30th December 2011 - This is probably the last posting of 2011 so i'll take this opportunity to thank all those that have supported this site during the past year. I didn't realise what hard work it was going to be to maintain a site such as this and have come close to calling it a day several times, but then on checking the viewing figures find that the number of hits have increased every single month since first going on line! They are now edging towards 5000 per month, a figure that makes the effort worthwhile! I have a few ideas to freshen the site up over the next few months, one possibility being book recommendations and maybe even one or two additions to the writing staff, so hopefully we can keep going indefinitely!
I've uploaded a new c.d review of the Ugly Valley Boys tremendous debut album 'Double Down'. It can be found in the usual place on the December 2011 c.d reviews drop down menu.
Thanks again for the support and I hope 2012 brings you everything you wish for in this confused and confusing world!
28th December 2011 - Been listening to a couple of new albums today one of which, had it been released earlier, would have been pushing Rachel Brooke as my album of 2011! It’s called ‘Keep your hands on the plow’ and is by the incomparable Charlie Parr. On first few listens I’ve rated it as the first 5***** album for a while but I need to live with it for longer before a review will appear on www.americanrootsuk.com This will be one of the albums that will set the standard for the 2012 album of the year!
The other album is almost as good but unusually is accompanied by a novel. This one is by Jason T. Lewis (Sad Iron Music and Star City). I don’t often read novels but this one is a really gripping read about a musician on his uppers who returns to his Virginian small town roots after many years away. The book is called ‘The Fourteenth Colony’ and is accompanies by as good an eight track album of alt. country as I’ve heard for a while. It almost recaptures the days and feeling of Star City!
A review will follow at some time in the not too distant future!
22nd December 2011 - Uploaded a review of the terrific new album by Jerry Leger.
It's called 'Traveling grey' and is well worth the cost! Also been listening
today to The Boomswagglers 'The bootlrg beginnings.' It is edgy, ramshackle and brilliant!
18th December 2011 - I've uploaded a review of 'Down the hatch' a pretty good debut album by The Damn Quails,' an Oklahoman band.
15th December 2011 - Brilliant new album by The Crooked Brothers reviewed in the
usual place. It's called 'Lawrence, where's your knife' and is so good i've
added it to my 15 (now 16!) albums of 2011.
10th December 2011- I've uploaded a review of 'Sweet Nothings,' the new c.d by
Girls, Guns and Glory. It can be found on the December 2011 c.d reviews drop
down menu.
9th December 2011 - Just uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by the
Sweetback Sisters entitled 'Looking for a fight.' It consists of 'traditional
country' music as it should be played!
Also updated the current playlist for December.
6th December 2011 - Today i've uploaded 8 more music tracks to the 'A history of
the blues' chapter 2 music page. They include 4 different versions of 'Milk Cow
Blues.'
Also updated the Current Playlist for December 2011 with several new albums.
2nd December 2011 - Finally got around to making up a list of my top 15 albums
of 2011. It can be found on the 'Home' page drop down menu.
Also added a review of the new double c.d by the great John Prine.
26th November 2011 - Just uploaded a review of the tremendous new old timey
album by The Prairie Acre.
21st November 2011 - Done a little updating and tidying up of the website today
and added a review of the tremendous album by Cahalen Morrison and Eli West
entitled 'The holy coming of the storm.
18th November 2011 - Just uploaded a review of the new album by Lydia Loveless
called 'Indestructible Machine.' It's a pretty decent effort and consists of
some well written 'punked up' country songs.
13th November 2011 - I've uploaded another c.d review. This one is by Ollabelle
and is called 'Neon Blue Bird'
11th November 2011 - Have uploaded a review of the excellent debut album by Rat
Trapper! It's called 'Tub life' and contains some great good time music!
7th November 2011 - I've uploaded a review of the excellent new c.d by Candian
band 'New Country Rehab'.
4th November 2011 - I've uploaded a review of 'Every dirty mirror,' the
tremendous new album by British alternative country band Case Hardin. Their
first album, 'Some songs for Charlie Spencer' was excellent but this new
recording almost leaves it in the shade!
Also: Uploaded a few still photos from the Charlie Parr/paul Curreri gig at the
haunt on Wednesday night. The video is still being edited!
1st November 2011 - Just uploaded a review of the superb new album by Edinburgh
based band Blueflint. The album is titled 'Maudy Tree' and should be essential
listening for anyone with any musical taste!
28th october 2011 - I've uploaded some photos of last nights tremendous Eilen
Jewell gig to the 'gigs photos' page!
Also:- Uploaded a review of the beautiful new recording by Lovisa Stahl. the
albums title is '#1'
25th October 2011 - Just added another new c.d review! This one is by the
wonderful Snakefarm and is called 'My halo at half light.' It's not the best
album ever, at times being a little too experimental, but it is a good album
that repays repeated listens and there is always those gorgeous Anna Domino
vocals!
23rd October 2011 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by
Michael Ubaldini. Instead of using his surname this one goes out as Michael and
the Lonesome Playboys. The album is called 'Last of the Honky Tonks' and is
pretty much essential listening for anyone who has followed the thread of Hank
Williams over the last 60 odd years!
21st October 2011 - Getting back to something approaching normality and have
updated the contact information which now includes a phone number!
I've also today added a review of an album that is a certain contender for my
album of the year. It is by Old Sledge and it's called 'Don't let your deal go
down.' The review is on the 2011 c.d reviews page!
14th September 2011 - Sorry I can’t be more specific, but I’m hoping to add a
new c.d review within the next few days or so, although new content is likely to
be a little thin on the ground for the next two to three weeks at a guess.
However, it may be possible that a few bits and pieces can be added in the
interim if I get the chance so it is always worth checking.
The current circumstances are not entirely related to my health but thanks to
all those that have sent me goodwill messages when they were!
Apologies to all of those that were expecting me to contact them but I will do
so when the situation resolves itself.
Back soon and there may even be a new reviewer or two!
8th September 2011 - Due to circumstances totally beyond my control it has been
impossible to update much on the site this week, a state of affairs that is
likely to continue for the next week or so at least.
However I have just added 2 c.d reviews to the 2011 c.d reviews page. One is by
ex 'Cross Canadian Ragweed' singer songwriter Cody Canada and his new band 'The
Departed.' The other is the new album by Richmond Fontaine called 'The high
country.' I suspect many will disagree with my feelings on the latter but
honesty ........... !
I still have some music to add to the 'A history of American Roots' and am
hoping there might be a chance to do so over the weekend.
Also: Hoping that very soon we'll be publishing reviews written by a couple of
well known 'music business' people. More on this soon!
3rd September 2011 - Just uploaded a c.d review of the new album by 'Society.'
It's 21st century country rock and is called 'A crooked mile.'
1st September 2011 - I've just uploaded a new c.d review of 'Sundrunk Angels,'
the new album by Old Californio'.
Newsflash!:Just had the news that with www.americanrootsuk.com coming up to it's
first birthday in about 3 weeks the number of unique visitors so far exceeds
30,000.
Thanks to all those that use the site, but on the downside I'm not 100% sure yet
if there is going to be a second year. Trying to keep the content going is
becoming a little too much for a 'one man band' and I do have other things in
life. In the short term the site will continue and I will give plenty of warning
if I decide to close it down.
29th August 2011 - I've today uploaded a review of the excellent new album by
Joe Ely entitled 'Satisfied at last'.
Also: Been listening to Bettysoo and Doug Cox's beautiful album 'Across the
borderline: Lie to me,' the folksy Americana of Musikanto's, 'Sky of dresses,'
and have belatedly started listening to the gorgeous new folksy country album by
Oh Susanna. It is quite stunning and is called 'Soon the birds.' The only album
i'm currently listening to that I really don't like is, surprisingly, Richmond
Fontaine's 'The High Country.'
Reviews of some, if not all, to follow soon!
27th August 2011 - Uploaded the second c.d review in 24 hours! This time it's
the new dark eerie album by 'Old Lost John'!
26th August 2011 - Just uploaded a review of the new c.d by Mr. Plow. It's
called 'Joyful in song are we'. he should not be confused with the Amnerican mr
Plow! This one is from Leicester, England! It's his second album of dark gothic
country!
Also this week: A few days ago some more tracks were added to the chapter 2
music page of 'A history of American roots'
23rd August 2011 - Saturday 3rd September sees the long awaited return to
Brighton of the excellent 'The Long Goodbye'. Alfi Bernardi and his tremendous
band will be playing at the Prince Albert so if you want an evening of great
music that weekend the Albert is the place to be! You might even be able to
purchase a copy of their excellent recent album 'Darkness leaves.'
22nd August 2011 - Yet another album review added to the 2011 c.d reviews page.
This time it's the excellent tribute album to Charlie Patton by 'The Reverend
Peyton'd Big Damn Band'. The album is called 'Peyton on Patton'.
20th August 2011 - I've uploaded another new album review to the 2011 c.d
reviews page. This one is the excellent new disc by Deep Dark Woods called 'The
place i left behind'. This is the fourth album review in the last 7 days, the
previous albums being new recordings by Greg Trooper, Patrolled by Radar and The
Black Swans. To give a flavour of what these albums contain I've also taken the
liberty of adding a track from each to the Music player page.
Hoping to add a few more songs to the 'A history of American roots' page later.
None of these tracks are downloadable but should any of the artists or their
representatives have any objections please let me know and they will be removed.
16th August 2011 - A review of the new album by the Black Swans has been added
to the 2011 c.d reviews page. Another 6 music tracks were added yesterday to the
'A history of American roots' chapter 2 music B page and the day before a couple
of tracks from the brilliant Cletus Got Shot album 'Unamerican' were added to
the 'Music player'.
13th August 2011 - A new review of the excellent new album by Greg Trooper
'Upside-down town' has been added to the 2011 c.d. reviews page
11th August 2011 - I've uploaded a review of the brilliant new album by Dave
Alvin. It's called 'Eleven Eleven' and is on the 2011 c.d reviews page.
4th August 2011 - Added a new review of the extraordinary new album 'Field
Songs' by William Elliott Whitmore. See it on the 2011 c.d reviews page!
30th July 2011 - I've done a little updating to the site and also added a new
review of the excellent new album by 'Eden and John's East River String Band'.
The album is called 'Be kind to a man when he's down' and consists of old time
blues and string band songs played in a way that is faithful to the tradition
and full of the enjoyment they obviously get from playing these old songs!
29th July 2011 - Added two tracks from each of three tremendous albums to the
music player page today. The albums have all been reviewed on this site recently
and are by James Keyes, Society and Slingshot Cash.
No tracks on this site are downloadable.
28th July 2011 - I've uploaded tracks 17-22 to the 'A history of American
roots' chapter 2 music page plus added a review of 'Queen of the minor key', the
beautiful new album by Eilen Jewell. This can be found on the 2011 c.d reviews
page.
Will hopefully be adding a few more new tracks to the 'Music page' within the
next few days as well.
24th July 2011 -I've just uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by
'Slingshot Cash' called 'From aftermath to exile'. It can be found on the 2011
c.d reviews page!
Also:- I really didn't want to add any more pages to the site but due to an
overwhelming number of requests on where c.ds can be sent to for (possibly!!)
reviewing, i've added a page to the dropdown menu on the homepage giving an
address and a few details. The page is titled 'Album submissions'.
Also this week:- Hoping to get back to the radio show on Wednesday and will be
adding some more music later in the week to the 'A history of American roots'
page.
That's it for now!
15th July 2011 - I've uploaded another two c.d reviews today. (makes 4 this
week!) There is one rather unsatisfactory one by the 'Reverend John Delore' and
a more than satisfactory offering from the tremendous Jalan Crossland.
Also uploaded 5 pieces of video from the wonderful Rosie Flores and updated the
'Current playlist'. A soon to be relesed album i've added is 'Sundrunk angels'
by Old Californio. I loved their 2010 offering (see 2010 reviews) but this one
on first listen gets a provisional 3***.
I'm just listening to it again and am not sure it is worthy of 3! Time will
tell!
14th July - 2011 - I've uploaded another half dozen songs to the 'A history of
American roots' Chapter 2 music page, which includes several classics by Patsy
Montana, Bob Wills and Roy Acuff.
I've also uploaded a c.d review of the new album by Henhouse Prowlers called
'Verses, chapters and rhymes'
9th July 2011 - In the last week or so I've added reviews of excellent albums by
Dead Rock West, Trent Miller and the Skeleton Jive, The Black Lillies and now,
Curtis Eller's American Circus. The latter is a remix of his firat album release
from 2000. Done some updating to various pages including, of course, the current
playlist!
27th June 2011 - I finally got the Frank Fairfield video edited and it can now
be found on the 'Live Gigs Video' page.
Also - Just added a review of the excellent new album by Jamie Freeman to the
2011 c.d reviews page.
24th June 2011 - After finally getting the video of Hatful of Rain edited you
can now see as well as hear this tremendous band on the new 'Live Gigs Video'
page. You can either watch the low picture quality unedited version or the HD
quality seperate tracks! have almost finished editing the Frank fairfield set so
that should be on here in HD in the next day or two.
11th June 2011 - Added several c.d reviews in the last week as well as updating
the 'Current playlist' and finally finished adding the music to the chapter 1
music page of 'A history of American roots'.
I'll be starting chapter 2 soon!
4th June 2011 - Just been told about a new promotional setup in Colchester,
Essex. It is called 'Live at Little Rabbit Barn' and has booked some excellent
'American Roots' performers including Brightons own (alright I know she's moved
to London now!) Danni Nichols. I'm going to try to add a sub page to the gig
list sometime during the next couple of weeks on which I will list out of town
gigs that may be of interest! I'm struggling to get facebook links to work on
this site, but will try to add a link for 'Live at little rabbit barn'. If it
doesn't work i'm sure that you can find it on facebook!!
1st June 2011 - Don't forget to check Lost Highways page! There is what promises
to be a tremendous event at the Brunswick, Hove, this Friday 3rd June with a
triple bill of headliner Jake Morley plus House of Hats plus Kat Rose!!!
30th May 2011 - I've just found and uploaded a review of the Haunted Hearts
recent album 'Howdy'. I should have put it on the site a month ago, but better
late than never (I suppose!)
Still listening to the Black Lillies excellent new album but also spent part of
the weekend listening to the new disc by Frank fairfield. It's called 'Out on
the open west' and it really is incredible, unless you like manufactured pop
music, in which case why the hell are you here?
Even better, our friends at Drifter promotions are putting Frank on another of
their tremendous shows at the Prince Albert on Wednesday 15th June, so you still
have time to get tickets at www.wegottickets.com as well as local outlets! As if
that's not enough, support is our own brilliant local band Hatful of Rain. It's
worth the price of the ticket to hear Chloe Overtons gorgeous voice singing,
amongst others, some of her own beautifully written songs!
29th May 2011 - I've updated the gig list with 2 potentially years best gigs
being put on by Brighthelmstone Promotions! The first is on the 29th July at the
Hydrant, where we can see the brilliant Redlands Palomino Company, a gig that
will include the hugely talented singer songwriter Danni Nicholls as support!!
Then on October 2nd they are putting on the mighty Richmond Fontaine at The
Coalition. I've been going to gigs for far longer than is healthy and Richmond
Fontaine are one of the best live bands i've ever seen!!!
Off to see our very own (or Rottingdeans!) Copper family at the Greys tomorrow
night. I can't imagine there are any tickets left but it is well worth asking!
Completely unadorned folk singing from days gone by!
8th May 2011 - A brilliant gig at the Palmeira, Hove, was witnessed by a decent
sized crowd last night. The tremendous roots pianist, singer, songwriter Hans
Chew kept everyone entertained with a mix of songs, mainly from his excellent
debut album 'Tennessee and other stories.' I've never been a lover of piano
driven music but thanks to Hans am now well and truly converted! Another triumph
for Amy and Jim of Brighthelmstone Promotions
1st May 2011 - Just done a little updating to the site and added a new c.d
review of the excellent new album 'Badlands III' by the Crazy Mountain Billies.
28th April 2011 - Last nights Seaside Hospital Radio 'American Roots' programme
had to be cancelled due to a family bereavement. The programme will hopefully
return next week.
22nd April 2011 - Saw a tremendous shop gig this afternoon in Lewes, at the
Union Music Store. The artist was Israel Nash Gripka who will be playing tonight
at the Prince Albert, Brighton. This tiny but well stocked shop was full of
Americana music enthusiasts who enjoyed an excellent half hour or so of songs
from Israels new album 'Barn doors and concrete floors.' Apparently they put
these afternoon gigs on quite regularly as well as selling books, instruments,
gig tickets and some brilliant c.d's. Everything for the discerning country/folk
music music fan in fact.
9th April 2011 - Had a really good evening last night as a guest on Del Day's
tremendous Radio Reverb show 'Songs from the Ark'. I took along a dozen tracks
and we alternated between Del's selections and mine.
I've started adding music tracks to 'A history of American Roots.' I'm half way
through Chapter 1, with the music being on a drop down page from each chapter.
These were compiled for a series of 'lectures' that I did a few years ago and
contain some incredible music!
I've added a c.d review of the tremendous album by Brightons very own Porchlight
Smoker.
3rd April 2011 - I've uploaded 3 new tracks of music today! There is one each
from two Brighton area bands 'The Koan Brothers' and 'The Long Goodbye' plus a
taster from the June released new album by 'Southern Tenant Folk Union.' Not
quite a world premier but close to it!!!
Also: On the 'Lost Highway' page is news of the current U.K. tour!
2nd April 2011 - Because the site is constantly growing and including more
content a few people have said they are having problems locating various items.
As a consequence of this I've added a basic google search bar which will
hopefully help! It is only an experiment at the moment but if feedback is
positive I may keep it.
1st April 2011 - Added a review of the tremendous new album by Grant Peeples
'Okra and Ecclisiastes'. Quite brilliant!
Have also uploaded Wednesday nights Seaside Hospital radio 'American Roots'
playlist. I've now added a featured artist to each weeks programme and will be
playing 4 or 5 tracks by that artist. This week it was the late Gram Parsons.
Also, looking forward to seeing the sold out Peter Bruntnell gig tonight!
20th March 2011 -Just added a review of an excellent recent album by Zoe Muth
and the Lost High Rollers!
Don't forget:- If you live in or around the Brighton area next saturday Drifter
promotions are putting on what will probably be one of the gigs of the year!
Support is by the always excellent local band Porchlight Smoker and bill toppers
are the brilliant Southern Tenanat Folk Union.
18th March 2011 - The new 'Music Player' page is now up and running and contains
a dozen great tracks! (so far!)
17th March 2011 - I've uploaded last nights Seaside Hospital Radio 'American
Roots' playlist and am now going to spend some time building a new page where
you will be able to listen to some great music!
15th March 2011 - I've added a couple of tracks each by June Star (on the Cult
Artists page) and by Jayke Orvis (on the 2011 c.d. reviews page) As permission
is gained more will be added!
12th march 2011 - I've just added a review, to the 2011 c.d reviews page, of the
incredible new album 'Down in the barnyard' by Rachel Brooke. It really is a
great album and just to prove it I've imbedded a music player at the top of the
reviews page and the first track on it is 'Me and Rose Connelly' an absolutely
stunning ballad from that very same album!
More music will gradually be added, so it is worth checking regularly!
10th March 2011 - Last nights Seaside Hospital Radio 'American Roots' playlist
has been uploaded to the 'current week' page on radio playlists plus a lot of
photos have been added to the gigs photos page of last Sunday and Mondays
brilliant gigs!
A review will follow, but i just can't stop playing Rachel Brooke's brilliant
new album 'Down in the Barnyard' !!!
5th March 2011 - Just added a piece to the 'Cult Artists' page about the mighty
'Slobberbone'!
3rd March 2011 - The playlist from last nights Seaside Hospital radio 'American
Roots' programme has been added, as well as a review of the new Malcolm Holcombe
album 'To drink the rain'
1st March 2011 - A little piece of news for those that arrived at this site by
means other than facebook! Last night some photos were uploaded to the 'Gigs
photos' page of last weeks brilliant Charlie Parr and Water Tower Bucket Boys
gigs and includes photos of their support, Serious Sam Barrett and Hatful of
Rain.
25th February 2011 - I uploaded a review of a slightly disapointing album by the
Farewell Drifters a couple of days ago.
Also: Several new and newish albums that I'm playing constantly at the moment
are the new one by Lucinda Williams 'Blessed'. It's a bit more reflective than
usual but more info. when I've listened to it a few more times! Zoe Muth and the
Lost High Rollers gets better each time I hear it as does 'Your mama don't like
me' by Miss Quincy. There is also the incredible, recorded in 1958, 'Eager Boy'
by the Lonesome Drifter. The ultimate hillbilly meets rock 'n' roll and as eerie
sounding as anything you are likely to hear this year!
18th February 2011 - A review of the tremendous new album by country rockers
'Emory Quinn' has been added today. It is called 'See you at the next light'.
Another couple of great albums on the c.d player at the moment are 'To drink the
rain' by Malcolm Holcombe and also Jake Orvis' 'It's all been said'. Quite
brilliant!
15th February 2011 - Just added a 5***** review of the brilliant new album by
the Drive by Truckers. Not just incredibly high quality, but also quantity at 65
minutes long!
14th February 2011 - More great news for Brighton music fans! We now have
another excellent promoter of music in BRIGHTHELMSTONE PROMOTIONS.
First gig is on April 1st at the Hobgoblin, Brighton and is the brilliant Peter
Bruntnell (with full band) + Jim Jones!
Their site can be found at www.brighthelmsonepromotions.blogspot.com
11th February 2011 - Great news! Brightons very own Drifter Promotions now have
their own website that informs you of all their upcoming gigs. If you click on
the link below that should take you to the site. It will also be added to the
links page.
www.drifterpromotions.tumblr.com
10th February 2011 - I have recently received a few complaints that whilst I
publicise updates to this website on facebook, not everyone uses this source of
much debate! Consequently I've been asked to mention all updates on this news
page which I am more than happy to comply with!
Today I've added last nights brilliant Seaside Hospital Radio 'American Roots'
playlist as well as a c.d review of the new album by elder statesman of the
delta blues 'T-Model Ford'
8th January 2011 - Saw an interesting item on BBC breakfast news this morning.
Apparently, in this digital age, people are no longer listening to complete
albums. If they hear it once or twice, they choose their favourite tracks and
only play them, or they listen to someone elses copy of the album and download
only their favourites.
Someone had the idea of forming a club. They find a friendly pub, have a few
drinks and then play classic albums in their entirety, with no talking or going
to the loo allowed during the music! Apparently this is a new idea although it
sounds remarkably similar to what we used to do back in those distant days of
the 1960s! Having said that, anything that gets people listening to complete
albums has got to be a good thing. How often do we, on first few listens, decide
we don’t like tracks, only to hear them a few more times and revise that
opinion. In the course of reviewing albums, this happens to me dozens of times a
year.
Now to find a friendly pub that sells some decent ales and has a decent stereo
within walking distance of home!
12th January - Another new page has been added, this time called 'CULT ARTISTS.'
The introduction explains everything!
7th january 2011 - A new page has just been added as 'Albums of 2010.' Pretty
self explanatory really but it is made up purely of my favourites from the 100s
I listened to in the course of the year.
Still working on the 'Readers top 10 of 2010'!
Hi all. Hope you all had a good Christmas and I'd just like to wish all readers
and their families a happy and healthy 2011.
I'm in the process of making a few minor changes to the site by way of
archiving. All self explanatory really!
I started this project as a piece of fun but it has very rapidly taken over
more of my life than I was originally prepared to give, but after some soul
searching I decided to drop a few other things I was involved in and carry on
with the site. The readership, that I thought was going to be a few dozen, is
now several thousand a month and increasing all the time, so thanks to everyone
for their support.
I'm working on a couple of new ideas, one of which is going to be about 'cult
artists,' although due to circumstances beyond my control (family illness) I am
well behind the schedule I set for myself. Things will hopefully start to
improve soon so I should start to catch up again. The recommended albums page
will also start to grow as the year progresses.
I will shortly be publishing my top 10 albums of 2010 and after the Monday 3rd
January deadline will start sorting out the top 10 of the year as voted for by
readers, so keep the votes coming!
Thanks again for the support and don't forget, if you have any ideas or
criticism that will help the site, feel free to contact me through the site's
contact page or on americanrootsuk@gmail.com
To start 2011 off, I have uploaded a couple of c.d. reviews. One is by Jay
Berndt and the other by Travel by Sea.
I've uploaded a new c.d review of the Ugly Valley Boys tremendous debut album 'Double Down'. It can be found in the usual place on the December 2011 c.d reviews drop down menu.
Thanks again for the support and I hope 2012 brings you everything you wish for in this confused and confusing world!
28th December 2011 - Been listening to a couple of new albums today one of which, had it been released earlier, would have been pushing Rachel Brooke as my album of 2011! It’s called ‘Keep your hands on the plow’ and is by the incomparable Charlie Parr. On first few listens I’ve rated it as the first 5***** album for a while but I need to live with it for longer before a review will appear on www.americanrootsuk.com This will be one of the albums that will set the standard for the 2012 album of the year!
The other album is almost as good but unusually is accompanied by a novel. This one is by Jason T. Lewis (Sad Iron Music and Star City). I don’t often read novels but this one is a really gripping read about a musician on his uppers who returns to his Virginian small town roots after many years away. The book is called ‘The Fourteenth Colony’ and is accompanies by as good an eight track album of alt. country as I’ve heard for a while. It almost recaptures the days and feeling of Star City!
A review will follow at some time in the not too distant future!
22nd December 2011 - Uploaded a review of the terrific new album by Jerry Leger.
It's called 'Traveling grey' and is well worth the cost! Also been listening
today to The Boomswagglers 'The bootlrg beginnings.' It is edgy, ramshackle and brilliant!
18th December 2011 - I've uploaded a review of 'Down the hatch' a pretty good debut album by The Damn Quails,' an Oklahoman band.
15th December 2011 - Brilliant new album by The Crooked Brothers reviewed in the
usual place. It's called 'Lawrence, where's your knife' and is so good i've
added it to my 15 (now 16!) albums of 2011.
10th December 2011- I've uploaded a review of 'Sweet Nothings,' the new c.d by
Girls, Guns and Glory. It can be found on the December 2011 c.d reviews drop
down menu.
9th December 2011 - Just uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by the
Sweetback Sisters entitled 'Looking for a fight.' It consists of 'traditional
country' music as it should be played!
Also updated the current playlist for December.
6th December 2011 - Today i've uploaded 8 more music tracks to the 'A history of
the blues' chapter 2 music page. They include 4 different versions of 'Milk Cow
Blues.'
Also updated the Current Playlist for December 2011 with several new albums.
2nd December 2011 - Finally got around to making up a list of my top 15 albums
of 2011. It can be found on the 'Home' page drop down menu.
Also added a review of the new double c.d by the great John Prine.
26th November 2011 - Just uploaded a review of the tremendous new old timey
album by The Prairie Acre.
21st November 2011 - Done a little updating and tidying up of the website today
and added a review of the tremendous album by Cahalen Morrison and Eli West
entitled 'The holy coming of the storm.
18th November 2011 - Just uploaded a review of the new album by Lydia Loveless
called 'Indestructible Machine.' It's a pretty decent effort and consists of
some well written 'punked up' country songs.
13th November 2011 - I've uploaded another c.d review. This one is by Ollabelle
and is called 'Neon Blue Bird'
11th November 2011 - Have uploaded a review of the excellent debut album by Rat
Trapper! It's called 'Tub life' and contains some great good time music!
7th November 2011 - I've uploaded a review of the excellent new c.d by Candian
band 'New Country Rehab'.
4th November 2011 - I've uploaded a review of 'Every dirty mirror,' the
tremendous new album by British alternative country band Case Hardin. Their
first album, 'Some songs for Charlie Spencer' was excellent but this new
recording almost leaves it in the shade!
Also: Uploaded a few still photos from the Charlie Parr/paul Curreri gig at the
haunt on Wednesday night. The video is still being edited!
1st November 2011 - Just uploaded a review of the superb new album by Edinburgh
based band Blueflint. The album is titled 'Maudy Tree' and should be essential
listening for anyone with any musical taste!
28th october 2011 - I've uploaded some photos of last nights tremendous Eilen
Jewell gig to the 'gigs photos' page!
Also:- Uploaded a review of the beautiful new recording by Lovisa Stahl. the
albums title is '#1'
25th October 2011 - Just added another new c.d review! This one is by the
wonderful Snakefarm and is called 'My halo at half light.' It's not the best
album ever, at times being a little too experimental, but it is a good album
that repays repeated listens and there is always those gorgeous Anna Domino
vocals!
23rd October 2011 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by
Michael Ubaldini. Instead of using his surname this one goes out as Michael and
the Lonesome Playboys. The album is called 'Last of the Honky Tonks' and is
pretty much essential listening for anyone who has followed the thread of Hank
Williams over the last 60 odd years!
21st October 2011 - Getting back to something approaching normality and have
updated the contact information which now includes a phone number!
I've also today added a review of an album that is a certain contender for my
album of the year. It is by Old Sledge and it's called 'Don't let your deal go
down.' The review is on the 2011 c.d reviews page!
14th September 2011 - Sorry I can’t be more specific, but I’m hoping to add a
new c.d review within the next few days or so, although new content is likely to
be a little thin on the ground for the next two to three weeks at a guess.
However, it may be possible that a few bits and pieces can be added in the
interim if I get the chance so it is always worth checking.
The current circumstances are not entirely related to my health but thanks to
all those that have sent me goodwill messages when they were!
Apologies to all of those that were expecting me to contact them but I will do
so when the situation resolves itself.
Back soon and there may even be a new reviewer or two!
8th September 2011 - Due to circumstances totally beyond my control it has been
impossible to update much on the site this week, a state of affairs that is
likely to continue for the next week or so at least.
However I have just added 2 c.d reviews to the 2011 c.d reviews page. One is by
ex 'Cross Canadian Ragweed' singer songwriter Cody Canada and his new band 'The
Departed.' The other is the new album by Richmond Fontaine called 'The high
country.' I suspect many will disagree with my feelings on the latter but
honesty ........... !
I still have some music to add to the 'A history of American Roots' and am
hoping there might be a chance to do so over the weekend.
Also: Hoping that very soon we'll be publishing reviews written by a couple of
well known 'music business' people. More on this soon!
3rd September 2011 - Just uploaded a c.d review of the new album by 'Society.'
It's 21st century country rock and is called 'A crooked mile.'
1st September 2011 - I've just uploaded a new c.d review of 'Sundrunk Angels,'
the new album by Old Californio'.
Newsflash!:Just had the news that with www.americanrootsuk.com coming up to it's
first birthday in about 3 weeks the number of unique visitors so far exceeds
30,000.
Thanks to all those that use the site, but on the downside I'm not 100% sure yet
if there is going to be a second year. Trying to keep the content going is
becoming a little too much for a 'one man band' and I do have other things in
life. In the short term the site will continue and I will give plenty of warning
if I decide to close it down.
29th August 2011 - I've today uploaded a review of the excellent new album by
Joe Ely entitled 'Satisfied at last'.
Also: Been listening to Bettysoo and Doug Cox's beautiful album 'Across the
borderline: Lie to me,' the folksy Americana of Musikanto's, 'Sky of dresses,'
and have belatedly started listening to the gorgeous new folksy country album by
Oh Susanna. It is quite stunning and is called 'Soon the birds.' The only album
i'm currently listening to that I really don't like is, surprisingly, Richmond
Fontaine's 'The High Country.'
Reviews of some, if not all, to follow soon!
27th August 2011 - Uploaded the second c.d review in 24 hours! This time it's
the new dark eerie album by 'Old Lost John'!
26th August 2011 - Just uploaded a review of the new c.d by Mr. Plow. It's
called 'Joyful in song are we'. he should not be confused with the Amnerican mr
Plow! This one is from Leicester, England! It's his second album of dark gothic
country!
Also this week: A few days ago some more tracks were added to the chapter 2
music page of 'A history of American roots'
23rd August 2011 - Saturday 3rd September sees the long awaited return to
Brighton of the excellent 'The Long Goodbye'. Alfi Bernardi and his tremendous
band will be playing at the Prince Albert so if you want an evening of great
music that weekend the Albert is the place to be! You might even be able to
purchase a copy of their excellent recent album 'Darkness leaves.'
22nd August 2011 - Yet another album review added to the 2011 c.d reviews page.
This time it's the excellent tribute album to Charlie Patton by 'The Reverend
Peyton'd Big Damn Band'. The album is called 'Peyton on Patton'.
20th August 2011 - I've uploaded another new album review to the 2011 c.d
reviews page. This one is the excellent new disc by Deep Dark Woods called 'The
place i left behind'. This is the fourth album review in the last 7 days, the
previous albums being new recordings by Greg Trooper, Patrolled by Radar and The
Black Swans. To give a flavour of what these albums contain I've also taken the
liberty of adding a track from each to the Music player page.
Hoping to add a few more songs to the 'A history of American roots' page later.
None of these tracks are downloadable but should any of the artists or their
representatives have any objections please let me know and they will be removed.
16th August 2011 - A review of the new album by the Black Swans has been added
to the 2011 c.d reviews page. Another 6 music tracks were added yesterday to the
'A history of American roots' chapter 2 music B page and the day before a couple
of tracks from the brilliant Cletus Got Shot album 'Unamerican' were added to
the 'Music player'.
13th August 2011 - A new review of the excellent new album by Greg Trooper
'Upside-down town' has been added to the 2011 c.d. reviews page
11th August 2011 - I've uploaded a review of the brilliant new album by Dave
Alvin. It's called 'Eleven Eleven' and is on the 2011 c.d reviews page.
4th August 2011 - Added a new review of the extraordinary new album 'Field
Songs' by William Elliott Whitmore. See it on the 2011 c.d reviews page!
30th July 2011 - I've done a little updating to the site and also added a new
review of the excellent new album by 'Eden and John's East River String Band'.
The album is called 'Be kind to a man when he's down' and consists of old time
blues and string band songs played in a way that is faithful to the tradition
and full of the enjoyment they obviously get from playing these old songs!
29th July 2011 - Added two tracks from each of three tremendous albums to the
music player page today. The albums have all been reviewed on this site recently
and are by James Keyes, Society and Slingshot Cash.
No tracks on this site are downloadable.
28th July 2011 - I've uploaded tracks 17-22 to the 'A history of American
roots' chapter 2 music page plus added a review of 'Queen of the minor key', the
beautiful new album by Eilen Jewell. This can be found on the 2011 c.d reviews
page.
Will hopefully be adding a few more new tracks to the 'Music page' within the
next few days as well.
24th July 2011 -I've just uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by
'Slingshot Cash' called 'From aftermath to exile'. It can be found on the 2011
c.d reviews page!
Also:- I really didn't want to add any more pages to the site but due to an
overwhelming number of requests on where c.ds can be sent to for (possibly!!)
reviewing, i've added a page to the dropdown menu on the homepage giving an
address and a few details. The page is titled 'Album submissions'.
Also this week:- Hoping to get back to the radio show on Wednesday and will be
adding some more music later in the week to the 'A history of American roots'
page.
That's it for now!
15th July 2011 - I've uploaded another two c.d reviews today. (makes 4 this
week!) There is one rather unsatisfactory one by the 'Reverend John Delore' and
a more than satisfactory offering from the tremendous Jalan Crossland.
Also uploaded 5 pieces of video from the wonderful Rosie Flores and updated the
'Current playlist'. A soon to be relesed album i've added is 'Sundrunk angels'
by Old Californio. I loved their 2010 offering (see 2010 reviews) but this one
on first listen gets a provisional 3***.
I'm just listening to it again and am not sure it is worthy of 3! Time will
tell!
14th July - 2011 - I've uploaded another half dozen songs to the 'A history of
American roots' Chapter 2 music page, which includes several classics by Patsy
Montana, Bob Wills and Roy Acuff.
I've also uploaded a c.d review of the new album by Henhouse Prowlers called
'Verses, chapters and rhymes'
9th July 2011 - In the last week or so I've added reviews of excellent albums by
Dead Rock West, Trent Miller and the Skeleton Jive, The Black Lillies and now,
Curtis Eller's American Circus. The latter is a remix of his firat album release
from 2000. Done some updating to various pages including, of course, the current
playlist!
27th June 2011 - I finally got the Frank Fairfield video edited and it can now
be found on the 'Live Gigs Video' page.
Also - Just added a review of the excellent new album by Jamie Freeman to the
2011 c.d reviews page.
24th June 2011 - After finally getting the video of Hatful of Rain edited you
can now see as well as hear this tremendous band on the new 'Live Gigs Video'
page. You can either watch the low picture quality unedited version or the HD
quality seperate tracks! have almost finished editing the Frank fairfield set so
that should be on here in HD in the next day or two.
11th June 2011 - Added several c.d reviews in the last week as well as updating
the 'Current playlist' and finally finished adding the music to the chapter 1
music page of 'A history of American roots'.
I'll be starting chapter 2 soon!
4th June 2011 - Just been told about a new promotional setup in Colchester,
Essex. It is called 'Live at Little Rabbit Barn' and has booked some excellent
'American Roots' performers including Brightons own (alright I know she's moved
to London now!) Danni Nichols. I'm going to try to add a sub page to the gig
list sometime during the next couple of weeks on which I will list out of town
gigs that may be of interest! I'm struggling to get facebook links to work on
this site, but will try to add a link for 'Live at little rabbit barn'. If it
doesn't work i'm sure that you can find it on facebook!!
1st June 2011 - Don't forget to check Lost Highways page! There is what promises
to be a tremendous event at the Brunswick, Hove, this Friday 3rd June with a
triple bill of headliner Jake Morley plus House of Hats plus Kat Rose!!!
30th May 2011 - I've just found and uploaded a review of the Haunted Hearts
recent album 'Howdy'. I should have put it on the site a month ago, but better
late than never (I suppose!)
Still listening to the Black Lillies excellent new album but also spent part of
the weekend listening to the new disc by Frank fairfield. It's called 'Out on
the open west' and it really is incredible, unless you like manufactured pop
music, in which case why the hell are you here?
Even better, our friends at Drifter promotions are putting Frank on another of
their tremendous shows at the Prince Albert on Wednesday 15th June, so you still
have time to get tickets at www.wegottickets.com as well as local outlets! As if
that's not enough, support is our own brilliant local band Hatful of Rain. It's
worth the price of the ticket to hear Chloe Overtons gorgeous voice singing,
amongst others, some of her own beautifully written songs!
29th May 2011 - I've updated the gig list with 2 potentially years best gigs
being put on by Brighthelmstone Promotions! The first is on the 29th July at the
Hydrant, where we can see the brilliant Redlands Palomino Company, a gig that
will include the hugely talented singer songwriter Danni Nicholls as support!!
Then on October 2nd they are putting on the mighty Richmond Fontaine at The
Coalition. I've been going to gigs for far longer than is healthy and Richmond
Fontaine are one of the best live bands i've ever seen!!!
Off to see our very own (or Rottingdeans!) Copper family at the Greys tomorrow
night. I can't imagine there are any tickets left but it is well worth asking!
Completely unadorned folk singing from days gone by!
8th May 2011 - A brilliant gig at the Palmeira, Hove, was witnessed by a decent
sized crowd last night. The tremendous roots pianist, singer, songwriter Hans
Chew kept everyone entertained with a mix of songs, mainly from his excellent
debut album 'Tennessee and other stories.' I've never been a lover of piano
driven music but thanks to Hans am now well and truly converted! Another triumph
for Amy and Jim of Brighthelmstone Promotions
1st May 2011 - Just done a little updating to the site and added a new c.d
review of the excellent new album 'Badlands III' by the Crazy Mountain Billies.
28th April 2011 - Last nights Seaside Hospital Radio 'American Roots' programme
had to be cancelled due to a family bereavement. The programme will hopefully
return next week.
22nd April 2011 - Saw a tremendous shop gig this afternoon in Lewes, at the
Union Music Store. The artist was Israel Nash Gripka who will be playing tonight
at the Prince Albert, Brighton. This tiny but well stocked shop was full of
Americana music enthusiasts who enjoyed an excellent half hour or so of songs
from Israels new album 'Barn doors and concrete floors.' Apparently they put
these afternoon gigs on quite regularly as well as selling books, instruments,
gig tickets and some brilliant c.d's. Everything for the discerning country/folk
music music fan in fact.
9th April 2011 - Had a really good evening last night as a guest on Del Day's
tremendous Radio Reverb show 'Songs from the Ark'. I took along a dozen tracks
and we alternated between Del's selections and mine.
I've started adding music tracks to 'A history of American Roots.' I'm half way
through Chapter 1, with the music being on a drop down page from each chapter.
These were compiled for a series of 'lectures' that I did a few years ago and
contain some incredible music!
I've added a c.d review of the tremendous album by Brightons very own Porchlight
Smoker.
3rd April 2011 - I've uploaded 3 new tracks of music today! There is one each
from two Brighton area bands 'The Koan Brothers' and 'The Long Goodbye' plus a
taster from the June released new album by 'Southern Tenant Folk Union.' Not
quite a world premier but close to it!!!
Also: On the 'Lost Highway' page is news of the current U.K. tour!
2nd April 2011 - Because the site is constantly growing and including more
content a few people have said they are having problems locating various items.
As a consequence of this I've added a basic google search bar which will
hopefully help! It is only an experiment at the moment but if feedback is
positive I may keep it.
1st April 2011 - Added a review of the tremendous new album by Grant Peeples
'Okra and Ecclisiastes'. Quite brilliant!
Have also uploaded Wednesday nights Seaside Hospital radio 'American Roots'
playlist. I've now added a featured artist to each weeks programme and will be
playing 4 or 5 tracks by that artist. This week it was the late Gram Parsons.
Also, looking forward to seeing the sold out Peter Bruntnell gig tonight!
20th March 2011 -Just added a review of an excellent recent album by Zoe Muth
and the Lost High Rollers!
Don't forget:- If you live in or around the Brighton area next saturday Drifter
promotions are putting on what will probably be one of the gigs of the year!
Support is by the always excellent local band Porchlight Smoker and bill toppers
are the brilliant Southern Tenanat Folk Union.
18th March 2011 - The new 'Music Player' page is now up and running and contains
a dozen great tracks! (so far!)
17th March 2011 - I've uploaded last nights Seaside Hospital Radio 'American
Roots' playlist and am now going to spend some time building a new page where
you will be able to listen to some great music!
15th March 2011 - I've added a couple of tracks each by June Star (on the Cult
Artists page) and by Jayke Orvis (on the 2011 c.d. reviews page) As permission
is gained more will be added!
12th march 2011 - I've just added a review, to the 2011 c.d reviews page, of the
incredible new album 'Down in the barnyard' by Rachel Brooke. It really is a
great album and just to prove it I've imbedded a music player at the top of the
reviews page and the first track on it is 'Me and Rose Connelly' an absolutely
stunning ballad from that very same album!
More music will gradually be added, so it is worth checking regularly!
10th March 2011 - Last nights Seaside Hospital Radio 'American Roots' playlist
has been uploaded to the 'current week' page on radio playlists plus a lot of
photos have been added to the gigs photos page of last Sunday and Mondays
brilliant gigs!
A review will follow, but i just can't stop playing Rachel Brooke's brilliant
new album 'Down in the Barnyard' !!!
5th March 2011 - Just added a piece to the 'Cult Artists' page about the mighty
'Slobberbone'!
3rd March 2011 - The playlist from last nights Seaside Hospital radio 'American
Roots' programme has been added, as well as a review of the new Malcolm Holcombe
album 'To drink the rain'
1st March 2011 - A little piece of news for those that arrived at this site by
means other than facebook! Last night some photos were uploaded to the 'Gigs
photos' page of last weeks brilliant Charlie Parr and Water Tower Bucket Boys
gigs and includes photos of their support, Serious Sam Barrett and Hatful of
Rain.
25th February 2011 - I uploaded a review of a slightly disapointing album by the
Farewell Drifters a couple of days ago.
Also: Several new and newish albums that I'm playing constantly at the moment
are the new one by Lucinda Williams 'Blessed'. It's a bit more reflective than
usual but more info. when I've listened to it a few more times! Zoe Muth and the
Lost High Rollers gets better each time I hear it as does 'Your mama don't like
me' by Miss Quincy. There is also the incredible, recorded in 1958, 'Eager Boy'
by the Lonesome Drifter. The ultimate hillbilly meets rock 'n' roll and as eerie
sounding as anything you are likely to hear this year!
18th February 2011 - A review of the tremendous new album by country rockers
'Emory Quinn' has been added today. It is called 'See you at the next light'.
Another couple of great albums on the c.d player at the moment are 'To drink the
rain' by Malcolm Holcombe and also Jake Orvis' 'It's all been said'. Quite
brilliant!
15th February 2011 - Just added a 5***** review of the brilliant new album by
the Drive by Truckers. Not just incredibly high quality, but also quantity at 65
minutes long!
14th February 2011 - More great news for Brighton music fans! We now have
another excellent promoter of music in BRIGHTHELMSTONE PROMOTIONS.
First gig is on April 1st at the Hobgoblin, Brighton and is the brilliant Peter
Bruntnell (with full band) + Jim Jones!
Their site can be found at www.brighthelmsonepromotions.blogspot.com
11th February 2011 - Great news! Brightons very own Drifter Promotions now have
their own website that informs you of all their upcoming gigs. If you click on
the link below that should take you to the site. It will also be added to the
links page.
www.drifterpromotions.tumblr.com
10th February 2011 - I have recently received a few complaints that whilst I
publicise updates to this website on facebook, not everyone uses this source of
much debate! Consequently I've been asked to mention all updates on this news
page which I am more than happy to comply with!
Today I've added last nights brilliant Seaside Hospital Radio 'American Roots'
playlist as well as a c.d review of the new album by elder statesman of the
delta blues 'T-Model Ford'
8th January 2011 - Saw an interesting item on BBC breakfast news this morning.
Apparently, in this digital age, people are no longer listening to complete
albums. If they hear it once or twice, they choose their favourite tracks and
only play them, or they listen to someone elses copy of the album and download
only their favourites.
Someone had the idea of forming a club. They find a friendly pub, have a few
drinks and then play classic albums in their entirety, with no talking or going
to the loo allowed during the music! Apparently this is a new idea although it
sounds remarkably similar to what we used to do back in those distant days of
the 1960s! Having said that, anything that gets people listening to complete
albums has got to be a good thing. How often do we, on first few listens, decide
we don’t like tracks, only to hear them a few more times and revise that
opinion. In the course of reviewing albums, this happens to me dozens of times a
year.
Now to find a friendly pub that sells some decent ales and has a decent stereo
within walking distance of home!
12th January - Another new page has been added, this time called 'CULT ARTISTS.'
The introduction explains everything!
7th january 2011 - A new page has just been added as 'Albums of 2010.' Pretty
self explanatory really but it is made up purely of my favourites from the 100s
I listened to in the course of the year.
Still working on the 'Readers top 10 of 2010'!
Hi all. Hope you all had a good Christmas and I'd just like to wish all readers
and their families a happy and healthy 2011.
I'm in the process of making a few minor changes to the site by way of
archiving. All self explanatory really!
I started this project as a piece of fun but it has very rapidly taken over
more of my life than I was originally prepared to give, but after some soul
searching I decided to drop a few other things I was involved in and carry on
with the site. The readership, that I thought was going to be a few dozen, is
now several thousand a month and increasing all the time, so thanks to everyone
for their support.
I'm working on a couple of new ideas, one of which is going to be about 'cult
artists,' although due to circumstances beyond my control (family illness) I am
well behind the schedule I set for myself. Things will hopefully start to
improve soon so I should start to catch up again. The recommended albums page
will also start to grow as the year progresses.
I will shortly be publishing my top 10 albums of 2010 and after the Monday 3rd
January deadline will start sorting out the top 10 of the year as voted for by
readers, so keep the votes coming!
Thanks again for the support and don't forget, if you have any ideas or
criticism that will help the site, feel free to contact me through the site's
contact page or on americanrootsuk@gmail.com
To start 2011 off, I have uploaded a couple of c.d. reviews. One is by Jay
Berndt and the other by Travel by Sea.