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?
The first time I ever sang along to my first record - Beach Boys Endless Summer. It took me to a place I'd never been before. I used to lock myself in the bathroom and conduct my own interviews with myself as if I'd make it big.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
Ryan Bingham is one of my favorite new American songwriters, along with AA Bondy (who I saw at Newport Folk Festival and was AMAZING). I listen to anything that tells a story and matches it up with a nice melody, but also songs that are accessible to everyone. Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash are two of my all-time favorites. I love Wilco, My Morning Jacket, Justin Townes Earle. Don't get me started.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
Playing the Vic Theater in Chicago while opening for the Sawdoctors back in 2006 with my band, Pondering Judd. The place was sold out. I hadn't seen my wife (Jennifer) in nearly a month, and she'd flown out to Chicago for the show. We weren't able to connect before the show started (she flew out with other band member's wives), but the first person I saw in that sea of five-thousand plus was my wife, not because she was in the front row, but she just stuck out in a crowd. It was fitting, because nobody's been more supportive of my career than her.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
Humans are the only species who do not produce music for a specific purpose. Having said that, I think there's a medicinal quality to it that brings people together. The people's elixir.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
The internet has allowed me to be a DIY artist, simply because it cuts out so many middle people. It's allowed me to push my music into parts of the world that I've never seen (which is an interesting thought unto itself). It's also allowed me to connect with other musicians from across the country without ever having met them.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
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?
1.From the time I first saw a violin at 2 years
old, I knew that this was what I wanted to do with my life. I saw a video of
Itzhaak Pearlman playing a concert and something was ignited inside me which
told me this was my mission in life. I realize that’s a really early age but
from that moment on I never doubted what I wanted to do with my life. However,
there is one other moment that stands out in my mind as a moment that
re-affirmed my passion and assured me that I was on the right path. I was about
eight years old and Rhonda Vincent, a popular bluegrass artist, came to our
town in Mississippi to play a concert. We went to see her play and I was able
to go backstage and talk to her during the intermission. She had me play a song
for her on her fiddle backstage and was so impressed that she taught me a song
on the spot and invited me to come play it with her on stage. It was a sold out
crowd of a thousand people and that was my first real experience performing a
show. I remember being in the middle of the song and looking up and seeing the
shining light at the back of the theater. I don’t even really know what it was
I just remember seeing it and having this feeling of exhilaration that told me
“You’re on the right path. This is what you’re meant to be.”. From that point
forward I’ve never stopped pursuing my dream.
2 . When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of
your favorites?
Well I have a wide variety of musical interests
and inspirations. Some of the artists that have been most influential to me
are: Patty Griffin, Tom Waits, Johnny Cash, John Lennon, Willie Nelson, and
Ryan Adams. The artists that I currently listen to the most are probably:
Erykah Badu, Radiohead, My Morning Jacket, Ryan Adams, Tom Waits, Wilco, and
Ray Lamontagne. Other violinists and fiddle players that I really admire are:
Mark O’Connor, Stuff Smith, Stephane Grappelli, and Vassar Clements.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record
or live?
Hmmm…there are so many incredible moments that I
look back on as some of the best moments of my life. I might have to pick a
couple! One that really stands out in my mind is performing when I was 12 with
Big and Rich at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville and the Tennessee Titan
Stadium for a sold out crowd of 60,000. It was an unbelievable experience. I
had been asked by ABC television to be in a special they were doing about young
and upcoming artists teaming up with big music stars. They chose me and a piano
player from NYC to fly to Nashville, meet Big and Rich, and be invited to perform
with them. I remember walking out on that stage, hearing the deafening roar of
the crowd, and feeling right at home. I never felt more comfortable in my life.
It was like I was meant to be there. The bass was booming really loudly wish
made my heart beat so fast. Seeing that sea of people was probably the most
exciting moment of my life. Again, I knew this was something I wanted to be
doing every single night! Other great moments were when I had the opportunity
to play both Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits music festival this year. At
my age to be asked to play those festivals was an incredible honor that I will
never forget. I was able to play with my band and my songs and sound. And I was
welcomed by amazing crowds at both events. It made me feel that all the hard
work is really paying off. I was so honored to be standing among amazing bands
at both of these festivals. There are tons more incredible moments but I really
feel that those three have stood out the most.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
I believe that music is one of the most
incredible tools that we have as human beings. Music, unlike anything else,
targets your emotion. You can be in a sad mood and then listen to your favorite
song and it can turn your whole day around. Music has an otherworldly
connection to our souls and has the power to change us as human beings. Music
more than anything else can change people’s way of thinking. So yes I believe
it has the power to change the world. If our entire world were to run out of
money tomorrow, everyone lose their jobs, crops die out, etc., we would still
have music. We would still have the ability to play music for people and make
them happy again. When you’re playing a concert, you have the power to reach
into people’s souls and make them forget about their crappy lives, if even just
for an hour. Music has the power to make people feel like they can do anything;
like they can turn their life around. It is one of the most incredible devices
that mankind has ever known.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Just like everything else in the world, music
will grow and change and develop. As technology grows and changes, our ways of
accessing music and listening to music will change as well. This is inevitable.
It’s pointless to try to stop it. It’s pointless to try to save the old ways
when new minds are being born and new concepts are developing every day. We
have to embrace the change and grow with it. It’s the only way to reach out to
the world. Youth is everything. And youths use technology. If we want to make
an impact with music, we have to reach out to them. And I don’t think the fact
that iTunes and other means of technological communications is a bad thing for
the music business. Record companies are dying out and it’s becoming about the
artist again. We’re not relying on rich executives to hire models and run them
through auto-tune in order to make a million bucks. The artist now has to reach
out to their fans themselves: through the internet. I think it’s wonderful. I love
having the ability to interact with my fans through Facebook, iTunes, blogging,
tweeting, etc. I think it’s gonna turn our ideas of how to “make it” completely
upside down. It’s an opportunity for us to grow as an entertainment business
and an opportunity for true music to stand out again.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Oh man this is tough! I would have to say
Converse. Not just because I wear them a ton, but because I’m not fancy, I love
to be comfortable, I’m unique and I want to fill your closets. Haha!
Erick Jones (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Chris Thacker (lead guitar, backing vocals) respond
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?
(Erick Jones) In elementary school a group of high schoolers were allowed to bring their rock band to perform for the little kiddies (of which I was one). Now, I had grown up around acoustic music all my life but I was in 5th grade the first time I heard a rock show. The guys weren't overly good as I remember, and I can't tell you to this day what the songs were that they were playing, but the interplay between the instruments and the loud amplifiers left an impression on, and I can still vividly remember that feeling of sheer awe. I went right out and demanded guitar lessons. I got piano lessons instead and quit immediately.
(Chris Thacker) My mother gave me her record collection when I was about 13 years old along with an old record player. The moment I realized I wanted to be a guitar player was the moment I set the needle to Jimi Hendrix Experience 'Smash Hits' album. My brother and I had began learning to play guitar, but when the first notes of "Purple Haze" rang through the speakers I was sold! I remember thinking, "Holy shit, I want to be able to do that!". I listened to that record non-stop for months and still have it in my collection. I revisit it from time to time to grab that youthful feeling of curiosity.
2 . When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of
your favorites?
(Erick Jones) Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, Kathleen Edwards, Kasey Chambers, Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown, Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Wilco, My Morning Jacket, R.L. Burnside, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, The Allman Brothers, Doc Watson, Shovels and Rope, The Band, The Black Keys, Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch/Dave Rawlings, etc...
(Chris Thacker) I've been stuck on four records the last couple of months; Drive-By Truckers 'Decoration Day', Son Volt's 'Trace', Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent's 'Shovels and Rope' and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit's 'Here We Rest' (no particular order). Four amazing albums that I just can't seem to get enough of. I can always listen to Paul Simon's 'Graceland' and have a huge smile on my face; definitely one of my all-time favorite records. Tony Rice's 'Church Street Blues' is one of my all-time favorite acoustic guitar records and reminds me of my childhood. I also love the entire Outkast catalouge from start to finish.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record
or live?
(Erick Jones)I saw a young lady start getting a little weepy the other night while listening to me sing a song that I wrote. Not that I like to make girls cry, but anytime you can touch someone emotionally like that has to be a great moment
(Chris Thacker)I don't know that I can choose one shining moment that has been the apex for me so far. Each experience is exciting and unique. I love to play music, whether in the studio or in front of an audience, and I've had some wonderful experiences with bands that I have been in, and sitting in with others bands that I love. Each musical encounter has the potential to be the greatest one you've had to date; you just have to be open to the opportunity.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?
How much can music influence current events?
(Erick Jones) People change the world and nothing else does. That's the way is always has been and I believe that's the way it always will be. Music can be instrumental in facilitating change in that it can help bring together like-minded individuals and serve as a rallying cry. In that sense I believe music can be very influential in bringing about change, but only if the music itself speaks to the basic truths of the human condition.
(Chris Thacker) Music does have the ability to change the world and is always influencing culture both directly and indirectly. The enigmatic beauty of music is that it’s on the listener to allow it to affect them. Music is like the setting sun: it happens every day around us, but it is our responsibility to take the time to appreciate the beauty. We choose how much we listen and let music affect us.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected
your career as a musician?
(Erick Jones) Technology has constantly been affecting music since the dawn of man (make a better mousetrap and someone will try to play a d minor on it), but the recent advances in the retail delivery of music to the consumer (and subsequently the ease of piracy on large and small scales) has really been a game changer. I personally witnessed the demise of the record store from the inside working for a smaller chain based out of Atlanta. It's heartbreaking to think that our generation is probably the last that will ever know what it feels like to walk into a room of like-minded music lovers and hear that great new band/song/style of music etc.. blaring a little too loud over the speakers and be changed, just a little bit, forever by it.
Now, as the piece of the pie gets smaller due to piracy and lower cost to consumers I feel like the days of large all-powerful labels is in a free-fall slide and the rise of smaller, boutique artist-driven labels is on the rise. As the business models continue to change, I think we're all just scrambling to find our place in it. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is yet to be determined.
(Chris Thacker) Technology has obviously turned the music industry up-side-down and people are still trying to find the next working 'business model'. There are no longer 'dream deals' available to artist and we use television and popular vote to determine who has the next shot at being a 'star'. That being said, technology allows independent artist to make a living and retain more of their earning. We can reach out to a larger fan base through social media, we can have our music available for sale through multiple outlets on a global scale, and we can connect with our audiences on a personal level that has never been available in the past.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of
shoes would you be?
(Erick Jones) A pair of well-worn cowboy boots
(Chris Thacker) I'd be the pair of Durango boots I've got on my feet. These boots have traveled the world with me from Seattle to Prague (and literally everywhere in between), seen some dingy clubs, and stood on the stages of stadiums. There's nothing in this world like a good pair of boots.
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?below. Thanks much, Deborah
DC: That would be driving across the country, back to California, shortly after my great Aunt died about 13-14 years ago. I had gone through a hard break-up, and then watched one of my early artistic mentors — she was an amazing woman who was born at the turn of the (last) century, been a nurse in WWII before becoming a visual artists. She also survived two husbands (and a lot else) and lived to be 100, while maintaing her faith, creative vision and integrity! I told myself I would always strive to stay connected to the muse...and to heed it!
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites? DC: I'm kind of eclectic. My songwriter friends, The Decemberists, Bjork, Sarah Siskind, Wilco, Nina Simone, instrumental jazz, classical Indian music ...and sometimes (usually while driving) good old pop ala Katy Perry
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live? DC: One moment? Yikes. There are good moments mid-performance that you live for. On record, I like my performance of 'Joy' from the It's All Up to You' EP (March 2010)
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events? DC: I think music is a big healer. IT creates community, joy and sound and vibration can have a profound effect both on the physical body and the mind. A music teacher just recommended the book "This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession" by Daniel Levitin that I'm hoping to pick up soon. Past that, musicians can be hugely influential. Look at Bono! Whatever you may think of him, I think he's a great example of putting his influence too good use toward change.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician? DC: Anyone in the world can find and listen to my music if they like, whether I come to their country or not provided they have Internet access! That's huge. I can also collaborate easily with others without flying to another studio. I can record anywhere and share it. Tech has broken down many, many boundaries.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be? DC: Hmm. Hopefully, something comfortable, funky and stylish with at least a little heel...and red. Since I was little, I've had a thing for Red shoes. A shoemaker I know turned me onto Fluevogs, so perhaps theseRed Fluevog 'Glides"
Description: "So, You Want To Be A Bullfighter is written and performed well. It is highly recommended to anyone that wants to be on the cutting edge of the alt country scene." - Dan MacIntosh
Biography: Soaked in moonshine and forged from gold, American Anodyne is a band melded in the furnace of Appalachia. These truly southern gentlemen are creating a brand of Americana reminiscent of ‘70’s outlaw country while embracing the sentiments of modern times. American Anodyne’s music convey tales of small town life and portrays the hardship of living in the ‘new depression'. With songs depicting a lust for the open road, heartbreaks, and handguns their no-holds-bar style of portraying life in the south is honest and authentic.
Members:
Erick Jones (Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica), Chris Thacker (Lead Guitar, BGVs), Justin Minchew (Bass), Kevin Rainwater (Drums, Percussion, BGVs)
Similar Artist:
The Band, Son Volt, The Byrds, Drive-by Truckers, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Wilco, Bruce Springsteen
Influences:
Steve Earle, Gillian Welch, Ryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, The Byrds
I know we just featured this as a Video Wednesday not long ago, but we love this song so much here that we're going to feature it as a Song of the Day also. It's Mavis Staples singing "You Are Not Alone" from her album of the same name, produced by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco.
The song for today is from The Autumn Defense and their album The Green Hour. The song is "Make It Through The Summer" and is very much in the style of the Beach Boys. The Autumn Defense is the side project of Wilco's bassist John Stirratt.
Beth Bombara is a singer/songwriter currently living in St. Louis.
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 never experienced a defining moment quite like that. I started out mainly as an instrumentalist on keyboard and guitar. I liked being in the background. But a couple years after I leaned to play guitar, my friends decided to start a band. I remember sitting in the basement, everyone with their instruments, and one of them said "Ok, so who is going to sing?" And they all looked at me. "Why me?" I asked. They figured since I'd been playing my instrument longer than them, I could probably handle singing and playing guitar at the same time. I couldn't say no since I was the youngest, and that's when I discovered I could really sing! Now I absolutely love it!
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
When I'm not creating music, I love discovering underground independent music. But some of my favorites artists include Wilco, Lucinda Williams, Radiohead, Nada Surf and Neko Case
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
My greatest "moment" so far has been to be performing in a packed room and hear the audience singing along. The first time that ever happened, it was an amazing feeling!
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
When I think of changing the world, it seems like a big task. But I think music can do that in more unassuming ways. It can have the power to encourage someone who is feeling down, it can console, it can rally people for a good cause. It's hard to say how that effect is felt in the world, but I know it has to be in some small way. I think it's possible for music to influence current events, but I don't think I see it happen a lot.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology has totally changed the music industry game, especially by leveling the playing field. The industry is no longer controlled by a small number of record labels. That means there are a lot more independent artists who are writing, recording, and performing live. This is all made possible by advances through the internet, accessible recording and distribution, as well as other technology. It's also easier for fans to connect with artists through the internet.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
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?
My parents had a steady gig at a local hotel where I grew-up in Colorado. I remember going to hear them and sitting-in when I was 5 years old. I sang "Hey Good Lookin," a Hank Williams song. That moment felt so real and true and I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
It changes every week! This week I'm into Wilco, Nina Simone, and a CD of traditional French folk songs a friend gave me. I can't understand a word but its the most beautiful thing I have ever heard!
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live? Opening for Christopher Cross at the Birchmere near Washington D.C. Christopher's audience was incredibly open and willing to fall in love with new music.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
I absolutely believe that music can change the world! It changes our human experience everyday. Music is the only universal language. It can heal the depest wounds, breakthrough the hardest walls, and unite us like nothing else.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
I feel so lucky that I am able to have people in other parts of the world hear my music in an instant thanks to internet music sites like MySpace and iTunes. I am also lucky that I have access to a ton of artists and different kinds of music. And in regards to recording, we can all make records in our basement now! Again, lucky us to share our music so easily.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Wow, a question so close to my heart! I would be a good-lookin' pair of cowboy boots: comfortable but sexy and super sassy.
Gina Villalobos 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?
GV- no, there was not one defining moment, it was more like a series of undefinable ones through out my life. to me music is not like any other profession. no one really wakes up one day and decides to be a musician like they would a fireman or something. i don't think there are any schools out there that can teach one to emote. i never one day decided to be an artist. i just think that i had always been one. for me it was more about realizing who i had always been...what i already was. it didn't have to do with seeing a certain band on tv or anything like that. music was always poring out of the walls of our house when we were kids. it would have been more shocking for me if all of a sudden the music stopped.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
GV- it depends if i am not creating music it probably means i am stuck on something so i usually do NOTHING, listen to nothing. This period of time cleanses my system of unnecessary information. It is like cleaning the hard drive. The system works much smoother when it’s cleared of fragments. Somehow when I stand still creativity comes back to me. NOT writing or NOT listening to music is a big is part of the writing and production process for me.
recent favs- rickie lee jones, wilco, ryan adams
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
GV- the feeling i get after i write a song
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
GV- no, i don't really think music can change the world or current events.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
GV well..... good question. i think it has been good and bad. i think for sure it has devalued the job title "music producer" since everybody and there brother can call them selves one these days if the have pro tools. there is a lot more music out there because of this and a lot of it is not quality art....just my opinion.
kind of like what happened to the movie industry when the Mini DV cam was invented. all of a sudden everybody was a film maker but all the movies that came out sucked because they weren't really film makers, they just owned a DV camera?
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be? running
This week’s Voices to Hear is going to be a bit different than pervious ones. Instead of one voice to highlight in this week’s column we’re going to talk about an entire album’s worth of voices. The album is Song of America and it features 50 artists different artists. (What? You didn’t think an album would have a MySpace page? Everyone and everything has a MySpace page nowdays.)
If you’ve heard of this album at all it’s due to the identity of the executive producer of the record, Janet Reno. Yes, that Janet Reno, the former Attorney General of the United States. Most of the press has focused on that point, which at least gives it a chance to get out there and maybe be heard.
The genesis of the album started ten years ago when Ed Petterson, a singer-songwriter from Brooklyn New York wrote a song about the American cowboy. He brought the song to his Aunt to listen to. His Aunt just happened to be Janet Reno. She liked the song, but suggested that he should go farther than just one song about one point in America’s history. She suggested that he record a collection of songs that would reflect American’s history.
What they ended up envisioning was a collection of songs that would trace the events that shaped our nation’s history. The album became a collection that could be used as a tool to help teach the youth of our country about their history through song. The album was divided into five broad themes from America’s history:
United We Stand, Divided We Fall War and Peace Work Families at Home and on the Move Faith and Ideals
The performers interpreted these songs in their own style for the listeners of today. In some ways it was the same idea that was behind Wilco and Billy Bragg’s updating of Woody Guthrie song’s from Mermaid Avenue. They took the words but made the music their own.
The performers came from all sorts of musical genres. The album opens with a Lakota Indian song and ends with a Woody Guthrie song. To list all the performers on this album would stretch this column out too long, but such performers as The Blind Boys of Alabama, John Wesley Harding, Freedy Johnston, Marah, Janis Ian, Elizabeth Cook, John Mellencamp, Old Crow Medicine Show and a host of others. In keeping with the theme of this column almost all of the performers were not well known. John Mellencamp is probably the biggest name on the album.
The album is divided into three cds: red, white and blue. The red disc starts with songs from the American Revolution and each disc moves the songs through the history of our country. Some of the songs on these two discs you’ve probably heard a million times and may not have thought of since you were in school. Harper Simon (Paul Simon’s son) does a version of Yankee Doodle, The Mavericks do Dixie, Joni Harms does Home On The Range. The blue disc brings us up to the modern era and has songs that most listeners will be more familiar with, at least from radio. This disc has Kim Richey doing the Rascals “Get Together,” Anthony David doing Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” Martha Wainwright doing Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman.” Only one artist is represented by two songs on the album, Bruce Springsteen: Matthew Ryan does “Youngstown” and Bettye LaVette does “Streets of Philadelphia.”
This is one of those albums that I was absolutely fascinated with, after listening to it it will make you proud to be an American. And it does it without resorting to the sort of jingo posturing you usually find in these type of projects.
As one final note, with the kind permission of Miss Heather, I’m going to include two songs with this column. There was so much great stuff to chose from it was a really tough decision, but I went with both ends of the timeline. The first song is Harper Simon’s “Yankee Doodle” and the second song is a heart breaking rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia” by Bettye LaVette. But I could have easily picked any of the other forty eight songs to showcase, they’re all that good.
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