Superb Charlie Louvin Article, Jason Aldean Nabs Platinum Status, And Patty Griffin’s Vivid Vignettes

Scott Joss has earned his place as one of the brightest talents guiding country music towards a Renaissance of musical values. Emerging from a promising apprenticeship as California State Men’s Fiddle Champion (three consecutive years), protege of Tiny Moore, and young fiddler for Merle Haggard’s band, the Strangers, Scott now shares the spotlight as an eight year veteran and featured performer in the touring and recording band of maverick superstar Dwight Yoakam.

And judging from the two songs available to sample, he certainly seems to have a lot of talent which leaves me intrigued.

Charlie Louvin is haunted by a voice inside his head, the high-tenor harmony voice of his brother Ira, dead now 41 years.

Even today, Charlie acknowledges, he unconsciously takes a step backward from the microphone stand at those points in the song where Ira would lean forward and chime in with his part. Charlie hears that sweet Alabama tenor, maybe a third or a fifth above his own, even if no one else in the auditorium can.

Griffin’s songs are vivid vignettes that unfold as much like a room full of paintings in a museum as they do an album.

Chronicle: Jim Steinman vs. Beethoven

Sweeney: Um . . . Merle Haggard.

And, check out Angry Country for a review of her latest album.

We live in a time now that . . . I feel really sorry for people in the United States right now compared to what it was, what it used to be. What we put up with, what we gave up. What we allow. What we don’t allow. There is no place for a guy like me or Willie or George or Ray or anybody to play except a casino or a fairground.

via Country Nation