I´m attending a show with an artist whose songs has been covered and sung by both Nina Simone and Waylon Jennings, by Emmylou Harris and Jimi Hendrix, by Dusty Springfield and Shaggy, by Hollies and Janis Joplin. And by Paal Flaata, the melancholy baby sharing the stage with Chip Taylor this warm night in Oslo. … Continue reading “The Real Thing!” Chip Taylor & Paal Flaata, Oslo, 24.05.18. Bonus Track: “How I Met My Friend Chip Taylor.”
Introduction of Artists
An Angel Band, – The Cox Family
I really don´t understand it, how much I try - how come "The Cox Family" isn´t a household name for all in love with Americana music? I just don´t understand it. Still - I know lots of people know and love Alison Krauss, as they should, and she is the best friend and the greatest … Continue reading An Angel Band, – The Cox Family
Don´t The Singing Brakeman Look Good? – A Blazing Star – Jimmie Rodgers.
"Jimmie Rodgers of course is one of the guiding lights of the Twentieth Century whose way with song has always been an inspiration to those of us who have followed the path. A blazing star whose sound was and remains the raw essence of individuality in a sea of conformity, par excellence with no equal." … Continue reading Don´t The Singing Brakeman Look Good? – A Blazing Star – Jimmie Rodgers.
Making the internal world work better. The Songs & Voice of Iris DeMent.
"I think she is one of the greatest singers I have ever heard in my life. I heard her on my tribute, went out and bought what was available, which was two albums. Found out she’s a new artist and she can’t get played because she’s too goddamned good. She’s got too much to say, … Continue reading Making the internal world work better. The Songs & Voice of Iris DeMent.
From Brown to Blue – The Voice of Greg Brown.
"A Midwestern existentialist hobo with a quick-draw mouth, a bloodied heart, and bourbon on his breath." Those were the words of music critic Josh Kuhn, describing the great singer/songwriter Greg Brown. A cool portrait of a cool artist, but it lacks, in my humble opinion, the most important and unique weapon of Brown, a warm, … Continue reading From Brown to Blue – The Voice of Greg Brown.
“Water from a deeper well.” About David Olney.
"Anytime anyone asks me who my favorite music writers are, I say Mozart, Lightnin' Hopkins, Bob Dylan, and Dave Olney. Dave Olney is one of the best songwriters I've ever heard — and that's true. I mean that from my heart." (Townes Van Zandt) We should listen to Townes Van Zandt. David Olney is one … Continue reading “Water from a deeper well.” About David Olney.
Defying Gravity. About Jesse Winchester.
“Have you talked to Jesse Winchester? You can’t talk about the best songwriters and not include him.” (Bob Dylan) There´s a lot of room under the radar. That´s mostly okay, but some artists definitively should be embraced by it. Like Jesse Winchester. Like Bill Flanagan said about him: “I don’t know anyone who dislikes Jesse Winchester’s … Continue reading Defying Gravity. About Jesse Winchester.
Forever Young. The Voice of Steve Young.
According to Waylon Jennings, Steve Young was the second best country singer in the world, second only to George Jones. Waylon should know, he also one of the best. The only difference is that Steve Young might be one of the most overlooked singer/songwriters and country singers that we ever knew. In fact, one of … Continue reading Forever Young. The Voice of Steve Young.
The Wolf Will Survive. About Kate Wolf.
"When the morning breaks and the sunlight warms my soul In the east the eagle flies and the Redtail proudly soars I'm on my way to the place of the spirit one grandfather hear me now I am on fire. Let the sundance guide my feet to your desire Give me visions for my eyes … Continue reading The Wolf Will Survive. About Kate Wolf.
An American Troubadour – Mickey Newbury.
It is not always easy to understand why some artists never seem to escape the spotlight, while others never seem to get the attention they really deserve. Of course, we often disagree of the criteria that should be used measuring the contribution of an artist, but in the case of Mickey Newbury he was early … Continue reading An American Troubadour – Mickey Newbury.
Johnny B. 