There is something to be said for an artist or band that sets out to pay homage to the incredible sounds of the past. A lot of people try it, but only some are able to pull it off in a way that doesn't sound forced or replicated. The ones who master the task not only perfect the musical stylings of their muses, they also create top-notch songs with fresh melodies, lyrics and hooks that immediately fit in with the classics.
A perfect example of someone doing this and making their mark in the Americana music scene is David Rawlings. He and his partner-in-crime Gillian Welch have been crafting roots music in the vein of classic country, folk and bluegrass since the mid-90s. The two met at Berklee College of Music in Boston and later moved to Nashville. Though their sound was seemingly decades too late for the town, they quickly connected with people in the music industry who believed in what they did and shared similar direction - people like T Bone Burnett, Alison Krauss and Old Crowe Medicine Show. In addition to the pair's work with such legendary groups, Rawlings has produced albums for OCMS and Willie Watson and contributed to albums by Bright Eyes and Ryan Adams.
Whether they release their music under Gillian Welch, Dave Rawlings Machine or simply David Rawlings (like the latest 2017 album, "Poor David's Almanack"), the pair have dialed into a deep sound of the past, and are continuing to refresh it for future fans to come. On the new album, you can find songs like "Cumberland Gap" that are reminiscent of folk-rock from the 70s, while songs like "Good God A Woman" have more of a traditional folk and old-time feel from long, long ago. Whatever timeframe they take you back to, it feels like you are listening to classic songs that have been around for years, blended together on a wonderful album.
Chattanooga has become a regular stop on the tour for Rawlings and Welch, mixing it up with their three different brands. They are currently on tour in support of the David Rawlings album, and he and his band (which also includes Welch) are set to perform at the Tivoli Theatre Wednesday, Jan. 17.
New Music Playlist
"Paralyzed" by Deer Creek Boys
"Sad Magic" by Roadkill Ghost Choir
"Apocalypse" by Cigarettes After Sex
"Your Love Makes Me High" by Backwater Still
"Safe" by Jill Andrews
"throwback" by Pell
"Don't Matter Now" by George Ezra
"Young Lady, You're Scaring Me" by Ron Gallo
"Cumberland Gap" by David Rawlings
"Diane" by Cam
"Best Friend" by Sofi Tukker
"Broken Mandolin" by The Steel Wheels
"Fool Me Once" by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
"If I Could Make You My Own" by Dori Freeman
"Am I Still in Your Heart (Or Am I Just in Your Way)" by Ryan Koenig
"This River's Yours / This Valley's Mine" by Scott Miller
Upcoming Shows:
Backwater Still will lead a packed night of regional musicians at the Off The Rails Outlaw Country Concert at the Revelry Room on Saturday 1/6.
On Thursday 1/11 at JJ's Bohemia, Philly-based Ron Gallo will display his form of rock music, mixing elements of art rock and garage punk.
The Steel Wheels will bring their blend of Americana from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to the stage of Barking Legs Theater on Friday 1/26.
On tour in support of his new album, “Ladies Auxiliary,” singer-songwriter Scott Miller will return to Chattanooga on Friday 2/2 for a performance at Songbirds Guitar Museum.