I'm more into the Sunday Show but I really enjoyed this weeks Country offering. Bought the Jimmy Dale Gilmore album After Awhile on it's release on the American Explorer Series through Elekra Nonesuch in 1991 along with the Johnnie Johnson - Johnnie B. Bad and Boozoo Chavis - Boozoo Chavis albums released on the same label at around about the same time. All are now quite hard to get hold of at a reasonable price.
Tried to post a reply to this just now but my computer is having a go slow day so I gave up for a while.
Rodney Crowell opened for The Flatlanders at the Sage, I heard their Barbican show that year was also a huge success. It was like 2 evenings of music hearing him first, his set was a full show in it's own right. It took a band as great as The Flatlanders to follow him, many would have been an anti-climax after Rodney Crowell. I booked to see them actually, I didn't even know he was playing until very soon before the show. I heard about the Flatlanders' Sage show from the Bob Harris country show earlier that year and went off and booked immediately so had been looking forward to it for some time
I thought they might return sooner following that but no such luck Although my attendance of shows has encountered hiccups so I might actually have had to miss them if they did.
I like listening to them individually as well as Flatlanders but I do really like them as a band. It's one of those rare combinations of 3 excellent guitarists, singer/songwriters, who all have great individual talent but harmonize so well together. I have a favourite Flatlander but usually just refer to liking all of them.
When the Band of Heathens announced Colin B. was leaving I thought of the Flatlanders, although different they're similar in terms of 3 very strong guitarists/singers/songwriters, it's fairly unusual I think to get that combination. Although they're a different band in some ways they are very similar in others. Except there are now only 2 Heathens front of band. I think Colin is great solo but I really miss him in band footage. Someone posted an entire set by the Band complete with new rhythm sction and watching them for longer sans Colin was just really hard; that space where he was on stage is so difficult to see!
The Flatlanders split up and did their separate things I know, then got back together. I hope that Colin B. will sometimes join the Heathens as a guest for a few shows at least in future, it's probably too soon at the moment. Again, like the Flatlanders, it's not just their talent but their combination of personalities which made it magical. I know you weren't so keen on the Heathens Jela.
I posted a link under 'Band of Heathens' on general thread to some videos of Ed and Gordy doing one of their accoustic duo shows. I wonder what you thought of them as a duo out of the band. They're very talented of course but I still find watching them, there is that gap where Colin isn't next to Gordy, and the absence of his dobro/lap steel/guitar and voice is very loud to me, I really just find it hard.
Rambling away, but back to topic, I really hope the Flatlanders do get over here as a group it seems definitely not this year, though. There was a radio show posted by Joe Ely the other day, when they were singing their 'Odessa' songs, I'll find the link.
This is one of the songs that Ed J and Gordy Q of Band of Heathens sang as a duo, and I noticed someone wrote in comments this is their favourite version of the song, L A County Blues - one of their 'signature' tunes I supposed it could be said. Primarily Ed's song. I love accoustic guitar but truthfully, I love versions with Colin playing as well on this. I wouldn't think this version is bettere than those with band although it's personal preference, I was just interested someone thought so.
Edited to add, and this is their Austin City Limits show version of the song a couple of years ago. With Colin, and of course full band.
They alter their playing in different shows, so the band versions of the song differ from each other anyway but this is one example of band versus Gordy/Ed duo. Actually tempo, I think, rather than number of instruments/people, is one of the primary differences on this band version.
Great to hear the POCO and Kathy Mattea tracks. I'm afraid I cannot embrace the new material from Kathy like I can her wonderful material from the late 80's to early 2000's.
It certainly hasn't been a good week for Randy Travis! Is this what happpens to you when you listen to too many country drinking songs!
Thanks for Thursday Show. The First Aid Kits "Sweet Emmylou" is lovely, easily the standout and it came to my attention during Radio 2's playlisting.
The Time Jumpers track played happened to be the one that was a Free download for an email share (160kbps MP3) for anyone interested - LINK
The Colt Ford #1 Album and what looks set to be another record breaker for Taylor Swift and her new single seems to be kick starting debates on Facebook and CMT as to where on earth country music is going. A lot of the cream doesn't seem to rise to the top anymore and highly acclaimed albums and singles never chart. Another 2 high profile female country singers are now without label homes.
I must have been "Ready To Roll" this week. Enjoyed it so much had repeat listen.
As well as the announcement that Bob Harris will be inducted into the British Country Music Hall of Fame in the same week The Nashville Songwriters Hall announce the same for Mary Chapin Carpenter.
I wouldn't count myself a Lizanne Knott or Diana Jones fan but found myself enjoying the 2 tracks played this week.
Great to hear the brand new Matraca Berg track "Magdelene" with Emmylou - very atmospheric.
The lovely Tift Merritt is giving away "Sweet Spot" this week as heard on Bob Harris Country.
Good to hear recent birthday boy Robert Plant open the show!
Ref Jason Isbell. On September 22 he will be playing "in the round" at the Bluebird Cafe with , Gretchen Peters, Kim Richey & Matraca Berg. How good will that be! If only Live on Bob Harris Country!
My wife and I sat though this weeks show undisturbed. That's all I had was - I know this one Have you got this one? I think I've heard this one before Well who is it then? She will be tuned in next week as she's getting to love it A most enjoyable programme well worth another playback. Class stuff Uncle Bob
A good preview to the Americanas. Cannot believe a year has flown past and your OBE is one year older Bob! Enjoy Bonnie Raitt, Jason Isbell and Sarah Jarosz.
A good review of previous Americana winners. Bob great too see you met Callaghan at Noshville (saw a Facebook pic)
You can listen to this years Americana's award show at: NPR.org Eg LeeAnn Womack + Peter Cooper + Tom T Hall singing who together performed song-of-the-year nominee "I Love" from The Fox Hollow Project = Wow! I hope Radio 2 were taping?
Interesting take by Booker T on what he thought Americana is: "Music of the people, music of the real folk, music of the city, music from the mountains, music from the neighbourhood" = Just about covers everyone!
So pleased that Lee Womack/Peter Copper/Tom T Hall was spliced into the show. What a fabulous vocal by LeeAnn in Patty Griffin's absence. Now she is labeless I can see her going Inde with an Americana release. Enjoyed the Jason Isbell track, congrats to him for his Americana Song of the Year award.
Lovely what Bonnie Raitt said about Bob: "You are music of the heart....it is not about sales, its about finding out that people are still vital and have something of value to share...We need people like you to champion us"
I'm not sure I understand your point Old Raver. I'm here on the site almost every day. I have my own Twitter account (@whisperingbob) which I update personally and a @BHCountry account which is updated by my producer Mark Hagen in conjunction with me and the show. Bob.
Hi Isobel, Hope you enjoyed your catch up. Been some good stuff on Ricky Ross' BBc Radio Scotland show recently too.
Thanks for heads up on new Bubby Miller track.
Bob, I was a bit confused when you spoke about and played Darius Rucker' "Come Back Song" saying that you heard it a lot in Nashville on your recent Music City trip and that it "sounds like a hit". It was a hit, a #1 Billboard Hot Country Song nearly two years ago on November 6, 2010. Darius has a brand new single at radio called "True Believers". Its bugging me as to where I've heard the melody and song structure before, its familiar. What does it sound like, anyone ?
I'm not sure I understand your point Old Raver. I'm here on the site almost every day. I have my own Twitter account (@whisperingbob) which I update personally and a @BHCountry account which is updated by my producer Mark Hagen in conjunction with me and the show. Bob.
Hi Bob I have no doubt this is your blog and have no issue with that. My comment was rather cryptic in relation to a previous comment about nobody posting here - (interesting there has been no other reference to my comment)- except someone who gives the appearance that they think it's okay to post repeatedly links to other things as if this is their own blog - maybe they should get their own blog and not make this one an adjunct of something else!! It gets boring and I would suggest puts people off commenting, as it has myself. I don't live my life via the internet.
quote:Originally posted by oldraver Hi Bob I have no doubt this is your blog and have no issue with that. My comment was rather cryptic in relation to a previous comment about nobody posting here - (interesting there has been no other reference to my comment)- except someone who gives the appearance that they think it's okay to post repeatedly links to other things as if this is their own blog - maybe they should get their own blog and not make this one an adjunct of something else!! It gets boring and I would suggest puts people off commenting, as it has myself. I don't live my life via the internet.
Hi - Firstly You will notice that I'm a longtime contributor to this forum and actually started the Country and Saturday Show threads as the Whispers board at one stage was becoming a posting ground for promoters and publicists rather than talking about the music Bob plays. Secondly...,I missunderstand your previous message. The Blog is an independent one and I contribute to its contents. The idea of publishing the links is that forum members may find the contents useful and could raise debate? I have actually created some directly referencing to Bob (Americanas, BCMAwards Hall of Fame, OBE and embedded some the Country sessions to share with others) You will see the Blog is Advert FREE unlike 95%+ of news sites. Any country fans who used Myspace will be aware of the spammers and if they returned to their dormant pages they would see them full of it. Many people find their news/info online nowadays. Some printed magazines lost a 1/3 of their subscribers. I try to look for the most interesting stuff and fun items with different sections in the snippets post.
Bob played Darius Rucker for a second time but didn't mention that Brad Paisley invited him to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry last week.
It was great to hear The Roys new EP. Maverick editor Alan Cackett had a bit of a moan about it saying he would rather have a full album. Personally I don't mind having 7 good tracks rather than 2 good ones and the rest filler fodder. You can read the review in the magazine link in the snippets news.
The Time Jumpers CD sold about 1000 copies in its debut week but I'm sure it will sell well at the Station Inn. Several Sugar Hill recordings haven't done so well charting or sold that great (Kathy Mattea, Joey+Rory) I think they don't get the US airplay so people aren't that aware of them despite the rave 5 STAR ONLINE reviews.
Many thanks for the posts and the links Andy. Keep doing what you're doing y'all! Bob.
Really kind comment Bob, I'm humbled and pleased you approve. Did you read the article about your good friend Chris Thile? The next time you meet I think the drinks are on him! Read: Punch Brothers mandolin player Chris Thile was among 23 people who have been awarded a $500,000 MacArthur Foundation "genius grant" in an official announcement on Tuesday (Oct 2). The fellowships from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, awards that can't be applied for, are the stuff of fantasy. Besides the imprimatur of outstanding achievement, they come with a no-strings-attached $100,000 a year for five years!
I think he's feeling generous. If your a Punch Brothers fan they have 4 Free Live Sampler tracks (Recorded at The Fillmore) for an email share at http://www.noisetrade.com/punchbrothers
"Come back regularly...it's constantly changing. And let us know your thoughts!"
I've done that and the heavy mob have appeared to 'undermine' my thoughts. 1. some one asked what was maybe a throw away question 2. I replied with just reason 3. nobody appears to understand or be interested in what I say 4. summarily dismissed as if never happened.
Not a very welcoming site in my view, whether it's a forum or a blog - but hey the techhnicalities matter to only those on the inside, right......????
Old Raver, that sounds sad I think it's a great chat forum and some really good links posted here, plus info about musicians of course. It seems welcoming to me, people can have disagreements but it's a very friendly forum.
Hope you cheer up, sad to feel unhappy visiting here. I haven't got here much recently and really miss keeping up with it.
"Come back regularly...it's constantly changing. And let us know your thoughts!"
I've done that and the heavy mob have appeared to 'undermine' my thoughts.
Yes those were words I think Bob used again this week. I don't use TWITTER but that's what Bob means about the constant changes and sharing of links to impart information. I did pay attention to your thoughts and people seem happy about the blog links. Is there anything country music wise that excites you right now? Album, single, Gigs ?
Ref to this weeks show Little Big Town - 2 of its members have birthdays this week. Mary Chapin Carpenter - That was the first country album I came across and "Only a Dream" is truly superb. The highlight of the first show when I saw her at Hammy Odeon (circa 1995). You could hear a pin drop, magical. Gretchen Peters saw her too at the HOF Awards, first time in years. I'm sure they share the same UK fanbase! Iris Dement - Her new album is #124 on the Top 200 with sales ranging from 3K to 4K and gains a #8 slot on The Billboard Folk Album. The Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart has had a facelift! It's all change for the best or not? Personally I think its good counting in sales
Thanks for the Time Jumpers session this week. Iris Dement - Her second week sales for SING THE DELTA was 2,544 copies with a total now 6,210 and hangs onto a Top 200 place at #189
Vince Gill - It came as no surprise that he left his longtime label home this year. He seemed dissatified with the way it was promoted, lack of radio airplay and lack of sales compared to glory days of the past. He still keeps himself busy though. He was on stage with Darius Rucker this week for Rucker's Grand Ole Opry induction. Vince also won 2 awards at the 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards. It will be 4 years since that 4-CD Box release which had everything!
Bob, Perhaps you could mention Matraca Berg's UK Tour dates, On Facebook she wrote this week: seems ticket sales need a boost.Seems I am so close to Chapin and Shawn Colvin's show. dear friends. but need to spread word about my tour. help appreciated
Enjoyed the show Keith Urban - Celebrated a birthday this week. Bob if your looking for a Big Apple retirement pad Nicole & Keith are reporting they are dumping their $13 Million De-luxe New York Apartment Kacey Musgraves - So pleased it got it's Bob Harris debut. I adore the track. Reminds me when first heard Lucy Kaplansky. Kasey name came to my attention in June when she opened for Lady Antebellum Own The Night Europe dates - "I'm gonna bring my Lady-A game!" she said. Matraca Berg - Good session. She still seems concerned on Facebook about tickets: "ticket buyers over the pond...this weekend is important for safety of the band!" The Editors of The UK Country Press sem to be at opposites on the new album. Maverick 5 STARS - http://www.matracaberg.com/2012/10/maverick-magazine-gives-loves-truck-stop-5-stars/ If Country Music People run it then it might be 1 or 1/2 star, their Editor hates it! I absolutely loved THE DREAMING FIELDS. Can't make my mind up yet on LOVES TRUCK STOP. There have been so many atmospheric, mood-pieces, with dark material and largely free of uptempos: Gretchen Peters, Kathy Mattea, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Gillian Welch, Shawn Colvin and Tift Merritt.
CMA's - Bob, You'll be cheering on Will Hoge (Even If It Breaks Your Heart) and Eric Church (Springsteen)! For a moment I thought we had the Radio 2 live broadcast back which was exciting. So highlights show next Sat 8pm. I think Jason Albean good well win Entertainer, Male Vocalist - I'm not a fan! He has #1 Billboard Top 200 album. Maybe Bob you'll bump into UK band McKay. They are attending and are being "bigged up" over here. They open for Brad Paisley/Band Perry in Europe and have backing of Garth Brooks, TBP and Brad's management.
Taylor Swift tonight has her first #1 UK Album on the Official Chart but it doesn't show on the UK Official Country Album Chart. It still show's Lady A at #1. It's very confusing? Likewise will Taylor be #1 on Billboard Top 200 but no longer on Billboard Country Album Chart.
Congratulations on your Wesley Rose CMA Award Bob! Mark Hagen & I spotted Al Booth there as well on the red carpet! A Little Big Town Exclusive ! I appreciate the CMA highlights show on Saturday and so much was crammed into the 1 hour CMA highlights Video on the BBC Radio 2 page. Thanks to all concerned.
Good to hear one of my favourite songs of the year with Kacey Musgraves "Merry Go Round". She will play select dates on Little Big Town's 2013 Tornado tour.
Dwight Yoakham's album 3 PEARS is now charting on Official UK Country Album Chart, I expect Bob's spin helped a lot! Sad news regarding The Civil Wars, as Bob said "they had the world at their feet". As of last week Barton Hollow had sold 527,796 copies in America alone
Enjoyed the Al Booth mix tape show and Shawn Colvin session.
Mary Chapin Carpenter - One of the first country songs I discovered. Back in Nov 19, 1994 she had a #1 country single in Billboard with "Shut Up And Kiss Me" ..happy days when mainstream country had plenty of good stuff. Little Big Town - Took part in fun video with Keith Urban this week, a road trip without a radio. Kasey Musgrave is touring with LBT in 2013! Shawn Colvin - Blew me away when first saw her on a Mary Chapin Carpenter Live at Wolf Trap VHS Tape. Brilliant albums down the years.
MC Carpenter and Shawn Colvin: two of my all-time favourite ladies!
Shawn's recorded output is consistently excellent. Lyrically, always engaging and absorbing and, instrumentally, the musicianship of the highest standard.
Joni Mitchell, around a decade ago, when asked who she thought would take over her mantle as the worlds most respected singer-songwriter, admitted her total respect for what Shawn had achieved.
Shawn Colvin can do no wrong to my ears, and MCC is in the same bracket. Even their less-than-great tracks tend to be better than many people's absolute best. Good to hear Joni rates Shawn.
BOB HARRIS Country Shows
Posted - 27/07/2012 : 15:00:04
Although my attendance of shows has encountered hiccups so I might actually have had to miss them if they did. 
