Always love being invited to shoot some guitar demo videos for Lowe Vintage Instrument Company in Burlington, NC. They exclusively sell high end vintage guitars (and also banjos, mandolins, dobros and basses), so it is a real treat to play their instruments. Here are a few of the ones I tried out a few weeks ago.
The new album, OLD FREIGHT
"What seems like a simple formula: acoustic guitar picking, sincere vocals, thoughtful lyrics and professional production is in fact nearly impossible. So when someone does it right and in this case for his debut record it’s a moment to celebrate." Songs:Illinois
- #10 Album, March 2018 Folk DJ Chart
- #15 Album, March 2018 Roots Music Report
- Two top 5 songs, March 2018 Folk DJ Chart
LATEST NEWS
Farewell Trion
Farewell Trion, in open C tuning. Alabama fiddler Joe Blaylock (born 1854) wrote this tune after being laid off from the Trion, Georgia mill. James Bryan added a third part and was the first to record it.
This lovely tune with its wordless three-part melody somehow seems to perfectly convey everything I have experienced in the past few months. I am just now overcoming a mysterious sickness that left me unable to sing - and for the most part, talk comfortably - since mid-November. It was a dark time, but despite the difficulty I am now able to look at it as a sort of teacher. To accommodate the condition I made drastic improvements to my diet, stopped drinking alcohol and caffeine, stopped singing, cancelled gigs and recording dates, and engaged in various activities to reduce stress. I’m not sure what caused the condition, and I am not sure what fixed it. But moving forward I am hopeful to continue to treat my body and mind with respect, and to take music - and life in general - a whole lot less seriously. I am glad to be saying farewell to the sickness, and am glad to also be saying farewell to the other parts of my being that no longer serve me. Sure, the condition might come back, but I am hopeful that the darkness I brought with it will not.
Sometimes we can write a beautiful tune that stands the test of time only after we overcome the difficulty of saying farewell. Changes are coming. Stay tuned. And in the meantime, Farewell Trion.
Opening For Charley Crockett 10/26
Excited to be opening for country and blues singer Charley Crockett at Motorco on Friday Oct 26! Charley Crockett has one heck of a voice and is a stellar performer. Really looking forward to this show.
IBMA is here!
Its IBMA week in Raleigh! Time to take in all the amazing music happening all over the city. I'll be playing a few times, including the Songwriter Showcase:
- Songwriter Showcase - Thursday 1pm, Master's Workshop Stage
- Playing with Counterclockwise String Band - Thursday 9pm, Pour House Music Hall
See you out there, and happy IBMA!
Singer Songwriters in The Round at The Sunrise Theater
The annual Singer Songwriters In The Round at The Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines, NC is taking place soon, and I am very excited to be part of it this year! The show is hosted by local favorite Becca Rae and features 3 additional North Carolina songwriters. I've heard so many amazing things about the event and am looking forward to hearing all these other great performers. 7:30-10:30 on Saturday, September 15. Get tickets soon because this show is known to sell out! Facebook event is here.
