Brief updates

In yesterday's post about William Tyler, I failed to make the connection to his fine contribution to the excellent Oh Michael, Look What You've Done compilation of Michael Chapman covers which was fifth in my albums of last year list. Consider that connection made, the album replugged and William's tremendous take on 'Naked Ladies and Electric Ragtime' heartily recommended...

And if anyone is still looking for an introduction to the delights of Saint Dominic's Flashback here's an extract discussing the title track of the album.

Breaking the Palmeira's jinx

The first two 2013 gigs I had booked have both been cancelled, and coincidentally both were scheduled for the Palmeira, an intimate and unpretentious pub in Hove.

Kelly Joe Phelps was the first to drop out of the diary. I was properly sympathetic when I heard he has a neurological complaint which stops him playing the guitar - which he normally does astonishingly well - and his whole tour has had to go.

I was less sympathetic with the normally ebullient Fred Eaglesmith, who apparently woke up rather late in the day to the fact that his European tour schedule posed some logistical challenges. 'Wimp' was my first (and, indeed, second) thought - but then I found that he was supposed to have played Utrecht, Hove and Glasgow on successive nights... Doable by plane, but less straightforward in a van. I'll let you off this time, Fred.

So, I am less than completely confident in urging all within travelling distance of this watering-hole to hold 3 May in your diaries. Who knows what will happen in the next 10 weeks? But, as of now, the unequivocally wonderful Hiss Golden Messenger are due to appear, with William Tyler also on the bill. Who he? Well, try this for size - quite extraordinary guitar playing... So book up anyway, and let's hope it's third time lucky and the gig actually happens.

In other news, Michael Chapman is due back at the West Hill Hall next weekend... And I have just booked flights to Alberta aiming for the Canmore and Edmonton Folk Festivals in August. Edmonton introduced me to both Kelly Joe and Fred: it would be very nice if one or both were back there this year.

As always, watch this space.

New from Steve Earle

Thanks to Expecting Rain for linking to this fine new track from Steve Earle, 'Calico County' - with news of an album to follow in April called The Low Highway. It's an infectious, driving, slogger of a song, with fine guitars - Chris Masterson, I presume, sounding in great shape - and Steve's vocals in excellent, growling form. More than a little hint of 'Subterranean Homesick Blues' in its DNA, and something of Elvis Costello's 'Pump It Up' too, which is pretty acceptable ancestry. Lovely stuff, and a very nice looking cover to go with it.