Jesse's blog

Episode 52. I think that country music is not defined by posturing on how country you are. It’s not defined by your birthplace, or being raised in the South, or song lyrics about your truck or your girlfriend or beer or any of the other tripe commonly associated with country music due to commercial radio. It’s something deeper, something down in your bones, a soul sound. Maybe I’m naïve, but this type of sound comes across as authentic. It’s not something that can be emulated, an artist either has it or they don’t. Too many people get caught up in labels and unnecessarily restrict the genre. To me, country music includes the legends typically associated with it:  Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson. But it also includes artists like Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and Blind Willie Johnson. Country blues are just that, country music. These artists all share their unique perspective on rural life within the lyrics of their music. Our artist of the week, Colter Wall, draws influences from all of these artists.

Tonight we're going to feature 3 tracks from the brand new album from the wordsmith Chris Stapleton. Although Traveller is his debut album, he's been hanging out in Nashville for over 15 years, writing hit songs for many mainstream country artists. Normally we tend to steer clear of mainstream country music, but tonight we're going to make an exception, this album is just too good to let some arbitrary standard of independent artist get in the way. This guy writes songs like Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. He sings with the power and soul of Mike Farris and Otis Redding. Traveller is 14 tracks but sprawls from stripped-down acoustic country tracks, like Whiskey and You, to alt-country rockers like Parachute, to pure soul like Tennessee Whiskey. I have a feeling we're going to hear a lot about this album and Chris over the next year. We'll open the show with a four song tribute to our Veterans in recognition of Memorial Day, with tracks from The Black Lillies, Guy Clark, The Drive-By Truckers and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. We're also going to hear another track from Lucinda Williams' newest album.

Join us Wednesday April 29 @ 5PM as we feature 3 tracks from Nikki Lane's 2014 debut LP, All Or Nothin'. Somewhere between roots rock and country, Nikki has the attitude of an outlaw. Produced with a light touch from her friend Dan Auerbach, this fantastic album has a ton of lap steel guitar, driving electric bass, and a touch of surf guitar. Nikki's wonderfully unique voice is front and center in the mix. And today is Willie's 82nd birthday! We'll play a few tracks from his newest LP (2014), Band of Brothers. Plus a little Sturgill Simpson, Otis Gibbs, Valerie June, Parker Millsap, and a few surprises. Twangy guitars? Check!

It's an all Outlaw show! We love the Outlaws here on Dead Wax and last week I ran across a vinyl 10" EP from Shooter Jennnings: Don't Wait Up (for George). It's a tribute album to his family friend, George Jones. Shooter is the son of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter. Like Waylon, Shooter is making his music the way that he wants in the true spirit of Outlaw Country! On this EP, Shooter cover 3 Jones tunes and sings 2 original tracks. We'll play 3 songs from this excellent album, plus tracks from Billy Joe Shaver, Johnny Cash, Jamey Johnson, Townes Van Zandt, Willie, Ryan Bingham, and a host of other Outlaws! Tune in @5pm to get your Outlaw fix!

Creedence Clearwater Revival!

Dylan & The Dead!

The Black Keys!

All on Vinyl! Tune in and Crank It Up!

Vinyl Rocks! Long Live Vinyl!

It's the Fred Eaglesmith show! Fred is playing this Saturday at the Palms Playhouse in Winters. We're going to get primed by featuring a full hour of his music! He was born and raised in rural southern Ontario. He plays a great blend of Americana and old fashioned rock'n'roll, drawing obvious influences from Johnny Cash and the other outlaws in addition to rock influences including Elvis. His artistic flourishes aren't just in songwriting, he's also an active painter. Whether you're new to Fred or a longtime fan, tune in at 5PM as we explore his discography!