Series #Ten
(Winter/Spring 2001-02)Catie Curtis, Eliza Gilkyson, Mary Black, Venice, Nils Lofgren, Richard Thompson, Mary Gauthier, Tom Russell, Marshall Crenshaw, Gary Hill
Saturday, November 17
Mary Black
Mary Black is not a songwriter, but don't let that fool you. She has a great ear for a song and a voice that (really) could make the phone book ring. Speaking With The Angel, her new release on Curb Records, features astute song selections from many of Ireland's best writers, including two by Steve Cooney, as well as Ron Sexsmith and Neil Finn. Mary Black is not a songwriter, but she has a proprietary way with material she likes; she wears it like a second skin, investing it with the breath of life and total conviction. She possesses a most recognizable voice and illustrates each song with her wonderful gift. And don't forget, she sells more records in Ireland than U2 and Sinead O'Conner put together!
Friday, December 21
Holiday in Hell with Venice
Known for stirring four-part harmonies, infectious songs and exciting live performances, Venice has established itself as one of the most respected and eclectic groups on the Los Angeles scene. They first came to Sings Like Hell as the opener for David Crosby ( and CPR), who says, "Venice is the best vocal group in the country and one of the best bands of any kind I've ever heard." Making their Vanguard Records debut, Born and Raised, Venice is ready to make the leap from California cult to national and international attention...and a headline slot for a Holiday in Hell.
Friday, February 8
Richard Thompson
Moving into another Hellacious year...we welcome back the man who has become a signature artist of the Sings Like Hell series...Richard Thompson. He came and conquered us in an amazing solo performance in 1998, came back a year later with his killer band, and returns, solo again, to astound and delight us with his ultra-dry wit, unmatched guitar playing, and incomparable songs.
Stand back, stand up: Richard Thompson is in the house!
Saturday, March 16
Billy
Joe Shaver +
Tom Russell
Tom Russell is one of the greatest songwriters in the country. Paired with the exceptional guitar playing and backing vocals of Andrew Hardin, Russell writes songs that connect on the very deepest levels: family, land, love and faith. His stories are often wry and poignant, but always told in a spare and elegant style, drawn out by his melodic baritone.
Billy Joe Shaver has lived a country song life, with quite a large share of tragedy. He's been writing songs for over 30 years, and they have been recorded by Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Marty Stuart, Patty Loveless, Jerry Jeff Walker and many others. But the versions recorded by Shaver, the band that featured the stinging guitar of his late son Eddy, are definitive. Not just definitive Billy Joe Shaver: definitive country; definitve songs.
Tonight Billy Joe comes in with the incomparable Jesse "Guitar" Taylor, to lead us down his winding and bumpy country road.
Saturday, April 13
Marshall Crenshaw
Marshall Crenshaw started his career with a bang: his 1982 eponymous debut was one of the most critically lauded albums of the decade and it still sounds fresh. He released four more excellent albums before getting the major label boot, then, free at last, he began marketing his songs for soundtracks, hit movies and television shows. Songs like "Cynical Girl" and "Someday, Someway" still define the Crenshaw sound, a mix of Memphis rockabilly, British power-pop and 70s R&B.
Last year he recorded a live show at the Stone Pony for King Biscuit Flower Hour and it has been released on their label. The title? I've Suffered For My Art...Now It's Your Turn. Welcome to Hell, Mr. Crenshaw.
