Every few months I post some new tunes for your downloading pleasure. I tend to stay somewhat off the beaten path. If you haven't heard any of this stuff, you are in for a treat. BIG THANKS to Sim Fidel, my own personal music ambassador.
Eilen JewellI just found out Eilen has been playing the Tir Na Nog, (irish pub around the corner from my house) for the past two years. Not only is her last gig there in two weeks, but the 'Nog' is closing at the end of January 07. Needless to say I am glad Sim mentioned her last week or I would have missed out on both opportunities! Eilen has been creeping up the Americana and Folk Roots charts and is about to break out. Reviewers tout her "achingly good, twanged-out elegies", and compare her to the Carter Family, Kitty Wells and Gillian Welch. To me she sounds like a happier, better arranged Jolie Holland. Innocence MissionThe Innocence Mission defy most modern acts by churning out graceful album after album. The band's catalogue is packed full of wonderous lyrics that will no doubt make even the most cold hearted person feel sentimental while listening. They don't tour a lot, but I had a chance to see them at the Paridise Lounge in May 2004. Here is the set list. HEMSim and I were front and center for HEM at the Paradise Lounge in November 04, close enough to grab this set list, (signed by principal songwriter Dan Messé) after the gig. This band, hailing from Brooklyn mixes many American styles and influences. Hem is often compared to the Cowboy Junkies, there is an unsettling dichotomy in the songs, though Hem's music is a sweeter, more pastoral country. Listen to the NPR Audio Interview Erin McKeownI first heard Erin do a few numbers with my pal Zoë Lewis at a small club in Provincetown a number of years ago. Her career has skyrocketed since then and she was a featured main stage performer at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival! My Aunt Helen and I attended the festival this year, camping for 3 days at Long Hill Farm just outside Hillsdale, New York. These cuts are from "Distillation" Erika LuckettBesides being a personal friend and a major babe, Erika is a talented singer-songwriter. I just caught her show, (again) at the Kendall, where she performed with Amelia White and the very impressive Natalie Zuckerman. Erika often writes in Spanish, her native language. Here is a gem from her first cd. Nick DrakePosthumous awareness of Drake has developed into an increasing cult of devoted fans who have raised him into legend status. Drake sits comfortably alongside artists like Peter Gabriel, Joni Mitchell, Sarah McLachlan and Van Morrison. Over The RhineThis is one of my favorite bands, I never get sick of them. Caught their show again December 2002 at the now defunct House of Blues in Cambridge. They just love Christmas songs, Karin would make a great torch singer. Here's the set list
Shelby LynneThis Nashville Veteran finally makes in the mainstream, taking a grammy for best new artist in 2000 for her 6th album, "I am Shelby Lynne". Though critics try and compare her to Dusty Springfield, Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow, she sings her own brand of soulful, 70's style R & B Lucinda WilliamsLucinda's new CD is out, and sounds like another winner. I had the chance to see her twice in 2001, once at the Fleet Boston Pavillion and once with my friend Lesley in Toronto. Lesley has made a promise to herself never to miss a Lucinda gig when she is in town. Listen to these tunes and you'll understand why!
Amy CorreiaAmy is from a small town on Massachusetts, now living in NYC. I caught her show at the now defunct Kendall Cafe in March, 2001. These cuts are from her debut album, Carnival Love
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