BGS WRAPS: JD McPherson, “Red Bows (For A Blue Girl)”

Artist: JD McPherson
Song: “Red Bows (For A Blue Girl)” (single)

In Their Words: “‘Red Bows (For A Blue Girl)’ was a title I had while writing the Socks album in 2018, but I never followed through with the idea. I have a couple of those. The idea came up to put out a 45 for Record Store Day, and it seemed like a good time to bring that tune to life. It’s about buying your special lady friend a nice gift for Christmas to cheer her up, but the character of the song is so manic, it’s no wonder the gal is down in the dumps! Love the maracas and background vocal shouts on this one; super fun to record. It’s been a blast to play live.” — JD McPherson

The Show On The Road – JD McPherson

JD McPherson joins host Z. Lupetin for the final episode of The Show On The Road’s 2019 season.


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Oklahoma-born JD McPherson makes his own brand of high intellect, dance party-ready, Sun Studios-style rock ‘n’ roll. Last year he may have recorded one of the greatest original Christmas albums of the modern era with Socks.

While McPherson probably never dreamed he would become a new rock ‘n’ roll king of Christmas, Socks may be his most impressive feat yet. If you’re deeply suspicious of the capitalistic caterwauling of most modern holiday music on the airwaves (except you, Mariah!) you’ll still fall in love with JD’s sarcastic and sweet collection of holiday originals. The album deftly dives into lesser discussed Christmas subjects like broken expectations, inter-family angst, holiday horniness, and hilariously, the myth of why Santa must be grossly overweight to satisfy us fairy tale-loving kids. Give Socks a spin as you rock around the Christmas tree or the Hanukkah bush, or even better — keep it playing all year long.

 

3×3: JD & the Straight Shot on Sock Monsters, Mom Sneakers, and Stanley Brothers

Artist: Erin Slaver (violinist/fiddler/back-up vocalist of JD & the Straight Shot)
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Latest Album: Good Luck and Good Night 
Personal Nicknames: “Pirate” and sometimes “E-Dawg.”

 

Last time we went on tour, we ended up in Paris! Can’t wait to see where tour takes us this time 

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If you could safely have any animal in the world as a pet, which would you choose?

A dragon — I’ve been watching a lot of Game of Thrones.

Do your socks always match?

No. Sock monsters have lived inside my dryer for years, causing me to suffer from “missing sock syndrome.” Anyone know how to get rid of those pests?

If you could have a superpower, what would you choose?

I think perfect pitch is a super power. I’d take that.

 

How we feel now that it’s finally the weekend 

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Which describes you as a kid — tree climber, video gamer, or book reader?

Can I add choice d) “practice nerd”? I literally have photos, as a 4-year-old, practicing my violin with my dolls as an audience.

Who was the best teacher you ever had — and why?

My college violin teacher, Soovin Kim. He believed in me, and that meant everything.

What’s your favorite city?

New York City, cause it still has it all.

 

Playing the sun to sleep 

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Boots or sneakers?

Hmm … a year ago, boots. But since I became a mom, sneakers are my new best friends.

Which brothers do you prefer — Avett, Wood, Stanley, Comatose, or Louvin?

Tough call! But I’ll say Stanley Brothers, because “Man of Constant Sorrow” is one of my favorite tracks and O’ Brother, Where Art Thou? is one of my favorite films.

Head or heart?

I chose to be a musician for a living … need I say more ?


Photo credit: Kristin Barlowe

Gig Bag: Yarn

Welcome to Gig Bag, a BGS feature that peeks into the touring essentials of some of our favorite artists. This time around, Yarn's Blake Christiana gives us a look at what he has to have handy when he's out on the road. Check out Yarn's tour dates here.

New song ideas: Gotta have some with me. Sometimes the road is your only rehearsal. 

Gibson B25: My dad bought it new in the '60s. It's the only guitar I use. Eventually, I'll get another B25 as back up, but for now this is it.

A great pair jeans: The kind you wear every day and don't take off until they're a shredded mess. And that's what I do. I think these have another four months left of everyday wear. We'll see. I'm a bit of a minimalist, I guess. 

A good pair of stage boots: They have to be comfortable enough to wear all day, in case you have to. These have been good to me.

Socks: I can never have enough socks. It's a strange phenomenon: No matter how many pairs I bring, I'm always running out. I prefer Farm to Feet. They're good people.


All photos by Blake Christiana, except lede photo, courtesy of the artist.