February 2019

American artist Jesse Dayton will headline the inaugural Country in the Afternoon mini-festival, which takes place at The Half Moon in Putney between June 1-2. The event is organised by Cumbrae Promotions Limited – who run the Millport Country Music Festival – and both days will have four acts performing between 12:30pm-5pm. Opening on the Saturday is Maverick’s Emerging Talent Showcase Winner at Millport Country Music Festival 2018, Zoee, before Two Ways Home and The Blue Highways take to the stage. The Saturday headliner is being kept as a surprise for now, with the artist set to be announced in the coming weeks. On the Sunday, Katee Kross & The Amberjax kick things off, before Russ Tolman and Morganway will perform. Following Morganway’s set, Dayton will close the festival. Tickets for Country in the Afternoon are £15 for a day or £25 for both. Saturday tickets can be purchased here, while Sunday tickets can be acquired here. Both links have the option to purchase a full weekend ticket.

Harold F Eggers, Jr MY YEARS WITH TOWNES VAN ZANDT: MUSIC, GENIUS AND RAGE Backbeat Books Townes Van Zandt, one of country’s most enigmatic songwriters, was a curious character and that’s never been in doubt. A character in turmoil whose well-spoken gentlemanly charm was in sharp contrast with his intake of drink and drugs. He died on New year’s Day 1997 from heart problems caused by decades of self-abuse, aged only 52, yet the creator of songs that sold millions of copies, but only by other artists. There’s Pancho And Lefty (a No. 1 for Willie and Merle) and If I Needed You (a top 10 hit for Emmylou Harris and Don Williams) for starters, with many more such as For The Sake Of The Song, honoured by others (not least our own Danny and the Champions of the World). Yet what has never before been documented quite so profoundly – and sadly – is the true depth of Townes’ internal pain. This book comes from the inside looking out, Eggers (“H” as Townes knew him), the artist’s long-time road manager and in his later years, business partner. While the tragic tale of the downfall of a genius, the book is also full of laughs, able to chronicle Townes’ knife-edge switches from cheeky schoolboy to demented depressive. For every pained story of the problems caused by his teenage electric shock treatment to stem his rebellious personality, there’s one of madness on the road as he and H fled gangster club bosses, climbed out of windows and high-tailed it across the US like something from a silent comedy film. The road heads from Austin to Nashville and all the way to the UK (he worked with Brit country-rock artist Michael Weston King, recording his song Riding The Range with his then band, the Good Sons) and back. It’s the story of a poet and a performer never quite able to live with himself, leaving others to live with those conflicts instead. Sad, beautiful – and laugh a minute. Nick Dalton www.backbeatbooks.com  

Danny Schmidt STANDARD DEVIATION Live Once Records **** Wonderful heartfelt songs, superb singer, excellent band – get your plastic out Danny Schmidt has been out there making a name for himself for the last 20 years and this is his 10thalbum. It’s a largely acoustic affair with terrific singing, a wonderful band and songs that will stay with you. The opening track, Just Wait Til They See You, highlights Schmidt’s expressive voice and some lovely acoustic guitar. His themes are big and across the album, he sings of gentrification, honesty and the importance of family. Having said that, one of the real plus points here is just the tone of his voice that just draws you into the songs and that feeling is enhanced by the warmth of the bands playing. The title track, Standard Deviation, sounds quietly epic as it opens with a lovely acoustic guitar figure and his plaintive vocal and a lonely fiddle and strong characters emerging from within the song. It builds gently to a lively climax with talk of “poetry and greed” with some heavenly backing vocals and a rolling piano. A quiet masterpiece. Schmidt’s influences come from Appalachian folk music and he cites strong writers like Dylan, Leonard Cohen and John Pine as his main influences. That’s not to say that he is in any way a copyist as he has his own gentle style and songs like Blue Hole in Time have their own template and it’s Danny’s voice and urgent delivery that give this album a unique feel that’s a rare thing today. Perhaps the standout track here is Newport ’65 that seems to be an oblique tribute to Bob Dylan and his world shaking performance at that famous US folk festival back in 1965 when Bob went electric and there’s talk here of “shepherds and sheep” that might be a reference to those attending that historic festival. The lyrics tells us that “the path of the prophet is crooked and cruel where every false turn means a fall from the truth”. Then there’s some very Dylanesque harmonica playing that precedes a snatch of The Times They are A-Changin’. It’s a heartfelt cheeky tribute that tells you were Schmidt is coming from. So if you like your music articulate, thoughtful, intelligent and melodic, then get your plastic out for this one – it’s an understated corker. Greg Johnson www.dannyschmidt.com  

The Gillies NO HIDING PLACE Back Porch Recordings *** Gently does it from the South East London folkies The Gillies are Susan Turner and Mark (Gilly) Evans; an Americana influenced alt-folk duo plying their trade largely in folk clubs in the London area. Both have a likeable finger-picking guitar style with Turner taking on all lead vocal duties, whilst Evans chips in with backing vocals. Susan Turner has endearing vocal talents, which falter only occasionally when she attempts to veer out of her range. Just six new songs are on offer, all with a bewitching and bittersweet theme. The single taken from the album, Adam and Eve, is described as recorded under a Forest Hill sky with Norfolk in mind as the couple let their imagination run wild. Check out the video on their website. It’s all very easy on the ear which should go down well on the folk club scene without setting the world alight. The short album is padded out with two further versions of Adam and Eve and a demo of Long Journey Home, the ultimate of the six tracks on the album. These additions brought little of value to the party. John Roffey www.thegilliesmusic.com  

Fender goes WeighLess Some guitars and basses can be heavy to wear, especially if you are playing a four hour gig.  To amend this, Fender have just released their new WeighLess logo straps, which are available in Black/Black, White/Black, Black/White and White/White. The elastic design of the straps elevates the weight of the guitar better, which gives your shoulder a break and in turn, allows you to play better.  The classic F is located on the ends of the straps and the Fender logo that is located through the middle looks great, too. If you need a guitar strap that is easier on your body, but still keeps your instrument secure, check out the iconic brand’s new WeighLess straps! www.fender.com Eric Dahl – you can follow Eric on Twitter at @ericrocksnash  

Sadie Jemmett has released a politically charged and evocative song in the shape of Don’t Silence Me, which is the lead single to be taken from the upcoming album, ‘Phoenix’. You can listen to the track here. The song, which is released on TwoUpTwoDown Records, is very much inspired by one of Jemmett’s close friends in Mhairi Morrison, who shared that she had been assaulted by a notable French film director, Morrison chose to do in the wake of the #MeToo era. The single is set to be released officially on March 8 and Joby Baker (The Cowboy Junkies, Waylin’ Jennys) produced the track at Baker Studios in Victoria, BC, Canada. There will be a single launch show for Jemmett at The Camden Chapel on March 14 and tickets can be purchased here. Meanwhile, pre-orders for the single are available through TwoUpTwoDown’s website.

Grammy nominated artist Hunter Hayes has released the video for his most recent single, Heartbreak, which represents Hayes’ first single in three years. You can watch the video here. The single is the first taster of Hayes’ as of yet untitled fourth album, which will be his first since ‘The 21 Project’ was released in 2015. In the meantime, Hayes will be touring Europe and will be performing five dates in five different countries. The 27-year-old is lined up to play C2C 2019 on the Main Stage, but is also performing at C2C Berlin and in Amsterdam. Hunter Hayes will be playing: March 2 – Verti Music Hall, Berlin, Germany (C2C) March 5 – Melkweg, Amsterdam, Holland March 8 – 3Arena, Dublin, Republic of Ireland (C2C) March 9 – O2 Arena, London, England (C2C) March 10 – SSE Hydro Arena, Glasgow, Scotland (C2C)

East Anglian group Morganway have released their first official single in the shape of Frozen in Our Time, which will feature on their debut album due in summer 2019. You can watch the video for the single here. The single is the first proper taste of the much anticipated album from the group – who have been nominated for two BCMA Awards – and things seem to be very much on the up for the band, who have established themselves as a force on the live scene. Morganway, a six-piece consisting of twins Callum and Keith Morgan, Nicole J Terry, SJ Mortimer, Matt Brocklehurst and Ed Bullinger, are currently on the road in the UK and have a number of dates in 2019 to come, with more to be announced. They will also be appearing at C2C 2019 in London, with slots announced on The Big Entrance Stage and the Icon Stage. Morganway will be playing: February 26 – Speakeasy Bar, Epping, England March 8-10 – C2C 2019 @ O2 Arena, London, England March 15 – Epic Studios, Norwich, England March 23 – Westview Live, Gainsborough, England March 29 – The TapRoom/BrewBoard Brewery, Cambridge, England March 30 – Wycombe Swan Theatre, High Wycombe, England May 7 – Norwich Waterfront, Norwich, England* May 17-19 – Wood Festival 2019 @ Braziers Park, Wallingford, England June 15-16 – Foxton Locks 2019, Foxton, England June 21-23 – Black Deer Festival 2019, Tunbridge Wells, England July 5-7 – Folk In A Field Festival 2019, West Acre, England *supporting Wildwood Kin

Black Deer Festival have made their second lineup announcement and have revealed that The Staves, Kris Kristofferson, The Mavericks, Marcus King, Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton and Groundhogs will be performing over the three-day festival. Taking place at Eridge Park in Kent between the 21st and 23rd of June, Black Deer Festival is heading into its second year and the acts will join the likes of Band of Horses, The Dead South and Ryan Bingham. In addition to the vast number of new names in addition the aforementioned names, The Wandering Hearts and The Sheepdogs will both be returning to the festival as part of the ‘Deerly Beloveds’ programme, which encourages fans to vote on who to bring back following a set on the festival grounds. Ferris & Sylvester, who have also been announced to play, are ecstatic to be on the bill and are chomping at the bit to show crowds what they can do. “We are thrilled to be included in the Black Deer line up this year,” the group said in a statement. “Black Deer champions up and coming folk/blues artists every year and it feels amazing to have been invited to play. We cannot wait to be involved and get our teeth stuck into this year’s festival season!” Artists announced to date (A-Z): Asteroid, Band of Horses, Black Wizards, Brant Bjork, Chance McCoy, Child, Daniel Antopolsky, Duel, Fantastic Negrito, Ferris & Sylvester, Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys, Groundhogs, Hayseed Dixie, Irish Mythen,  Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton, John Butler Trio, John Smith, Justin Townes Earle, King Buffalo, Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers, Larkin Poe, Left Lane Cruiser, Lucero, Martin Harley, Morganway, Mountains, Neko Case, Paul Cauthen, Radio Moscow, Redwood, Roxanne De Bastion, Ryan Bingham, Sonic Gypsy, Steak, Stubb, The Dead South, The Marcus King Band, The Mavericks, The Sheepdogs, The Staves, The Vintage Caravan, The Wandering Hearts, The Trials of Cato, William Crighton, Worry Dolls, Yawning Man.

Kacey Musgraves has become the first country music artist to win Album of the Year at the Grammys in nine years with ‘Golden Hour’, while winning all four of the awards she was nominated for. The Texas born artist was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance (Butterflies), Best Country Song (Space Cowboy), Best Country Album (‘Golden Hour’) and Album of the Year (‘Golden Hour’) and won all four. While Musgraves’ success in the country music sector for the Grammys is staggering in its own right, the fact she was the first country artist since Taylor Swift in 2010 with Fearless (before she fully converted to pop) to win the general Album of the Year award is colossal for the country music genre. Elsewhere, Dan + Shay won Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Tequila, while Brandi Carlile took home Best American Roots Performance (The Joke), Best American Roots Song (The Joke) and Best Americana Album (‘By The Way, I Forgive You). Willie Nelson also won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album (‘My Way’) on the night. In terms of performances, there was a huge tribute to Dolly Parton that proved to be something of a 10-minute medley with a hoist of star names. Taking to the stage with Parton herself were Musgraves and Katy Perry for a rendition of Here You Come Again, before Miley Cyrus arrived onstage with Parton for Jolene. Maren Morris then joined Parton and Cyrus for Parton’s cover of Neil Young’s After the Gold Rush, with Morris and Cyrus taking up the singing positions of Linda Ronstandt and Emmylou Harris, before Little Big Town assisted Parton with Red Shoes. After that, all the special guests joined in with an amazing rendition of 9 to 5, bringing an end to the medley and to rapturous applause. Musgraves performed Rainbow on the night, while Dan + Shay sang Tequila. Brandi Carlile also gave a performance of The Joke in what was a hugely successful night for country music and Americana. List of winners in relevant categories (winners in bold): Album of the Year ‘Invasion of Privacy’ – Cardi B ‘By The Way, I Forgive You’ – Brandi Carlile ‘Scorpion’ – Drake ‘H.E.R.’ – H.E.R. ‘Beerbongs & Bentleys’ – Post Malone ‘Dirty Computer’ – Janelle Monae ‘Golden Hour’ – Kacey Musgraves  ‘Black Panther: The Album, Music From and Inspired By’ – Various Artists Best Country Solo Performance Wouldn’t It Be Great? – Loretta Lynn Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters – Maren Morris Butterflies – Kacey Musgraves Millionaire– Chris Stapleton Parallel Line – Keith Urban Best Country Duo/Group Performance Shoot Me Straight – Brothers Osborne Tequila – Dan + Shay When Someone Stops Loving You – Little Big Town Dear Hate – Maren Morris ft. Vince Gill Meant to Be – Florida Georgia Line ft. Bebe Rexha Best Country Song Break Up in the End – Cole Swindell Dear Hate – Maren Morris ft. Vince Gill I Lived It – Blake Shelton Space Cowboy – Kacey Musgraves Tequila – Dan + Shay When Someone Stops Loving You – Little Big Town Best Country Album ‘Unapologetically’ – Kelsea Ballerini ‘Port Saint Joe’ – Brothers Osborne ‘Girl Going Nowhere’ – Ashley McBryde ‘Golden Hour’ – Kacey Musgraves  ‘From a Room: Volume 2’ – Chris Stapleton Best American Roots Performance Kick Rocks – Sean Ardion Saint James Infirmary Blues – Jon Batiste The Joke – Brandi Carlile All On My Mind – Anderson East Last Man Standing – Willie Nelson Best American Roots Song All the Trouble – Lee Ann Womack Build a Bridge – Mavis Staples The Joke – Brandi Carlile Knockin’ on Your Screen Door – John Prine Summer’s End – John Prine Best Americana Album ‘By The Way, I Forgive You’ – Brandi Carlile ‘Things Have Changed’ – Bettye LaVette ‘The Tree of Forgiveness’ – John Prine ‘The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone’ – Lee Ann Womack ‘One Drop of Truth’ – The Wood Brothers Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album ‘Love is Here to Stay’ – Tony Bennett & Diana Krall ‘My Way’ – Willie Nelson ‘Nat “King” Cole & Me’ – Gregory Porter ‘Standards (Deluxe)’ – Seal ‘The Music…The Mem’ries…The Magic!’ – Barbra Streisand