Country IS A Little Bit Rock 'N' Roll
posted in: Country • Features
During Punk Rock’s first mid-’70s era there was much dismissal of Country Rock in New Wave music circles. By 1995, the genre of New Country, an infusion of mainstream Country with Rock influence, had gone so on the nerves that prejudice against its predecessor, the psychedelic sounds of Space-Age Country, seemed to automatically lift. It was that same year I heard Beachwood Sparks, and then, Alternative Country ‘zine No Depression made its debut indicating a resurgence of the popularity of Country.
I See Hawks In LA (L-R) Shawn Nourse, Paul Lacques, Paul Marshall, Rob Waller
Since, Country Rock has evolved to include elements of nearly every genre. Los Angeles, for example, in the new century has spawned local nature-themed bands I See Hawks In L.A. and Old Californio. I See Hawks In L.A. features rich, deep vocals complimented by gritty but pure-in-instrumentation sound on their five CDs (Shoulda Been Gold, being their latest). Old Californio on the other hand, offers psychedelic bounce and in-the-pocket, ethereal jams such as those heard on their 2009 album Westerning Again and songs from their forthcoming album, which they’ve recently debuted at their live shows. The geography and environment in which we live, said Californio’s Justin Smith, is as much of an influence as the music itself, and that follows with our releases; we don’t rely on people from the outside to make this a visible thing.
Old Californio (L-R) Paul Lacques: Lap Steel, Woody Aplanalp: Guitar, Jason Chesney: Bass, Justin Smith: Drums, Rich Dembowski: Guitar & Mustache, Levi Nunez: Keys
Austin, Texas Country artist, producer and songwriter Jesse Dayton‘s sound embodies a post-Cramps roots-country garage tone with a thankfully greasy edge. On his forthcoming album One For The Dancehalls Dayton is branching out, writing with songwriter’s like Universal’s Trent Summar, Damon Bramblett and recording a song by Nick Lowe.
Laura Cantrell
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Laura Cantrell chose New York City to cultivate her own brand of folk rock-infused Country music to compliment her clear, angelic voice “ best heard above sparse instrumentation. Cantrell is currently completing her fifth album, this one to be based on the music of Kitty Wells, now 91. Cantrell said, It was a real thrill to think that I could pay some tribute in a way that might bring it honor. It also helped work through the realities of having a music career, family and interest in the history and continuity of Country music during this post-digital music environment.