Pour une Âme Souveraine has received great reviews from the likes of New York Times' Nate Chinen who called Meshell "a singer-songwriter of searching candor and an electric bassist of mesmerizing skill," and stated, "...she welcomed a small array of guest vocalists... But the most intriguingly shaded voice on the album belongs to Ms. Ndegeocello, who apprehends Simone's legacy with curiosity and stubbornness - as well as a keen appreciation of her political stance." And NPR declared, "Ndegeocello makes a natural accomplice to that [Simone's] legacy , and she tackles these songs with all due respect and understanding... The resulting concoction stays true to Nina Simone's spirit, while still taking liberties - a move worthy of a subject who never sat still for anyone."
Meshell's milestone album Bitter was released 14 years ago, August 24,
1999. To commemorate the recording, she has released a free download of
"Wasted Time" from the album. This is a live version of the song recorded at
the Bowery Ballroom in November of 1999.
The Blind Boys of Alabama's Two Major Premiers In One Week Via Yahoo.com And RollingStone.com. Also Featured At Boston Red Sox Game And On Live At The Ice House
The Blind Boys of Alabama's music video for the title track on their upcoming release, I'll Find a Way, exclusively premiered on Yahoo.com on September 12, 2013. The video documents The Blind Boys' recording sessions with I'll Find a Way producer Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver) in his April Base Studios in Wisconsin and features Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) singing on the title track. To check out Yahoo's premier article, click here.
I'll Find a Way has received rave reviews and a major Billboard feature which proclaimed, "I'll Find a Way builds on the minimalist yet emotionally resonant template set by the Blind Boys' first Grammy-winning album, 2001's Spirit of the Century, finding new vitality in the alternately modern and deferential sensibilities of Vernon and company."
The Blind Boys were also featured along with Exene Cervenka (X) on Live at the Ice House, a new show by American roots duo, William Pilgrim & The All Grows Up. The episode also includes activist and community organizer Kevin Alexander Gray joining the Blind Boys for a day of recording and discussion at East West Studios in Hollywood. Watch the full episode at liveicehouse.com.
"Old Time Angels" @ Music City Roots at the Loveless Café in Nashville, TN on September 4, 2013
Jim Lauderdale's New CD, Old Time Angels, Out 9/24/13, Plus Jim Hosts The Americana Music Awards For The 11th Year In A Row
Jim Lauderdale will release a brand new CD, Old Time Angels, on September 24, 2013. The album features the track "I've Been a Fool One Time Before", a co-write with Eagles contributor, Jack Tempchin. To pre-order/buy the record click here.
Jim just hosted his eleventh consecutive Americana Music Association's Honors & Awards ceremony held September 18, 2013 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The ceremony was broadcast live on AXS TV and featured appearances by Stephen Stills, Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, Holly Williams, Old Crow Medicine Show, Shovels & Rope, Ken Burns, Ed Helms, Rosanne Cash and many more in addition to Jim. Jim was nominated for two awards this year for Album of the Year and Duo/Group of the Year for his collaboration with Buddy Miller on the album, Buddy and Jim. For more info on the Americana Music Awards and a list of this year's winners check americanamusic.org.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue on Jay Leno Sept 11, Performing Anthem for New Orleans Saints Opening Game Sept 8, New CD, Say That To Say This Out Sept 10
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue horn players Dan Oestricher and Tim McFatter will also perform the national anthem at the New Orleans Saints 2013-14 Regular Season Opening Game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 8, 2013 at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. This performance marks a special return to the Superdome for Trombone Shorty as he also performed with Green Day and U2 in 2006 for the Saints' first game back in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina (also against the Falcons). Trombone Shorty was also featured performing in the Saints video trailer for the game, with the title track from his new CD prominently playing throughout the video. Check out the video here.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue are embarking on an extensive worldwide tour in support of the new CD - to catch them live on stage, See Tour Dates >>
