The Wood Brothers

New Releases:

Missing Cats - Larry Brown Amen CD - On Missing Cats' confident first album, 'Larry Brown Amen,' John 'Jojo' Hermann and Sherman Ewing flex their songwriting muscles and deliver a dramatic Alt/Blues/Rock collection of original songs. This is a rich CD, conceived by a pair of road warriors & friends who share a decades-long collaborative relationship.

Hermann describes the album as 'New York City meets Mississippi meets Athens, GA meets Nashville', and he's right. An array of artists dropped by the studio to lend their support to various tracks. Visitors included North Mississippi All Stars' Luther and Cody Dickenson, R.E.M.'s Mike Mills, Sam Bush, Jon Randall Stewart, Anthony Krizan, Jesse Alexander and more. The renowned musicians joined in as Hermann and Ewing record their album live in Nashville over a four-day period with Grammy nominated producer Jon Randall Stewart (Emmy Lou Harris, Sam Bush, and Lyle Lovett,) capturing the energy and electricity that the songs deserved.

Coming Soon:

The Avett Brothers - The Carpenter CD - The Avetts are back, produced again by Rick Rubin, with the much-anticipated follow-up to I and Love and You. The twelve songs on The Carpenter continue the band's exploration of the human condition. They will pull at your heart and make you stop and think. One moment filled with sunshine and happiness, the next sorrow and regret, they are always beautiful, always honest. Poetry from the soul. Fresh off the road and speaking from their hometown of Concord, North Carolina, Scott and Seth Avett agreed The Carpenter feels different to them, deeper, more meaningful, more starkly reflective of their own hopes and fears, than past efforts. They are wiser now, and more clear-eyed about the fragility and finiteness of life. The writing for The Carpenter reflects the brothers' journey toward growing older and the unavoidable realities that await.

"For me, in the process between I and Love and You and this album, there have really been three years of me trying to refine a series of steps of letting go of certain things I've held on to," Scott says. "This album feels much more like a whole of refined parts that work together -- sort of like a well-oiled motor -- than records in the past did. I feel it is much more a cohesive work."

Marco Benevento - TigerFace CD - Over three previous studio albums, pianist/sound-sculptor/songwriter Marco Benevento has set forth a vision for instrumental music that connects the dots between Explosions In The Sky and Tortoise on one side, Brian Eno and Brad Mehldau on the other.

On his fourth studio recording, 'Tigerface', the 34-year old artist takes the next step forward in this evolution. Benevento paints his songs in a myriad of sonic colors, shimmering in acoustic piano, synths and analog keyboards. The tunes themselves conceptualized from seemingly every wisp of melody, hook and cadence that's ever tickled his ear.

The album was recorded and mixed by Tom Biller (Silversun Pickups, Fiona Apple) and Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Akron/Family), while Benevento invited a stellar cast of musicians to help capture his ideas, including drummers Matt Chamberlain (Bill Frisell, Pearl Jam), John McEntire (Tortoise, The Sea & The Cake) and Andrew Barr (The Barr Brothers), bassists Dave Dreiwitz (Ween), Reed Mathis (Tea Leaf Green) and Mike Gordon (Phish), violinist Ali Helnwein (Traction Avenue Chamber Orchestra) and saxophonist Stuart Bogie (Antibalas, Superhuman Happiness).

For the first time on record he uses vocals, inviting Kalmia Traver (Rubblebucket) to sing on the infectious dance rock rave-up 'Limbs Of A Pine' and the pastoral psych rock meditation 'This Is How It Goes'. Other standouts include the angelic Arcade Fire meets The Flaming Lips anthem 'Eagle Rock', the soaring garage psychedelia of 'Going West', the piano riff rock jaunt 'Escape Horse', and the happily lilting 'Fireworks', which bounces along like a long lost Italian folk song beamed down to him by ancestors from his father's homeland. As anybody who's seen Benevento perform live can attest, the pianist eyes closed, smile wide across his face, fingers free-flowing across the keys is a satellite to the muse. 'Tigerface', indeed, is the commitment to this idea; a record that rides the yes wave and in the process becomes a soundtrack for fellow travelers chasing the horizon ahead.

Last Week:

Ten Toes Up - Live Vol 2: From the Beaver Bar 12/31/11 CD - The second release in their "Live" series, Vol. 2 was recorded on New Year's Eve 2011 in front of an energetic hometown crowd. The set contains a mix of TTU show staple, and previously unrecorded material. Mixed by Nashville producer/engineer Mark Meeker, the disc captures the band in their element, and gives the listener the feeling of a night out with Ten Toes Up!

Ten Toes Up - Beverage koozie

Easy Star All-Stars - Thrillah CD -Easy Stars All-Stars pioneers of covering entire albums, something that has since caught on in many genres return with their 4th reggae tribute, this time tackling the Greatest Selling Album of All Time, 'Michael Jackson's Thriller'! The CD has two bonus dubs and vocals from Steel Pulse, The Green, Luciano, Michael Rose (Black Uhuru), Mojo Morgan (Morgan Heritage), Cas Haley, Spragga Benz and more.

The Wood Brothers - Live Vol 2: Nail & Tooth CD - Volume 2 features the track Atlas from Oliver's days with Atlanta band King Johnson, Sister Rosetta Tharp's song 'Up Above My Head', and crowd favorite 'Shoofly Pie'.

Following the release of 'Sky High', The Wood Brothers have received much attention & praise including a performance for Daytrotter Sessions, partnership with American Songwriter, and in-studio performances at numerous NPR stations.

In addition to the two live releases, this popular touring act is in the middle of their biggest year ever. With 100 dates scheduled, sell-outs in multiple cities and festival stops at DeLuna Fest and both Southern Ground Music & Food Festivals, The Wood Brothers continue to gain devoted fans at a rapid pace.

Upcoming Events:

Sept 6-9 - Culturefest - Pipestem, WV

Sept 7-9 - Catskill Chill - Hancock, NY

Sept 7-8 - r.evolution - Carolina Beach, NC

*Sept 14-16 - Jomeokee Music & Arts Festival - Pinnacle, NC

Sept 14-16 - Bristol Rhythm & Roots - Bristol, VA

Sept 14-16 - Wormtown Music Festival - Greenfield, MA

Sept 22-23 - French Broad Fall Fest - Hot Springs, NC

*Look for the HGMN Booth at these events

Video of the Week:

The Deluge - "So White and So Funky" - This song got stuck in my head after hearing them play it last weekend.

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

New Releases:

Ten Toes Up - Live Vol 2: From the Beaver Bar 12/31/11 CD - The second release in their "Live" series, Vol. 2 was recorded on New Year's Eve 2011 in front of an energetic hometown crowd. The set contains a mix of TTU show staple, and previously unrecorded material. Mixed by Nashville producer/engineer Mark Meeker, the disc captures the band in their element, and gives the listener the feeling of a night out with Ten Toes Up!

Ten Toes Up - Beverage koozie

Easy Star All-Stars - Thrillah CD -Easy Stars All-Stars pioneers of covering entire albums, something that has since caught on in many genres return with their 4th reggae tribute, this time tackling the Greatest Selling Album of All Time, 'Michael Jackson's Thriller'! The CD has two bonus dubs and vocals from Steel Pulse, The Green, Luciano, Michael Rose (Black Uhuru), Mojo Morgan (Morgan Heritage), Cas Haley, Spragga Benz and more.

The Wood Brothers - Live Vol 2: Nail & Tooth CD - Volume 2 features the track Atlas from Oliver's days with Atlanta band King Johnson, Sister Rosetta Tharp's song 'Up Above My Head', and crowd favorite 'Shoofly Pie'.

Following the release of 'Sky High', The Wood Brothers have received much attention & praise including a performance for Daytrotter Sessions, partnership with American Songwriter, and in-studio performances at numerous NPR stations.

In addition to the two live releases, this popular touring act is in the middle of their biggest year ever. With 100 dates scheduled, sell-outs in multiple cities and festival stops at DeLuna Fest and both Southern Ground Music & Food Festivals, The Wood Brothers continue to gain devoted fans at a rapid pace.

Coming Soon:

Missing Cats - Larry Brown Amen CD - On Missing Cats' confident first album, 'Larry Brown Amen,' John 'Jojo' Hermann and Sherman Ewing flex their songwriting muscles and deliver a dramatic Alt/Blues/Rock collection of original songs. This is a rich CD, conceived by a pair of road warriors & friends who share a decades-long collaborative relationship.

Hermann describes the album as 'New York City meets Mississippi meets Athens, GA meets Nashville', and he's right. An array of artists dropped by the studio to lend their support to various tracks. Visitors included North Mississippi All Stars' Luther and Cody Dickenson, R.E.M.'s Mike Mills, Sam Bush, Jon Randall Stewart, Anthony Krizan, Jesse Alexander and more. The renowned musicians joined in as Hermann and Ewing record their album live in Nashville over a four-day period with Grammy nominated producer Jon Randall Stewart (Emmy Lou Harris, Sam Bush, and Lyle Lovett,) capturing the energy and electricity that the songs deserved.

Last Week:

Jimmy Herring - Subject to Change Without Notice CD - Subject To Change Without Notice is the second solo album from American guitar hero Jimmy Herring which features mostly all original tunes as well as highlights such as amazing covers of the Mahavishnu Orchestra's Hope, George Harrison's Within You Without You and Jimmy McGriff's Miss Poopie. Joining Jimmy on lead guitar are such top notch musicians as Neal Fountain and Etienne Mbappe on the bass, Jeff Sipe and Tyler Greenwell on drums, Matt Slocum on piano and keyboards. Making special guest appearances on the album are Bela Fleck on banjo, Bill Evans on saxophones, and Nicky Sanders on the violin and Carter Herring on the cello.

Les Racquet - Be Water My Friend CD - Inspired by an interview with Kung Fu legend Bruce Li, the release Be Water My Friend indulges the listener at every turn with anecdote and metaphor, about the philosophy behind `being water" and the gentle reminder that life is beautiful. The CD was recorded at Drift Design Studios in Boston, MA in the winter of 2011, as the band was coming through during the first leg of their tour. Booked for only a weekend the trio made the most of their time, recording their favorite songs and a subsequent promotional video which were both released in early 2012. This recording is the first time that all three voices are a prominent melody. Also, the recording is a representation of a time when the band was learning how to live together on the road, how to share responsibility and maximize the efficiency it takes to be both musicians and promoters. The trio shows ultimate trust in one another as they spin intricate harmonies and solos amidst beautiful melodies and deep groves.

The Deluge - Elephant Graveyard CD - Elephant Graveyard is a freewheeling yarn with wildly expressive musical accompaniment. The second release from the Deluge is a departure from their first in so much as ascetic, but the spirit of storytelling is very evident on Graveyard. The record begins with the Otis Redding inspired Honest Man and moves seamlessly into the murder ballad Rosy. Each track differs vastly from the last and the inclusion of the Tom Scott cover, So White, is cleverly translated by the band's new rhythm section in the dynamic duo of Jeremy Merritt (drums) and George Westberry (bass). New guitarist, Daniel Serrif, displays his mastery of motivic development in his work on Let's Make Medicine, which begins with cerebral legato bends before it transforms into a downright raunchy rock and roll guitar solo. Chris Lord offers his melodic voicing throughout the entire record and is on full display on the track, Her Pride. Brandon Knox's voice also displays fluidity from liltingly sweet to shouting and screaming. The addition of Kofi Burbridge (ARU, Tedeschi Trucks Band) adds another eccentric voice to an already elaborate tapestry. All told, Elephant Graveyard is a diverse record that will keep the listener's head on a swivel.

Also available: The Deluge - Cryin' on the Vine CD

Mac & Juice - Step Into the Light CD - Mac & Juice's self-released album, Step into the Light, is not just a collection of songs but rather a personal stamp on their original music that has developed organically over the years. Because of the many genres of music coming to life on this album, it is challenging to put them into any one category. While crafting songs is serious business for Mac & Juice, what follows are bright, tight, beautifully rocking stories that come to life through moonlit vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and their two guitars which seem to channel the stories as well. Among the eleven songs, "Willie Nelson Song" and "One Hundred Dollars" plug songwriting influences such as Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard, while "Johnny Gene" and "I'm Going Home" give a nod to authentic bluegrass. "Phoenix" and "She Don't Wanna Be" are straight driving rock songs with moving hooks. "Today," "Remembered as the Best" and "Countryside" will make you want to drive with the top down. "The Most Beautiful Thing" unveils jazz notes that are reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, but with their signature virtuoso brand. "Piece of Mind" ebbs and flows over a groove laden low end that spills into a lick-heavy guitar solo where Mac & Juice unleash their tandem jams.

Upcoming Events:

Aug 31- Sept 2 - Front Porch Festival - Stuart, VA

Aug 31 - Sept 1 - Guardian Angel Jam - Mebane, NC

Aug 31 - Sept 2 - Floyd Yoga Jam - Floyd, VA

Aug 31 - Sept 2 - Dark Star Jubilee - Thornville, OH

Aug 31 - Sept 2 - Green Mountain Eco Fest - Eldridge, MO

Aug 31 - Sept 2 - Upstate Boogie 3 - Lyons, NY

Sept 6-9 - Culturefest - Pipestem, WV

Sept 7-9 - Catskill Chill - Hancock, NY

Sept 7-8 - r.evolution - Carolina Beach, NC

*Sept 14-16 - Jomeokee Music & Arts Festival - Pinnacle, NC

Sept 14-16 - Bristol Rhythm & Roots - Bristol, VA

Sept 14-16 - Wormtown Music Festival - Greenfield, MA

Sept 22-23 - French Broad Fall Fest - Hot Springs, NC

*Look for the HGMN Booth at these events

Video of the Week:

Easy Star All Stars - Billie Jean (from Thrillah)

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

New Releases:

Jimmy Herring - Subject to Change Without Notice CD - Subject To Change Without Notice is the second solo album from American guitar hero Jimmy Herring which features mostly all original tunes as well as highlights such as amazing covers of the Mahavishnu Orchestra's Hope, George Harrison's Within You Without You and Jimmy McGriff's Miss Poopie. Joining Jimmy on lead guitar are such top notch musicians as Neal Fountain and Etienne Mbappe on the bass, Jeff Sipe and Tyler Greenwell on drums, Matt Slocum on piano and keyboards. Making special guest appearances on the album are Bela Fleck on banjo, Bill Evans on saxophones, and Nicky Sanders on the violin and Carter Herring on the cello.

Les Racquet - Be Water My Friend CD - Inspired by an interview with Kung Fu legend Bruce Li, the release Be Water My Friend indulges the listener at every turn with anecdote and metaphor, about the philosophy behind `being water" and the gentle reminder that life is beautiful. The CD was recorded at Drift Design Studios in Boston, MA in the winter of 2011, as the band was coming through during the first leg of their tour. Booked for only a weekend the trio made the most of their time, recording their favorite songs and a subsequent promotional video which were both released in early 2012. This recording is the first time that all three voices are a prominent melody. Also, the recording is a representation of a time when the band was learning how to live together on the road, how to share responsibility and maximize the efficiency it takes to be both musicians and promoters. The trio shows ultimate trust in one another as they spin intricate harmonies and solos amidst beautiful melodies and deep groves.

The Deluge - Elephant Graveyard CD - Elephant Graveyard is a freewheeling yarn with wildly expressive musical accompaniment. The second release from the Deluge is a departure from their first in so much as ascetic, but the spirit of storytelling is very evident on Graveyard. The record begins with the Otis Redding inspired Honest Man and moves seamlessly into the murder ballad Rosy. Each track differs vastly from the last and the inclusion of the Tom Scott cover, So White, is cleverly translated by the band's new rhythm section in the dynamic duo of Jeremy Merritt (drums) and George Westberry (bass). New guitarist, Daniel Serrif, displays his mastery of motivic development in his work on Let's Make Medicine, which begins with cerebral legato bends before it transforms into a downright raunchy rock and roll guitar solo. Chris Lord offers his melodic voicing throughout the entire record and is on full display on the track, Her Pride. Brandon Knox's voice also displays fluidity from liltingly sweet to shouting and screaming. The addition of Kofi Burbridge (ARU, Tedeschi Trucks Band) adds another eccentric voice to an already elaborate tapestry. All told, Elephant Graveyard is a diverse record that will keep the listener's head on a swivel.

Also available: The Deluge - Cryin' on the Vine CD

Mac & Juice - Step Into the Light CD - Mac & Juice's self-released album, Step into the Light, is not just a collection of songs but rather a personal stamp on their original music that has developed organically over the years. Because of the many genres of music coming to life on this album, it is challenging to put them into any one category. While crafting songs is serious business for Mac & Juice, what follows are bright, tight, beautifully rocking stories that come to life through moonlit vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and their two guitars which seem to channel the stories as well. Among the eleven songs, "Willie Nelson Song" and "One Hundred Dollars" plug songwriting influences such as Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard, while "Johnny Gene" and "I'm Going Home" give a nod to authentic bluegrass. "Phoenix" and "She Don't Wanna Be" are straight driving rock songs with moving hooks. "Today," "Remembered as the Best" and "Countryside" will make you want to drive with the top down. "The Most Beautiful Thing" unveils jazz notes that are reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, but with their signature virtuoso brand. "Piece of Mind" ebbs and flows over a groove laden low end that spills into a lick-heavy guitar solo where Mac & Juice unleash their tandem jams.

Coming Soon:

Easy Star All-Stars - Thrillah CD -Easy Stars All-Stars pioneers of covering entire albums, something that has since caught on in many genres return with their 4th reggae tribute, this time tackling the Greatest Selling Album of All Time, 'Michael Jackson's Thriller'! The CD has two bonus dubs and vocals from Steel Pulse, The Green, Luciano, Michael Rose (Black Uhuru), Mojo Morgan (Morgan Heritage), Cas Haley, Spragga Benz and more.

The Wood Brothers - Live Vol 2: Nail & Tooth CD - Following the successful Live, 'Volume 1: Sky High', The Wood Brothers and Southern Ground Artists will release 'Live, Volume 2: Nail & Tooth' on August 28. Volume 2 features the track Atlas from Oliver's days with Atlanta band King Johnson, Sister Rosetta Tharp's song 'Up Above My Head', and crowd favorite 'Shoofly Pie'.

Following the release of 'Sky High', The Wood Brothers have received much attention & praise including a performance for Daytrotter Sessions, partnership with American Songwriter, and in-studio performances at numerous NPR stations.

In addition to the two live releases, this popular touring act is in the middle of their biggest year ever. With 100 dates scheduled, sell-outs in multiple cities and festival stops at DeLuna Fest and both Southern Ground Music & Food Festivals, The Wood Brothers continue to gain devoted fans at a rapid pace.

Last Week:

Slightly Stoopid - Top of the World CD - Top of the World features guest appearances from an all-star list of musicians including reggae legends Barrington Levy and Don Carlos of Black Uhuru, Karl Denson, G. Love, Fishbone frontman Angelo Moore, Chali 2na, Dumpstaphunk's Ivan Neville along with Angela Hunte.

The BIG What? 2012 T Shirt - A limited number of shirts are available from this sold out event. Logo on the front/bands on the back. The inaugural The BIG What? Music Festival featured its hosts the BIG Something, plus Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, Big Daddy Love, Dopapod, Turbine, Pseudo Blue, Consider the Source, Arpetrio, ESP, The Native Sway, Mac & Juice, Tiny Boxes, Tennessee Jed, Cindercat and more!

Upcoming Events:

Aug 23-26 - Camp Barefoot - Bartow, WV

Aug 31- Sept 2 - Front Porch Festival - Stuart, VA

Aug 31 - Sept 1 - Guardian Angel Jam - Mebane, NC

Sept 6-9 - CultureFest - Pipestem, WV

*Sept 14-16 - Jomeokee Music & Arts Festival - Pinnacle, NC

*Look for the HGMN Booth at these events

Video of the Week:

Les Racquet - Be Water My Friend CD promo video

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

New Releases:

ALO - Sounds Like This CD - In April 2011, ALO convened at San Francisco's Mission Bells studio with no plans other than to make some music together. With studio owner/longtime collaborator David Simon-Baker assisting behind the board, the band opted to take the same improvisational tack towards recording as they do on stage. Any distinctions between pre-production and real recording would be shed, allowing for ALO's instinctive spontaneity to make it to track.

"We thought, what if we started recording from the get-go," Gill says, "instead of rehearsing, making songs, and then going into the studio. We decided to start the whole process all at once, with the intention of wanting things to feel really live."

"Without a clear roadmap, we hit a lot of dead ends," says drummer Dave Brogan says, "which forced us to create our way out of the morass. I think that helped us look to within ourselves rather than outside influences to bring the music to life."

The band all based in the Bay Area, bar Gill, who resides in sunny Santa Barbara, were also able to utilize a lifetime's bag of tricks in a way the previous album's sonic scope only suggested.

The Wood Brothers - Live Vol 1: Sky High CD - The 7-track CD was recorded live during their Fall tour and features songs from the provocative and charming Smoke Ring Halo, along with tunes from their first record, Ways Not To Lose, plus a Mississippi John Hurt gem, "Pay Day". 1. One More Day 2. Smoke Ring Halo 3. Glad 4. Stumbled In 5. Payday 6. Made It Up The Mountain 7. Luckiest Man

Where in the World is Away? - by Michael Franti & Ben Hodson - On April 18th, in celebration of Earth Day, Michael Franti released his second children's book "Where In The World Is Away?"- a story about the importance of recycling, reducing waste, and re-using what we can. With illustrations by Ben Hodson who collaborated with Franti on his debut children's book, "What I Be".

The self-published book will be available in hardcover. It comes with a humorous read along CD featuring Franti, his son Ade, friend Addison Savage, singer Jolene Rust, and Spearhead band mate J Bowman. The books are printed and manufactured in the USA using environmentally-friendly soy ink on elemental chlorine-free, sustainably harvested, recycled stock!

"I read to both of my sons every night of their childhood," said Franti. "Reading is a precious time when we get to be close to our children and pass down stories, both real and make believe, that shape the way they view the world. I hope that this book inspires families and children to make recycling as much a part of their lives as brushing their teeth before bedtime...only more fun!" says Franti.

After visiting a garbage dump in Bali while filming the video for his song "Hey World" and seeing hills of garbage as far as the coastline, Franti was inspired to pen "Where In The World Is Away?". The book's message is a simple one; just because we throw away our trash and it's taken off somewhere else doesn't mean it really goes away. It's up to us to recycle, reduce waste, and re-use what we can.

Coming Soon:

Everyone Orchestra - Brooklyn Sessions CD - Now, for the first time, Everyone Orchestra has taken the conducted improvisation concept mastered in their legendary live shows into the studio on Brooklyn Sessions. Conductor Matt Butler invited past collaborators--musical friends like drummer Jon Fishman (Phish), keyboardist/pianist Marco Benevento, Al Schnier (moe.), Jen Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band), guitarist Steve Kimock, saxophonist Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band), vocalist/percussionist Jans Ingber (The Motet), mandolinist Jamie Masefield (Jazz Mandolin Project) and bassist Reed Mathis (Tea Leaf Green), to join him for several days of exploration and co-creation. The results range from hard-hitting grooves that take unexpected twists and turns ("Boots"), to sweet and expansive ("Pensive"), all with a spirit that is both liberated and focused. READ OUR REVIEW

Santana - Shape Shifter CD - Carlos Santana's 36th album is mostly instrumental, though the track "Eres La Luz" features vocals from Santana band lead singers Andy Vargas and Tony Lindsay. His son Salvador Santana also plays piano on the album's final two songs, "Canela" amd "Ah, Sweet Dancer."

The guitarist has dedicated Shape Shifter to Native American Indians, acknowledging "Australia's 2008 apology to the Aborigines and President Obama's signing of the 2009 Native American Apology Resolution." As Santana says, "I encourage any and all countries (that have not as yet done so) to acknowledge the first people of their land, and make this a collective global effort." Santana has been slowly compiling songs for the instrumental project for many years.

Last Week:

Warren Haynes Band - Live At The Moody Theater (2CD/DVD)A stunning 3-disc 1DVD/2CD package capturing the band's blazing performance in Austin, TX on 11.03.2011. The 2.5-hour show, shot in HD and recorded in 5.1 audio, features several cuts from Haynes' GRAMMY-nominated, Billboard Top 20 solo release 'Man In Motion' as well as Hendrix's "Spanish Castle Magic," Steely Dan's "Pretzel Logic," Sam Cooke's classic "A Change Is Gonna Come," Warren's live staple "Soulshine" and more. Guests include the Groove Line horns and 2012 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Ian McLagan of The Faces. The Warren Haynes Band features a hand-picked band including R&B kingpins Ron Johnson on bass, Terence Higgins on drums, Nigel Hall on keyboards, Ron Holloway on saxophone and Alecia Chakour on vocals.

10ft Ganga Plant - 10 Deadly Shots Vol II CD - A secret West Coast Cessna lands and the start of a special weekend begins. It's time to dust off the vintage equipment and instruments. The day starts with a tape machine calibration to +6 250nWb. The Gibson Super 400 plucks a bass line as the drums make a drop. The Hammond growls in the space as the Jazzmaster links with the piano to set the pulse; all the while the Hofner thumps a melody down low. This record was recorded on 1975 MCI JH-16 tape machine. The tracks were all mixed on a Trident 80B console with various spring reverbs and tape echo devices where they met with 1/4 inch tape machine that was then delivered to Kevin Metcalfe for mastering in London. This is the making of very special record featuring our longtime friend The Aggrolites keyboard king Roger Rivas! We now present to you 10 Deadly Shots Vol.II. Let the Music Hit!

Upcoming Events:

May 12 - NC Brews & Music Festival - Huntersville, NC

May 12 - Spring Fling - Sanford, NC

May 17-20 - Orange Blossum Jamboree - Brooksville, FL

May 18-19 - Happiness & Harmony - New Castle, VA

May 25-28 - Amberland - LaFayette, GA

May 31-June 3 - Wakarusa - Ozark, AR

June 7-10 - Bonnaroo - Manchester, TN

* Look for the HGMN Booth at these events!

Video of the Week:

ALO - Sounds Like This album preview video

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

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 Additions:

SOJA - Live in Hawaii DVD - In January of 2008, SOJA returned to Hawai'i for their third tour of the islands, accompanied by award winning filmmaker Marc Carlini, and a five man camera crew. Carlini captured performances in Honolulu, Kona, Maui, & Kaua'i; as well as behind the scenes footage featuring the beautiful landscape of Hawai'i, its lifestyle, culture, and experience through the eyes of SOJA. View Trailer $19.99

Wood Brothers - Up Above My Head CD - The Wood Brothers recently released Up Above My Head; an 8 song collection of covers, featuring some of the brothers' favorite artists and songs such as The Beatles' "Fixin' a Hole" and Steve Earle's "Mystery Train Pt.2". $12.98

MGMT - Time to Pretend CD - From a Quote from live at Abbey Road "Time to pretend was ...inspired by a praying mantis we had in our house. She laid eggs and it died, and we laid the egg case on this kinda model pirate ship on the mantle piece, and the eggs hatched and all these baby praying mantises were climbing up the rigging of the ship, and it was pretty crazy...uhm so the music was inspired by our praying mantis that liked to dance to the Clash{laugh} and the lyrics are just about us imagining being rock stars....and yea fantasy rock star life." $6.98

Coming Soon:

July 21 - Assembly of Dust - Some Assembly Required CD

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

July 28 - 10ft Ganga Plant - Bush Rock CD

August 4 - MMW - Radiolarians III CD

Last Week's 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

Upcoming Events:

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!
- Lee Crumpton