NanciNet Digest 12-31-00
// Hey, folks, I’m sorry for the long time between digests.
// Dawn-Marie and I have been in New York, and the laptop
// connections haven’t worked as I’d hoped they would. This
// is consequently a fairly long digest.
// Dawn and I have had a good year...we hope you have, too.
// Happy New Year: Enjoy. [BP]
-------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 00 23:32:48 +1100
From: Sonya Beneke sonyab@mail.lisp.com.au>
Subject: NN: Nanci and Linda Ronstadt
>From the Linda Ronstadt list: Linda has recorded a song with Nanci. It’s
called Truly Something Fine and may be on Nanci’s new album due out next
year.
Sorry if this is old news , I am really behind in my mail
Happy Christmas Everyone :))
Sonya
-------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 00 12:09:59 -0500 (EST)
From: Lee Zellweger Lee.Zellweger@tvguide.com>
Subject: NN: Date: Thu, 21 Dec 00 10:56:42 -0600
Easy question for somebody...
A year or two ago, I caught the last part of a song performed by Emmylou
Harris and Sheryl Crow on some awards show...anyone know what the song was
and if it's on any recording?
Thanks.
-------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 00 12:44:30 -0500
From: "Donate von Bredow-Gardner" dvbgardner@genelogic.com>
Subject: Re: NN: Date: Thu, 21 Dec 00 10:56:42 -0600
Sheryl and Emmylou did some duet at one of the last Lilith Fair concerts.
Can't remember what it was....... too much wine by then :). But there are a
number of recordings of the various Lilith Fairs out there.
Happy holidays everyone.
Donate
Lee Zellweger wrote:
> Easy question for somebody...
>
> A year or two ago, I caught the last part of a song performed by Emmylou
> Harris and Sheryl Crow on some awards show...anyone know what the song was
> and if it's on any recording?
>
> Thanks.
-------------------------------------
From: Pocee@aol.com
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 00 13:11:24 EST
Subject: NN: Re: NanciNet #00C
Can't beat James Brown's Funky Christmas, especially "Go Power at Christmas
Time". Also look for the annual appearance of Darlene Love on Letterman
singing "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home.
Pat O'Connor
-------------------------------------
From: AlunSmith@aol.com
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 00 15:36:18 EST
Subject: NN: Top Ten of 00
Top Ten Records of the year in alphabetical order.
Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker
With Whiskeytown he always seemed to be trying too hard to be Gram Parsons,
solo he seems to have found his own voice.
Laura Cantrell - Not The Tremblin' Kind
The title track is a great song and the rest of the album is of similar
quality.
Kasey Chambers - The Captain
This young South Australian is fully deserving of all the international
plaudits she has been gathering this year.
Emmylou Harris - Red Dirt Girl
Thirty years into her career and still maintaining the quality, there hasn't
been a better song than "Bang the Drum Slowly" this year.
Kevin Montgomery - Another Long Story
Reminiscent of Neil Young or Bruce Springsteen at their most confessional and
includes a lovely version of Springsteen's "I Wish I Was Blind".
Allison Moorer - The Hardest Part
When she writes and sings as well as she does, here's hoping she manages to
resist the Nashville establishment's attempts to portray her in all her lip
glossed, air brushed glory as a crossover artist.
Gretchen Peters - Gretchen Peters
Fine collection of songs from a talented songwriter
Shea Seger - The May Street Project
Debut album from a Texan living in London. A folk sensibility against a dance
beat and stands comparison with Beth Orton.
Richard Shindell - Somewhere Near Paterson
First album I bought this year and has rarely been away from the CD player
for long.
Kathryn Williams - Little Black Numbers
Most tracks feature Kath's voice, guitar and cello, which led to the
inevitable Nick Drake comparisons, a record of stark beauty.
A couple of compilations issued in 00 that deserve mention are "Drama Falls
Like Teardrops" - Townes Van Zandt and "Weaver of Visions - A Kate Wolf
Anthology". Anyone wanting to find out why Nanci rated both so highly could
do worse than check out these albums.
Merry Christmas
Alun
-------------------------------------
From: "Maureen Parr" mreenparr@thefreeinternet.co.uk>
Subject: NN: Top 10 of 00
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 00 22:32:29 -0000
Well, not a top 10 as I only managed to buy 7 CDs this year that
were actually produced in 00. All seven are quality, though,
so I have a mini-list here, ranked in order of enjoyment.
7. Trisha Yearwood - Real Live Woman. She gave a terrific live
show at the Royal Albert Hall here in London, accompanied by Kim
Richey. I didn't feel the CD really lived up to that, but it's
pleasant enough and Yearwood certainly knows how to pick material
written by the best songwriters around.
6. Lisa Winn - Mother Earth. This is the debut album from a
young Canadian singer-songwriter with (I predict) a great future.
Check her out at www.lisawinn.com
5. k.d. lang - Invincible Summer. This is a bit different from
lang's earlier angst-ridden albums; it's quite a relief to have
something from her that's poppy, summery, easy listening for a
change. OK, maybe you wouldn't want it *all* the time but, hey,
it was nice to listen to that great voice and not come away
feeling terminally depressed. I play it a lot. Another
Canadian.
4. Allison Moorer - The Hardest Part. She writes and sings with
such depth of feeling. She has so much talent and surely a
great future ahead of her.
3. And now we come to the only man on my list (and the third
Canadian)! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you our own, our very
own, Steve Goldberger and the Fringe Locals - Come From The
Heart. I have really enjoyed this live album consisting mostly
of covers of Nanci songs and others; also the occasional original
composition. Go to amazon and listen to the excerpts. It's
good fun with a party atmosphere!
And my numbers 2 and 1 should get equal weighting. These are far
and away the best albums I have bought this year or probably for
the past several years.
2. Dar Williams - The Green World. I didn't rate this at first
but now I can't stop listening to it. She is an artist who goes
on improving and building on her earlier work and always
producing thought-provoking insights. 'Calling the moon' is
wonderful.
1. Emmylou Harris - Red Dirt Girl. Magnificent. What more can
you say about this woman? She's another one who just goes on
getting better and better. 'My baby needs a shepherd'
'Michelangelo' 'Bang the drum slowly' 'The pearl' - almost every
track is a winner. The one track I felt didn't fit in was the
one cover - Patty Griffin's 'One big love' which I didn't like on
Griffin's own album 'Red' and don't like again here. Harris
didn't need it; her own work is coherent and her songs are
beautifully written and very moving. She and Griffin filled the
Royal Albert Hall last month and it was a memorable concert but
the album is even better.
Apart from the above, I have bought mostly Canadian material this
year (because that's where I spent my holidays) - Jane Siberry,
Moxy Fruvous, Rheostatics, Rob Lamothe, Amy Sky, Kim Stockwood,
Chantel Kreviazuk etc, but all produced pre-00.
Thanks for all the other lists; I enjoy reading them and getting
ideas about what to buy next. Here's to a great 01 and happy
holidays to you all.
Maureen Parr
London
-------------------------------------
From: BMBSPIRIT@cs.com
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 00 22:39:39 EST
Subject: NN: Re: Favorite Christmas songs
Surprising that on the Nanci net list of favorite Christmas songs, nobody
mentioned NG's version of " The Wexford Carol " on the Chieftains Bells of
Dublin album. It is my favorite Christmas album, but apologies to Nanci, I
think 'O Holy Night " by Rickie Lee Jones is the best song.
Happy Holidays
Bernie
-------------------------------------
From: "Marius Molstad" marius.molstad@c2i.net>
Subject: NN: Top 10 for 00
Date: Thu, 21 Dec 00 16:02:46 +0100
Hi,
Well, since this year is almost over I'll drop my list(s) too. This year has
been a bit different music-wise because I started listening to modern
Nashville country.
I've always thought this music was too slick, but I found out there's a lot
of great stuff going on on Music Row. For my own amusement I've also added
greatest songs, tunes and older album lists.
Here we go:
Top 10 Albums of 00:
01 - Allison Moorer - "The hardest part"
(I'd never heard of her before, but from all the rave reviews around I bought
this album and what a surprise it was. Stronger than usual lyrics and first
rate songs makes this number one this year. The production could've been
better because I find it a little too rough around the edges, but when you
got songs like this it doesn't matter if you record it on a four track tape
recorder!)
02 - Tyler England - "Highways & dancehalls"
(A new album from Garth Brooks' old college room-mate Tyler. The songs vary
from modern country via Americana to Western swing. Tyler sings his heart out
on Bruce Robison's incredible "Travelin' soldier". Tyler has a polished voice
that at times seem a bit too polite, but he suits the understated music.)
03 - Chalee Tennison - "This woman's heart"
(A beautiful young singer with a voice that melts your heart, at least mine.
Chalee co-wrote most of the songs and she draws heavily on her own single mom
situation for inspiration. She tells stories that you know are real and
escapes the usual 'love and loss' cliches. Sadly she has never won the
acclaim on the country scene that she deserves. If I had bought this album
earlier this year I suspect it would've climbed to number one)
04 - Claire Lynch - "Love light"
(This album is like Alison Krauss, but with stronger material. A lovely blend
of bluegrass, folk and country in a warm acoustic production. Great stuff
that grows with each listening.)
05 - Alan Jackson - "When somebody loves you"
(Every Alan Jackson album is great and this is no exception. There's nothing
revolutionary about this album, plain and workingman-like honey Tonka music
that stuck in your head. This is the number one driving music this year!)
06 - John Michael Montgomery - "Brand new me"
(I got this album simply because of his incredible first single "The little
girl". This song is probably this year's saddest song and tells the dark
story of a broken home and the innocent part. The rest of the album is great
modern country with a more light-hearted approach, but be sure to hear "The
little girl" when you get the opportunity.)
07 - Emmylou Harris - "Red dirt girl"
(I love Emmy and this album is no exception. The challenging production makes
it different, but Emmy's songs find their way to the heart. Emmy's strongest
songwriting to date.)
08 - Steinar Albrigtsen/Tom Pacheco - "Nobodies"
(Tom Pacheco is one of my favorite songwriters and here we get 13 new songs
of usual high quality presented along with Norwegian country singer Steinar
Albrigtsen. The title cut is Pacheco's best song ever.)
09 - Eric Andersen - "You can't relieve the past"
(Andersen has just gotten better and better throughout the years, but this
album is a bit un-even compared to last years "Memory of the future". Still,
four of the songs were co-written with Townes Van Zandt in the mid-eighties.
This is the only recording of these songs and they're all great. Townes said
he was going to record two of the songs on his next album, but he died before
it became reality. Some of Andersen's compositions on this album are great,
but some are only fillers.)
10 - Darryl Worley - "Hard rain don't last"
(Darryl is new on the country scene, but has put out a killer debut album.
Great songs, production and lyrics, and Darryl is blessed with a special
voice that really stands out. I guess this album also would've climbed higher
if I'd bought it earlier.)
15 Favorite songs of 00:
01 - Tyler England - "Travelin' soldier"
02 - Chalee Tennison - "Go back"
03 - John Michael Montgomery - "The little girl"
04 - Eric Andersen - "Meadowlark"
05 - Steinar Albrigtsen/Tom Pacheco - "Nobodies"
06 - Diane Craig - "The ghost of Townes Van Zandt"
07 - Allison Moorer - "No next time"
08 - Emmylou Harris - "Red dirt girl"
09 - Trisha Yearwood - "Real live woman"
10 - Travis Tritt - "Best of intentions"
11 - Claire Lynch - "Missionary ridge"
12 - Montgomery Gentry - "Daddy won't sell the farm"
13 - Emmylou Harris - "Bang the drum slowly"
14 - Brad Paisley & Chely Wright - "Hard to be a husband, hard to be a wife"
15 - Lee Ann Womack - "I hope you dance"
5 Favorite tunes of 00, not counting as songs.
01 - The Johnny Staats Project - "Escape from Taiwan"
(If you're a mandolin player, don't try this at home! The arpeggios are
killing me)
02 - Brad Paisley - "The nervous breakdown"
03 - The Johnny Staats Project - "Mandolin meltdown"
04 - Simon Mayor - "Wasp reel"
05 - Annbjørg Lien - "Baba yaga"
10 not new, but heavily played albums.
01 - Joni Harms - "Cowgirl dreams"
(I won't comment all these albums, but this album needs all the praise it can
get. It was released in 1998 on Warner Western and this has been the most
played album all year. I accidentally stumbled over it in the import section
of a store and gave it listen because it looked very 'country and Western'.
The whole album has an old-time country atmosphere and draws heavily on
Western swing and cowboy tradition. She has a wonderful voice that make the
lyrics ring true. Give this girl a listen!)
02 - Brad Paisley - "Who needs pictures"
03 - George Jones - "Cold hard truth"
04 - Randy Travis - "You and you alone"
05 - Clint Black - "Nothin' but the taillights"
06 - George Jones - "I am what I am"
07 - Richard Dobson - "Amigos - sings Townes Van Zandt"
08 - Southern Rail - "Wasting my time"
09 - Tom Pacheco - "Lost in the great American Heartland"
10 - Kimberly M'Carver - "Breathe the moonlight"
This year has really been bright when it concerns music, I've bought an
unhealthy number of CDs and discovered a lot of new artists. Next year will
probably be just as great since I know the following will release new albums:
Nanci Griffith, Eric Taylor, Diamond Rio, Clint Black, Garth Brooks
(maybe...), Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Tom Russell, Dolly Parton, Brooks &
Dunn, Ray Wylie Hubbard (hopefully), Tom Pacheco (hopefully), Tim Lamun etc.
etc.
I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Love
Marius
-------------------------------------
From: "Christina O'Neill" oneillchristina@hotmail.com>
Subject: NN: Top Ten and favorite Christmas Songs
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 00 16:12:44 -0600
Happy Holidays All!!!
De-lurking to add my $.02 (ever wonder why there isn't a cents key??)
My Top Albums of 00 (in no particular order)
Ryan Adams--Heartbreaker. I wasn't familiar with Whiskeytown. My dad
bought the CD, put it in the CD player and said to me, "Who does this sound
like?" On a couple of cuts there's a striking resemblance to Bob Dylan, ala
"Subterranean Homesick Blues."
Richard Shindell--Somewhere Near Paterson. I saw him live in March. I
attended the show in order to see Don Conoscenti who opened, but was blown
away by RS and his "everyman" presence. And he has such an extensive
vocabulary!!!
Slaid Cleaves--Broke Down. I became a fan of Slaid's after seeing him live
and "unplugged" at a local music shop in July. He puts on an excellent
show. I saw him a second time in October and instead of Charles King on
lead strings, he brought Oliver who played the trumpet--or as we dubbed it
after the show, the "frumpet" (folk trumpet). Very interesting
substitution, but it worked.
Don Conoscenti--Mysterious Light. Nice, simple, acoustic production. Don
has a great voice and it's wonderful to watch him play the guitar.
Vance Gilbert--Live at the Somerville Theatre--. I think I have the title
correct, but in any case it's Vance's Live album. He's funny and smooth and
to call what he does "Folk Music" is an incomplete description.
Ellis Paul--Live. I've been a big EP fan for years and there are some new
songs, previously unreleased songs and wonderful versions of old songs on
this album.
Steely Dan--Two Against Nature. Bought this at the beginning of the year
and didn't leave my CD changer until July.
Warren Zevon--Life'll Kill Ya. If I were ranking these albums, this would
head my list. Again, stayed in CD changer rotation until July.
Jan and Dean--Save for a Rainy Day. Sundazed released this this year on CD
and it makes a nice companion to Yellow Balloon's self-titled album, which
was released by Sundazed in 1998 and made my list that year.
Phil Vassar--Phil Vassar. I haven't liked much out of Nashville in a VERY
long time, but I like people who write and sing their own music and Phil is
a great songwriter.
My favorite Christmas songs would have to be The Waitresses' "Christmas
Rap," Adam Sandler's Channukah Song and "Grafton Street" which MUST be a
Christmas song, because twice I've heard Nanci refuse to sing it when
requested because it WASN'T Christmas time and the one time I DID hear her
perform it live it was late November :-)
Keep Warm and Safe,
Christy in STL
-------------------------------------
From: "David Steere, Jr." dsteere@dellnet.com>
Subject: NN: Best of a very good year...
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 00 18:34:29 -0500
Another great year for new releases. The women definitely have it.
Jerry Douglas has it, too. Have fun, Pete. These are in alphabetical
order.
Altan ANOTHER SKY. Virgin/Narada World
Altan has topped its own high standards. Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh's
wonderful voice and fiddle sound better than ever. Guest players
include Jerry Douglas and Bonnie Raitt. Highlights include "Green Grow
the Rushes," "Island Girl," "Ten Thousand Miles," Bob Dylan's "Girl from
the North Country," "The Ookpik Waltz," and "The Waves of Gola." Looking
back over several of my best of the year lists, the player who pops up
most often is undoubtedly Jerry Douglas. He and his glorious dobro seem
almost a guarantee of a wonderful recording. I wonder what his ten best
list would look like.
Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer TANGLEWOOD TREE. Signature Sounds
Dave Carter writes like a demon: part Lyell Lovett, part John Prine,
part Bob Dylan: full of words, poetry that makes you ache, humor that
splits you. Add to that Tracy Grammer's enchanting violin and voice
(reminiscent of Gillian Welch) and the extraordinary ability of Dave and
Tracy to harmonize like siblings. You have a phenomenon in the making.
Two little excerpts capture the poetry and the spirit (Nanci-like): "I
was born in a forked-tongued story, raised up by merchants and drugstore
liars. Now I walk on the paths of glory, one foot in ice, one in fire"
(from "The Mountain"). "They say, 'hey, conductor, does this train go
to texas, with a hoot and a holler all the way down to San Antone?'
They say, 'hey, conductor, does this train go to Texas? I got a dime
and a dollar and a one-way ticket home'" (from "Hey, Conductor").
Eva Cassidy. TIME AFTER TIME. Blix Street
How can it not be a great year for music when there's a release from
one's Holy Grail voice? Eva's is the most transforming of singing
talents. Her completely natural ability to reinvent the trademark songs
of others as entirely new creations is astounding. Witness what Eva
does with Paul Simon's "Kathy's Song," Bill Wither's "Ain't No
Sunshine," Harlan Howard's "I Wish I was a Single Girl Again," and Joni
Mitchell's "Woodstock." There are several songs where Eva sings with
only her own guitar accompaniment or a capella. Eva elevates the
Lauper/Hyman song, "Time after Time" (basically a movie soundtrack type
of catchy tune) into a work of art. New to me were two songs where the
goose-bump raising is brought to a fever pitch: Roger Henderson's
"Penny to my Name" and Steven Digman's "Anniversary Song." Eva's
delivery of the first two words of Gordon and Warren's "At Last" alone
makes the disk worth any price.
Kasey Chambers THE CAPTAIN EMI Music Australia or WEA/Warners
How can anyone resist Kasey Chambers? This infectious Australian
singer/songwriter is part Julie Miller (who sings with her on "The
Captain"), part Lucinda, part Gram Parsons-all her own. Buy the special
edition which includes a bonus disc on which she works witchcraft with
Fred Eaglesmith's amazing "Freight Train" and seven other songs.
Connie Dover THE BORDER OF HEAVEN. Taylor Park Music
A "transatlantic session" in miniature, concerning the musical
connections between American folk music and the traditional music of
Scotland, Ireland and England, with Connie singing some of her own
favorites, including: "Streets of Laredo," "Lord Franklin," "The Water
is Wide," "Wondrous Love." What a cast: Connie, John Catchings, Jerry
Douglas (who else can play such a dobro and Weissenborn guitar?), John
Hartford, Zan McLeod, Jerry O'Sullivan, Phil Cunningham, Johnny
Cunningham, etc.
Judith Edelman DRAMA QUEEN. Compass
A stunning and brave new work. Judith has used her wonderful,
blue-grassy band (Matt Flinner, Ron De La Vega, et al.) and guests
(Stuart Duncan, Rob Ickes, Tim O'Brien) and her own voice (which sounds
so like Alison Krauss that it's quite spooky) to explore the dark side
of the city, working life, small towns, dysfunctional relationships,
abused children, mental illness, jealousy and envy. "Run from drunken
uncles, hide from crazy aunts. With those genes, brother, you don't
have a chance. And if you ever wondered where your overbite comes from,
look around the room at everyone. Blood reunion, runs in the genes.
Alcohol and drama queens. Blood reunion, isn't it fun, sharing DNA
with everyone? (from "Blood Reunion").
Angela Kaset. LIVE AT THE BLUEBIRD CAFE. American Originals
After two wonderful albums, back come roaring (and purring) the amazing
singer/songwriter, Angela Kaset, with LIVE AT THE BLUEBIRD CAFC9. Live
performances all around, including four re-dos of previously recorded
songs. In the very best tradition of the singer/songwriter accompanying
herself on the piano (back through Beth Nielsen Chapman to Carole King),
Angela really shines with a sweet, sexy, fierce, fragile voice. All the
songs are great, particularly "Mostest Brokest Heart" (written with Don
Schlitz) and "What If It's Me?" (with Robert Byrne). She has this catch
in her voice which can be both heartbreaking and lust-inducing.
Jane Olivor. LOVE DECIDES. Varese Sarabande
Jane is back! After 18 years of retirement from performing (apparently
largely due to crippling stage fright), she's is back with a new album.
It's difficult to believe so much time has passed since her four albums
in the late 70's and early eighties--given that all of her precious
vocal qualities seem largely intact: exceedingly romantic, very
personal, intimate, fragile, highly intelligent. Highlights for me
include "Love Decides" (evidently a tribute to her idol, Johnny Mathis),
"Night Song" (a Buddy Mondlock song-who could know Jane would do such an
amazing turn on a "singer/songwriter" kind of song?), and "I Believe in
You" (a song by her former producer/writer, Jason Darrow, and a
quintessential Jane Olivor song). In addition, the duet with Gene
Pitney, "Half Heaven, Half Heartache," seems wonderfully right out of
the 1950's. Steve Gabour's piano accompaniment is sensitive and
beautiful throughout. Jane has also been writing-two of the songs are
co-written by her.
Gretchen Peters. GRETCHEN PETERS. Grapevine (UK)
"I had a big black pontiac. She burned a little oil but she flew. We had
it there in the back. Baby I burned for you. We were bulletproof. We
were bathed in the neon glow, underneath the stars of love and texaco."
Gretchen's voice is even better than it was in her terrific debut cd
(SECRET OF LIFE): jazzier, sweeter, sexier, more soulful. Particularly
fine are the accordion, organ and mandolin players and Gretchen's work
on the electric bass. "Souvenirs" makes a comparison between the crass
commercial objects one often finds on a trip in search of majesty and
the little we often get out of a relationship. "Love and Texaco" (quoted
above) is a real goose-bumper of a song about looking back at a lost
love in one's youth with a central image of the big black pontiac the
lovers used to share. "Lilies of the Field" takes country music's usual
plot of the two misfits, made for each other, who find trouble at
highway's end, and turns it on its head, Coen Brothers-style: "but the
lilies of the field they neither reap nor sow. I wanna buy me a
winnebago and a map of mexico. Go rollin' down the highway where life's
secrets are revealed, dancin' in the wind like the lilies of the field."
"Waiting for Amelia" is a beautiful paean to hope, personified by Amelia
for whom the narrator is waiting. Gretchen is particularly poignant
here, as she delivers the opening/closing lines: "True north is hard to
find. These long long nights play tricks upon the mind." "Revival," a
sweet prayer of a song, finds a bit of hope and salvation as someone on
the bottom seeks forgiveness and has a lovely interpolated Salvation
Army Band bit of brass. Gretchen also has finally recorded her lovely,
"Like Water into Wine," which was so memorably sung by Patty Loveless on
LONG STRETCH OF LONESOME. The rest of the album is also very fine and
frequently brave in its choice of subjects: the fascination of the
culture with the sex lives of presidents and celebrities ("Love is a
Drug"), the secret life of a bored housewife, turning traditional
country verities upside down ("Eddie's First Wife'), and the feline
companion of a famous painter ("Picasso and Me").
Dar Williams. THE GREEN WORLD. Razor & Tie
Think of Dar as a Shakespearean comic character taking us into the woods
where in beautiful words and song she shows us the unexpected, the
unpredictable and some of the truth. Dar Williams has always had the
love of words.lots of words.and the shining ability to pull a
heart-tugging melody out of nowhere. But in THE GREEN WORLD, she's
integrated these two talents to mesmerizing effect. She writes of
important and often difficult topics with real feeling, intelligence and
poetry: religion, depression and thoughts of suicide, loving too much or
too little or the wrong things, starting over in a new town with the
same baggage, childhood in the new century, hero worship, artistic
freedom, touching nature for reassurance and regularity, the Berrigan
brothers and civil disobedience, the life of and thoughts about a
college town, the desire to be understood by another. My favorites:
"After All," "We Learned the Sea," "Calling the Moon," and "It Happens
Every Day." The beautiful special edition from the Dar website includes
"O Canada Girls" and comes in an elegant package, full of visuals.
And as Very Honorable Mentions (you can count these also, Pete!):
Ginger Boatwright. SIPSEY. GFA Records: includes a lovely version of
Townes's "If I Needed You." What a backup band!: Sam Bush, Jerry
Douglas, Dave Mallet, Mark Howard, etc.
Dolores Keane. NIGHT OWL. Alula: the beautiful voice of Ireland sings
again.
Celeste Krenz. CELESTE. Blix Street: it's an absolute shame that all
four of Celeste's previous albums are now out of print. For all those
who love fine songwriting and sexy, emotional singing.
Patty Loveless. STRONG HEART. EPIC: the classiest act in Nashville
continues with another beautiful album, especially "She Never Stopped
Loving Him," "Pieces on the Ground," and the way she sings Matraca
Berg's title lines: "You're so cool!"
Claire Lynch LOVE LIGHT. Rounder: a gorgeous cd. Amazing
accompaniment by Alison Brown on banjo and the superb regular members of
the Front Porch Band.
Misty River. RISING. Misty River: thanks to CDBABY.COM, I now know
about this amazing group from the West Coast. Four women: Carol Harley
(guitar and banjo), her daughter Laura Quigley (bass), Dana Abel
(accordion) and Chris Kokesh (fiddle and guitar). All can sing and
really well. Their harmonies are gorgeous and they take turns doing the
lead vocals.
Allison Moorer. THE HARDEST PART. MCA Nashville: a great sophomore
effort for Allison. Her deep, sexy, dusky voice opens out wonderfully
on a theme and variations type of album. "No Next Time" is a 6 BD
minute marathon, ending with the man in question getting at least a
chance to have his familiar say (Lonesome Bob's lovely duet vocal) and
containing a great line, "I make no bones about it. Stupid is a stupid
does." The final cut--a waltz, "Feeling that Feeling Again"--quietly
fades and segues into the bonus, autobiographical song about the murder
and suicide of Allison's mom and dad (at the dad's hand). A brave
finish.
O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? MUSIC FROM A FILM BY JOEL COEN & ETHAN COEN.
Mercury: If the upcoming Coen brothers' film is half as good as this
soundtrack album, it will be very good indeed. How can you go wrong
with Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski and Jerry Douglas of Union Station,
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Emmylou Harris, the Cox Family, Norman
Blake, John Hartford, Ralph Stanley, the Whites, et al.? This is
really a tribute to "old time" music and includes both new and old
recordings, including: "You are My Sunshine" (Norman Blake), "Down to
the River to Pray" (Alison Krauss and group of harmonizers you would not
believe), "Keep on the Sunny Side" (the Whites), "I'll Fly Away" (yes, a
duet with Gillian and Alison!), "Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby" (yes,
yes, a trio with Gillian and Alison and Emmylou!), and "Oh, Death"
(Ralph Stanley).
Niamh Parsons. IN MY PRIME. Green Linnet: a new Niamh Parsons in the
same year as a new Delores Keane is enough to make all fans of
traditional music rejoice.
Valerie Smith. TURTLE WINGS. Rebel Records: includes a charming
speeded-up version of Kimmie Rhodes' "Big Ol' Train." Besides her
incredibly adept Liberty Pike band members, there are--inevitably--Jerry
Douglas and Stuart Duncan. Also great playing on bazouki by Tim O'Brien
on a Valerie/Tim duet, "Oh Mandolin."
Rhonda Vincent. BACK HOME AGAIN. Rounder: It's not enough of a gift
to have a new Claire Lynch this year. We also have this great "return
to her Bluegrass roots" cd from Rhonda Vincent. Listen to the near
duets between Vincent's voice and Jerry Douglas' (here he is again!)
dobro on "When I Close My Eyes" and "You Don't Know How Lucky You Are."
Vincent's performance of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" is magical.
and already on the list for the "BEST OF 01:"
Oh Susanna. SLEEPY LITTLE SAILOR. Stella Records: a worthy follow-up
to JOHNSTOWN.
and the best musical moment on video of 00:
Patty Griffin and Julie Miller singing solo and together on the Austin
City Limits 25th anniversary songwriters' special.
-------------------------------------
From: "Bob McConnochie" rsm@ppp.com.hk>
Subject: NN: Re: Christmas songs
Date: Sat, 23 Dec 00 12:18:24 +0800
Every year since 1971 the hairs on my neck tingle when I hear John Lennon's
"Happy Christmas (War Is Over)". Driving a car, walking through a shopping
mall, some bar somewhere, always there comes that unexpected moment when
Lennon chimes in. This year was different. I was speaking to a friend in New
York who mentioned the gathering taking place for the twentieth anniversary
of his slaying. Stuck on the other side of the planet without even t.v.
coverage I was left with no choice but to break tradition and play Happy
Christmas as my token gesture. Next year, back to being caught by
surprise.....
Long may the hairs on your neck tingle as well, whoever does it for you.
Quick mention of my favourite Kirsty MacColl song, co-written with
(brother?) Hamish, "The Hardest Word" from 'Electric Landlady'....
"The true and the great and the scared and the small
Be kind to each other, be kind to them all
Forgive our indignity and we forgive yours
..Forever and ever and ever as one".
MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL - from Sunny Hong Kong!
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 00 06:09:59 -0800 (PST)
From: Todd Weakley scubaguynj@yahoo.com>
Subject: NN: Lucy Kaplanski/Cheryl Wheeler
This is my first posting to NanciNet but have been a
long time reader of the list and a long time fan of
Nanci's. I have had the great fortune of seeing Nanci
on many occasions on the East Coast, where I live, as
well as in Austin, Texas (my old hometown) and Dublin,
Ireland.
I had the opportunity to see Cheryl Wheeler and Lucy
Kaplanski together a few weeks ago now, and I take any
opportunity to see either of these amazing
singer/songwriters. Cheryl Wheeler is simply one of
the greatest singer/songwriters of our generation, and
if you have not experienced one of her live shows, you
are really missing something truely unique. And Lucy
Kaplanski writes and sings with such depth and beauty,
she is a rare talent. This show was put on by a local
folk music promotion group, Outta Sights and Sounds
out of Hightstown, NJ, thank goodness for people like
these, without them, folk music could not reach the
ears of the people it does.
During Lucy's set she said, 'I am such a huge fan of
Nanci Griffith's' and then she told a little Nanci
story before singing a version of I Wish It Would Rain
that she made very much her own. She said how honered
she was when Nanci called her and asked her to come to
Nashville to sing on the Other Voices Too sessions.
While they were singing, Nanci said to Lucy that Lucy
Kaplanski was not a very 'country' name and that for
these sessions Nanci would call her LucyBelle. Lucy
said that it had stuck with her husband and he still
calls her that now. I hope that the song will make it
on her new CD which she is due to record early next
year. The new songs from both Cheryl Wheeler and Lucy
Kaplanski sung that night were very moving and those,
along with the new Nanci Griffith release are three
things that I am really looking forward to in 01.
Todd
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 00 09:42:01 -0500 (EST)
From: Ed Maier evmaier@dhc.net> |
Subject: NN: My top eight (finally)
Reply-to: Ed Maier evmaier@dhc.net>
It's been a great year for music, huh? My choices ranked in order:
Emmylou Harris- Red Dirt Girl
Lee Ann Womack- I Hope You Dance
Cory Sipper- Eight Lessons Learned
Shelby Lynn- I Am Shelby Lynn
Steve Earl- Transcendental Blues
Steve Earl- (The CD with seven bonus tracks shipped with the above)
Judy Collins- Live At Wolf Trap
Allison Moorer- The Hardest Part
Biggest disappointment- O Brother Where Art Thou? There are only two
tracks on this album I like. The rest, frankly, leave me cold. Oh
well, one man's meat...
Strangest thing I did this year- Made a compilation CD alternating
tracks between Shania Twain and Britney Spears. The whole thing
sounds kinda seamless, and *that* is strange.
Happiest moment this year- Birth of my grandson.
Saddest moment this year- Didn't have one.
My most sincere thanks to all of you wonderful people out there. Be
careful over the holidays, and enjoy a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Life is sweet,
Ed Maier
Arlington, TX
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 00 04::54 -0800 (PST)
From: Scott Johnsen wsjohnsen@yahoo.com>
Subject: 00 Top Ten List
1) Emmylou Harris Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou at her best.
2) Keb Mo The Door
I am relatively new to Keb Mo even though he has been
performing for over 10 years. I also had an
opportunity to see him in concert at the Berkley
Performance Center in Boston. If you have the chance
to see Keb live, don't miss it.
3) Eliza Gilkyson Hard Times in Babylon
This is a new name to my collection. "Hard Times ..."
is one of those songs that I just can't get out of my
head. And in this case, that's a very good thing. I
will be going to see her perform January 4th. Can't
wait to hear her live.
4) Kasey Chambers The Captain
I actually bought this album when it was only
available in Australia so technically, I suppose it's
a 1999. But since it was released in the US in 00,
I have included it here. I can play the title song
over and over again as well as "Southern Kind of
Life". But there are many very good songs on this CD.
5) Sarah Harmer You Were Here
This is a very new name to me. I heard her on
"Mountain Stage" (I think) and I had to get her CD. I
have not been disappointed.
6) Kate Campbell Wandering Strange
Classic Kate. In my opinion, some of the most genuine
writing out there.
7) Dar Williams The Green World
Another excellent CD by Dar, but for me, not quite up
to her earlier work. But then again, it seems to be
growing on me more and more as time goes by. Never
the less, it is a very good CD.
8) Terri Hendrix Places In Between
Terri is new to me for 00. I don't know much about
her other than what is on this CD. The song "Eagles"
is one that I can play over and over again. I don't
seem to ever get tired of this one.
9) Deb Talan Something Burning
Very new to me. I bought this on the recommendation
of someone on the list. (Sorry, I don't remember who
it was.) Very pleased with this CD and performer. I
haven't given it a lot of listens so I don't know the
staying power of this CD, but as it stands now I like
it very much.
10) John Hiatt Crossing Muddy Waters
This is the first John Hiatt CD (or anything) that I
have purchased. I can't say how this compares to his
other work, but I like this CD very much.
Bonus:
11) Louise Taylor Written in Red
I have heard other selections from Loise but somehow I
had never been inspired to make the purchase. I'm not
sure why I purchased this one, but it is wonderful.
Her writing style and beautiful voice are complemented
quite nicely by a wonderful group of musicians on this
CD. I am very happy I got off the dime on this one.
From: "Zeoli, Stephen" ZEOLI@champlain.edu
Subject: NN: Top CDs of 00...
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 00 13:34:10 -0500
I've been on this list for several years, and this is the first year that I
have been unable to come up with a list of 10 top CDs of new music. I bought
several good CDs, but much of it was older music that I discovered or
rediscovered (such as Dusty Springfield -- give her a listen if you never
have). Anyway, here are my favorite CDs of new music from the past year, in
random order:
The Flying Neutrinos: "The Hotel Child"
This European band really knows how to swing. Lead singer Ingrid Lucia has
an amazing voice. Their songs are fun, playful and occasionally romantic.
Sue Foley: "Love Comin' Down"
Foley is a fine blues guitarist and has a voice somewhat reminiscent of
Lucinda Williams, though this is strictly a blues album.
Tish Hinojosa: "Sign of Truth"
Tish's voice is a miracle. I like some of her earlier albums better, but I
just love to hear Tish sing.
Cowboy Junkies: "Waltz Across America"
This CD is a document from the Junkies recent tour in support of their
"Miles From Home" CD. It catches them at their rocking best. It is only
available from their website I believe, but well worth getting if you're a
CJ fan: www.cowboyjunkies.com
Eva Cassidy: "Time After Time"
Eva made several recordings before her untimely death a few years ago. This
CD features Eva's great voice on some classic songs. Don't confuse this CD
for the other Eva Cassidy CD that came out this year, "No Boundaries," which
is compiled from some studywork she did, and which sounds like a bad Taylor
Dayne album.
Willie Nelson: "Milk Cow Blues"
This isn't a very inspiring CD, but it is entertaining and I had to have at
least one male vocalist on my list.
Steve Zeoli
Publications Director
Champlain College
802-865-6434
zeoli@champlain.edu
To: moonpie@egroups.com, nanci@world.std.com
From: Ed Maier evmaier@dhc.net> | Block address
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 00 09:54:47 -0600
Subject: Re: NN: Addendum (Was My top eight)
Ed Maier wrote:
>
> It's been a great year for music, huh? My choices ranked in order:
>
New #1: Dave Alvin- Public Domain
> Emmylou Harris- Red Dirt Girl
> Lee Ann Womack- I Hope You Dance
> Cory Sipper- Eight Lessons Learned
> Shelby Lynn- I Am Shelby Lynn
> Steve Earl- Transcendental Blues
> Steve Earl- (The CD with seven bonus tracks shipped with the above)
> Judy Collins- Live At Wolf Trap
> Allison Moorer- The Hardest Part
Public Domain was on my Christmas list, but never made it under the
tree. I ordered it from Bill Laverly Tuesday and got it Thursday.
This is one hellava fine album, possibly the best definition of folk
music I've ever come across. The backing is tight, precise, together,
and beautifully arranged. The selection of songs couldn't be better.
Shenandoah is intense. Makes the hair on the back of my neck stand
up. This was also the theme song of a western movie years ago, and
I think the movie title was Across The Wide Missouri.
East Virginia Blues is a real rockin' arrangement ala Bill Haley.
I cannot hold my feet still while its playing. It's definitely a
rock-and-roll arrangement, but it fits.
Texas Rangers is a dark ballad told by a seventeen year old ranger
about a nine hour battle between his company and indians somewhere
near the Rio Grande River south of San Antonio.
...
The likes of dead and wounded
I'd never seen before.
And when the day had ended
And the indians they had fled
We loaded up our rifles
And counted up our dead.
Now all the (?) were wounded
Our noble captain slain
And the sun was setting sadly
Across the bloody plain.
Sixteen of the bravest Rangers
That ever roamed the west
Were buried by their comrades
With arrows in their chest.
I'd never heard this song before, and it really caught me by surprise.
Dave Alvin sings the story in a way that makes you feel as if you were
there witnessing the actual battle.
Walk Right In, Dark Eyes, Maggie Campbell, Delia, Murder Of The Lawson
Family, and all the other tracks on the album are also great. This
whole album influenced me enough to write more than my usual 10-
line post. grin> If you don't own any of Dave's stuff, this is the
album to start with. I have another album of his, Blackjack David,
that would also be a good choice. But don't expect a Perry Como type
voice; be ready for a Townes Van Zant style story teller.
Thanks for listening,
Ed Maier
From: "bill s cox" bcox@insolwwb.net>
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 00 10:53:10 -0600
Subject: Re: [moonpie] Re: NN: Addendum (Was My top eight)
ED; I too have to revise my list (after actually receiving Allison Moorer"s
The Hardest Part: I have to move it up to a tie with #1)
AS for favorite concerts of 00
1. Turner South Taping at the Bluebird Cafe with Joe Ely, Lee Roy Parnell &
Tish Hinojosa
2.Bill Staimes and Kate Campbell at the Acoustic Sounds Cafe in in Little
Rock
3.Billy Lee Riley & Sonny Burgess at the downtown celebration in Newport,Ark
4.Bill Staimes at That Bookstore in Blytheville,Ark
5.Dave Baroni (Christian concert at Trinity Church in Jonesboro)
6.Billy Lee Riley & the Dempseys at the center for Southern Folk Culture in
Memphis
7.Harriett Shock,Lisa Nemzo, and Bruce Michael Miller ITR at the Bluebird
Cafe
From: "Julie" julieanne-101@home.com>
Subject: NN: PIMTV videos, Vols. 3-4
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 00 10:44:47 -0800
To everyone on the PAL branches, I hear there was a problem during copying
and part of the master tapes got copied over (and then fixed with substitute
footage). If you'd like a copy with everything on it (and I know that's what
you paid for!), drop me a line and I'll see what can be worked out.
(sorry for the personal messages on-list:)
John A. - I don't think I have a good email address for you anymore. Please
get in touch with me so we can wrap up the loose ends on your branch. I'd
like to get this over with in this century! :)
Bob I. - I'm sure I don't have your new email - please get in touch with Ed
G. - he needs tapes.
Happy new millennium one and all!
Julie
n.p. - Steve Earle, Transcendental Blues
Bob Dylan, Things Have Changed ... (are there two cooler guys on the
planet?)
From: "Justin Marquez" marquezjj@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 00 13:49:01 -0600
Subject: Re: [moonpie] Re: NN: Addendum (Was My top eight)
Bill,
You'll probably get another shot at hearing Bill Staines in Blythville - he
goes to the Kerrville Folk Festival each year near Memorial Day and almost
always does 2 concerts in Houston and in the one in Blytheville. I really
kinda wanted to make that one in Little Rock with both Kate & Bill. Two of
my favorite writer/singers in the same show... not often that happens!
My favorite concerts would have been (they are just numbered, not ranked,
after #1)
1) BlueMoonpie 2K at the Red Light Cafe in Hotlanta The entire weekend was
awesome... it was great getting to pick with and hear and visit with some of
the other folks in Moonpie, plus the Vince Bell and Kevin Montgomery sets...
and of course, Kate & Tricia and their wonderful 3 hr+ concert given for
the faithful. (THANKS AGAIN to Steve Robertson for setting this one up!)
2) Bill Staines in Houston at Anderson Fair (2 times in 00!)
3) Kate Campbell & Richard Shindell at Mucky Duck in Houston
(I got to share this event with a bunch of my dulcimer buddies, who were ALL
blown away by Kate's talent. Remember the first time you heard Kate....?)
4) SAMFest 2k Concerts in Houston
5) Lone Star Dulcimer Festival concerts in Glen Rose, TX
(Special note to those in striking distance to Glen Rose, TX - these
concerts are *FREE* and they are always good. It's on Mothers' Day weekend
every year.)
6) Gillette Brothers in Crockett, TX
7) Sunday Night Gospel Concert in Mountain View, AR
8) Winter Dulcimer Retreat in Huntsville, TX
9) Robin Greenstein & Ken Gaines in Houston, TX
10) Mardi Gras Dulcimer Festival in Covington, LA
From: MISTERCD@webtv.net (SID PORTER)
Date: Sun, 31 Dec 00 08:40:10 -0500 (EST)
Subject: NN: TOP TEN OF 00
1. Slaid Cleaves - Broke Down
2. Jimmie Dale Gilmore - On Endless Night
3. Emmylou Harris - Red Dirt Girl
4. God & The FBI - Janis Ian
5. Steely Dan - Two Against Nature
6. Neil Young - Silver & Gold
7. Mark Knophler - Sailing To Philadelphia
8. Richard Shindell - Somewhere Near Paterson
9. U2 - All That You Can Leave Behind
10.Don Henley - Inside Job
Bubbling Under: Eric Andersen - You Can't Relive The Past, Warren Zevon
- Life'll Kill Ya, Tracy Chapman - Telling Stories, Yes - The Ladder,
Kimmie Rhodes - Rich From The Journey, Steve Earle - Transcendental
Blues, Tish Hinojosa - Sign Of Truth, Dar Williams - Green World, David
Wilcox - What You Whispered, The Kennedys - Evolver, Kansas - Somewhere
To Elsewhere, Stacey Earle - Dance With Them That Brung Me, Paul Simon -
You're The One, Dion - Deja New, and Vonda Shepard etc. A Very Ally Christmas
Sid Porter
"My music is my life; Nanci is my music."
__________________________________________________
Questions about NanciNet? Send e-mail to bpage@scctel.com
Return to Archives or The Blue Moon Page