Cuz's Corner - March 07

(The following column first appeared in the Charlotte Folk Society March 2007 Newsletter)
by Dennis "Cuz" Frost
As predicted, the holiday-related drought for new releases has evolved into an avalanche of highly anticipated CDs from both established artists and young up-and-comers alike. Before I get into some of my favorites, without a doubt, my gig of the month was the sold out Gillian Welch and David Rawlings show at the Neighborhood Theatre (on 2/15/07). It’s extremely difficult to put into words exactly what it is about a Dave-Gill performance that transcends into high art. Is it Gillian’s songs that sound old as the hills? Or could it be David’s oddly, wonderfully, and unique guitar style? Perhaps it’s the two-part harmony vocals that blend into one voice? Whatever it is, I cannot get enough of it. Be on the lookout for a new CD from Gillian and David in the not so distant future. If there was ever a time to trade in those record store gift certificates you got for Christmas – now is the time! My first recommendation comes from The Carolina Chocolate Drops – three young folks that met at the black banjo convention in Boone last year. Their brand new release Dona Got a Ramblin' Mind (Music Makers) not only carries on the black string band tradition of the great Joe Thompson, but also touches on other traditions, including celtic, bluegrass and gospel. To quote Taj Mahal, “the Carolina Chocolate Drops can really play, their music is electrifying.” When big Taj talks, I listen and you should too! Be sure to check them out this spring at either Merlefest or LEAF (Lake Eden Arts Festival). Martha Scanlan's new CD, The West Was Burning (Sugar Hill), is a lush blend of gorgeous, mostly original acoustic tunes steeped in all the American roots traditions she grew up loving. This one was lovingly produced in Martinsville, Louisiana by none other than Dirk Powell. Special guests include Levon Helm and his daughter Amy Helm of Ollabelle fame. Jorma Kaukonen's new disc, Stars in My Crown (Red House), is an extremely satisfying follow-up to his last effort Blue Country Heart. His new effort mixes originals, covers, and a healthy mix of depression-era gospel tunes into a very spiritual feeling piece of music. I love Jorma’s guitar playing, what can I say! I must say I was a bit skeptical when I heard Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby were putting out a disc together, but their self-titled release really works for me. This one is a combination of traditional tunes Ricky Skaggs arranged with new incarnations of some Hornsby originals. The bluegrass versions of “Mandolin Rain” and “Gulf of Mexico Fishing Boat Blues” really work for me, but the jury is still out on the kinky bluegrass version of “Super Freak”. They’ve got gumption for giving this one a go, I must admit!If you don’t have any Patty Griffin music in your collection, shame on you! Her brand new album, Children Running Through (ATO/RCA), might just be a great place to start. This one has everything a folk music lover could ever ask for – unbelievable songs, ethereal instrumental arrangements, and that signature voice. Only Patty Griffin could start a song with the line “little pink dress hanging by her knees” and then proceed to tell the emotional life story of the main character in the song, while at the same time relating it to the universal female experience. This is my pick of the month and I’m sticking to it! One of my musical highlights for the month was an on-ar interview and performance by the two Aussies and one Brit, better known as The Greencars. They have an up-and-coming release called Viridian (Dulatone) that gets the “Cuz Seal of Approval”. If you like your ballads tender, but your pickin’ hot, this one’s for you! Last but not least, the new effort from Los Lobos, The Town and the City (Hollywood) return them to the Latin groove that I fell in love with when I first heard “Kiko and the Lavender Moon”. This one backs off quite a bit from the harder rock sounds of their last two or three albums and is a satisfying effort. All I can say is that there is too much music and too little time. I hope you enjoy these picks, but most importantly, I hope you get out and check out some shows - as it’s all about the live performance.
Have a great early spring!

Dennis "Cuz" Frost began his journey into American roots music in 1972, when he was introduced to the album"Will the Circle Be Unbroken" by his college roommate. His fascination with all branches of the "Americana tree" is truly passionate. He is a voting member of the Americana Music Association as well as a volunteer program host at WGWG-FM 88.3. Dennis produces and hosts Cuz's Corner, an hour‑long music/interview show featuring some of the legends in the Americana scene.