Billy Joe Shaver "Freedom's Child"

We all should take the next nine days off, starting today. What with the 4th of July happening midweek, what are we supposed to do? When to celebrate, the whole week, that’s what I say. There are festivities on both weekends, too. It puts me in mind of a July 4th I spent in Ft. Worth for one of Willie Nelson’s legendary Picnics. We were there to broadcast it live on XM, and at the time, every set from the beginning of the day was delayed, sometimes because Willie joined the other artists on stage. By the time Willie was to perform, it was so late, that it actually wasn’t even the 4th anymore, as it had passed midnight. Because it was midweek, a lot of folks split, opting to go to work the next day rather than see the massive fireworks display. So yes, I think we need this whole week off. Oh yeah, Willie is back at Billy Bob’s in Ft. Worth for another edition of the Willie Nelson 4th of July Picnic this year.

Just watch yourself. Between the sun and the fun and the beer, and the easy ability to overdo it all, we just want to caution you that both weekends are in play here. So, let us indulge, but as my mother used to say, moderation in all things. Not that I listened. Today’s video is a precursor to the Independence Day holiday which after all, should not be forgotten in all the revelry. Billy Joe Shaver recorded “Freedom’s Child” six years ago, and he has lost a considerable amount of weight since then. Believe it or not, he looks younger now. He is playing Willie’s Picnic, along with our friends Ray Wylie Hubbard, Deadman, The Dirty River Boys, and Stoney LaRue, to name just a few. Gonna be a great day, if you are in the DFW area. Here is the video for “Freedom’s Child,” from American treasure Billy Joe Shaver.

-Jessie Scott

Mindy Smith "Closer"

On the School Night Sessions at Threadgill’s this past Monday night there was a very cool double bill, in essence a baton pass of tradition. The first band, Aidan, an Austin based traditional Irish outfit, plays as a three piece: guitar, flute and fiddle. There were jigs and reels and mournful songs of lost love and separation. The second set was from Wood & Wire, an articulate bluegrass band with unearthly harmonies that calls Austin home, though they will be heading to record an album in Nashville soon. Their lineup was banjo, mando, guitar and upright bass. The evening provided a unmistakable sonic connection through the generations. It was simply an amazing evening with an avid audience hanging on every note. Music that makes your heart soar. YES!

There is more cool music to dig into, with the release of Mindy Smith’s fifth, self-titled album, which hit the street yesterday. You might remember her haunting rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” in 2004 or the plaintiff track “Come to Jesus,” from her One Moment More album the same year. Mindy wrote or co-wrote all eleven songs on her new album. She will be touring like crazy this summer, showcasing her jewel-toned voice, torching and twanging and digging down deep. See for yourself, as the first song has been posted from the new CD, “Closer.”

-Jessie Scott

Dala "Best Day"

What is it in the water and the soil in Canada that is growing such beauties? We have been treated to some incredibly talented folks from north of the border, who ain’t hard to look at either. Dala, the duo of Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine, just released their fifth studio record, Best Day. They have been building their audience the old fashioned way, person by person, winning them over through albums, performances, and opportunities.

Along the way, they have picked up five Canadian Folk Music Awards. The girls have played all over North America, including some mighty fine festivals: the New Orleans Jazz Fest, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Denver’s Swallow Hill, the Lowell Summer Concert Series, Strawberry Music Fest, Sisters Folk Festival, and the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival in 2009. Last summer Dala hosted a PBS special primetime concert which you might have seen, titled Girls From The North Country. Then again, they might be totally new to you, but if they come close this summer, you might think about catching them live.

Sheila Carabine and Amanda Walther have established themselves an rising stars on the popfolk circuit. The new album Best Day, brings forth their lush intertwining harmonies, with accompaniment from piano, guitar, ukulele and minimal drums. Today’s song, the title track, is wistful, beautiful; the kind of thing you could sing to your child every day. Let the sunshine on your face, make it be a “Best Day.”

-Jessie Scott