This week's episode of Mountain Stage touches on that greatest of subjects - love. We approach the topic in four parts, with performances by Robert Cray Band, Rhiannon Giddens, Adia Victoria, Emmylou Harris and more.
Mountain Stage at 30: Songs From the Doc (Part Seven)
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Mountain Stage’s 30th anniversary season was certainly one for the books. While some might think this year’s stellar roster of artists is extraordinary in some sense, the truth of the matter is that the impressive list of musicians that Larry Groce and the Mountain Stage crew put together sticks pretty closely to what the show has been targeting since its inception.
For their big 3-0, Mountain Stage stuck with their tried and true for formula of mixing world renowned talent with emerging artists for a year’s worth of music that spans the gamut–rock, country, indie, blues, and then some–virtually everything found its way on Mountain Stage.
Keen is one of those great songwriters in that, if it weren’t for the increasingly saturated nature of music in the 21st century, every one would own one (or all) of his records. His style undoubtedly pulls from his Texas roots and mixes While Keen’s was featured on the show as early as 1989, his music remains so relevant I can’t think of a better choice for a headliner to kick off the show’s 30 season.
Kathy Mattea – “Coal Tattoo”
Kathy Mattea is such an incredibly warm and friendly person that Mountain Stage web coordinator Josh Saul and I refer to her in casual conversation as “Aunt Kathy”. (Aunt Kathy–if you’re out there reading this and are bothered by it, please let us know and we will stop.)
Returning to Mountain Stage for their 30th season, Mattea performed a set highlighted by her latest record Calling Me Home. It was her captivating rendition of Billy Edd Wheeler’s “Coal Tattoo” that made the cut for the documentary.
KathyMattea_CoalTattoo.mp3
Kathy Mattea – "Coal Tattoo"
Jason Isbell – “Flying Over Water”
Alabaman Jason Isbell first made a name for himself as a guitarist and songwriter for Drive-By Truckers in the early 2000s. Since then, his solo career has skyrocketed, particularly with the release of his latest album, Southeastern.
As Isbell told me for the documentary, playing Mountain Stage affords him the opportunity to “preach to somebody besides the choir.”
JasonIsbell_FlyingOverWater.mp3
Jason Isbell – "Flying Over Water"
Ben Sollee – “Whole Lot to Give”
“There’s not a path through the woods of the music industry for a signing cellist. That’s very, very true,” Sollee told me when I interviewed him for the documentary.
“But, when I come on Mountain Stage I feel like there is an opportunity to connect with a community that is very accepting, that has an open mind as to what music can be.”
Simply put: he nailed it with those words. It’s almost as if artists like Sollee and Mountain Stage have figured out how to feed off of one another but keep a unique identity.
If you’ve never heard Mr. Sollee, do yourself a favor and start here. But I’ll warn you: his potential and musical ability cannot be limited to just this. Dig deeper. You can thank me later.
BenSollee_WholeLotToGive.mp3
Ben Sollee – "Whole Lot to Give"
Dawes – “Most People”
Ask Larry Groce what he thinks about the L.A.-based rock band Dawes and he’s likely to begin by mentioning the song “A Little Bit of Everything”. While that song comes from the group’s sophomore record Nothing is Wrong, they have maintained their ability to craft timeless rock-drive song like the song “Most People” from their latest release, Stories Don’t End.
Tim James, a music education teacher at Cabell Midland High School, has earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting's Above and Beyond Award for December 2022, which recognizes excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting is proud to announce that Education Director Maggie Holley will serve on the newly formed West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Leaders of Literacy Advisory Council.
Wilco will make their fourth appearance on Mountain Stage with a special extended set Sunday April 30 at the Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on the campus of Ohio University in Athens, OH. Tickets are $25-35, and will be on sale Friday, January 20 at 10a.m. EST.Friday, January 20th also sees the LP and CD release of Wilco’s 12th album, Cruel Country, deemed one of the best of 2022 by The New York Times, NPR Music, Rolling Stone and others.
The Columbus Washboard Company in Logan, Ohio is the last and only washboard factory in the United States. Founded in 1895, the company has more recently adapted its product to meet the varied needs of its customers, many of whom are musicians.