Tom Russell @ Joe’s Pub, Oct 3

Fresh from his appearance on the now infamous Oct 2nd episode of The Late Show w/ David Letterman, Tom Russell delivered a bada$$ badlands performance of music from a catalog that spans over three decades and an incredible twenty records. The phenomenal sound at Joe’s Pub allowed Tom’s crisp vocals and Thad Beckman’s mean finger-picking to resonate around his Russell’s characteristically dark narratives. Check out the Letterman performance here.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly an impromptu duet with Rosalie Sorrels, who was in the audience, performing Townes Van Zandt’s “Snowing On Raton.” Here’s a photo of Tom with Rosalie backstage:

Sheik In The City, pt. 2

Geoff Muldaur beat me to WQXR where I found him tuning a gorgeous, signature model Martin and chatting with NY Times Popcast host Ben Sisario about the death of radio, and the rising popularity of live performances online. He taped “Cairo” in one take (“I messed it up real good for ya” – Geoff) and spoke with Ben about the custom Ed Ruscha cover art on his latest record ‘Texas Sheiks,’ and recording with the various Sheiks, including late Texas songwriter Stephen Bruton, to whom the album is a tribute.

We stopped briefly at Geoff’s daughter’s polished West Village studio, where Jenni Muldaur solicited her father’s advice on artwork she might invest in and answers to a crossword puzzle (a passion they share). An accomplished musician in her own right, Jenni has backed Lou Reed and David Byrne, and has a record out titled, ‘Dearest Darlin‘.’

SIRIUS Radio was my last stop with Geoff. We joked about Michael Moore’s crazed personal assistant (he was undoubtedly there in support of Capitalism: A Love Story), then quieted as Geoff warmed up for the interview. As he strummed through a couple chords he muttered, “What was that?” – and turning to me said, “That was a pretty new chord.” Imagine that, Geoff Muldaur discovering a new chord.

Here’s a photo of me and Geoff with the hosts of FreeWheelin’ (Sirius Road Dog Trucking Channel), Meredith Ochs and Chris T:

Left to right: Miya Hannan, Chris T., Geoff Muldaur, Meredith Ochs

Blues Foundation Honors Muddy Waters With Blues Trail Marker

On December 3rd Blues Foundation members gathered in Rolling Fork, MS with the Morganfield family and local students to commemorate the late blues legend McKinley Morganfield (better known as Muddy Waters) with a Blues Trail Marker. The marker identifies the site of Muddy’s home and details the immense contribution he made to the blues genre throughout his life. The state of Mississippi and the Blues Foundation continue to preserve and honor the legacy of blues musicians with new additions to the Blues Marker Trail. Check out photos from the unveiling below.

Muddy Waters’ Rolling Fork, MS Blues Trail Marker

Blues Foundation dignitaries, including Executive Director Jay Sieleman (far right), gather for a photo-op behind the marker.

The Morganfield family poses with students who won the Muddy Waters essay competition at the unveiling ceremony in Rolling Fork, MS