all these projects, you can check out Jose live in concert via Spin Magazine’s Spin House Live series. A handful of tracks are available to watch, and can also be downloaded via iTunes. You can then compare notes to Folk101’s recent review of his live performance.
Join the Folk Music Section's weekly newsletter by sending an email to folkmusic@suite101.com.
First, he just released a new EP with his side project band, Junip. This trio, fronted by Gonzalez’s signature guitar, also features keyboards and drums. The record, called Black Refuge, was released in December in Gonzalez’s native Sweden, and the group will follow it up with a yet-to-be-named single early in 2007.
He is also in the process of penning new material for his sophomore album. Stay tuned on this front.
As if that wasn’t enough, Gonzalez also recently participated in a Beatles tribute in celebration of George Martin’s introduction into the UK Music Hall of Fame. The performance will flicker across U.S. screens on VH1 in the near future.
And with this being award season and everything, Gonzalez was recently indirectly nominated for a Grammy as Zero 7’s album The Garden, on which he contributed some stellar vocal parts, received a nod for best Dance Album. Check out the Suite101 Dance and Techno section's look at Zero 7 for more information.
Finally, while you’re waiting for the actual appearance of all these projects, you can check out Jose live in concert via Spin Magazine’s Spin House Live series. A handful of tracks are available to watch, and can also be downloaded via iTunes. You can then compare notes to Folk101’s recent review of his live performance.
Join the Folk Music Section's weekly newsletter by sending an email to folkmusic@suite101.com.