Bill Kirchen - Telecaster titan - readies 'The Proper Years'
Combines three solo albums connecting dots across his acclaimed 50-year career
AUSTIN, Texas — Upon tallying how many decades he’s worked as a professional guitar slinger, Telecaster master Bill Kirchen quips, “Well, they don't make 50 years like they used to.”
They don’t often make careers like his, either. From performing with his Who Knows Pickers jug band in Ann Arbor High School’s senior talent show (also on the program: the future Iggy Pop), to birthing the Americana genre with the original “hippie country band,”Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, this affable Austinite has been everywhere, man, flying alongside some of the planet’s coolest cats — including the Jesus of Cool, Nick Lowe, and Lowe’s old protégé, Elvis Costello. Kirchen has toured the world with Lowe, who produced an album by Kirchen’s post-Airmen band, the Moonlighters, and Costello recruited Kirchen for high-profile gigs like the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival — and even named his festival band after Kirchen’s Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods album.
Lowe appears on that 2006 album, and its 2010 follow-up, Word to the Wise, along with Costello, Maria Muldaur, Dan Hicks and other luminaries. And now those albums, plus Kirchen’s third Proper American release, 2013’s Seeds and Stems, are being combined as a two-CD retrospective titled The Proper Years. The package, on U.K. label The Last Music Co., arrives July 24, 2020. Waxworks, a vinyl best-of version, also releases July 24.
A well-balanced mix of engaging originals and wonderfully rendered covers, The Proper Years admirably conveys Kirchen’s versatility as a player and singer — one of the first to mash up rockabilly, country, Western swing, honky-tonk, jump blues, jazz, boogie-woogie and even the “psychedelic folk rock” he played with the Seventh Seal, the band he formed while attending the University of Michigan. (MC5 manager/activist John Sinclair got them a deal on the ESP-Disk label, home of Sun Ra, but the band turned it down.) Somewhere between steering Commander Cody’s “Hot Rod Lincoln” into a top-10 hit and scoring a Grammy nomination for Best Country Instrumental Performance, Kirchen dubbed his sound “dieselbilly,” wrapping his fondness for country’s truck-driving song subgenre (as in big rigs, not pickups), its intersection with the Bakersfield Sound, and his own name into one memorable moniker.
Kirchen’s right-place-at-the-right-time career has put him at the forefront of many musical movements, including outlaw country; Commander Cody’s 1974 album, Live From Deep in the Heart of Texas, recorded at Austin’s legendary Armadillo World Headquarters, made Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of All Time list.
But whatever label Kirchen’s music wears, it’s always notable for its balance of high-octane energy and deft understatement. There’s no leadfoot excess; Kirchen’s all about finesse — a sensibility absorbed from the symphonies and Broadway musicals his parents loved, along with the orchestral works he played as a school-band trombonist. Through another major influence, Interlochen Center for the Arts summer camp counselor David Siglin (who would go on to run famed Ann Arbor venue the Ark), Kirchen became immersed in folk traditions and learned to love the “big, sonorous tones” of an undistorted guitar.
“I was more interested in sounding like Doc Watson than Eric Clapton,” admits Kirchen, whose main guitar was crafted by Rick Kelly of Carmine Street Guitars from 200-year-old pine floorboards recycled from film director Jim Jarmusch’s loft.
It’s fitting that this collection begins with his ode to that Telly-modeled “stick of wood” he calls “the bicycle of the electric guitar — the most efficient way to get from point A to point B.” That song also serves as exhibit A in a collection showcasing a central facet of Kirchen’s songwriting: his wit. If there’s a laugh to be reached for — or stooped to — Kirchen’s goin’ for it; you don’t survive years in a band named Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen, or drop album titles like Seeds and Stems, without possessing a gleefully subversive, double-entendre-loving funnybone.
“I like music where at least someone onstage is smiling sometimes, fer crissake,” jokes Kirchen, who’s often grinning happily when he’s not busy singing. But for every injection of humor, there’s an equal dose of heart (and in some cases, heartbreak). And songs like “Tell Me the Reason” or “Get a Little Goner” illustrate another truism: Kirchen often sets the saddest or most biting lyrics to the jauntiest melodies.
Those two were cowritten by his wife, Louise; “Goner” also features frequent contributor Sarah Brown(coincidentally also raised in Ann Arbor). Kirchen likes collaborating: on Word to the Wise, a musical reminiscence of sorts, he tapped several favorite artists to join him, carefully selecting or writing songs for each. In the liner notes, he explains, “The criteria we used were that you had to be A) someone I had actually played with, either on stage or record, and B) not dead yet.”
Sadly, Norton Buffalo, who played harmonica with the Airmen and Moonlighters, passed away shortly after recording “Valley of the Moon” — in which Kirchen revisits scenes of his early life with Louise on a trip to attend a funeral (for Hacienda Brother Chris Gaffney, another musical mate). Dan Hicks, who delivered a note-perfect duet on the title tune — written for him — died in 2016. But as of this writing, Lowe, Costello, Maria Muldaur, Paul Carrack, original Asleep at the Wheel vocalist Chris O’Connell and Commander Cody (a.k.a. George Frayne) are still very much with us.
Kirchen’s entertaining liner notes explain his connection to each, tracing many of these relationships directly to longtime collaborator and “main man” Austin de Lone, who appears on all three albums and is part of the core band on two.
Philadelphia-born keyboardist de Lone and his band, Eggs Over Easy, moved to England in 1970, urged by Jimi Hendrix’s manager, Chas Chandler. Their rootsy mix of blues, country and rock caught on — and germinated the pub-rock movement, whose acolytes included Brinsley Schwarz, in which Lowe played bass. In 1972, de Lone moved to California, where he met Kirchen. Years later, de Lone wound up joining the Moonlighters and introducing Kirchen to Lowe, who produced the band’s 1983 album, Rush Hour (and introduced Kirchen to Costello). That album was engineered by Paul Riley, who eventually would produce all of Kirchen’s Proper releases.
Philadelphia-born keyboardist de Lone and his band, Eggs Over Easy, moved to England in 1970, urged by Jimi Hendrix’s manager, Chas Chandler. Their rootsy mix of blues, country and rock caught on — and germinated the pub-rock movement, whose acolytes included Brinsley Schwarz, in which Lowe played bass. In 1972, de Lone moved to California, where he met Kirchen. Years later, de Lone wound up joining the Moonlighters and introducing Kirchen to Lowe, who produced the band’s 1983 album, Rush Hour (and introduced Kirchen to Costello). That album was engineered by Paul Riley, who eventually would produce all of Kirchen’s Proper releases.
A devoted Anglophile, thanks to two aunts who married Brits, Kirchen began recording for the British label (distributed in the U.S. under the Proper American name) after owner Malcolm Mills promised, “I'm going to give you the best deal you've had in 25 years.”
He did, too. Mills not only supports Kirchen’s recorded output, he also supports the guitarist onstage, right alongside bassist Riley. “Where else do you get a record company where the owner plays drums, the producer plays bass, and they tour with you?” Kirchen says of his good friends. “They’re the best.”
That’s just another twist in an incredible career trajectory set in motion, according to Kirchen, by two pivotal events: the 1964 and ’65 Newport Folk Festivals. As a high-school kid on a quest to catch Mississippi John Hurt, he thumbed to the first one, then went back the following year — and witnessed Dylan going electric.
“That pretty well blew away the competition for what I was going to do before, or if, or when I grew up,” he says of those experiences. Five years later, he found himself sharing a bill with John Lennon, Yoko Ono,and Stevie Wonder, when Commander Cody and the Airmen, who’d formed in Ann Arbor, played a benefit for Sinclair after he got 10 years for two joints.
A mere 50 years later, Kirchen’s still having a blast. He’s even planning another tour with Riley and Mills. But releasing this package, he says, “nicely puts a bow on a whole, very enjoyable period of my life.”
“Not that it's over,” he adds quickly. “I mean, I’ve got more stuff in the works.”
Then he cracks, “Don’t tell anybody, but it's not as hard as it looks.”
Sara Evans 'Copy That' livestream on Friday, May 29 to benefit local venues
Celebrates new album with Virtual Performance,
Q&A, and Meet & Greet
Nashville, TN — May 27, 2020 – Sara Evans is celebrating the success of her brand-new album, Copy That, with a live stream performance on Friday, May 29. The special event, featuring Sara playing a mix of hits and new music, taking a request or two, a Q&A and meet & greet, will benefit local venues in four states – Indiana, Nebraska, Texas and Wisconsin. For more information and to participate in this event, click HERE.
Local Venues Supported By Livestream Include:
Riviera Theater / The Pabst Theater Group - Milwaukee, WI
Meyer Theater - Green Bay, WI
Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center – Midland, TX
Victory Theater – Evansville, IN
Orpheum Theater, Omaha Performing Arts - Omaha, NE
Riviera Theater / The Pabst Theater Group - Milwaukee, WI
Meyer Theater - Green Bay, WI
Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center – Midland, TX
Victory Theater – Evansville, IN
Orpheum Theater, Omaha Performing Arts - Omaha, NE
“Participating in the Sara Evans live stream performance not only provides much needed financial help for The Pabst Theater Group during these difficult times, it also helps us to stay connected with our community and provide them with one of the very special things that has been taken away from them…the beauty of a live performance,” said Gary Witt, CEO Pabst Theater Group-Milwaukee.
“We’re really excited to bring Sara into the Omaha area and be a part of a new initiative to connect with our community,” said Andy Cassano, Vice President of Programming & Education for Omaha Performing Arts.
Copy That, the first solo studio album in three years from multi-platinum star Sara Evans, released on May 15 and opened at #1 on the iTunes Country Chart. Co-produced by Sara and Jarrad K (Ruston Kelly, Weezer, Goo Goo Dolls), and released on her own Born To Fly Records, the 13-song collection spans six decades. Featuring collaborations with Old Crow Medicine Show and Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet, Copy That showcases Evans’ creative take on some of the most iconic songs in country and pop music, songs that have inspired her life and career, as well as shines a spotlight on some little-known gems. Sara pays tribute to her early days fronting her family band and covers everyone from Hank Williams to Patsy Cline, Fleetwood Mac, The Pretenders, Poco, John Mayer, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Chicago and more. Download or stream Copy That by visiting saraevans.co/copythat.
Sara will continue her wildly popular “Closet Chaos” Instagram Live series each Monday. The hilarious series, which she has been doing alongside daughter Oliva Barker, has welcomed guests such as Tony Dovolani, Clinton Kelly, Martina McBride, Melissa Peterman, and Phillip Sweet.
About Sara Evans:
Multi-platinum entertainer SARA EVANS is at the top of her game. As the fifth most-played female artist at country radio in nearly the last two decades — her five No. 1 singles include “No Place That Far,” “Suds In The Bucket, “A Real Fine Place To Start,” “Born to Fly,” and “A Little Bit Stronger,” which spent 2 weeks in the top spot and was certified platinum by the R.I.A.A. Sara’s “stunning, country voice” (Rolling Stone) has earned her the prestigious Academy of Country Music Top Female vocalist accolade as well as numerous American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Country Music Association, CMT and Grammy Awards nominations. In addition, the CMA awarded Video of the Year honors for her hit chart-topping single, "Born to Fly" from her landmark double-platinum album of the same name, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2020. Evans’ discography also includes the platinum-selling studio albums Real Fine Place and Restless as well as the gold-certified projects Stronger and No Place That Far.
Sara has continued to forge her bold, creative path with Copy That, which opened at #1 on the iTunes Country chart, released on her own Born To Fly Records on May 15, 2020. The 13-song collection, spanning six decades, showcased Evans’ distinctive creative stamp on some of the most iconic songs in country and pop music, songs that have inspired her life and career, as well as shining a spotlight on some little-known gems. Copy That follows her critically acclaimed Words, which debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart in 2017. Last year brought album and touring collaborations with her children, Avery and Olivia Barker, for The Barker Family Band.
On September 8, 2020, Sara will release her memoir, Born To Fly, through Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. For the first time, Evans will open up and share stories not only about her career and what it is like living in the spotlight, but about what inspires her and how her faith keeps her strong. Drawing on stories from her own life, she shares wisdom on topics ranging from motherhood and marriage to finding your purpose.
For more information on Sara Evans, visit SaraEvans.com and engage with her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Sara has continued to forge her bold, creative path with Copy That, which opened at #1 on the iTunes Country chart, released on her own Born To Fly Records on May 15, 2020. The 13-song collection, spanning six decades, showcased Evans’ distinctive creative stamp on some of the most iconic songs in country and pop music, songs that have inspired her life and career, as well as shining a spotlight on some little-known gems. Copy That follows her critically acclaimed Words, which debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart in 2017. Last year brought album and touring collaborations with her children, Avery and Olivia Barker, for The Barker Family Band.
On September 8, 2020, Sara will release her memoir, Born To Fly, through Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. For the first time, Evans will open up and share stories not only about her career and what it is like living in the spotlight, but about what inspires her and how her faith keeps her strong. Drawing on stories from her own life, she shares wisdom on topics ranging from motherhood and marriage to finding your purpose.
For more information on Sara Evans, visit SaraEvans.com and engage with her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PJ Harvey entire back catalog reissued on vinyl
Plus album demos available as stand-alone collections for first time
‘DRY’ and ‘DRY – Demos’
Available July 24
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| Photo Credit: Maria Mochnacz |
“[DRY] …still fearless, forever timeless. It’s both vicious blues-punk – a noise that’s bruised and battered, murky and muscular.” – THE GUARDIAN
Santa Monica, CA – May 28, 2020 – UMe/Island and Beggars today announce a comprehensive reissue campaign which will see PJ Harvey’s entire back catalog - plus her two albums in collaboration with John Parish - released on vinyl over the next 12 months. For the first time, each of PJ Harvey’s album demos will be available as a stand-alone album on digital and vinyl.
This catalog project will celebrate every aspect of Harvey’s recording career and afford a comprehensive and exciting look at the evolution of one of the most singular and extraordinary artists of modern times.
The first release is DRY, Harvey’s seminal debut album back in print on vinyl for the first time in 20 years with the Beggars Archive/Too Pure Records reissue on July 24. Released to worldwide critical acclaim on March 30, 1992, it was recorded at The Ice House in Yeovil and features the singles “Dress” and “Sheela-Na-Gig.” DRY saw PJ Harvey burst onto the global stage to begin her unique path. “… a seductive calling card that signals the arrival of an extraordinary new artist.” - Robert Hilburn, LOS ANGELES TIMES.
July 24 also sees the release of the 11 track DRY- Demos, previously released with DRY almost 30 years ago, and now available for the first time as a stand-alone vinyl/CD/digital release. Listen to “Sheela-Na-Gig” demo here.
"Polly dredges these sounds from the pit of her dissected soul and drags them out of her mouth with clenched fists." – NME (DRY review,1992)
“On her debut [DRY], Polly Jean Harvey matched Patti Smith’s incandescence with Bessie Smith’s lasciviousness, outplayed everyone on the British indie circuit, and became an instant star.” – PITCHFORK
“[DRY] ….an uncompromising work of exhilarating, cauterizing beauty." – ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
DRY – DEMOS:
An 11-track collection of demos of all songs from the debut studio album Dry by PJ Harvey, available for the first time since 1992 and previously unreleased as a standalone album.
Featuring brand new artwork with previously unseen photos by Maria Mochnacz.
LP Info:
- 1LP, 180gram black vinyl
- Full color outer sleeve, with printed inner sleeve
- Artwork includes 3 previously unreleased photos
- Download card
CD Info:
- Mini-gatefold style outer sleeve, with printed inner sleeve
- Artwork includes 3 previously unreleased photos
Digital Info:
11-track standard definition release, available digitally for the first time.
Tracklisting:
- Oh my Lover (Demo)
- O Stella (Demo)
- Dress (Demo)
- Victory (Demo)
- Happy & Bleeding (Demo)
- Sheela-Na-Gig (Demo)
- Hair (Demo)
- Joe (Demo)
- Plants & Rags (Demo)
- Fountain (Demo)
- Water (Demo)
DRY – STUDIO ALBUM:
Remastered by DRY producer ‘Head’ and replicated to the original version.
PJ HARVEY – Discography:
Dry (1992)
Rid Of Me (1993)
To Bring You My Love (1995)
Is This Desire? (1998)
Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea (2000)
Uh Huh Her (2004)
White Chalk (2007)
Let England Shake (2011)
The Hope Six Demolition Project (2016)
With John Parish:
Dance Hall At Louse Point (1996)
A Woman A Man Walked By (2009)
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