The Oxford American Thirteenth Annual Southern Music Issue

This is by far my favorite issue of any magazine for the year.  I may not care for every issue of The Oxford American, but when this issue comes out it is always my favorite single issue of any magazine for the year. A magazine filled with great writing and a cd of brilliant music that you probably have never heard.   Marc Smirnoff, the editor, manages to collect some of the most amazing music from the south this one time each year and get some of the most talented wordsmiths to write about said music in the magazine.  This issue features music from the state of Mississippi and cover features Howling Wolf.  What more do you need to go out and buy this issue right now?

The article about Howling Wolf is written by Peter Guralnick, who has written the best biography of Elvis out there and his most recent book was about Sam Cooke.  The rest of the issue is filled with talented writers who bring to life the people that make the music that appears on the cd that accompanies the magazine.  And what music it is.

Harold Dorman, Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, Ernie Chaffin, Bo Diddley, Mattie Delaney....whose song "Tallahatchie River Blues" appears on the cd.  This is one of only two known songs recorded by Ms. Delaney.  The song was recorded in 1930 and the article talks about who Mattie Delaney might have been and how hard it is to know the history of some of these older singers.

The list goes on with more great singers that you may never have heard of, but once you hear them you'll be glad you did.  And the articles in the magazine gives you a look into the history of this music and these musicians that may not be remembered by many today, but as you read they'll at least be remembered by one more person.  

My hope next year is that they feature Louisiana music.

The Oxford American is (from their site):

Billed as "The Southern Magazine of Good Writing," it has won three National Magazine Awards and other high honors since it began publication in 1992. The magazine has featured the original work of such literary powerhouses as Charles Portis, Roy Blount, Jr., ZZ Packer, Donald Harington, Donna Tartt, Ernest J. Gaines, and many other distinguished authors, while also discovering and launching the most promising writers in the region. The magazine has also published previously unseen work by such Southern masters as William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Walker Percy, James Agee, Zora Neale Hurston, James Dickey, Carson McCullers, to name just a handful. The New York Times recently stated that The Oxford American "may be the liveliest literary magazine in America."

For more information or to subscribe check out their site here.

Simply Six: John Regan

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

I would have to say the controversy between Tupac Shakur and The Notorious BIG back in the mid 90’s. I use to be so influenced by the “gangster rap” prior to that. So once that happened, and the impact that it had on the genre and the culture, I took a couple steps back.

Now, I’d like to say my music delivers a positive message opposed to what I use to like. Sorry I’m Late is kind of like a testament of the struggles I’ve dealt with personally, and the songs pretty much represent how I’ve overcome those obstacles. I like to believe no matter the situation, there is always a way to excel in a positive light.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

Little bit of Lupe Fiasco. Little bit of Sam Cook. My taste in music is all over the place. I listen to classical music a lot too. I believe the instruments always find a way to pull out your raw emotions. Not to mention, I like to understand through the generations how the music has evolved, and what today’s music is influenced by.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Working on “All I Got To Give” with Marsha Ambrosius. Wow, what an amazing person, and an amazing singer. Before we even reached out to her about the record, she was already my favorite vocalist. So for her to actually work on the song with me is like a dream come true.

The song itself was already a very personal and emotion record to begin with. I speak on losing my grandmother, who was the person I held closest to me. So with Marsha coming in and doing what she brings to a record, just makes it that much more special to me.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

Music is powerful. People connect to music. So many emotions and feelings are tied into music. Sometimes, when people are overwhelmed with emotion, they run to their radio and put a record on that sooths their soul. It’s therapeutic.

To change the world may sound a bit extreme to an average person that isn’t in the business, but as an artist, I believe it can, one person at a time one song at a time. An artist can make a record, and a listener might be so touched by the record, it may motivate them to take a different route, being suicide, committing a crime, anything that could alter their life, and others.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

You win some, you lose some. I believe we gained some, being the exposure and ease of access to the music, and the artist. But – we also lose the anticipation and the build up of an album up to its release date.

Since were now entering the digital era, physical album sales have dramatically dropped. Back in the day, there was always a sense of mystery and the want to learn about an artist. Now because social media is so accessible, you know everything about an artist and your perception of them isn’t just perceived by the music they create.

6. Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

I would consider myself a pair of cleats that were worn in a muddy football game. Even though they went through a lot, they made it through the game, and can be washed off to be worn in the next one. I’ve been through a lot, but not anything that took me to the point of no return. So with that said, hopefully these shoes can look forward to many games to come!

Simply Six: Zaccheri Gray

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

For me, I couldn’t say there was one defining moment. I spent most of my time as a kid in one of two places, either my house or my grand parents house, both of which were very musical. In my house, at any given time there would be half a dozen guitars strategically placed in every nook and cranny (though my mom never understood why we NEEDED guitars in the kitchen…) and my dad wouldn’t hesitate to pick one up and sing a song for my brother and I. At my grand parents, usually every dinner we had there consisted of some incredible Italian food and a vocal performance from my grand father (whether we asked for it or not!). He was an incredible singer though and this is where I garnered my love for traditional Italian music. Having these influences as a young child you can see how music would play such a pivotal roll in my life. I discovered Nirvana in grade 3 and wanted to learn electric guitar. My dad would play me lots of Bob Dylan and I learned just how much power words could have. Tupac Shakur was also a big influence in my teenage years and I saw that he could give a voice to people that maybe didn’t have one. If anything can give somebody hope, a voice, a feeling like they are not alone or just plain move your soul. It’s music. And I wanted to be a part of that.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

This is a tough question (probably for anyone that loves music). Why don’t I just take you through my day (I’m writing this before bed) When I woke up I had to clean my apartment so I put on some Avenged Sevenfold to pump me up and get me through it, I hate cleaning, though I love to cook! I hopped in my Jeep and put on some 2pac (some things don’t change after high school I guess..) got to my friends place and put on Brett Dennen’s new album (Loverboy, it’s a great album) Driving home I put some Ornella Vanoni on (L’appuntamento, one of my all time favorite songs) then once I got home I had some friends over and we hung out and listened to some Marvin Gaye.

I have to give some honorable mentions, as one day just isn’t enough time to listen to everything: Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Tool, Sam Cook, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Biggie Smalls. Honestly this list could go forever. I’m stopping.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

Hearing myself on the radio has been very cool but the truth is nothing compares to hearing from fans. What an incredible feeling it is to know that you’ve connected with somebody you haven’t even met. I can remember countless times when I felt that way about musicians I looked up to. And now to get messages from people telling me that a certain song has really touched them or helped them through a tough time. I can’t really explain the feeling but it’s a great one. Those are my greatest moments and no matter what kind of success I get, I don’t think that will ever change.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

I definitely believe music can help any kind of movement. Music is something that is in every human beings core. Music unites us. I’ve yet to see a culture without some kind of music. So yes I do believe music can be a driving force in making positive changes in the world. I also think, and just as importantly, music can change an individual’s life.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

I think all you have to do is have a look at the music industry and how many labels have gone under to answer that question. I am a big iTunes user. I love the fact that I can hear a song or an album and 5 minutes later I have it on my iPod to play in my car or at home. I do however miss booklets and wish that albums would come with digital ones. How great would it be to scroll through lyrics to each song, photos and band notes again? Illegal downloading however is a whole other story. Myself and any other artist would be lying if we said it doesn’t hurt us tremendously. I honestly don’t think people are doing it maliciously. I just think that most people don’t think about it. If you remember that for any of these artists to make more music they have to be able to pay for that, not to mention groceries and other life essentials, I think more people would pay. I make sure to support the artists I like because I want to see them make more music and I also know that 10 dollars isn’t much money for something that may have taken them a year to create. With that being said I do know many people that pay for music and have some incredible fans that have too, so I thank you for that.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

A nice pair of dark brown leather boots. This way I get to go to nice restaurants but still ride motorcycles. I love motorcycles

Simply Six: Rhythm Child

Rhythm Child are from California.  

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

  I would have to say the emergence of The Jackson 5 in the early 70’s would be the one thing that totally changed my life and connected me to music.  Like every other kid with an afro growing up in America, I thought that I could dance, sing and look exactly like young Michael.  I slowly realized that I wasn’t even close to his talent level, but what was important was that I was inspired to perform.  My Mom recognized my passion and continued to buy me everyJackson 5 album that came out from the first to the last.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

  I still enjoy my CD collection a lot and I really miss all of my vinyl that I lost in a recent fire so that should give you an idea of my musical tastes.  For the most part I listen to classic Reggae and old Rhythm & Blues.  I feel a very deep connection to the country roots of both types of music and it keeps me grounded and creative.  Artists like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Etta James, Bob Marley and Burning Spear are truly inspirational to me and have been constant companions for most of my life.  As far as current music, there are so many independent artists out there and I love being exposed to all of the new sounds through internet radio and features like yours.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

 I can honestly say that the most satisfying and emotionally rewarding moments of my life as a musician have been sharing this journey with my family. My son Bailey is 9 and Andre is 4 and it’s amazing to watch them come out on stage and take complete control of an audience in their own special ways.  One of my all-time favorite experiences with them was a benefit concert for The Children’s Miracle Network in Washington DC when we played on theNational Mall.  At one point during the show I just had to stop and take it all in.  There I was performing with my boys at the base of the Washington Monumenton Memorial Day and seeing my WWII veteran father out in the audience proudly watching us do our thing.  It was a very inspirational moment for me as a musician, as a dad and as a son.

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

 You look at something like “We Are the World” or the recent concerts for Haiti; it is very clear how much social power there is in the melody of songs.  Music can carry messages for the people that don’t have a voice and can connect others that share a common cause.  It helps keep things in perspective and offers relief when people need it most.  No matter if it’s inspiring hope or demanding change, music has been and always will be an influential aspect of our society.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

  Technology has opened up the music industry to independent artists like me in a way that didn’t exist ten years ago. The playing field has been drastically leveled and now it’s possible for musicians to create their art for less money and have worldwide access to potential fans.  I’m not a gear-head, but I have obtained enough equipment over the last few years to work on my projects from home.  Mostly I do the pre-production and editing in my studio and go into the bigger places for the actual recording.  I still love the feeling of being in a studio and working with real musicians.  There is something special about the exchange of energy that happens with live recording and I never want to totally lose that.  On the flip-side, technology has given us so many tools to use that has made it easier to create and distribute music so I try to utilize as much of that as possible.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

 If I was a shoe I would be a hiking boot because boots are reliable, versatile, protective and rugged.  Because I love nature so much being a hiking bootwould be perfect and make me feel right at home.

SIMPLY SIX: Drew Schwartz

Drew is a singer/songwriter from California. 

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

-I have always been a singer.  I wrote my first song in 3rd grade about the first girlfriend I ever had, Kate.  I was too young to know how to really play an instrument or notate the music, but I wrote the lyrics and had the melody and full arrangement playing in my head.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites? 

- I listen to just about everything.  I'm influenced by jazz greats like The Dave Brubeck Quartet, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, but I also listen to classic rock, indie-rock, DJs, blues, country....everything.  Right now my iPod has been on repeat with The Black Keys, Jay-Z, The Fugees, Sam Cooke, and Keb' Mo'.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

- The best moment for me has to be my EP release show back in my home town of Buffalo, NY this past September.  It was my first real show back home in about 4 years, and I tied it in to raise money for Brain Cancer Research at Buffalo's local cancer research/treatment center Roswell Park.  My Dad was diagnosed with brain cancer and was forced to have 2 very dangerous brain tumor removal surgeries in the past 6 months.  It really hit home for me when I came out on stage and there were over 300 people cheering for me, and at the end of the night collectively we had raised over $20,000 for Roswell. 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

- I think music has the ability to influence the world, and influence lives, but to actually change things is up to the individual.  Music is a very powerful art form, and has the ability to touch people in a way no other form of communication can.  It crosses cultural barriers, political lines, religious views, racial divides, and ultimately brings a commonality to people that may feel they have nothing in common.  That is the true power of music.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

-Technology has always played a role in the way the music is treated as a product.  I have always supported the use of technology as a means of making music more accessible to the consumer.  We often get lost in the idea that music is a commodity, but it is so much more than that.  As an independent musician, technology has made life MUCH easier.  The recording process has become easier, cheaper, and more refined.  As an entrepreneur, sending emails and mp3's to radio, press, managers, agents, and record labels saves time and money.  As a consumer of music, technology has made music available to me that even 10 years ago, I would have never have even had the chance of being exposed to.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

- I would be my black Reef flip-flops.  Although I'm a bit of a sneaker fanatic, I must admit the thought of being in flip-flops invokes thoughts of warmth, sunshine, beach, and comfort, and that's my favorite setting for life.

SONG OF THE WEEK

This week we present another New Orleans native John Boutte. Every year John gets more praise as more people recognize how good he is. The first Jazz Fest after Katrina he gave one of the most powerful shows of the event. Combine Sam Cooke with Nat King Cole and throw in a gumbo of New Orleans sounds and experiences and you might get someone like John Boutte. Here he is singing "City of New Orleans."

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