Tag: Andrew Combs

The Kernal, ‘Tennessee Sun’

Posted on by Editor

A little over four years ago, I found myself wandering the streets of Asheville on a Sunday night, not too long after I left New York for Nashville, somewhat drunk on Spanish red wine from the local tapas place, and in search of mountain music. For someone new to the South, Asheville — tucked on a hilltop with winding, vaguely European corridors — felt almost mythical, and what happened next sort of was. I’d wandered into a bar and there, on the stage, was a man in a red suit, singing country music. It was past midnight, but couples in cable knit sweaters were waltzing in circles — not just to the slow songs, but the fast ones, too. I’d never quite seen that sort of earnest swing, short of ironic line dancing I’d witnessed once at a warehouse party in Brooklyn, where far too many people were wearing far too many things made out of bandana fabric.

That man in the suit, I would discover, was the Kernal — a name I’d see pop up again around Nashville as a solo artist, bass player for Andrew Combs and Jonny Fritz, and generally enigmatic figure who served a key role in the local music scene while refusing to actually live in it. On March 3, the Kernal will release his debut record, Light Country, officially introducing his breed of smart, often witty twang that infuses that sense of locomotive, gospel-tinged mystery. “Tennessee Sun,” premiering exclusively here, shows his skills at the lyrical ramble, conjuring up Bob Dylan and, in a certain kind of sonic onomatopoeia, a ’70s-era refrain that just feels like those warm Tennessee rays kissing the skin. “Lettin’ go of everything that I don’t need on my way down,” he chants, and you believe him. The Kernal doesn’t need much to be convincing … except, maybe, a red suit and a room full of people ready to dance.

8 Acts We Can’t Wait to See at Bonnaroo

Posted on by Editor

Summer is here and Bonnaroo is right around the corner … less than a week away, to be exact! In case you missed it, we'll be down at the Farm hosting the best party the Roo's ever seen. Come by the BGS stage on Sunday to catch John Moreland, Sara Watkins, the Wood Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Bush Band, and the BGS Superjam with Ed Helms. 

We'd be remiss if we didn't make the most of the festival and catch as many acts as possible, though, so we're working hard on our schedule. Below are eight acts that we can't wait to see.

Jason Isbell

It's no secret that we're huge Isbell fans here at the BGS, catching his shows whenever we get the chance. For his Bonnaroo set, let's hope he channels his inner Drive-By Trucker and offers up some jam sessions.

Chris Stapleton

While we miss the old days where getting a ticket to see Stapleton wasn't as difficult as getting a ticket to see Hamilton, we're happy for him to finally get his due. If you've never experienced Stapleton's godlike voice in person, now's your chance.

Father John Misty

Who better to watch while surrounded by sweaty hipsters than our greatest satirist of hipster culture? We can only hope FJM serves up some festival-themed commentary along with his thoughtful folk-rock tunes.

Natalie Prass

If Natalie Prass stays true to the arrangements on her excellent 2015 self-titled debut, you should expect one hell of a horn section at her set. As the saying goes, "I need more horns." Or something like that.

Rayland Baxter

Rayland Baxter has long been a fixture of the Nashville music scene, and his 2015 release, Imaginary Man, saw his star rise to higher, more national heights. Catch him while he's on the rise.

Andrew Combs

Nashville singer/songwriter Andrew Combs has earned heaps of acclaim for his thoughtful, throwback country tunes. We look forward to hearing those songs translated to the festival stage.

Dylan LeBlanc

There's no dearth of singer/songwriters performing at Bonnaroo, but you'd be hard-pressed to find one writing better tunes than Dylan LeBlanc. Fresh off some gigs opening for the Alabama Shakes, LeBlanc should be a crowd-pleaser with songs from his latest album, Cautionary Tale.

Aubrie Sellers

Aubrie Sellers is one of our favorite new voices in country music, and we can't wait to see her give tunes from her stellar debut album, New City Blues, the Bonnaroo treatment. And who knows, maybe her mom and fellow BGS fave — Lee Ann Womack — will join her for a song or two before hopping into the BGS Superjam!

Michaela Anne, ‘Easier Than Leaving’

Posted on by Editor

In country music, a "weeper" is a real thing: a song that's somewhere between a ballad and a hopeless confessional, that places more emphasis on a forlorn guitar and rare, raw lyricism than showboat vocals (though they're often part of the package, too). Think Hank Williams' and Patsy Cline's saddest moments or, later, Townes Van Zandt's — jewels like "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" that struck a perfect balance on the Southern scale with barn-burning honky-tonk, keeping it all delicately teetering in line.

But then the '90s happened and, for better or worse, ballads got the Faith Hill and Shania Twain treatment — notes hit the ceiling and power bombast replaced subtle solemnity. Simplicity, this was not. Luckily, there's been a new bubbling interest in bringing back the genre's delicate, melancholy roots: most of Daniel Romano's Come Cry with Me, Andrew Combs' "Too Stoned to Cry," Margo Price's "Hands of Time," and even Miranda Lambert's "Holding On to You." Now Michaela Anne, on her sophomore album, Bright Lights and the Fame, has an LP full of them — heartbreakers so grounded in self-awareness that they never sound anything but authentic, yet never too indulgent to ring just like diary scribbles.

One of the LP's best is "Easier Than Leaving," which opens with a snapshot in time of a fading relationship: "Sitting at the table, back's against the wall / Coffee's getting colder as I wait for you to talk." Who hasn't felt that tension, taken a last gasp at peaceful air before they fully breathed in the inevitable reality they knew was coming? With a clear quiver, Anne, who moved to Nashville from New York City two years ago, reinvents the lost age of those weepers in the way someone equally schooled in both the forebears — like Williams and Cline — and its modern folk interpreters — like Gillian Welch and Conor Oberst who carried the emotive torch when mainstream Music Row was too busy belting — might. "Easier Than Leaving" might not change her lover's mind and force them to stay, but it will just continue to help put soft, strummed country sadness back on the map.

BGS Class of 2015: Albums

Posted on by Editor

From Jason Isbell debuting at the top of three Billboard charts to Chris Stapleton sweeping the CMA Awards to Alabama Shakes nabbing five Grammy nominations, this year has proven that roots music is alive and very, very well. But, because our coverage area is so dang wide and deep, we decided that making a ranked list wasn't fair to anyone. After all, Sam Lee is baking apples while Dawes is juicing oranges. So, here are 21 of our favorite graduates from the BGS Class of 2015: Albums. For a whole bunch of others, check out BGS Class of 2015: Songs.

Valedictorian/Prom King/Class President: Jason Isbell, Something More Than Free

It's no wonder this album topped the rock, folk, and country charts when it dropped. Jason Isbell made another masterpiece of an album that absolutely defies the lines of genre and the limits of genius. Meandering through throwback country-rock and contemporary folk, Something More Than Free is a cornucopia of sonic goodness and solid songwriting. — Kelly McCartney

Best Avoidance of the Sophomore Slump: Alabama Shakes, Sound & Color

If you've only ever heard Boys & Girls, forget what you know — or think you know — about Alabama Shakes. Brittany Howard had a vision and, on Sound & Color, she let it rip, roar, rock, and roll. This album blasts soulful Southern rock into a whole new dimension. Indeed, the last third gets pretty trippy, but it's a ride worth taking. — KMc

Best Ameripolitan Hat Tip to '70s FM Radio: Andrew Combs, All These Dreams

Andrew Combs has been in and around the Nashville music scene for years now, but it's with All These Dreams that he truly came into his own as an artist to be reckoned with. From the gentle melancholy of "Rainy Day Song" to the heartful vulnerability of "In the Name of You," Combs proves that all those years listening to Guy Clark and Mickey Newbury have paid off in spades. — Brittney McKenna

Most Likely to Give You Hope for Contemporary Country Music: Ashley Monroe, The Blade

Since she couldn't make a better record than 2013's Like a Rose, Ashley Monroe made a different record with The Blade — one that is equally exquisite. Much like Lee Ann Womack, Monroe turns heartache into an almost enviable position. This is what country music is supposed to sound like. — KMc

Most Likely to Make You Shoot Some Whiskey: Chris Stapleton, Traveller

Bearded, burly, and bounding with heart and soul, the rise of country music's "new savior" is no surprise when you speak of Chris Stapleton. The Kentucky-born, Nashville-based songwriter (and former bluegrasser) has been penning tunes for big stars for years. Now it's his time to shine. Traveller isn't your typical country album: Influenced by R&B and Southern rock, it'll throttle you with different shades and colors of the genre — in a good way. — Cameron Matthews

Most Likely to Be Played in Parked Cars: Dawes, All Your Favorite Bands

The title song says it all: "May all your favorite bands stay together." Please Dawes, never never never break up … if only so we can always have albums as wonderful as this. — Amy Reitnouer

Most Likely to Make You Want to Be a Sea Captain: The Decemberists, What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World

It would be easy to take the Decemberists' joy and jauntiness for granted, if not for the humility and humanity that they temper it with. As evidenced by the title, this one balances out those scales pretty gloriously and very gracefully. — KMc

Most Likely to Make You Give Up the American Dream: Father John Misty, I Love You, Honeybear

Who knew that the twilight of the American Dream could be a time of celebration? Singer/songwriter Josh Tillman's sophomore release as the dirty reverend, Father John Misty, encapsulates all of our fears of earning less, dying younger, living harder, and feeling nothing. But Misty wants you to be in on the joke. He's not laughing at how you bought into it all. He's laughing with you, man. I Love You, Honeybear is a brilliant satire, an absurdist love story, and, above all, one of the most important albums of the decade. — CM

Most Likely to Get You into Bluegrass (Least Likey to Start a Blood Feud): The Gibson Brothers, Brotherhood

The hermanos Gibson are a powerhouse of emotion and vocal talent in the world of bluegrass and folk music. On Brotherhood, the pair cover myriad brother bands — like the Everlys and Louvins — with grace and crystalline vocal arrangements. Put this one on the ole speakers and, after you're finished sobbing, realize that you've been a bad brother and call up Missouri asking for forgiveness. — CM

Best Soundtrack to a Love Affair: Glen Hansard, Didn't He Ramble

The man who gave us one of the most heart-wrenching love stories ever on film (He won an Oscar for Once.) is back with an equally emotional second solo record. The songs on Didn't He Ramble are all about asking for grace, forgiveness, and mercy, and by the end of the record it's the listener — like the jilted lover in one of his songs — who comes crawling back for more. — AR

Most Likely to Help You Through Some Dark, Dark Times: Gretchen Peters, Blackbirds

On Blackbirds, Gretchen Peters stretches out her glorious wings and soars into some deep valleys. This album offers not so much a light at the end of the tunnel as a candle along the way. — KMc

Most Likely to Make You Wish You Were a Better Songwriter: John Moreland, High on Tulsa Heat

With his sophomore album, In the Throes, John Moreland proved himself one of the best songwriters making music, and he somehow managed to out-do himself on this most recent collection — one that is a truly jaw-dropping listening experience from start to finish. — BMc

Most Likely to Bring About a Soul Revival: Leon Bridges, Coming Home

Soul music had a good year this year. Much of it, though, came in the blue-eyed form, from guys like Anderson East and Nathaniel Rateliff putting a modern spin on an old sound. What sets Leon Bridges and Coming Home apart is his attention to detail, as evidenced by the album's art. He's not remaking the music in his own image; he's doing exactly the opposite. And it flat out suits him. — KMc

Best Aural Equivalent of Red Wine: The Milk Carton Kids, Monterey

The Milk Carton Kids have long been known for their intricate guitar arrangements and gentle harmonies, becoming outliers in a genre that often favors banjos and bombast. On Monterey, they double-down on what sets them apart, crafting a gorgeous, cinematic album that proves sometimes it's the quiet guys who have the most to say. — BMc

Best New Kids on the Block: Mipso, Old Time Reverie

The guys and gal of this North Carolina quartet are an exciting distillation of modern bluegrass. They dress in the fashions of today, sing about issues new and old, and incorporate the athletic musicianship necessary to be a top-notch string band. Mipso's sophomore release can best be described as deliberate and care-filled. Each song is executed with a steady hand, beginning with the palindromic "Marianne." But it's the addition of Libby Rodenbough on fiddle that makes Old Time Reverie required listening. Prepare yourself a tall bourbon and enjoy this one on your city balcony. — CM

Most Likely to Make You Cry and/or Burn a Box of Photos of Your Ex: Natalie Prass, Natalie Prass

Break-ups suck and if, like Natalie Prass, you need to turn love lost into found art, you might as well do it with a kick-ass horn section. Lyrics like "our love is a long goodbye" may have you in tears, but the '70s-inspired brass will have you dancing on your way to grab those Kleenex. — BMc

Best Dystopian Opera by a String Band: Punch Brothers, The Phosphorescent Blues

Punch Brothers' latest album is the band's most mature offering to date — it's also their most difficult to handle. Lyrically, The Phosphorescent Blues is heavy, even burdensome, but it saves itself from being a droll appraisal of modernity through boundary-pushing string music. Fiddle player Gabe Witcher introduced drums into the Brothers' world, while the rest of the band acheives a synergy they have not seen before. If we're talking simply, it's like Yes made a strings album with the lyrics of Louis Carroll. — CM

Most Likely to Make You Love a Kanye West Song: Ruby Amanfu, Standing Still

Not every singer knows how to make a song their own. Ruby Amanfu does and, with Standing Still, she offers a master class in the art of interpretation. Here, she takes tunes by Bob Dylan, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and, yes, Kanye West and turns them on their ears. The results are stunning to behold. — KMc

Best Gypsy Revival Not Starring Patti Lupone: Sam Lee & Friends, The Fade in Time

Every artist in the "heritage" movement could learn a thing or two from UK artist and song collector Sam Lee. The Fade in Time is a mystical mix of traditional folk songs and gypsy tunes — often incorporating the original recordings that Lee himself has captured — with innovative, modern, and at times tribal sounds. Highly recommend turning this up during late-night trips driving through the desert (as we did en route to Telluride Bluegrass this June). Pure magic. — AR

Most Likely to Make You Re-Think the Blues: Son Little, Son Little

Blues is one of those genres that people love to debate: Is it still alive? And, if so, is it well? Son Little is here to tell you that, yes, the blues is indeed alive and, in capable hands like his, it will be well for many years to come. — BMc

Best Multi-Generational Supergroup: Watkins Family Hour, Watkins Family Hour

When WFH announced their record early in 2015, we had serious doubts as to whether anything could encapsulate the special experience that is Sara and Sean Watkins' monthly variety hour at Largo in Los Angeles. But lo and behold, this self-titled record not only captures the warmth and camaraderie that makes the live show so special (featuring the likes of Benmont Tench, Fiona Apple, Greg Leisz, and others), but it stands up as one of the best roots albums of the year. — AR

 

For more musical goodness, check out the full Class of 2015. Follow the playlist on Spotify and add your own favorite songs to it:

Hey New York, Get Off Your Ass and Go See Some Live Music in August

Posted on by Editor

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (opener Preservation Hall Jazz Band) // August 4 // Celebrate Brooklyn at Prospect Park Bandshell

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros are uniquely a musical vagabond community that spreads their diverse and positive sounds wherever they go. Given the fact that they premiered all new songs at their SXSW appearance this year, expect to hear what’s next for the group at this performance in the Park.

Sarah Jarosz // August 4 // King’s Theater

The venue is as much of a gem as the performer, in this case. The rehabilitated and preserved King’s Theater in Brooklyn provides the fittingly important backdrop for Sarah Jarosz’s musical prowess.

Father John Misty (openers Angel Olsen and Summer Moon) // August 5 // Central Park Summer Stage

I Love You, Honeybear is a compatible musing from J. Tillman as his indie rock and folk persona Father John Misty. Lie back in the snug Central Park Summer Stage and be transported far away from the city noise.

Caitlin Canty // August 5 // Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 3)

Fresh off of winning the Telluride Troubadour contest this year, the Boston native is already making a name for herself with her haunting ballads.

Milkdrive // August 6 // Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 3)

On tour for their latest album, Places You’ve Not Been, Milkdrive hits the LES with their rousing, modern take on classic bluegrass. All members of the band are equally talented on their acoustic strings with the Austin locals often swapping instruments.

Justin Townes Earle // August 7 // Music Hall of Williamsburg

The fifth studio album from Earle, Single Mothers (whose companion album, Absent Fathers, followed), feeds the fire of his alt-country blues and showcases a voice that makes you really feel every note pushed through.

Willie Nelson & Family with Old Crow Medicine Show // August 12 // Celebrate Brooklyn at Prospect Park Bandshell (BK)

Talk about a mammoth line-up! Taking on the beautiful Prospect Park Bandshell, legend Willie Nelson will be performing long-standing tourmates OCMS.

Cricket Tell the Weather // August 14 // Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 3)

Heavy in classic bluegrass with gracefully plucked banjo and rich flat-picked guitar, Cricket Tell the Weather should have lots of new material to share, heading into the studio this summer to record their second album.

The Black Lillies // August 18 // Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2)

If you prefer a bit more edge with your twang, the Knoxville-based Black Lillies deliver powerful harmonies over a backbone packed with drums, harmonica, and steel guitar.

Gabriel Kahane // August 23 // Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2)

Come out and support Brooklyn local Kahane who has varied collaborations from Elvis Costello to string quartets such as Brooklyn Rider and Kronos Quartet. Everything is on the table with Kahane’s inventive music so expect to hear a melding of classical, jazz, indie, and folk.

Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers (opener Andrew Combs) // August 28 // Bowery Ballroom

Representing California's free-wheeling music with folk, rock, blues, pop, and country all blended in a pot, Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers are hitting a stride with the more apt group collaboration on their April release, Loved Wild Lost. Plus, Andrew Combs. Win-win.

NEW ON THE SCENE: Andrew Combs

Posted on by Editor

 

Happy Holidays, Situation readers!  What better way to bring in some festive cheer than with our second installment of NEW ON THE SCENE.  December’s artist is Nashville singer-songwriter ANDREW COMBS.  The Sitch’s Brian Hepp caught a few words with Andrew before he kicks off his winter tour through the southeast with The Tumbleweeds in support of his new LP Worried Man.

What is your ideal performance setting? Venue? Audience?

Andrew:  With a band, I prefer a rock club with a whole lot of people drinking, sweating, and singing along. Solo, I prefer a listening room.

Do your Texas roots come into play when you write?  How much Nashville-musician are we hearing in ‘Worried Man’ in comparison to Texas-musician?

Andrew:  My willingness to stretch the boundary, when it comes to the lyrics and the story, probably comes from Texas – being influenced by guys like Joe Ely, Mickey Newbury, and Guy Clark. My love of a ‘structured song’ probably comes from Nashville. But I don’t really know. I try not to strictly abide by any ‘rules’ to songwriting.

Where do you and the band be a year from now?

Andrew:  Just playing songs to whomever will listen and give us free beer.

What is it about Nashville that appeals to a young musician?

Andrew:  Community and competition. Surround yourself with talent, and you’re only going to get better.

What inspired the track “Worried Man”?  It’s a strangely violent but super catchy song…

Andrew:  This track is purely fictional. Of course I would never shoot anyone. I wrote it one night in Austin, Texas, when I took one too many Diablo caffeine pills. My mom and my ex-girlfriend aren’t huge fans of the song. Everyone else seems to like it.

What is your dream musical collaboration?

Andrew:  I’d love to work with Buddy Miller at some point.

Your bio describes your music as “country soul swag”.  Has your sound evolved from that or does that definition still fit your musical style?

Andrew:  It’s kind of a tongue and cheek phrase I coined, but I think it fits what I am doing right now – a little country, a little soul, and a bit of attitude.

Any final words to your fans?

Andrew:  Love you.

For more information on Andrew Combs, check out andrewcombs.net and give Worried Man a few spins.  It’ll make your holiday season that much better.