During AmericanaFest in Nashville last month it was difficult to walk into any bar, club or backyard and not bump into Aaron Lee Tasjan. The singer-guitarist who released the excellent ‘Karma for Cheap’ album back in August popped up initially at the Basement East venue where he performed a bombastic version of Helen Reddy’s ‘I Am Woman’ at the Show Up and Sing! tribute night; following which he played at least one show each day, culminating with three different gigs on the Saturday – all the while dressed in a different gaudy outfit. Continue reading “5 dates for Aaron Lee Tasjan starting this Halloween”
The annual jamboree that is Austin’s South by Southwest Festival plows on with over two thousand artists descending on the town for a week long binge and that’s just the music. With film, gaming and politics all well served alongside a bewildering variety of showcases from well known acts to those just starting out on the ladder to possible success it’s entirely possible to be overwhelmed by the almost endless choices on offer. However duty calls and here’s the results of our search for those highlights which sit comfortably in the AUK canon. 
Supporting the always excellent Mary Gauthier, East Nashville native Aaron Lee Tasjan promoted his excellent ‘Silver Tears‘ album with a troubadour’s turn here. Just him and his guitar….and what a revelation. ‘Silver Tears‘ is a great album and it is beautifully produced couching some great songs with some strong instrumentation and harmonies but here, stripped back, they sound wonderful, unadorned and spontaneous. This is enabled in no short measure by a fabulous set of pipes which Tasjan uses to full effect. Holding notes and bending melodies in a style not unlike Arlo Guthrie or on occasion John Sebastian of whom there is a hint in the sartorial style of embroidered waistcoat, jeans and some killer boots! 
Hot on the heels of the announcement that he’s a nominee for this year’s Americana Music Association’s Emerging Artist of the Year award modern day cosmic cowboy Aaron Lee Tasjan heads to the UK for a slot at the End Of The Road Festival after which he heads to Ireland for Electric Picnic. After that he’s back to the UK for further dates.