An unexpected treat

Those with a long memory may recall that seeing Western swing heroes The Time Jumpers at the Station Inn in Nashville was one of my very best moments in 2010.

Out of the blue, I've just had a friend request on the No Depression website from a band called The Amigos. Doing a little research on YouTube I find this splendid collaboration between them and Time Jumpers star Ranger Doug, yodelling in fine style.

Great shirts and a very classy video, chaps. Thanks for getting in touch.

Del Barber imminent

I'm happy to learn that one of my happiest discoveries from last year, Del Barber, has a new album out shortly. Prairieography, his fourth record, will be released in Canada in February and in the UK in April. While we're waiting, a generous four-song sampler is available to download free.

From a first listen, I think it's going to be a good one: Del's in fine, lively voice and there are some excellent touches of steel and electric guitars adding to the texture.

I happened on a nice piece about the cover art on the website of artist Justina Smith that is worth a look. No mention yet of a viyl release for the album, but the artwork certainly deserves it.

A happy 2014

Very good wishes to all who visit this site, deliberately or by chance, flesh-and-blood or bot...

One thought to round off 2013, first. As is traditional, I forgot one album that could have made some contributions to the compilation of the year, even if it's not consistently strong enough for the top ten. It's Way To Blue, the record that followed the excellent Nick Drake tribute concerts back in 2010. The best song on it comes from Lisa Hannigan, who played so well at the Edmonton Folk Fest last summer but didn't release a record of her own last year. She definitely deserves a mention as one of my stars of 2013 and you can see her sing 'Black Eyed Dog' here.

And one thing new for 2014: if you're still wondering why I keep going on about Braden Gates, have a look at his latest video here, a cover of 'Satisfied Mind'. You can feel the cold of an Alberta winter as you watch it, the poor lad could have done with some mittens...