About.com Folk Music

Review: Dave Rawlings Machine - A Friend of a Friend

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:23:21 +0000

Dave Rawlings has, for years, been one of the most respected instrumentalists in contemporary folk and roots music. As Gillian Welch's collaborative music partner, Rawlings has charmed and impressed audiences with his dexterity on guitar. Now with his own outfit, the Dave Rawlings Machine, he's released one of the finest "debut" albums of recent note. Read my full review of Dave Rawlings Machine - A Friend of a Friend.

image © Acony Records

Review: Dave Rawlings Machine - A Friend of a Friend originally appeared on About.com Folk Music on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 15:23:21.

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Bob Dylan "Must Be Santa" Video

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:04:35 +0000

A month or so ago, I suggested Bob Dylan's new, much-discussed Christmas album, Christmas in the Heart was really awful or was an hilarious joke. Now, the legendary singer-songwriter has released a video to go along with the album's lead single "Must Be Santa".

In the video, Dylan stands deadpan in the middle of a rather raucus Christmas celebration. There's large group dances, sing-alongs, and swinging from the chandelier, not to mention Dylan with cigar and accordion (not at the same time, of course), and an almost Tom Petty-ish outfit. You can watch the video for "Must Be Santa" on Dylan's website. Comments, of course, are welcome right here.

image © Columbia Records

Bob Dylan "Must Be Santa" Video originally appeared on About.com Folk Music on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 18:04:35.

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Best Breakout Artists of the Decade

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:31 +0000

The first decade of the 2000s has seen a number of new folk artists, singers, and bands pulling from traditional and contemporary folk, Americana, old time, and bluegrass music. From direction-forging innovators to those keeping traditional music alive and pure, there have been some hugely notable new artists on the scene these past few years. Here's a look at ten of the best breakout folk, bluegrass, and Americana artists of the 2000s.

photo Karl Walter / Getty Images

Best Breakout Artists of the Decade originally appeared on About.com Folk Music on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 15:00:31.

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Justin Townes Earle Tour Dates for 2010

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:35:05 +0000

Between festivals, opening slots, and his own solo performances, I've seen Justin Townes Earle at least a dozen times live. His show never gets old, his charisma is infectious, and his delivery is remarkable. He's a charming performer, in other words, pulling strongly from traditional and contemporary folk and country music. In fact, he's so good at this blend of music inspired by traditional styles that the Americana Music Association named him Emerging Artist of the Year in September.

Earle has just announced a string of headlining dates for 2010, and I'd strongly suggest checking him out. The full list of dates follows:
Read more...

Justin Townes Earle Tour Dates for 2010 originally appeared on About.com Folk Music on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 20:35:05.

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Happy Birthday to Neil Young!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:54:04 +0000

Neil Young turns 64 today. It's a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with his music, or to revisit some of the great albums you already know and love. Perhaps take this opportunity to crank some old Buffalo Springfield tunes. I'm listening to Chrome Dreams II, but may move backwards as the day goes on.

It's also a great day to let you know that Young has been named the MusiCares Person of the Year for 2010. Come January 29, artists as variant as Emmylou Harris, Josh Groban, Crosby Stills & Nash, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, among others, will gather to honor young in a monster concert in the week preceding the Grammy Awards. According to MusiCares, Young is being honored for his philanthropic work via Farm Aid and other organizations.

photo courtesy Special Ops Media

Happy Birthday to Neil Young! originally appeared on About.com Folk Music on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 12:54:04.

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Is It Time Yet for Holiday Music?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:39:52 +0000

I know it's not even Thanksgiving, but stores are already stocking Christmas wrapping paper, wreaths, lights, and other decorations. I've yet to hear Christmas music blasting from any speakers, but I know it's coming. I'm not one of those people who hates Christmas music. In fact, I'm quite fond of the traditional carols (go figure). Still, I'm willing to admit it's possible to find a holiday record that comes off less-than-stellar.

So, as autumn pulls us tooth and nail, ever closer to winter, as the scent of pine and cinnamon start to take over the air, and our minds turn more toward surrounding ourselves with family, here are a few highly recommended albums for the holiday season. They're not all Christmas albums either, mind you. Whether you're a traditionalist or a secularist, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Midwinter, there is bound to be something on this list for you.

image © Rising Tide

Is It Time Yet for Holiday Music? originally appeared on About.com Folk Music on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 15:39:52.

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Profile: David Bazan

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:28:31 +0000

For the past decade, David Bazan has been adding insightful, intelligent songs to the world. Most notably as the lead singer and songwriter for indie folk group Pedro the Lion from 1998-2004 and, more recently, as a provocative, thoughtful solo artist. His latest release - his first full-length, titled Curse Your Branches - will no doubt make many critics' year-end lists. If you haven't heard it yet, it's well worth checking out. Or, just learn more about David Bazan with this bio and profile, including recommended CDs and MP3s.

image © Barsuk Records

Profile: David Bazan originally appeared on About.com Folk Music on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 15:28:31.

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Latest Entry in Neil Young Archive Due Dec. 8

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:05 +0000

It could be said that Neil Young's Archive series has been one of the most consistently anticipated and discussed projects of his career. Part of this is due to the fact that its installments have been repeatedly delayed, their release dates pushed back to ensure they could be released on Blu-Ray.

The latest entry is a live album titled Dreamin' Man Live '92, and is due for release on Dec. 8. The same recording will drop on vinyl Jan. 12, 2010. It features the entirety of his Harvest Moon album as pulled from various live performances of the songs during his concerts in 1992.

photo of Neil Young courtesy Special Ops Media

Latest Entry in Neil Young Archive Due Dec. 8 originally appeared on About.com Folk Music on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 12:00:05.

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Essential Joan Baez Songs

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:04:14 +0000

Joan Baez has been one of the most ardent activist-folksingers in the history of the craft, and an inspiration to many other artists and fans alike. She's also been incredibly prolific over the course of her nearly half-century-spanning career. It can be overwhelming to learn about such an artist if you're starting from this end and looking back. So, if you're just learning about Baez's work, here's a playlist of essential Joan Baez songs to help get you started.

photo: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

Essential Joan Baez Songs originally appeared on About.com Folk Music on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 12:04:14.

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2010 MerleFest Line-up Announced

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:54:58 +0000

MerleFest is one of the largest, most beloved folk and roots music festivals each year. It's also one of the first festivals to take place, effectively helping to kick off each year's festival season at first thaw in April each year. In 2010, MerleFest will be celebrating its remarkable 23rd year with another impressive and long roster of folks, bluegrass, and Americana artists.

Among the artists slated to join Doc Watson for MerleFest 2010 are the Avett Brothers, Belleville Outfit, Elvis Costello, Dailey & Vincent, the Greencards, Little Feat, the Lovell Sisters, Steep Canyon Rangers, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, the Wilders, Works Progress Administration, and many more. MerleFest will take place in Wilkesboro, N.C., Apr. 29-May 2, 2010. For a full line-up, tickets, and other information, check out MerleFest.org.

2010 MerleFest Line-up Announced originally appeared on About.com Folk Music on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 14:54:58.

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