Tue, 04/30/2019 - 5:34 pm

"We Are One, Broke In Two, Out In This Strange Place, Who Are You?" The opening lines of the title track raise this question. So, who is Grant Farm, and what are they trying to tell us?

Grant Farm is a brotherhood with a song to sing and a story to tell. The upcoming double-vinyl release, Broke In Two (June 14, 2019), delves deep into the human relationship with the mystic, furthering the story lines and characters introduced on Kiss The Ground (2016). A testament of empathy for the working people in this demanding modern world, Kiss The Ground was "an appropriate soundtrack to an era that bred Bernie Sanders and widespread societal discontent." - Kiran Herbert (Relix Magazine). Broke In Two is an evolution of this concept, developing Archetypal characters such as The Innocent One and The Wanderer in the song "Arjuna The Believer", Nester the Condemned and The Monarch King in "Nester", and introducing The Rebel in "Life Of Riley" and the Caregiver in "Tumbleweed". Real life experiences interplay with these characters, especially in "River Styx" and "The Salmon Song", both of which reflect true experiences of loss and lessons passed on to the bereaved. The depth and breadth of the songs and stories on Broke In Two are punctuated by the band's virtuoso musicianship, clever arrangements, and top-notch group vocals.

Grant Farm was established in 2010 by guitarist/vocalist Tyler "The Champ" Grant, a National Flatpicking Champion and former member of the Emmitt/Nershi Band, Adrienne Young and Little Sadie, and Abigail Washburn. The original lineup featured Andy Thorn (Leftover Salmon) and Keith Moseley (String Cheese Incident). Bassist/vocalist Adrian "ACE" Engfer, a veteran of West-Coast touring groups Hot Soup and Dukes of Ted, joined in 2011, just in time for the band's eponymous debut album, released in 2012 on Grant Central Records. Drummer Sean "Magic" Macaulay signed on in 2013 after touring the world with Donovan Frankenreiter, bringing a new energy and refined sound, as heard on the sophomore release Plowin' Time (2014). The final piece of the cohesive Grant Farm unit of today was the addition of keyboardist/vocalist Kevin "Money" McHugh, a popular dueling piano entertainer and session musician. Kevin's pitch-perfect singing solidified the vocal trio with Tyler and Adrian, and the meteoric evolution of Sean's songwriting, along with the other three established composers, were the elements that crystallized into a true collective where the whole exceeds the sum of the parts.

Hard work and ambition are key elements of the Grant Farm ethos, as are love, community, and connection, which the band describes as "Farmily". A landmark collaboration with the band Fruition spawned the Meeting On the Mountain EP (2014), which included the campfire classic "Meet Me On The Mountain", a co-write between Fruition's Jay Cobb Anderson and Tyler Grant. This theme was so intriguing that the band created their own video broadcast series, The Meeting on the Mountain LIVE Broadcast, which aired eleven episodes between 2015 and 2018, and resulted in Grant Farm's stellar 2018 album Meeting On The Mountain LIVE, Vol.1, a collection of the finest performances from the broadcast series, featuring musical guests such as Todd Sheaffer (Railroad Earth), Andy Hall (Infamous Stringdusters), Megan Burtt, Reed Foehl, and John Magnie (Subdudes).

So that's who Grant Farm is, but what do they sound like? You'll have to listen to find out, but the genre bending outfit has developed the tag "Cosmic Americana" to appease curious definers. With firm grounding in American Roots Music (especially Rock and Roll), a skilled and seasoned air of professionalism, a bent ear to the spirit of the fresh and new and a keen interest in the divine, Grant Farm has created their own unique sound which has helped them build a strong following of Farmily across the country. Years of touring the Festival and Club circuit, along with real life joy, hardship, and tragedy, has brought this band of brothers as close as kin. Togetherness brings greatness, as is built into the band name - a lighthearted spin on the industrious "Ant Farm".

Tracks:
1. Morning Train (Tyler Grant) 3:59
2. The Golden Charioteer (Sean Macaulay) 3:00
3. Arjuna The Believer (Sean Macaulay) 4:29
4. Forward On (Adrian Engfer) 4:36
5. River Styx (Sean Macaulay) 7:54
6. Nester (Sean Macaulay) 6:06
7. Love And Pain (Tyler Grant) 4:10
8. Tumbleweed (Adrian Engfer) 6:23
9. Life Of Riley (Tyler Grant) 5:28
10. Salmon Song (Sean Macaulay) 4:37
11. Broke In Two (Adrian Engfer) 9:56

Sun, 04/18/2021 - 4:24 pm

Craig Cummings is a celebrated singer/songwriter who performs throughout the mid-Atlantic region. His country-tinged, Americana portraits are infused with a pop sensibility, born of many years listening to chart topping stalwarts such as The Beatles and Willie Nelson, and more recently, Jason Isbell, Lucinda Williams, and Chris Stapleton. His 2019 release, Absolute Surprise, was voted a finalist for Best Americana/Country Album by the Washington Area Music Association (The Wammies) and reached #29 on the national Roots Music Chart.

Craig’s newest release, The Gulf Between Us features songs that explore the barriers that keep us apart – our social and political views; the challenges of a global pandemic; an economic system that divides the rich from the poor; the demise of romantic relationships and those we love. These are heady themes that match the seriousness of our times, but Craig’s upbeat musical accompaniment suggests that difficult topics can still be joyously explored. Craig’s approach is observational. He invites the listener to peer into the personal lives of his characters and consider how the insights gained might make us better people.

Craig’s powerful voice and rhythmic guitar stylings bring crowds to his live performances. On this, his 5th studio album, Craig continues to show why he is among the most accomplished singer/songwriters to come out of the mid-Atlantic region.

Tracklist:
1. The Gulf Between Us 
2. The Southern Wall 
3. Momma and Me
4. Like Thieves
5. Sleeping Alone
6. Living Without You 
7. Save

Thu, 02/10/2022 - 3:24 pm

Today the renowned Kerrville Folk Festival has released the second wave of performers set to appear at this year’s festival. The festival held from May 26th to June 12th is their 50th Anniversary. This year’s lineup promises to be one of the most diverse and impressive in the festival’s storied history.

Today’s lineup announcement is:

Ray Wylie Hubbard

Jackie Venson

Shinyribs

John Elliott

Green Mountain Grass

The Brother Brothers

Sara Hickman

Gina Chavez

Stephanie Urbina Jones & The Honky Tonk Mariachis

Michael Martin Murphey

These artists join the previously announced group that included such names as Kathleen Edwards, Eliza Gilkyson, Darrell Scott, Kyshona and more (view all announced  lineup here). More exciting lineup reveals are planned throughout this month.

The Kerrville Folk Festival is a long standing pillar in the folk community both in Texas and in the country as a whole. Among the longest continuously running music festivals in the country, Kerrville is an event that many artists and fans plan their entire year around. Having helped launch the careers of such luminaries as Robert Earl Keen, Anais Mitchell, Lyle Lovett and many more, Kerrville’s dedication to the singer and the song is unparalleled. Held on the sprawling 50 acre Quiet Valley Ranch, the 18 day festival becomes a thriving community every spring. People from all corners of the country descend on the ranch, renewing friendships both old and new, celebrate the music they love and lose themselves in an atmosphere that is unlike any other. Whether this is your first or your 50th trip to Kerrville you will be greeted with the customary “Welcome Home”.

Currently full 18 day tickets are available on Kerrville’s website. Weekend and one day passes will be put up for sale later this year.

Sat, 04/09/2022 - 12:46 pm

Impressions is a 10-track album of cover songs written by various Folk songwriters that have been influential to James Lee Baker’s emergence as a writer and recording artist. While several songs were written by acclaimed troubadours like Bob Dylan, David Gray, Anais Mitchell, a few songs were written by friends in the songwriting community such as Rick Todd, Steve LaSala, and Kevin Faherty. Rick co-led an open mic event for several years in Amarillo, Texas where James Lee grew up and cut his teeth learning to play the songs of artists he would later cover on this release. James Lee crossed fortunate paths with Kevin and Steve at songwriting retreats like Camp Ned, run by Darryl Purpose, and the New England Songwriter’s Retreat, established by Ellis Paul.

The record was primarily recorded at Blue Rock Studios in Wimberley, Texas by engineer Chris Bell (The Eagles, U2) and produced by James Lee Baker and Roscoe Beck (Leonard Cohen, Eric Johnson). Chris Johnson (The Fray) recorded Steve LaSala’s song Rolling Rock and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Denver, Colorado at Mighty Fine Productions.

With this project, James Lee’s focus was to bring to life the emotion of the messages in these songs while balancing the feel from the original writer with James Lee’s own fingerprint. The result is a collection of songs rich in audio landscape, diverse in mood and tempo, and replete with beautiful stories from the best Folk writers in the industry.

All songs recorded at Blue Rock Studios except for Rolling Rock and Rock ‘n’ Roll, which was recorded at Mighty Fine Productions In Denver, Colorado

All songs recorded by Chris Bell and Nathan Walters except Rolling Rock and Rock ‘n’ Roll, which was recorded by Christopher J. Bloom

Produced by James Lee Baker & Roscoe Beck

Sat, 03/25/2023 - 3:12 pm

Once again The Quiet Valley Ranch outside of Kerrville, Texas will be turned into a music lover’s utopia for 18 days this spring. Beginning on Thursday May 25th and running through June 11th, this year’s Kerrville Folk Festival promises to be one to be remembered.

A lineup of over 100 artists will perform during the festival on different stages and settings. Headliners include, Anais Mitchell, Mary Gauthier, Squirrel Nut Zippers, The Brother Brothers, Good Looks, John Fullbright, Darrell Scott, The Milk Carton Kids and many many more (see full lineup here). Attendees can choose from many different ticket options ranging from the full 18 days with camping to single day and weekend passes.

Another huge attraction at the festival is the Grassy HIll New Folk Competition. Held every year on the first weekend of the Festival the competition highlights some of the country’s brightest emerging songwriters. It’s not only the winners of the competition (though that list is astonishing) but any one of the finalists that perform who may become a breakout star in the folk world.

Ask anyone that has attended the festival in the past and they will tell you without question that it is an experience you will never forget. The music and festival is not contained to what is presented on the stages. All over the campground you will find song circles around campfires, many of whom have been mainstays at the festival for decades. It is commonplace to hear some of the best established and unknown songwriters who will blow you away around these circles.

Learn more about the festival at www.KerrvilleFolkFestival.org

Ticket info can be found here.

Thu, 10/26/2023 - 3:39 pm

SXM Festival is the world's most stunning mix of music, art, culture and tropical getaway – and it is back in 2024 for an immersive week that puts you in full control of your festival experience. The Festival takes over both sides of the gorgeous Caribbean island of Saint Martin / Sint Maarten with a world of cultural delights, escapist day trips, unique island experiences and many more surprises to complement the carefully curated soundtrack.

Phase One of this year’s line-up is a mouthwatering list of world class and carefully curated names including Adam Ten, AJ Christou, Anja Schneider, Chus, Dana Ruh (live), Doc Martin, Eli & Fur, Fleur Shore, Harry Romero, Ilario Alicante, Kevin Saunderson, Loco Dice, Robag Wruhme, Roy Rosenfeld, Shimza and Tiefschwarz amongst many more.

Since its debut back in 2016, SXM Festival has remained focused on curating lineups that unite legendary names and emerging acts alike from far-reaching corners of the globe. Some of clubland’s most celebrated selectors and live acts descended on St. Martin and that will be the case again in 2024.

This year, the week-long SXM Festival will elevate the festival experience to all new heights. Attendees are invited to design their own experience for three to seven days of magical memories. SXM Festival is a place where individuality is embraced and you’re free to reflect your own unique spirit as you discover this tropical island getaway with an electrifying electronic soundtrack that plays out day and night next.

Crafting a harmonious blend of partying and island exploration, SXM Festival has perfected the art of tailoring your experience. Immerse yourself in the lush tropical wonders - from invigorating hikes and cultural excursions to captivating day trips - until your heart and soul are utterly enriched.

Says SXM Festival’s Julian Prince, “With great excitement and anticipation, we present Phase One of the 2024 lineup, marking the beginning of our seventh edition. This launch sets the stage for an incredible journey of music, art, and unity. The carefully crafted lineup is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for our festival-goers. It is a celebration of the limitless creativity and passion within the electronic music community. Together, we will weave a tapestry of emotions, where joy, exhilaration, and pure euphoria converge beneath the Caribbean sun. Join us as we ignite the spirit of SXM Festival and unleash the magic that has made it an extraordinary event”

The island boasts a stunning array of beaches, lush rainforest dancefloors, beautiful villas, boat parties, and beach clubs so your non-stop fun runs from sunrise to sunset. The music plays out at a variety of unique venues filled with mesmerising hand-crafted decor and arty design.

Although there are brand new and exciting venues coming this year, the famous centre of SXM Festival is Happy Bay from Wednesday to Sunday. It is a secluded private beach nestled in the jungle and home to the iconic Arc Main stage and the immersive Ocean stage. Other highlights are a series of day parties to choose from
including Boho Beach, the infamous Villa Party on Saturday and limited capacity Satellite Parties, including the Boat Party with DJs soundtracking the epic voyage, along with the now world renowned Panorama party, where party at the peak of Sint Maarten's highest mountain with breathtaking 360-degree views. More day parties will be announced soon, with secret villa parties to be discovered.

This edition brings a  special partnership with the globally renowned Anjunadeep who will be hosting an epic sunrise party on the shores of Boho Beach on March 14th. Zero NYC, the city's renowned party promoter, is also teaming up with SXM Festival to bring you a truly enchanting sunrise party at Boho Beach on March 17th.

SXM Festival has two ticket types - the 3 or 7-day EPIC Experience which includes access to all main events including Happy Bay, Boho Beach and more, or the 3 or 7-day PREMIUM Experience including everything the EPIC Experience offers plus exclusive access to the infamous Villa Party on Saturday, priority access to limited capacity Satellite Party events and best table access, expedited wristband pick-up, closer parking, ultra-mod washrooms, covered areas, additional bars, lounges and surprises.

Discover the SXM Festival Villa Collection with special benefits when you book such as a private transfer from the airport, a welcome gift, access to the Ultra VIP parking area at Happy Bay for closest proximity to the main entrance, full concierge service, top island experiences dedicated concierge, all available through sxmfestival.com/villa.

The countdown is now on once more to this most dreamlike and unique musical, travel and culture getaway in a truly breathtaking location.

Get on the waitlist now for the next presale coming soon at sxmfestival.com. Tickets on sale November 2, 2024.

Mon, 01/08/2024 - 9:38 am

Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz have just made their debut album. A curious fact, given they’ve played a few hundred shows together over the past decade, and have recorded five records together in the company of their musical comrade Peter Cooper.

But with Simple Motion, Eric and Thomm launch the next leg of their varied and impressive careers. They each made their way to Nashville more than 20 years ago.

Eric moved to Music City from Washington D.C. with his acclaimed root-rock band Last Train Home. In Nashville he launched the Red Beet Records label, which became home to his duo with fellow music journalist and songwriter Peter Cooper.

Thomm grew up in Germany, but dreamed of Nashville, and after winning the “green card lottery” he moved there. Thomm quickly became an indispensable sideman to the likes of Nanci Griffith, Mary Gauthier, David Olney, Kim Richey, and others, while also building a studio and a reputation as a producer and songwriter. After producing two albums for Eric and Peter, Thomm joined the duo, and the new trio gave the world two stellar albums, Profiles in Courage, Frailty, and Discomfort, and Riverland.

When Peter Cooper died in December, 2022, the music world lost one of its brightest and best. And Thomm and Eric lost a musical brother whose creative spark had always inspired them and sent them down new paths together. The question was before them as 2023 dawned: “What next?” And the answer came easily: Make music. And so they did. Eric and Thomm began writing songs together, booking gigs, hitting the road, and spending time in Thomm’s recording studio.

The resulting 14 tracks capture the duo in different ways. There are songs with just the duo, two voices and two acoustic guitars. There are songs with a full band of brilliant players (bassist Mark Fain, drummer Lynn Williams, fiddler Tammy Rogers, banjo players Richard Bailey and Justin Moses, mandolinist Mike Compton). But however they’re arranged, the songs are full of life and love and beauty and sadness, and convey the joy of being alive in tandem with the deep blue of loss that these past few years have marked us all with.

1 - FROST ON THE SOUTH SIDE (3:56) by Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz
2 - BURN (2:40) by Finn Goodwin-Bain & Thomm Jutz
3 - SIMPLE MOTION (3:18) by Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz
4 - OUTSIDE VIEWS (3:02) by Mike Compton & Thomm Jutz
5 - JUST A MOMENT (4:13) by Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz
6 - CAN’T CHANGE THE WEATHER (3:52) by Peter Cooper & Thomm Jutz
7 - ANYWHERE BUT HERE (4:14) by Eric Brace
8 - WHEN LONDON WAS THE WORLD (3:25) by Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz
9 - ADAM & EVE (3:51) by Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz & Bert Van Mourik
10 - WHAT YOU GET FOR GETTING OLDER (3:09) by Tammy Rogers & Thomm Jutz
11 - RAMBLE (2:41) by Eric Brace
12 - ARKANSAS (3:47) by Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz
13 - NASHVILLE IN THE MORNING (3:26) by Trey Hensley & Thomm Jutz
14 - SEA FEVER (2:48) by Eric Brace & John Masefield

Eric Brace: Guitar and vocals
Thomm Jutz: Guitar and vocals
Mark Fain: Bass Lynn Williams: Drums
Tammy Rogers: Fiddle
Mike Compton: Mandolin Richard Bailey: Banjo (1, 5, 7, 10)
Justin Moses: Dobro, banjo (3, 8)
Jeff Taylor: Accordion, tin whistle (9)
Produced by Thomm Jutz and Eric Brace