Music Matters By Jerry Henry

The latest statistics tell the tale.  At the recent A2IM (American Association of Independent Music) annual gathering in New York, some scary numbers were floating around.  According to Nielsen Soundscan, a total of 105,000, new full-length albums were released in 2008, a fourfold gain from the earlier 2000s.  And of that pot, just 6,000 releases sold 1,000 units or more in the first year. 

I received an email from John Earl, who is in Italy experiencing this life's ultimate road trip. I am sure he would not mind sharing his adventures: http://web.me.com/earl_john/Trip_To_Italy/My_Great_Italian_Adventure.html

Make plans now for the South's Largest Record Show, August 15th and 16th, at The Cedars Club, 301 Green Springs Ave. South, presented by The Birmingham Record Collectors. Over 1/2 million 45's and LP's to choose from and thousands of CD's to browse through.

I received a package containing a CD and splash vinyl LP of Jimi Hendrix's Paris/Ottawa Live (Dagger Records) recorded January 29, 1968. These historic "in Concert" recordings from the Jimi Hendrix Experience has not been offered at retail. It is now available from Amazon.com only and will not be available until August 11th. This album is a fan/collector item with all kind of goodies available for a price. I found it to be a really good live performance with "The Wind Cries Mary," "Little Wing" and "Purple Haze" being the stand outs.

I listened to the Drive-By Truckers' The Fine Point (A Collection of Oddities and Rarities 2003-2008) (New West Records) many times. The Fine Point is diverse to say the least. I especially enjoy "George Jones Talkin' Cell Phone Blues," Mrs. Claus' Kimono" and the cover of Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone" by the female member of the band, Shonna Tucker. This album is like going into your mama's refrigator, those "left-overs" make for some mighty fine eatin'.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (Lightning Rod Records) should dispel any doubts about Jason's song writing abilities. Solid band playing some of this generations future anthems. You can't go wrong with this one. 

I hope you read my interview with the Greencards a few issues back. I am just now getting around to reviewing their latest release Fascination (Sugar Hill Records). This band continues to evolve with Fascination being the best effort yet. The Greencards is known as a Nashville based Americana band. But when you listen to the Greencards you know they are defying categorization. I think their music appeals to everyone, regardless of genre allegiance. I want to fore warn you: buying Fascination will have you looking for their other albums.

Tanya Tucker was only 13 when her provocative "Delta Dawn" caused a nationwide stir and became a Top 10 country hit. Today she has mellowed somewhat and has released My Turn (Saguaro Road Records). We all know who she is and what she does. What she does is give us a great country album with My Turn. Her cover of "Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone" is exceptional.

Steve Wariner c.g.p. has released My Tribute To Chet Atkins (Selectone Records) which is a special limited edition in both CD and Vinyl and will be in stores by the time you read this. The legendary guitarist was Wariner's friend, musical mentor, producer and boss. He comments on My Tribute to Chet Atkins, "This is simply my way of honoring and paying homage to the genius and talent of the man who, in my opinion, is the greatest and most influential guitarist on the planet." The abbreviation "c.p.g." stands for "Certified Guitar Player," a title that Chet would bestow on only four guitar pickers: Tommy Emmanuel, John Knowles, the late Jerry Reed and Steve Wariner. This album is expertly done with Wariner taking the listener on a journey through the wide range of material that Atkins recorded.

Angie Stevens was recently named Denver's Best Singer/Songwriter. She has released her 3rd album, Queen Of This Mess (Boss Koala Records), which has elements of alt-country, indie rock, contemporary folk and pop. Angie talks about Queen Of This Mess, ......"We were going for a family style, Midwest-sitting on your porch-album use of accordions church style organ, violin, viola, low moaning guitar and delicate yet powerful vocals." To me her vocals are akin to patty Griffin and EmmyLou Harris. Her songs have been featured on HBO, picked on CMT's "Top 20 Video Countdown" and was showcased at SXSW Sundance Film Festival. Good Stuff!

Gypsy Dave and the Stumpjumpers has released A Bucketful Of Ghosts (www.thegypsydave.com), with the title coming from a passage from John Steinbeck's "Travels With Charlie." This album was recorded at The Blue House in West Nashville and produced by producer/musician Will Kimbrough (Todd Snider, Rodney Crowell). Gypsy Dave (Dave Washousky), is joined by Lisa Joseph (bringing 12 years of symphony experience to the contemporary folk sound), melding classical and alternative styles to provide a powerful and ethereal layer and Ryan Nageotte playing upright bass and singing harmony providing the driving force. I liked this album because I like anything Will Kimbrough does and it is a bit different from anything I have heard.

Bill Noonan is best known as the leader of roots-rock band Rank Outsiders. Bill is a vocalist, songwriter and musician with a new release The Man That I Can't Be (Catawba City Records). His voice and songs makes him a perfect candidate for Outlaw Country on satelite radio.

Tenor saxophonist great, Sonny Rollins, has released Reel Life (1982) (Original Jazz Classics). This album has long been out of print and has never appeared on CD.   This is music that he recorded for the Milestone Records label. Rollins is joined by drummer, Jack DeJohnette, guitarists, Bobby Broom and Yoshiaki Masuo. Listen to his solo on "My Little Brown Book" and discover why some call him, "The greatest living improviser in jazz."