Blog
-
Popmatters CD Review, February 25, 2015
February 15th, 2015 at 11:58amPrimarily known for her work with the western swing trio the Hot Club of Cowtown, frontwoman and fiddler Elana James has made it a point to let her folk flag shine high and mightily in her solo debut, Black Beauty. Beyond that, James has been eager to show a substantial nod towards innovation in ways that would have been otherwise unfathomable to new listeners expecting a straight Americana album and faithful Cowtown followers alike. Offering her gently discordant vocals to the Grateful Dead’s “Ripple”, James gives the benevolent rock staple a countrified intonation. Meanwhile, on “Hey Beautiful: Last Letter From Iraq”, she creates a lilting traditional folk soundscape around the actual final letter home of US Army Staff Sgt. Juan Campos, who’d died in 2007 while serving.
Featured Item
VISIT GIFT SHOP
Elana James
"A beautiful voice, a fantastic musician,
with the heart and soul of an angel."
-Willie Nelson
Starting shows at the Evergreen Jazz Festival tonight--we have two shows a day in all different venues.....gorgeous and piney here with the Colorado sunshine pouring down--a lot like my violin's hometown in the mountains of Mittenwald, Germany! I hope it feels at home, as I do....... 🎻
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
I certainly wish I could be there, but I wish you the best performance ever. Be safe and have a nice evening. Sid Man
Thanks especially for the fabulous set on the patio.
Jealous!!
About to play, teach and talk about "Ida Red" in a zoom session with a collection of fiddlers in the super-cool "Drunken Fiddles" program, the genius brainchild of Laurel Morgan Parks. Just watching--again--probably my favorite version of all time. It's as mind-blowing as ever. Especially Joe Holley's fiddle solo!....enjoy!
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Do you know the BRILLIANT podcast The History of Rock Music in 500 Songs by Andrew Hickey? His second episode was on Ida Red and it is well worth the time to listen. open.spotify.com/episode/5fmFtnCspg3m9Les8cFVoo?si=pn7snjN-R36UqWC5v4V1PA&utm_source=copy-link
NOBODY does Ida Red like you, Whit, and Jake! I can hear your opening fiddle lick in my head right now!
Wow! That was a great version. Yours is right there with it !
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
OMG...I want to be your shadow!!!!
Howdy, Elana James!!!
Oh that’s beautiful wish I was there!!