Drive By Truckers

New Releases:

Drive-By Truckers - Ugly Buildings, Whores & Politicians: Greatest Hits 1998-2009 CD - The first ever 'best of' collection from the acclaimed band led by Patterson Hood. Features songs from their eight albums including Southern Rock Opera, Decoration Day, The Dirty South, A Blessing & A Curse, and others. Compiled by Patterson Hood and featuring liner notes by Rolling Stone's David Fricke.

The Wood Brothers - Smoke Ring Halo CD - Brothers Chris and Oliver Wood s divergent musical paths crossed in 2004, when at a family gathering the brothers decided to play and record their own material. While sibling collaborations are not out of the ordinary, the fact that Chris and Oliver pursued separate projects for some 15 years before joining forces makes for an unusual story.

Oliver Wood (guitar, vocals) moved to Atlanta, honed his instrumental and vocal chops and formed one of the Southeast s most popular rock/blues bands, King Johnson. His younger brother Chris Wood (bass, vocals, harmonica) moved to New York City, immersed himself in the City s jazz/improve scene and formed the internationally acclaimed, genre busting trio Medeski Martin & Wood.

2011 will mark the release of THE WOOD BROTHERS THIRD FULL-LENGTH STUDIO ALBUM, SMOKE RING HALO, to be released by Zac Brown s Southern Ground Artists. It was produced by Jim Scott (Wilco, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chilli Peppers) and features backing vocals from Zac Brown and Clay Cook.

Coming Soon:

The New Mastersounds - Breaks from the Border CD - The New Mastersounds release their first ever US recorded album, "Breaks From The Border". "Breaks" marks a new era in the band's sonic landscape by topping their unique syncopated grooves with group vocal stylings. Their new sound has been band tested, fan approved. After a major US festival tour, instead of flying home to England, they diverted to Texas, where they recorded at Sonic Ranch. Sonic Ranch is a residential studio in the middle of a huge pecan orchard, which became the setting for the band s seventh studio album, "Breaks from the Border".

Moksha - Here to Go CD - Las Vegas rock outfit Moksha, who finds a common musical stance with bands like Phish, Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead, among others, release their second album. "Here to Go" was produced independently by Moksha Music Limited and four-time Grammy Award winner James 'Bonzai' Caruso, with Peter Apfelbaum doing the horn arrangements.

"Here to Go' is Moksha's first endeavor with new band member, Sam Lemos as lead vocal, adding another level to Moksha's mastery of instrumental jam music. It fuses all the musical genres that influence each of the band members, into a sound uniquely their own.

"Starswarm", "Here to Go" and "Bubbles" Take a rocket blast, straight into a deep space, psychedelic funk, rock utopia, back down to earth with melodic pop, and back again into hyperspace with a rip-roaring instrumental.

"Real Show", "Into Thin Air", and "Fruit of Tulum", stay closer to earth with Reggae, World Music, and Spanish Instrumentals, that keeps the energy moving and the horns and vocals shining. "Leg up" is a sweet melodic country inspired ballad. The cornerstone of the album

"The Measure of all things" is a beautiful and mercurial song that delves into the depths of the mythic realm and the heights of keyboard solo heaven.

The remaining songs switch between explosive funk with soaring vocals and classic horns, to good solid rock that pushes until it eventually comes apart at the seams

With their music circling the world, then to space and back, Moksha is "Here to Go"

Last Week:

Johnny Winter - Live at Rockpalast 1979 DVD - Johnny Winter live on Germany's famous Rockpalast TV show in 1979. Straight up blues like only Johnny can deliver, lean and mean. Johnny and the band also blaze through some killer covers like the Rolling Stones' "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Suzie Q."

Charlie Hunter - Solos: The Jazz Sessions DVD - Designed and recorded specifically for television, SOLOS offers viewers front row seats for an intimate and unique jazz experience. "Charlie Hunter is the undisputed master of the 8-string guitar. In this special set recorded in the historic Berkeley Church in Toronto, Canada, SOLOS has enough performance material to make it bear repeated viewing, and insightful interview material to provide perspective on what Hunter is trying to accomplish." John Kelman ALLABOUTJAZZ

Upcoming Events:

Aug 5-8 Sparks on the Ridge - Walkill NY

Aug 5-7 Camp Creek - Oxford, ME

Aug 12-14 Midwest Reggae Festival - Garretsville OH

Aug 18-20 Camp Barefoot - Bartow WV

Aug 26-28 Summerdance - Garretsville OH

Aug 26-28 NedFest - Nederland CO

Aug 27-29 Music on the Mountaintop - Boone NC

*Sept 1-4 The GETDOWN - Mebane NC

*Look for the Home Grown Music Booth at this event!

Video of the Week:

New Releases:

Johnny Winter - Live at Rockpalast 1979 DVD - Johnny Winter live on Germany's famous Rockpalast TV show in 1979. Straight up blues like only Johnny can deliver, lean and mean. Johnny and the band also blaze through some killer covers like the Rolling Stones' "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Suzie Q."

Charlie Hunter - Solos: The Jazz Sessions DVD - Designed and recorded specifically for television, SOLOS offers viewers front row seats for an intimate and unique jazz experience. "Charlie Hunter is the undisputed master of the 8-string guitar. In this special set recorded in the historic Berkeley Church in Toronto, Canada, SOLOS has enough performance material to make it bear repeated viewing, and insightful interview material to provide perspective on what Hunter is trying to accomplish." John Kelman ALLABOUTJAZZ

Coming Soon:

Drive-By Truckers - Ugly Buildings, Whores & Politicians: Greatest Hits 1998-2009 CD - The first ever 'best of' collection from the acclaimed band led by Patterson Hood. Features songs from their eight albums including Southern Rock Opera, Decoration Day, The Dirty South, A Blessing & A Curse, and others. Compiled by Patterson Hood and featuring liner notes by Rolling Stone's David Fricke.

The Wood Brothers - Smoke Ring Halo CD - Brothers Chris and Oliver Wood s divergent musical paths crossed in 2004, when at a family gathering the brothers decided to play and record their own material. While sibling collaborations are not out of the ordinary, the fact that Chris and Oliver pursued separate projects for some 15 years before joining forces makes for an unusual story.

Oliver Wood (guitar, vocals) moved to Atlanta, honed his instrumental and vocal chops and formed one of the Southeast s most popular rock/blues bands, King Johnson. His younger brother Chris Wood (bass, vocals, harmonica) moved to New York City, immersed himself in the City s jazz/improve scene and formed the internationally acclaimed, genre busting trio Medeski Martin & Wood.

2011 will mark the release of THE WOOD BROTHERS THIRD FULL-LENGTH STUDIO ALBUM, SMOKE RING HALO, to be released by Zac Brown s Southern Ground Artists. It was produced by Jim Scott (Wilco, Tom Petty, Red Hot Chilli Peppers) and features backing vocals from Zac Brown and Clay Cook.

Moksha - Here to Go CD - Las Vegas rock outfit Moksha, who finds a common musical stance with bands like Phish, Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead, among others, release their second album. "Here to Go" was produced independently by Moksha Music Limited and four-time Grammy Award winner James 'Bonzai' Caruso, with Peter Apfelbaum doing the horn arrangements.

"Here to Go' is Moksha's first endeavor with new band member, Sam Lemos as lead vocal, adding another level to Moksha's mastery of instrumental jam music. It fuses all the musical genres that influence each of the band members, into a sound uniquely their own.

"Starswarm", "Here to Go" and "Bubbles" Take a rocket blast, straight into a deep space, psychedelic funk, rock utopia, back down to earth with melodic pop, and back again into hyperspace with a rip-roaring instrumental.

"Real Show", "Into Thin Air", and "Fruit of Tulum", stay closer to earth with Reggae, World Music, and Spanish Instrumentals, that keeps the energy moving and the horns and vocals shining. "Leg up" is a sweet melodic country inspired ballad. The cornerstone of the album

"The Measure of all things" is a beautiful and mercurial song that delves into the depths of the mythic realm and the heights of keyboard solo heaven.

The remaining songs switch between explosive funk with soaring vocals and classic horns, to good solid rock that pushes until it eventually comes apart at the seams

With their music circling the world, then to space and back, Moksha is "Here to Go"

Last Week:

Rodrigo y Gabriela - Live in France CD - Rodrigo y Gabriela are riding high on the global success of their Hans Zimmer collaboration on Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides; which has recently just enjoyed the biggest global opening weekend in the history of the movies.

Summer's here and the time is right for Rod & Gab's first love: wowing crowds in the big fields across Europe & North America. To coincide with their tour dates, ATO Records is set to release Live In France, recorded at various venues around the Fifth Republic on the 11:11 world tour.

It's a very different live document to 2008's Live In Japan, which marked the end of Rod & Gab's seated performances. Their live shows are constantly evolving and the 11:11 tour mixed deft acoustic dexterity with an electrifying shred-fest of white hot duelling guitars. No chairs then, but plenty of FX pedal hopping and feet on the monitors rocking. The album captures this fusion framed by rapturous receptions from their fanatical legion of French followers.

Abstract Logix Live: The New Universe Music Festival 2010 (2 CDs) - On November 20 and 21, 2010, maverick record label Abstract Logix hosted a series of spectacular performances, featuring an array of artists who handily defy genre categorization in favor of unbridled expression. The first New Universe Festival was a die-hard music lover's dream, defined by artists who seamlessly mingle compositional ingenuity and improvisational grace and fervor. This coming September, Abstract Logix will also release a 2 DVD set, featuring a generous selection of festival performances and bonus material (additional performances, interviews, and more), filmed in high-definition throughout the event.

Among the featured musicians were pioneering guitarist John McLaughlin and his current band the 4th Dimension with special guest, world music legend tabla maestro Zakir Hussain; Widespread Panic guitar hero Jimmy Herring with his electric band; Return to Forever Drummer Lenny White; the all-star quartet Human Element (keyboardist Scott Kinsey, bassist Matt Garrison, percussionist Arto Tuncboyaciyan; fearless guitarist and improviser Wayne Krantz appearing with the amazing Anthony Jackson on bass; visionary Indian composer and drummer Ranjit Barot; and emerging guitar visionary Alex Machacek.

''I feel honored to participate,'' says festival headliner John McLaughlin, while on tour promoting his Grammy-nominated album To the One. ''My life has been dedicated to my instrument and music, and I continue to devote myself to music in order to be worthy of such a privilege. You will hear the kind of complicity that exists between us all this is a very special element, and frankly essential for making good music.''

Jimmy Herring very succinctly put it, ''This is real music played by real people, happening in real time. We're up there listening and reacting to one another, and people genuinely respond to the risks we take. This is human music in a mechanized age.'

John Butler Trio - Live at Red Rocks (2 CD/DVD) - On June 4, 2010, the internationally acclaimed John Butler Trio played the largest headlining concert of its career at the majestic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO, joined by Native American dancers and an electrified crowd. The concert instantly became a career benchmark and will receive a gorgeous 3-disc live DVD/CD box set release as 'The John Butler Trio: Live At Red Rocks' on ATO Records July 19.

The 3-disc box set package features two audio CDs with live versions of songs from Butler's three studio albums and one 140-minute full-length DVD that includes the entire, uninterrupted concert, behind the scenes footage and the official video for 'Revolution,' the epic opening track from Butler's 'April Rising' (2010.)

'Live at Red Rocks' highlights Butler's prodigious guitar skills, powerful songwriting and the transcendental live performance he delivers with Byron Luiters (bass) and Nicky Bomba (drums.) It showcases the innovative, rhythmically complex, diverse and playful sound that has garnered the JBT a devoted fan base worldwide.

Rev Payton's Big Damn Band - Payton on Patton CD - A lot of folks will tell you that Robert Johnson was the King of the Delta Blues. But for god's sake don't say it in front of Reverend Peyton.

The guitar-wielding leader of The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band has no problem praising Johnson and his incredible body of work. "But there's only one King of the Delta Blues, and his name was Charley Patton," Peyton said. "I'll go toe-to-toe with anyone who says different." This summer Peyton and his band will release a powerful tribute to their hero in the form of Peyton on Patton. The 13-track CD will exclusively feature songs written and recorded by Patton during his brief recording career, which came to an end upon his premature death in 1934. Peyton on Patton will be released July 19 by SideOneDummy Records.

During his lifetime and for nearly a quarter of a century afterward, Charley Patton was regarded almost universally as the preeminent Delta bluesman. He spent his formative years at Dockery Plantation near Ruleville, Mississippi, where he influenced future blues and gospel stars including the aforementioned Robert Johnson, as well as Son House, Willie Brown, Pops Staples, John Lee Hooker and Howlin' Wolf. His flamboyant performance style was widely emulated and his songs frequently covered. During a five-year period, Patton recorded nearly 60 songs for Paramount Records.

The new CD Peyton on Patton features a number of Patton's best-loved blues songs including "A Spoonful Blues," "Mississippi Boweavil Blues" and "Tom Rushen Blues," as well as Patton-penned spirituals like "Jesus Is A Dying Bed Maker," "Prayer of Death, Part 1" and "You're Gonna Need Someone (When You Come to Die)". The CD also includes three radically different versions of "Some of These Days I'll Be Gone" featuring varying instrumentation and recorded in different keys and arrangements.

Upcoming Events:

July 28-30 The Big Up 2011 - Ghent NY

*July 28-31 Floyd Fest - Floyd VA

Aug 5-8 Sparks on the Ridge - Walkill NY

Aug 12-14 Midwest Reggae Festival - Garretsville OH

Aug 26-28 Summerdance - Garretsville OH

Aug 26-28 NedFest - Nederland CO

Aug 27-29 Music on the Mountaintop - Boone NC

*Sept 1-4 The GETDOWN - Mebane NC

*Look for the Home Grown Music Booth at this event!

Video of the Week:

New Releases:

Stockholm Syndrome - Apollo CD

Stockholm Syndrome's second studio album, Apollo, is a potent brew of provocative songs and thrilling, genre-transcending musicianship. A collaboration of Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools and acclaimed songwriter Jerry Joseph backed by Dream Team - Eric McFadden, Danny Louis, and Wally Ingram- this project further confirms Stockholm Syndrome as an original band independent of its' members prior accomplishments.

Drive By Truckers - Go Go Boots CD - Go-Go Boots builds on their roots with the old Muscle Shoals country-and-soul sound. 'We recorded nearly 40 songs last year and into this year and fairly early on divided it into two separate albums' explains DBT co-founder Patterson Hood. 'The Big To-Do, releases first, was the more straightforward 'rock' album. Go-Go Boots is what I sometimes (semi-jokingly) refer to as our country, soul, and murder ballad album. Those elements definitely play into it, but it's a little more open ended than that.'

Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley continue to be the chief songwriters of the group, continuing a musical partnership that has lasted over twenty-three years. Bassist, Shonna Trucker, flexes her songwriting muscles once again by contributing two original songs to the album. Brad Morgan (drums), John Neff (guitar/pedal steel) and Jay Gonzalez (keyboards) round out the current Drive-By Truckers lineup.

Drive By Truckers - The Secret to a Happy Ending DVD - This is a film about the redemptive power of rock and roll; it's about the American South, where rock was born; it's about a band straddling the borders of rock, punk and country; it's about making art, making love and making a living; it's about the Drive-By Truckers. This film documents the band and their fans as they explore tales of human weakness and redemption. With unparalleled access, this documentary encompasses three critical years of touring and recording as the band struggles to overcome trauma and survives a near breakup, in a persistent search for a happy ending.

Coming Soon:

February 22:

Jeff Beck - Rock N Roll Party (honoring Les Paul) CD - Jeff Beck paid fitting tribute to Les Paul last summer, celebrating what would have been the pioneering guitarist's 95th birthday by playing his friend and mentor's music, along with classic tunes from the era, in the same Times Square nightclub that Les Paul played every Monday for 14 years, before his death in August 2009.

Sponsored by Gibson Guitar and billed as 'A Celebration of Les Paul,' Jeff Beck was joined by The Imelda May Band at the Iridium Jazz Club on June 9th, 2010. The two-time Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductee mesmerized the star-studded audience with a tour de force performance of classics that Paul recorded with Mary Ford, 'How High The Moon,' 'Vaya Con Dios' and 'Mockin' Bird Hill,' along with such rock and roll standards as 'Twenty Flight Rock' and 'Walking In The Sand.'

Following this release, Beck will take the 'Rock And Roll Party' on the road for a short U.S. tour. Beck will once again be backed by The Imelda May Band and its enchanting singer, Imelda May, who joined Beck on stage at the 2010 Grammy(r) Awards for a spot-on rendition of Paul's 'How High The Moon.'

PBS will give fans a first look at a unique edition of this performance with the premiere of 'Jeff Beck Honors Les Paul,' a concert special that captures the first night of 'The Celebration to Honor Les Paul,' which was recorded on June 9, 2010, what would have been Les Paul's 95th birthday. Special guest performers included Troy 'Trombone Shorty' Andrews, Gary U.S. Bonds and Brian Setzer, who traded riffs with Beck on Eddie Cochran's rockabilly classic 'Twenty Flight Rock.'

Last Week:

The Silo Effect - Treehouse CD - The Silo Effect: collective of musicians with a passion for uniting fresh sounds with infectious grooves. "Treehouse" is a magnetic look into the diverse musical abilities and soulful style that this electronic-jam quartet has uniquely defined, their own. This five track E.P embraces ideas of universality and higher consciousness- uplifting melodies coupled with colorful, sonic landscapes. Well-known for their captivating, energetic live performances, The Silo Effect thrives on their ability to leave their audience with an original mark of unified elation; "Treehouse" is no exception. 

JazzChronic - Groovathon CD - "Groovathon" offers 80 minutes of tight arrangements, intricate horns, and excellent compositions.

JazzChronic, a quintet from Athens, Georgia, utilizes keyboards, guitar, and saxophone to make a sonically appealing mix of tracks.This album is epic in scope, with pleasing twists and turns, while excellent horns, keys, and guitar add excellent body to these jams. The tracks present an intriguing mix of funk sensibilities and jazz fusion jams, and illustrate pleasing new directions for the band.

Upcoming Events:

Check out the growing list of fetivals already announced for 2011

Video of the Week:

Thanks for reading! Treat yourself to some good music this week.
Lee Crumpton

New Additions:

The Hue - Beyond Words CD - The Hue is aggressive progressive instrumental rock. Seamless, flowing compositions with furious musicianship and a sense of elation rarely found among progressive rock practitioners are the staple of The Hue's ever-expanding catalogue. The quartet brings the audience along for a barrage of rock's ferocity cut with jazz's meticulousness & sense of melody, all tied together with funk sensibilities that lead to unforgettable crests. The Hue is the sonic version of building a precisely symmetrical museum for Frank Zappa, King Crimson, Return to Forever, and Miles Davis during the Bitches Brew era with just a dab of Tortoise, immediately torching it to the ground and starting over again. The album, featuring keyboard virtuoso Eric Levy (Garaj Mahal), captures the intensity of the band's live shows, while showing their expanding compositional strengths and undeniable musical prowess. $14

Lubriphonic - Super Moncho CD -  Lubriphonic is comprised of some of the finest funk, blues & rock musicians in Chicago.  They have individually recorded and performed with Lenny Kravitz, Beyonce, Snoop Dog, The Ohio Players, Liquid Soul, Ramsey Lewis, Otis Rush, Koko Taylor and other respected artists. Lubriphonic is one of the most exciting bands to emerge from Chicago in ages, incorporating elements of funk, hard soul, and rock into a live show that leaves audiences breathless.  With a starring cast of six musicians (including a full horn section), Lubriphonic toured throughout the Midwest, East Coast, Rocky Mountains & West Coast in 2009 including two slots at The High Sierra Music Festival & two shows at The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. Super Moncho (2008) sold out its first pressing and now is available once again. Recorded live! $12

Coming Soon:

April 6 - John Butler Trio- April Uprising CD
Dr Dog - Shame Shame CD
Delta Moon - Hellbound Train CD
Kaki King - Junior CD/DVD
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings - I Learned the Hard Way CD/LP
Martin Sexton - Sugarcoating CD
Stanton Moore - Groove Alchemy CD/DVD

April 13 - Jeff Beck - Emotion & Commotion CD
Trampled By Turtles - Palomino CD

Last Week:

The Disco Biscuits - Planet Anthem CD - The Disco Biscuits are an entirely different band today than they were when they first broke out of Philadelphia in the mid-90s. The Disco Biscuits are still very much the pioneers of "trance-fusion," bridging the gap between electronic music and jam bands. After spending the past three years in the studio during breaks in touring they've resurfaced with 'Planet Anthem,' a CD that is undeniably unlike anything else they've ever created before. $15.98

The Drive By Truckers- The Big To-Do CD / LP - The album, which is the band's tenth in their thirteen-year career. The Big To-Do features thirteen new tracks from the Drive-By Truckers and was produced by their long time producer, David Barbe (Sugar, Bettye LaVette). 'It s very much a rock album,' says Patterson Hood of the Trucker s upcoming release. 'Very melodic and more rocking than anything we've done since disc 2 of Southern Rock Opera.'

Hood and Mike Cooley continue to be the chief songwriters of the group, continuing a musical partnership that has lasted over twentythree years. Bassist, Shonna Tucker, flexes her songwriting muscles once again by contributing two original songs to the album. Brad Morgan (drums), John Neff (guitar/pedal steel) and Jay Gonzalez (keyboards) round out the current Drive-By Truckers lineup.

The band recently backed legendary R&B musician, Booker T. Jones, on his critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated album, Potato Hole. The album is nominated for Best Pop Instrumental Album and Best Rock Instrumental Performance. CD $14.98 / 2LP $24.98

Upcoming Events:

March 26-27 - Ultra Music Festival - Miami, FL

April 2-3 - Keel Family Function - Lafayette, GA

April 8-10 - Sheddfest Music and Arts Festival - Sylvania, GA

April 15-17 - Wanee Music Festival - Live Oak, FL

April 16-18 - Coachella - Indio, CA

April 22-25 - Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival - Pittsboro, NC

April 23-25 - Some Kind of Jam 5 - Schuylkill Haven, PA

Video of the Week:

The Hue - "Don Johnson" live at the Double Door

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
Lee Crumpton

New Additions:

The Disco Biscuits - Planet Anthem CD - The Disco Biscuits are an entirely different band today than they were when they first broke out of Philadelphia in the mid-90s. The Disco Biscuits are still very much the pioneers of "trance-fusion," bridging the gap between electronic music and jam bands. After spending the past three years in the studio during breaks in touring they've resurfaced with 'Planet Anthem,' a CD that is undeniably unlike anything else they've ever created before. $15.98

The Drive By Truckers- The Big To-Do CD / LP - The album, which is the band's tenth in their thirteen-year career. The Big To-Do features thirteen new tracks from the Drive-By Truckers and was produced by their long time producer, David Barbe (Sugar, Bettye LaVette). 'It s very much a rock album,' says Patterson Hood of the Trucker s upcoming release. 'Very melodic and more rocking than anything we've done since disc 2 of Southern Rock Opera.'

Hood and Mike Cooley continue to be the chief songwriters of the group, continuing a musical partnership that has lasted over twentythree years. Bassist, Shonna Tucker, flexes her songwriting muscles once again by contributing two original songs to the album. Brad Morgan (drums), John Neff (guitar/pedal steel) and Jay Gonzalez (keyboards) round out the current Drive-By Truckers lineup.

The band recently backed legendary R&B musician, Booker T. Jones, on his critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated album, Potato Hole. The album is nominated for Best Pop Instrumental Album and Best Rock Instrumental Performance. CD $14.98 / 2LP $24.98

Coming Soon:

April 6 - John Butler Trio- April Uprising CD
Dr Dog - Shame Shame CD
Delta Moon - Hellbound Train CD
Kaki King - Junior CD/DVD
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings - I Learned the Hard Way CD/LP
Martin Sexton - Sugarcoating CD
Stanton Moore - Groove Alchemy CD/DVD

April 13 - Jeff Beck - Emotion & Commotion CD
Trampled By Turtles - Palomino CD

Last Week:

The Mantras - Dharland CD - The Mantras' music is an explosive combination of funk, fusion, & rock n roll. They have just released their third album titled "Dharland." The album consists of nine tracks (including fan favorites Magillicuddy and Five Roads) recorded by Harold Thompson at Blackwater Studios in Virginia between December '09 and Jan. 2010. The album was mixed and mastered by Chris Mitchell at Flying Eye Studios - Chris is renowned for his work with bands such as The Dead and Acoustic Syndicate in the past and we couldn't have asked for a better team on recording this album! It is available for purchase through our friends at Home Grown Music Network. $9.99

Upcoming Events:

March 26-27 - Ultra Music Festival - Miami, FL

April 2-3 - Keel Family Function - Lafayette, GA

April 8-10 - Sheddfest Music and Arts Festival - Sylvania, GA

April 15-17 - Wanee Music Festival - Live Oak, FL

April 16-18 - Coachella - Indio, CA

April 22-25 - Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival - Pittsboro, NC

April 23-25 - Some Kind of Jam 5 - Schuylkill Haven, PA

Video of the Week:

The Disco Biscuits - You & I - official video (song from Planet Anthem)

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
Lee Crumpton

New Additions:

Steez - Creepfunk Crusade CD - Churning out their self-described "Creepfunk," a high energy, danceable variety of funk - one uniquely laced with electronic and improvisational sensibilities - the Madison-based five-piece band Steez has garnered a loyal following throughout the Midwest, winning talent contests to perform at the 2008 and 2009 Summer Camp Festivals, the Rothbury Festival, and the 10,000 Lakes Festival. With their remarkable work ethic, splendid song writing, unmatched chemistry, and now a brilliant debut album, Steez is sure to make waves and take Creepfunk to the next level. $12

Yonder Mountain String Band - The Show CD - In between tours the band spent time this last year working on its fifth studio album. The Show is the second album with rock producer Tom Rothrock (Beck, Elliott Smith, Foo Fighters). While some might scratch their heads as to why a string band would want a rock producer, this decision was a natural choice for the band. "We don't have a lot of nostalgia for the past," says banjo player Dave Johnston. "You shouldn't try to recreate the 1940s. I like to think of us as informed by the past and all the great performers before us. But we also want to look forward rather than give people something that has already been perfected."

The Show has the similar acoustic instrumentation (Adam Aijala on guitar, Johnston on banjo, Jeff Austin on mandolin and Ben Kaufman on bass with all four singing) as many of its classic bluegrass forefathers. Though once again drums are present (as with the self-titled fourth album) with the great Pete Thomas of Elvis Costello's bands adding a rhythmic backdrop to Yonder's still-acoustic sound on six of the tracks. The record consists of thirteen songs all written by Yonder. $14.98

Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey - One Day in Brooklyn CD - Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based musical institution founded by pianist Brian Haas, celebrates their 15th anniversary in 2009. Having recently expanded their line up from a trio to a quartet by adding fellow Tulsans' Chris Combs on lap steel guitar and Matt Hayes on acoustic bass, JFJO prove to be perpetually evolving and pushing boundaries further with each passing year. In this process, they ve perhaps invented their own sub-genre--Red Dirt Jazz--by tapping into their Oklahoma birthright and drawing upon "The Tulsa Sound" of hometown heroes like JJ Cale, Leon Russell and Bob Wills. These roots grow into a jazz foundation built firmly around the inspiration of giants like Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk. The results are documented on the superb new EP One Day In Brooklyn, the first release from the reconfigured line-up. Recorded in Williamsburg, Brooklyn as first takes without any overdubs, the six-track collection captures the telepathic improvisations and visceral post jazz energy that has defined JFJO over the years. Highlights include a medley of Rahsaan Roland Kirk s A Laugh For Rory and Black & Crazy Blues and renditions of The Beatles Julia, Thelonious Monk s Four In One and Abdullah Ibrahim s Imam, as well as two new original pieces. $9.98

The Black Crowes - Before the Frost...Until the Freeze CD - Before the Frost..., and its corresponding free album ...Until The Freeze, were recorded over a series of five nights at Levon Helm Studios. Although both are studio albums, all the new material was performed and recorded in front of an intimate audience of the band s fans.

Chris Robinson conceived the innovative concept of Before the Frost...Until The Freeze:
I think we fulfilled a musical commitment to continue on the golden road of artistic independence. Approaching 20 years into our careers, we still are ambitious enough to push ourselves to create somethin g unique that we have never done before. $14.98

Drive By Truckers - The Fine Print CD - Drive-By Truckers (DBT) have been making music together for 13 years resulting in 7 critically acclaimed studio albums which could not contain all of the songs written by the band. DBT recently dug into the New West Records vaults and put finishing touches on a selection of songs that were never quite completed. The result of the collaboration is The Fine Print (A Collection Of Oddities and Rarities 2003-2008), a 12-track album of previously unreleased and rare songs. The Fine Print features songs written by band members past and present, including Patterson Hood, Mike Cooley and Jason Isbell. Seven of the twelve songs come from The Dirty South era, a highly creative time for DBT. The record also contains four covers including Rebels by Tom Petty, which the band recorded originally for the TV show King Of The Hill and Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan which provided Shonna Tucker with her first ever lead vocal performance on a DBT recording. $16.98

Mike Gordon - Live at the Fox Theatre, Boulder 8.29.08 (2 CDs) - Several songs from Mike's new album were featured that night, including Andelmans' Yard, Another Door, Sound, and Traveled Too Far as well as covers of Brian Eno's No One Receiving and Al Green's Rhymes, all stretched and explored without limit by the five-piece band (which includes longtime collaborator Scott Murawski on guitar, Vermonters Craig Myers on percussion and Tom Cleary on keyboards and Brooklyn drummer Todd Isler). $15

September 8 - Phish - Joy CD
Infected Mushroom - The Legend of Black Shawarma CD
Rodrigo y Gabriella - 11:11 CD

September 15 - Karl Denson's Tiny Universe - Brother's Keeper CD
Kyle Hollingsworth - Then There's Now CD
Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers - Levitate CD
The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker - Burn it Down CD

Last Week:

Keller Williams - ODD CD - "For my 14th release, I went with studio versions of road tested favorites. The only exception would be the the first track (environmental song) which has never before been played live. This collection of tunes was recorded and mixed by Jeff Covert at Wally Cleaver's Recording Studio in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He as well as Jay Starling, Claude Arthur and Doug Henderson make audio appearances, but this record is primarily a solo effort with me playing all the instruments (with the exception of a few drum loops). The art work was created by Richard Biffle. The idea came from the lyrics of my science fiction bluegrass song "elephorse", which is of course a cross between an elephant and a horse. But don't be confused. That's not the elephorse on the cover but the flying 2 headed dragon that befriends it. Please enjoy!" - Keller $15

The Ragbirds - Finally Almost Ready CD - The record features 12 tracks including many brand new Ragbirds songs. We had the honor of working with producer, fiddler and multi-instrumentalist, Tim Carbone (of Railroad Earth) and Phil Nicolo at Studio 4 in Philly who mixed and mastered the songs. Phil is a Grammy-Award-winning producer and engineer who has worked with an impressively long list of top performers. Here's what Phil had to say about the album: "I was pleasantly surprised to discover The Ragbirds new album to be a wonderful combination of clever songwriting and heartfelt performances. This will live in my CD player for a long while!"
Made from Eco-Friendly packaging, designed with a plastic tray made out of recycled plastic bottles, and printed with vegetable based inks. Each CD saves 6 plastic water bottles from being thrown in a landfill! $12

James Carter & John Medeski - Heaven on Earth CD - Saxophonist James Carter and organist John Medeski (of the pioneering jam-band, Medeski, Martin & Wood) lead a supergroup featuring Christian McBride (bass), Adam Rogers (guitar) and Joey Baron (drums). Together they carve out a groove that captures the buzz and vitality of jam-jazz at its most exhilerating. Recorded live at the Blue Note in New York, the group throws down the funk on Django Reinhardt's "Diminishing," Larry Young's "Heaven On Earth," Leo Parker's "Blue Leo," and the songbook standard, "Street Of Dreams." $16.98

Upcoming Events:

September 4-6 - The Get Down - Chapel Hill, NC

September 4-6 moe.down - Turin, NY

September 18-19 - Let it Roll - Ghent, NY

October 10-11 - 4th Annual Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival - Joshua Tree, CA

November 13-15 - *Bear Creek Music & Art Festival - Live Oak, FL

* Look for the HGMN booth at this event

Video of the Week:

Medeski Martin & Wood - Loyal Earth Festival - 4/19/2009 (entire set!)

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
Lee Crumpton

New Additions:

Drive By Truckers - Live in Austin, TX (CD&DVD)- This release features the entire performance on both CD and DVD. There is over an hour of music on each disc. This DBT performance on Austin City Limits was an instant classic. Recorded during their Brighter Than Creation s Dark tour, the band line-up featured is Patterson Hood, Mike Cooley, Shonna Tucker, John Neff, Brad Morgan and Jay Gonzalez. $18.98

Nathan Whitt - Anticipation CD - Bred out of the classic singer/songwriter mold, Nathan Whitt combines his unique original material with the live performance of a soulful band and his trademark, danceable backbeat. Born in California and raised in Ohio, Nathan surrounds himself with an all-star band that includes session players and established pop/rock and r&b musicians. Together, they create an innovative musical formula that is a cross between pop/rock artists such as John Mayer and Gavin DeGraw and funk/jam bands like Robert Randolph and Little Feat. $9.98

Soulive - Up Here CD - No matter how you listen to Up Here, it sounds like you're listening to vintage vinyl. One of the most difficult things about making a record with a great live band is capturing all that live energy while still making the record that's about songs. Up Here does as good a job as any record could in accomplishing this. "Straight up," says drummer Alan Evans, "this is the first Soulive album that I can say every tune on it is my favorite on the album." $12.98

Del McCoury - By Request CD - For 50 years, Del's music defined authenticity for hard core Bluegrass fans as well as a growing number of fans among those only vaguely familiar with the genre. And while By Request, provides an opportunity to look back on a unique legacy, it's also one that Del McCoury's rolling past with a wave and a grin and some of the best music he's ever made. By Request is a collection of what Del and his sons feel are the 14 most requested songs during Del's live shows (as most of you know, Del never had a set list, but plays audience requests). $12.98

Odd Meters - Uncommon Denominator CD - Odd Meters debut studio release featuring Jeff Sipe, Kofi Burbridge, Mike Seal and Stephen K. Wilson. This all instrumental release showcases the band's dynamic song-writing ability and unique odd time grooves. Styles vary from jazz to funk to world to latin. Typically performing as a duo, the Odd Meters use the studio with this release to bring in talented musicians that help fully demonstrate the potential of the music. This is the beginning of a whole new genre of music that allows the listener an opportunity to easily find the groove in all styles of odd time music. $12

Coming Soon:

July 14 - 10ft Ganga Plant - Bush Rock CD

July 21 - Assembly of Dust - Some Assembly Required CD

Rev Payton's Big Damn Band - The Whole Fam Damnily CD

August 4 - MMW - Radiolarians III CD

Last Week's Additions:

Black Crowes - Warpaint Live DVD - The Black Crowes are one of the all-time great live rock bands. Their shows are legendary and regularly sell out in record time wherever in the world they play. This new live DVD was filmed on March 20, 2008 at the Wiltern in Los Angeles during the tour in support of their critically acclaimed new studio album "Warpaint". The concert features live versions of the whole of the "Warpaint" album plus a mixture of previously unreleased cover versions and some of their own classics. $14.98

Jefferson Airplane - Flight Box (3 Live CDs) - 3CD set from the first Rock group from San Francisco's Psychedelic music scene to achieve national and commercial success. The legendary concerts featured in this set were recorded at famous venues in their hometown and capture the group at the peak of their powers. The first concert was recorded at Golden Gate Park on July 5th, 1969. The second concert was the group's last-ever performance which took place at the Winterland Arena on September 22nd, 1972. The songs featured were drawn mainly from the group's last two studio albums, Bark and Long John Silver. They also included a sprinkling of old favorites such as "Crown Of Creation" and "Somebody To Love", the rarely-performed "The Son Of Jesus" and several numbers from recent albums by Papa John Creach and the JA spin-off group Hot Tuna. $28.98

Mark Karan - Walk Through the Fire CD - Bob Weir & RatDog lead guitarist Mark Karan's first solo recording, Walk Through The Fire, is a testament to his successful bout with cancer in 2007. The record's distinct Americana feel is a nod to country blues ala Elvin Bishop with the clarity and truth of Ry Cooder's best work. Walk Through The Fire features some of Mark's amazing friends as The Persuasions, Billy Payne (Little Feat), The Rowan Brothers, and the first posthumous recorded release of rock legend Delaney Bramlett. $14.98

Dickey Betts & Great Southern - Rockpalast: 30 Years of Southern Rock (2 DVDs) - Dickey Betts and Great Southern were the third highlight at the Rockpalast Festival on March 4th/5th, 1978. On those evenings, they played for the first time in Europe in front of an enthusiastic audience at the Gruga-Halle in Essen/Germany and millions of viewers on television. Dickey Betts is not unknown to those who are familiar with American rock music. He was one of the original members of the Allman Brothers Band and formed his own band Great Southern in 1976. Nowadays, Dickey Betts and Great Southern are considered to be one of the most important and influental southern rock bands of all time. $24.97

Warren Haynes - Acoustic Slide and the Art of Electric Improvisation DVD - This is Warren's follow-up to his first extremely successful Hot Licks release, Electric Blues and Slide Guitar. In this DVD, Warren teaches the country blues of Son House and Robert Johnson, different slides for different sounds, open-tuning licks in G and E tunings, using vibrato to correct pitch, damping for a cleaner sound, Muddy Waters' standard tuning style, switching off between the slide and fingers, "call and response" improvisation and so much more. As an extra bonus, many of the examples are illustrated with Warren's band, Gov't Mule! Don't miss this opportunity for yet another blues guitar "tour de force" with the great Warren Haynes. $24.95

Upcoming Events:

July 9-12 *All Good - Masontown, WV

July 16-18 - Camp Bisco - Mariaville, NY

July 22-25 - 10,000 Lakes - Detroit Lakes, MN

July 23-26 - *FloydFest - Floyd, VA

July 23-26 - *Gathering of the Vibes - Bridgeport, CT

July 31-Aug 2 - Muddy River Jam - Morrisville, PA

August 13-15 - *Camp Barefoot - Gore, VA

August 12-15 - Mulberry Mountain Harvest Music Festival - Ozark, AR

* Look for the HGMN booth at this event

Video of the Week:

Thanks for reading, go see some live music and have a great week! I'll see some of you at All Good!
- Lee Crumpton

Jazz Fest Live 2008 CDs are here! We have the official live recordings of the following artists from Jazz Fest 2008 in stock now:

Galactic
Bonerama
Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk
Porter Batiste Stoltz (PBS)
Leo Nocentelli's Rare Funk Gathering feat. Bernie Worrell
Anders Osborne
The Radiators
Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews


New Additions:


Roots of Creation - Live Vol. 1 CD - The sound captured on Roots of Creation's Live Vol. 1 is the result of years of absorbing diverse influences into their bedrock of "jam-meets-reggae." Featuring a spirited cover of Elvis Costello's "Watching the Detectives" along with incendiary versions of fan favorites like "Rise Up"and "Proggae," plus previously unreleased gems like the steamy album-opener "Oh Lord," there's no better representation of ROC's bigger, badder sound than the fast-paced experience of Live Vol. 1. From addictive reggae pop songs to consciously charged roots rhythms and berserk electronic improvisations, the grace and precision with which ROC execute their bass-heavy works is overwhelming. $13.99

Zach Deputy - Out of the Water CD - This album represents one of the many musical facets of Zach Deputy. Out Of The Water features a full compliment of some of the South's top musicians, including Mose Davis on Hammond B-3 organ, bassist Sam Sims and drummer Sonny Emory. Moving seamlessly from sultry R&B to soulful funk to love ballads, Out Of The Water offers 12 tracks that capture Zach Deputy's diverse musical and cultural influences. Deputy's family tree has Puerto Rican and Cruzan roots. Thus, the tropical sounds of Calypso and dancehall rhythms coexist happily with hip hop and rock beats, all forming a foundation for the dexterous guitar work and multiple octave vocal stylings of this talented young artist. $12.00

Seth Yacovone - Land of Split Decision (2 CDs) - Seth's first "solo" album is also his first new release in 5 years! The band includes Seth on guitars along with Ray Paczkowski on keys, Robinson Morse on bass, and Steve Hadeka on drums. The album features special guests like Gordon Stone, Andy Moroz, Joe Moore, and others. We're so glad to hear Seth's unique voice and fantastic guitar playing again! $15.00

Warren Haynes Presents The Benefit Concert Vol. 8 DVD - Recorded live at Warren Haynes' 18th Annual Christmas Jam at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in Asheville, NC on December 16, 2006, this DVD features performances from Gov't Mule, Branford Marsalis, Dave Matthews, Taj Mahal, New Orleans Social Club, John Popper, DJ Logic, Marty Stuart, and many more. As always, proceeds from these releases benefit Habitat for Humanity. $18.98

G. Love and Special Sauce - Superhero Brother CD & LP - Comes with a bonus EP called "Won'tcha Come Home" featuring 4 acoustic tracks! Superhero Brother combines both political and party songs. The album is a reflection of the band's eclectic recipe for its Special Sauce, from tasty, post-hip-hop Beatles-influenced blues-rock ("Communication"), spicy tropical island rhythms over a "Tighten Up" groove ("City Livin'") and well-seasoned funk-rock crossed with Cream's "I Feel Free" ("What We Need") to sweet, blue-eyed Philly soul ("Crumble"), a red-hot Stones-y vibe ("Peace Love and Happiness") and homemade rappin' blues layered on top of a John Lee Hooker Delta stomp ("Superhero Brother"). CD $16.99; LP $15.99

Rose Hill Drive - Moon is the New Earth CD & LP - Rose Hill Drive grew up blasting Van Halen and The Who, but they would never have imagined that the band would open up for both groups before ever releasing an album. Moon is the New Earth is a giant step forward and an album that exemplifies what it is to be a "live-driven" band. "These songs are mementos of our memories experiencing life as musical gypsies, and were born on the road in sweat and blood and the search for a deeper love while constantly moving. They give me that one-of-a-kind feeling of keeping it together," says says singer Jake Sproul. CD $13.98; LP $14.98

Scrapomatic - Sidewalk Caesars CD - Spotlighting Derek Trucks Band lead singer Mike Mattison and award winning songwriter Paul Olsen, Scrapomatic's latest album combines the creative elements that have made them a popular act at clubs, festivals, and universities nationwide. Sidewalk Caesars furthers the band's distinctive forays into a stunning mixture of blues, soul, and related roots-oriented genres. Anchored by the tight-knit rhythm section of Ted Pecchio and Tyler Greenwell, veterans of Susan Tedeschi and Col. Bruce Hampton's bands, and dynamic guitarist Dave Yoke, the album boasts guest sit-ins from Derek Trucks and percussionist Count M'Butu. $16.98



Drive-By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark 2-LP set on 180-gram vinyl - The latest Truckers album on a 2-LP set of audiophile-quality 180 gram vinyl. $23.95

Coming Soon:

July 8 - Donna the Buffalo - Silverlined CD (pre-order)
Sim Redmond Band - Room in These Skies CD (pre-order)
The Radiators - Wild & Free (2 CDs)
Sound Tribe Sector Nine - Peaceblaster CD

July 22 - Dr. Dog - Fate CD/LP
My Morning Jacket - It Still Moves 2-LP Set
The Avett Brothers - The Second Gleam (CD and LP)
Tea Leaf Green - Raise Up the Tent CD
Ozric Tentacles - Jurassic Shift CD & DVD
Medeski Martin and Wood - Zaebos: The Book of Angels Vol. 11 CD
Slightly Stoopid - Slightly Not Stoned Enough To Eat Breakfast Yet Stoopid CD

August 5 - Mike Gordon - The Green Sparrow CD
Phish - Walnut Creek (2 DVDs)

August 12 - The Duhks - Fast Paced World CD

August 19 - Xavier Rudd - Dark Shades of Blue CD

September 9 - Michael Franti & Spearhead - All Rebel Rockers CD
Ray Lamontagne - Gossip in the Grain CD


Last Week's Additions:

Charlie Wheeler Band - Highway Run CD
Stanley Maxwell - Don't Wake the Baby! CD
The Heavy - Great Vengeance and Furious Fire CD
The Herbaliser - Same As It Never Was CD

News and Reviews:

10th Annual NedFest Sets Lineup
MLB Donates to Rock the Earth
Robert Walter - Cure All CD Review
Umphrey's Live CompendiUM

Upcoming Festivals:

Vortex Music Festival - 6/27 - 6/28 - Asheville, NC - http://www.myspace.com/vortexmusicfestival
JamBaLoosa - 6/27 - 6/29 - Pittsburgh, PA - http://www.jambaloosa.com
Lazy River Music/Arts Fest - 6/27 - 6/29 - South Elgin, IL - http://www.lazyrivermusic.com
4th of July Rhythmfest - 7/3 - 7/6 - Garrettsville, OH - http://www.nlqp.com
Rothbury Music Festival - 7/3 - 7/6 - Rothbury, MI - http://www.rothburyfestival.com
High Sierra Music Festival - 7/3 - 7/6 - Quincy, CA - http://www.highsierramusic.com
*All Good Music Festival - 7/11 - 7/13 - Masontown, WV - http://www.allgoodfestival.com
Laisy Daisy Fest - 7/12 - 7/13 - Garrettsville, OH - http://www.nlqp.com
Camp Bisco Seven - 7/17 - 7/20 - Mariaville, NY - http://www.campbisco.net
Northwest String Summit - 7/18 - 7/20 - North Plains, OR - http://www.stringsummit.com
Tabfest - 7/18 - 7/20 - Mendon, OH - http://www.tabfest.com
Mile High Music Fest - 7/19 - 7/20 - Commerce City, CO - http://www.milehighmusicfestival.com
10,000 Lakes Fest - 7/23 - 7/26 - Detroit Lakes, MN - http://www.10klf.com
*Floydfest - 7/24 - 7/27 - Floyd, VA - http://www.floydfest.com

*look for the HGMN Booth at this event!

Video of the Week:

Roots of Creation - "Rise Up"

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
Bryan Rodgers