American Tunes out today

Today Allen Toussaints final record 'American Tunes' is out on Nonesuch Records.

"When Allen left the studio on the last day of recording, he was buoyant," Henry says. "He was so proud of the work. He made sure that I understood that. He said, 'I'm elated about what's happened.'" ' Parting gift'

In the article 'Parting gift' we learn how, looking back, a lot of these recordings almost didn't happen.


But the following article, is a must-read : music aficionado

I found it so moving to read... It is an interview with Joe about working and being with Allen. It ended with Joe's personal story of hearing the sad news of Allen's passing. I got really quiet after reading that....

Also make sure to check the Joe Henry Blog for more reviews and articles.
And definitely read Josh Hurst's review : Like the stories told of old.



Dear Mr Toussaint : Thank you for your music, You will be missed. 

Oh, and it's alright, it's all right, it's all right
You can't be forever blessed
Still, tomorrow's going to be another working day
And I'm trying to get some rest
That's all I'm trying to get some rest

American Tune, Paul Simon

Toronto and Ottawa show added

On october 4, Joe Henry and Billy Bragg will be stopping in Toronto for their Shine a light tour.

Venue : Danforth Music Hall
Tickets on sale as of June 10.

Edit : and on october 5, they will be in Ottawa in the Bronson centre theater
Tickets also as of June 10. 

Shine a light tour ticket update

London Union Chapel (7/11) is Sold out.
For London Union Chapel (8/11) tickets : they ask to call the venue. (Which means, hurry up I think.)

Notthingham Playhouse (17/11) is selling their last tickets. (be quick if you're interested.)

For some other venues, I notice that specific ticket-categories are sold out also.

So don't wait too long !

Nowhere Else Fest.

 
OK, about last weekend's Nowhere Else Fest.

I must stop reading everyone's stories and looking at all of their pictures. It is aching me to see the joy and companionship I had to miss,...Sigh

Picture by David K.

For those who were there, it seems every word I will add, probably can not express the experiences they had. 

If you also had to miss it :
Nowhere Else Festival was the inauguration of 'Nowhere Farm', the Residence of Over The Rhine. 
Of course, Over The Rhine performed there, but aside them also : Joe Henry, Levon Henry, Blind boys of Alabama(who baptist the farm), Birds of Chicago, The Comet Bluegrass All-Stars, and many more,...
The weekend was filled with music, art, lectures about it,....

Lots of pictures to be found, but make sure to check out N. SHA's flickr page.  


But Most of all, my fellow blogger David was there, and has captured how it was for him. So be sure to check his blogpost.

'Son of the Velvet Rat' single (No certain JH link)

You can pre order the single 'Kill Your Moneylender' from Son of the Velvet Rat at i-Tunes.

It is uncertain to me, if this is related to to their  JH produced album.

Guest artist for David Plenn at 'The Eclectic' festival

On May 14, there was 'The Eclectic' festival in South Pasadena.


One of the concerts was David Plenn & Friends. It Seems Joe was 1 of the guests.

Reading a post from David on Facebook, I'm taking a gamble that Joe did an Allen Toussaint song.





Anyone can confirm that ? Feel free to let me know. 

Joe and David appeared also both at Parks Van Dyke's last solo concert. But I'm trying to figure out if there were other collaborations. Feel free to leave a comment or mail.

 

P.S. : If I'm mistaken with some info, please let me know. 

Greetings,

Stefan. 

'Shine a light' tour is just Billy and Joe (as I suspected)

Seeing the nature of the songs and the album, I presumed Joe and Billy would be touring alone.

Billy Bragg Confirmed this on his Facebook.

Joe Henry and I will be touring the UK in November playing songs from 'Shine A Light' and favourites from our respective back catalogues. It's just going to be us two, no support, one long show with an interval, so come early and stay late.