Roots Rednecks and Radicals

Elizabeth cook is a stalwart Nashville country artist. She released a pivotal album 15 years ago called “Balls.” She is re-releasing the album on vinyl with new artwork and putting it back into print. In the time since she’s released the album she has become a regular at the Ryman, hosts her own show on Sirius/XM radio, and has been releasing albums and touring the world. She’s also become a voice representing women in the country music and Americana scene. I had a chance to chat with her about her album and everything she’s been up to. I hope ya dig it!Side note. The audio got a little weird at one point due to a bad phone connection. I left it in because I thought the story was cool. 

I recently had the Hawaiian band Kanekoa on my show. They were in the area playing a show in Lake Tahoe. The band called in live to my radio show and we talked about their most recent album. It was produced by Steve Berlin of the seminal band Los Lobos. The album features artists like G. Love and has an incredible laid back feel. Lots of great chill summer vibes. It was a fun time talking to the guys about their music, and their tour on the mainland. I hope you dig it! 

The most recent mass shooting at a school in Uvalde Texas has the nation reeling once again in the wake of gun violence. Both Drive-By Truckers and Will Hoge penned their thoughts on this issue in songs both titled "Thoughts and Prayers." In this episode I take a look at those song's lyrics, recent polling on gun policy, and an in-depth look at the statistics of gun violence. Our political structure may be broken, but we're not as divided as we might think. I hope you're well. Sources: Bipartisan Support for Gun Control:  https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/09/13/key-facts-about-americans-and-guns/Five Thirty Eight Gun Gun Deaths in America: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/gun-deaths/ 

Twisted Pine is a bluegrass band based out of Boston Massachusetts. They have been playing together for some time now and got their start with musicians from the Berkeley Academy of Music. Their instrumentation combines traditional bluegrass instruments with the flute which adds a really interesting layer to the music. Their most recent record is called “Right Now” and was released in 2020I had a chance to catch a set of their tunes and chat with them about the band on tour recently. I hope ya dig it!

AJ Lee and Blue Summit is a bluegrass band based out of San Francisco California. The group got its start as The Tuttles with AJ Lee. That group was a family band made up of father Jack, siblings Molly, Sully and Michael, and AJ Lee. That formation morphed over time into the current lineup that is AJ Lee and Blue Summit. (explain my ignorance here) 
 
The lineup of AJ Lee and Blue Summit is AJ on vocals, Scott Gates on guitar, Sully Tuttle on guitar, Chad Bowen on bass, and Jan Purat on fiddle. I caught up with them after their set at WinterWonderGrass. The set blew me away, their stellar musicianship is impressive to say the least. We had a good talk about the band, their music, and touring. I hope you dig it!

For over thirty years The Mother Hips have been making music and touring. Originally from Chico California, the group has developed a sound that is truly their own. In 2021 they released an album named Glowing Lantern which incorporates their vast influences. Their rootsy 70s rock sound is reminiscent of groups like “The Band” and they’ve developed their own blend of California rock and soul. I had a chance to chat with Greg about their most recent release, and their upcoming show in Lake Tahoe. I hope ya dig it! 

Hey all this is a special episode. I'm announcing the launch of my Patreon page! I'm excited to be able to share some new content with everyone, and have you join this journey. Thanks to everyone who listens! 

Town Mountain is a bluegrass band based out of North Carolina. The band has been together now for over a decade and in that time they’ve become known for a hard driving bluegrass sound that draws on many sources for inspiration. I had a chance to chat with them on tour recently about their music, their live shows, and their songwriting. I hope ya dig it!

The Kitchen Dwellers are a bluegrass band based out of Bozeman Montana. The quartet are all fans of the great outdoors and incorporate those themes in the lyrics of their songs. I had a chance to catch them on tour and talk about their songs, their new album, and the impact the American West has on their songwriting. I was born and raised in Nevada, and there’s an interesting connection between the people of rural Western states. One thing I want to mention is the topic of suicide does come up. It’s dealt with in a tasteful way, but I wanted to mention it in case that is difficult for you. That being said, it was a great conversation. I hope ya dig it!

Keller Williams is a stalwart singer/songwriter and performer. His music crosses genres combing bluegrass, folk, reggae, jazz and funk. His career dates back to the mid 90s and in that time he’s recorded and toured all over the world. I recently caught up with him before his set at WinterWonderGrass. We met backstage and talked about his music, and his most recent album. I hope ya dig it!