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After getting behind on Tuesday, I am finally all caught up, so we can have a regularly scheduled, non-rushed shuffle.
We have a cool shuffle today that includes some first listens that I am really excited about bringing to you.
Let's go!
"Serve Me" by Cabinet of Millionaires
I am really digging this new music from Cabinet of Millionaires - which a politically charged UK group. This is catchy, intelligent dance music for this difficult times. This is a track that we received with their single Theresa which was officially released last week. This was an earlier single and it features Yorkshire artist Pat Fulgoni.
"Two Broke Kids" by Jane Kramer
Next up, we have a first listen to Valley of the Bones - the forthcoming album by Asheville singer-songwriter Jane Kramer. The album is due out March 1, and I am loving what I am hearing so far. The album features members of Steep Canyon Rangers and the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. We have another track later in the shuffle. The video playlist features a crowdfunding video for the new album.
"That Ole 1-4-5" by Watermelon Slim
Next up, we have another track from Church of the Blues by larger-than-life blues artist Watermelon Slim. Originally from Boston, Slim's path toward the blues includes stints as a truck driver, forklift driver, funeral officiate, and yes, even as a watermelon farmer - among many others. He has two college degrees, has been a vigilant anti-war activist for years. He released his first album in 1973. Among his early exposure to the blues was seeing Bonnie Raitt and Mississippi Fred McDowell at clubs in Boston. (Keep McDowell in mind).
"Ballin' on a Wednesday" by Steve Poltz
I love getting new music, but sometimes new music passes through my e-mail inbox that really gets me excited. Such is the case with Shine On, the forthcoming new album by the one and only Steve Poltz. Like many people, I would imagine, I didn't even realize that I had been exposed to the music of Steve Poltz the first time I heard him play. Back in 1996, he worked with Jewel on her debut album (he co-wrote the hit single "You Were Meant for Me"). The first time I saw him perform live, was due to the fact that he had gotten snowed-in in Nashville (he later moved here). He blew me away with his incredibel, often satirically funny songs and stories. As if having the opportunity to write about Steve Poltz's new album wasn't enough, it turns out that the album was produced by none other than Nashville legend Will Kimbrough. This first listen also happens to be the first single - which was premiered a couple of weeks ago.
"Good Morning Little School Girl" by Mississippi Fred McDowell
I have to admit, I was pretty surprised to get a submission of "new music" from the late blues legend Mississippi Fred McDowell (remember I told you to keep him in mind). McDowell passed away in 1972. Nub Records has recently released a new compilation previously unreleased remastered tracks. Mississippi Fred McDowell is considered one of the first North Mississippi hill country blues musicians to receive wide-spread acclaim for his work. The also aforementioned Bonnie Raitt's legendary slide playing was influenced by Mississippi Fred. This song is a blues standard first recorded by the first Sonny Boy Williamson in 1937.
"#love" by Starseedz
As odd as it may seem moving from blues legend Mississippi Fred McDowell to a recent single UK pop duo Starseedz, the two releases actually came to me via the same source and are released on the same label Nub Records. The single feature drummer Steve Rodford who has been the drummer for The Zombies since 2004. Rodford is a frequent collaborator with Starseedz.
"(The) Schneck" by Pilotcan
Next up, we have another cool track from the album Bats Fly Out From Under the Bridge. Pilotcan is a five-piece rock band from Edinburgh. This album has become a favorite of mine.
"Make this World a Better Place (To Love In)" by John Rey-Reed
Next, we have another track from Learnin' to Drive the Truck by Nashville (via Austin) musician John Rey Reed. I met Reed at a Christmas party - where I got this CD. The album was partially recorded in Austin and partially recorded here in Nashville. Excellent musicians from both cities contribute to it. The songs are wonderful.
"I'll See Your Crazy and Raise You Mine" by Jane Kramer
Next, we have our second listen to Jane Kramer's forthcoming Valley of the Bones. This is a wonderful song.
"What You Need" by Renee Wahl and the Sworn Secrets
Next up, we have another track from Cut to the Bone by Renee Wahl and The Sworn Secrets. The album won't be out until mid-March. The first single is "To the Bone" is out now on Spotify.
VIDEO PLAYLIST
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