Americana. It is a term batted around more these days, but still ill defined. It combines roots forms; country, rock 'n roll, gospel, R&B, blues, folk, and is none of these things purely, but the synthesis creates something wholly its own. It is a melting pot of music, much as American is a melting pot society. If you are new to the term Americana, it is described on the Americana Music Association's website: "Americana is music that honors and is derived from the traditions of American roots music. It is music inspired by American culture traditions which is not only represented in classic man made / roots based sounds but also through new and contemporary artists whose music is clearly inspired by these great traditions."
In some cases, it isn't even American roots, but other ones that wind up in the musical stew. Like Tex-Mex, or the French influence in Zydeco, or the Gypsy and Jewish influence of jazz included in the music of Miss Tess and The Bon Ton Parade. She and the band are New York based. When I think about it, it is a pretty amazing collection of young artists living there: Annie & the Beekeepers, The Wiyos, Yarn, and The Bowmans, just to name some. They have a new EP release called The Waltz Set coming soon, and are doing a show to celebrate that in New York on Thursday, September 30th, in the big room at Rockwood Music Hall. Interesting to have this music in one of its historical touchstones, the Lower East Side of New York. Perfect melting pot scenario.
Back in March we had the honor of Miss Tess and The Bon Ton Parade performing during Music Fog's artist showcase at Threadgill's in Austin. "Train Ride to Caroline" comes from that session.
- Jessie Scott
