Andrew Combs has looked to explore new territory since venturing out of his hometown of Nashville, not just in a literal sense, but also with the release of his latest album ‘Ideal Man’ whose recording technique is more experimental than previous releases. Continue reading “Andrew Combs ventures out of Nashville for UK tour dates this December”
There are many adjectives you could use to describe Jerry Leger, but one word that immediately springs to mind is “prolific”. ‘Time Out For Tomorrow’, released on the 8th of November, is the 9th studio release from the talented Canadian since he turned 19 years of age, along with three more albums with his side projects, The Del-Fi’s and The Bop-Fi’s. It’s also arguably his finest work to date. Of ‘Time Out For Tomorrow’ his producer Michael Timmins (founding member of the Cowboy Junkies) said: “..it’s the 3rd (album) in a row that I’ve had the pleasure of producing. In my opinion it’s the most precise example of his craft and vision so far. It’s lean, mean and a beautiful collection of songs and sounds.” Continue reading “Interview: Jerry Leger”
A Thursday night in the capital and there’s an embarrassment of riches on offer for the fan of Americana music. Slightly to the north of us, Ana Egge is playing at the Green Note in Camden, Caroline Spence is just up the road in Islington and Tyler Ramsey, former lead guitar player for Band of Horses, is out west at the Bush Hall. Perhaps this accounts for the somewhat scant number of people in attendance at St Pancras Old Church for Carter Sampson. It’s a venue she’s familiar with having played here last spring, and as with her last outing, Carter Sampson perform tonight as a trio, albeit this time out she’s accompanied by Jason Scott (producer of last year’s ‘Lucky’ album) and Kyle Reid. And what a terrific venue the church is, its intimate surrounds, atmosphere and perfect acoustics making it a highlight for any music lover. Continue reading “Carter Sampson Trio + Sean Duggan, St Pancras Old Church, 30th October 2019”
‘Carousel’, the new solo album by UK singer-songwriter Luke Tuchscherer, is a stripped-back record that stands in marked contrast to his previous release, the full-on rocking ‘Pieces’ on which he was accompanied by his band The Penny Dreadfuls. What both albums share, though, (aside from their 8/10 ratings from AUK) is some keen social observation and storytelling. Mark Underwood spoke to Luke about his influences, his prodigious musical output, the political situation as we approach the dreaded ‘B’ day, his recent live shows, life in New York, and what the future has in store for him. Continue reading “Interview: Luke Tuchscherer”
Erin Rae heads to the UK for 8 dates in 8 days, beginning in London on the 4th of November. Rae has a deserved reputation as a compelling live performer, which has earned her the respect of her Nashville peers and contemporaries, including Grammy Award winner John Paul White, who was impressed enough to sign her to his Single Lock Records label. Continue reading “8 gigs in 8 days for Erin Rae”
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Ana Egge returns to the UK for four dates at the end of October. Egge released her 11th album in September and it’s being met with almost universal praise – our own reviewer, Steven Rafferty, said that “After twelve years, ten albums, and a sizeable pile of awards and accolades, Ana Egge isn’t hitting her stride – she’s grabbing another gear. The songs on ‘Is It the Kiss’, her 11th album, exhibit a mastery of the craft even as she continues to push the boundaries of her own abilities as a songwriter.”
Continue reading “Ana Egge flies in for UK dates”
For Americana UK, this year’s Nashville experience ended where it pretty much started – at Robert’s Western World on Lower Broadway. Hotfoot from arriving in the city around 7pm our assembled scribes headed straight downtown to see Joshua Hedley and the Hedliners. These showcases at Robert’s are something of a Nashville institution for both discerning locals and tourists – performing classic country sets from the 1950s and 1960s, Hedley’s velvet croon and stellar backing band which includes Buck Owens’ drummer and a long standing pedal steel player with Merle Haggard, demonstrate their encyclopaedic knowledge of country music and musical chops over a set spanning three and a half hours. Continue reading “AmericanaFest, Nashville, September 10th-15th, 2019”
Frankie Lee isn’t your average Americana singer-songwriter: his latest job involved the herding of 20 sheep on a small farm in Afton. For the recording of his latest album he retreated to his hometown of Stillwater and found that the house he grew up in was still available. In a backwoods setting and resembling a log cabin, he converted the property, Bon Iver style, into a recording studio, gathering fellow musicians to record the eponymously titled record over a mere three days. Continue reading “Frankie Lee + Native Harrow, Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney, London, 4th September, 2019”
Tonight was not only a celebration of great music but was also a testament to two artists who’ve triumphed in the face of adversity. For Jaime Wyatt, any suggestion she might want to put the eight months she was incarcerated in jail for ripping off her drug dealer behind her are swiftly assuaged, her reflections on this period of her life put front and centre stage during her performance tonight – tackled with both candour and humour. Her 7 song ‘Felony Blues’ EP made a major impact when it was released in 2017 and demonstrated a great knack for catchy tunes with memorable song lyrics. This performance also showed her no less capable as a singer and raconteur.
Continue reading “Charley Crockett + Jaime Wyatt, Oslo, London, 1st September, 2019”
For Over The Hill’s inaugural festival you couldn’t hope for a more bucolic setting than Cogges Manor Farm. Set in the outskirts of Witney in Oxfordshire, its grounds comprise a beautiful manor house made of Cotswold stone, surrounded by common land and with farmyard animals in situ. The festival is simply but elegantly accommodated in two tithe barns, with the musical turns alternating between the two stages. Continue reading “Over the Hill Festival, Witney, Oxfordshire, 26th August, 2019”
