house concerts and 21st century touring

Here’s a timely and lovely tune, from one of the most successful songwriters of CIYH, Craig Bickhardt, and Jack Sundrud. I’ve written a Father’s Day tune too… it wasn’t nearly this good. Songwriters… pay attention. - this is how you twist an overused phrase or title.

Enjoy!

Learn more about Craig Bickhardt, and email him if you’d like to have a major hit (3 #1 hits, 9 in the top 10) songwriter knock your friends out in your living room.

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CD Reviews

I came home from this year’s Folk Alliance with about 50 CDs, from quite a diverse range of artists. I’m compelled to share with you my top picks.

 

#1 Jenn Grinels - “little words”

Recording an acoustic disc that stands up to repeated listening is one of the hardest things to do, and Jenn makes it seem effortless. This CD will engage your mind, soul, and maybe even your butt. While the arrangements are sparse, Jenn understands groove, and delivers it with a steady hand on her acoustic guitar.

And that voice… the kind of voice that could soulfully sing you the phone book, but Jenn Grinels insists on filling you with poetry that would rival Ann Sexton on a focused day, and Ani DiFranco in one of her tender moods.

If you have the opportunity to see (or book) Jenn Grinels, and you miss it, I’m coming after you. I’ve seen her perform these songs (in our hotel room) and she is simply amazing live. But first, buy this CD. If you don’t like it - I’ll do your laundry.

 

#2 Drew Nelson, “Dusty Road to Beulah Land”

Drew Nelson one sneaky S.O.B. He walks in very unassuming, no pretense, and plays you a song that devastates your ability to not cry. One part John Mellencamp, one part Robert Frost. With themes that highlight the plight of the common man, you get the feeling he’s Will in the movie Good Will Hunting - totally blending in with his surroundings, but not of them.

Lots of nice fingerpicking, great melodies, and couplets that will linger in your heart a while. Highly recommended. Grab the CD, “Dusty Road to Beulah Land,” and check out this (deadpan delivery of a funny song) video that will make you jealous. Why can’t I get video like that! Or more to the point, why can’t I make records like that!? Really, grab this one.

Move over Bob Seger, Michigan has a new voice, and it’s a little bit deeper. So is the material.

 

#3 Lauri McClain, “Ascend”

I don’t recall Laurie ever calling herself a Christian act, but she certainly does not shy from the material. It rarely take more than three notes from her almost fragile voice to transport you from this plane and into another world that is hurting, soft, and beautiful. Even Richard Dawkins would swoon.

I often think of Laurie as a “female Neil Young,” which doesn’t seem to irritate her one bit. In that spirit, she is lyrically poignant and soothing at the same time. Her latest CD, “Ascend,” is a perfect example of this, complemented by unobtrusive (yet sometimes very clever) arrangements. This is the kind of CD that you buy again and again. You want to share it with people you love, but you also want to support an artist with such a wonderful spirit. Sending an mp3 simply won’t do.

 

#4 King Curly, “The Fall and Rise of King Curly”

It’s almost embarrassing how charmed I was by this band. They are weiiiiird, but in such an under-stated way it’s endearing. First, this Australian quartet sings about forlorn bumblebees and “coming back as a revenge song.” But they do it in such a Mr. Rogers meets Tiny Tim meets Jeff Buckley way that the sentimentality borders on the surreal. Any American or Brit doing this material would seem tongue-in-cheek, but I swear I think they mean it.

Secondly, the instrumentation (weird anachronistic box of a Ukulele, trombone, upright bass, electric guitar, and four, count them - 4 voices.) Now in America, this would seem like another band trying to one-up Dave Matthews by adding horns, so they can stand apart from the average (rock?) band. But it’s so second-nature to this act; and of course, they swap instruments too - and well.

But CDs are about songs. And this ensemble has them. Lofty melodies, “outside-the-lines” harmonies, and unusual lyrics that are literate and affecting. Seeing this group perform was a rejuvenating breath of fresh air, and the CD will remain a lasting treasure.  “The Rise and Fall of King Curly”- it’s brilliant. Check out their dark and extremely well-done videos if you aren’t sold.

 

# 5 Walter Strauss, “Pulling Shadows”

Do we need another brilliant acoustic guitarist with outstanding, unusual technique, who can write great songs and sing? Of course we do. Especially if he can record CDs like this one.

Enter the bald head of Walter Strauss, his freaky nails, and a strange acoustic guitar that needs an amp to work - that’s OK, the amp was smaller than a lunchbox and sounded inaudible - until you turned it off. Walter is a such a sweet guy that it’s easy to underestimate his skill of performance and depth of musical experience. He’s currently producing Stevie Coyle’s new record as well.

If new wave became old wave, new age has become old age. Walter Strauss transcends the new/old age category with 21st century technique that explores musical traditions from centuries ago. His latest CD, “Pulling Shadows,” could easily find it’s place on the Wyndham Hill catalogue, or your CD player - if you still have one. Again, this is not an mp3 record. Get the real deal.

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There was soooo much great talent at Folk Alliance. And these 5 also happen to be CIYH members - which means they love to do house concerts. Contact them.

Fran Snyder

Executive Fan in Chief

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James Casto is not a dreamer. He’s not even an idealist. Dreamers rarely step forward in the direction of their dreams, and idealists never accept that there is darkness inside those silver linings. His three “No Hit Wonders” CDs are distinguished landmarks of his Big Step out of the darkness of the everyman life, and the thousands of little steps toward one man’s dream.

James decided to become a songwriter. So he wrote songs. Everyday. He practiced, co-wrote with anyone he could. He drove to Nashville (from Atlanta) - sometimes twice a week - to play for free and for anyone who would listen.

But a funny thing happened to James on the way to becoming a songwriter. He became an artist. From his percussive groove-gospel piano style (who said being a drummer was a handicap?) to his soulful, passionate voice, James’ message is undeniable. Yes, there is darkness - yes, there is hope - and yes, oh yes, there is God.

While many artists see their gifts as a way to get something - fame, money, etc… James Casto sees it another way. His gifts are for giving - his talent, his time, and his Faith. His collection of songs will reach anyone with a human heart. It is faith without alienation, love without bounds, and a gift you will treasure for years to come.

Two Inches Deep - James Casto

The featured song, “Two Inches Deep” is the tale of that Big Step, where James and many others have found the courage to “take back their lives” from the rascals to whom they were once entrusted.

Based near Atlanta, GA, James frequently tours the southeast, and loves the house concert format. You can see his CIYH member page here.

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