Songs Of Townes Van Zandt Vol II was released internationally by My Proud Mountain, with Neurot Recordings handling the album for North America. The second album in this homage series praising the works of the celebrated American country/folk legend, the album bears nine new covers featuring proud contributions provided by a wide cast of musicians. The prime collaborators for the album are Mike Scheidt (YOB, VHÖL), John Baizley (Baroness) and Nate Hall (USX), with additional contributions from Katie Jones, Stevie Floyd (Dark Castle, Taurus) and Dorthia Cottrell (Windhand).
Showing posts with label TVZ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TVZ. Show all posts
March 7, 2014
NATE HALL: Ode To Townes Van Zandt Available For Free Download; Songs Of Townes Van Zandt Vol II Tribute Out Now
The second installment of tribute albums to late American singer/songwriter, Songs Of Townes Van Zandt Vol II, has been released this week, as today, March 7th, marks the hero's birthday.
In commemoration of this new chapter of homage to the celebrated artist, all are invited to listen to Nate Hall's solo rendition of TVZ's somber classic, "Waitin Around To Die," -- a version not available on the album -- now available for free download AT THIS LOCATION.
February 18, 2014
MIKE SCHEIDT: Opening Track To Songs Of Townes Van Zandt Vol II Tribute Playing At Stereogum
The second album in this homage series praising the works of the celebrated American country/folk singer-songwriter, Songs Of Townes Van Zandt Vol II bears nine new covers featuring proud contributions provided by a wide cast of musicians. The prime collaborators for the album are Mike Scheidt (YOB, VHÖL), John Baizley (Baroness) and Nate Hall (USX), with additional contributions from Katie Jones, Stevie Floyd (Dark Castle, Taurus) and Dorthia Cottrell (Windhand).
The opening track to Songs of Townes Van Zandt Vol II, a solo rendition of “To Live Is To Fly” performed by Mike Scheidt, has today been made publicly available via mainstream music portal, Stereogum. Scheidt, whose main act, YOB, recently signed to Neurot Recordings, recalls where he first learned of Townes Van Zandt and became part of the man’s obsessive fanbase.
“I worked in a fantastic guitar shop called Mckenzie River Music in Eugene Oregon from 1996-2003,” Scheidt begins. “This dusty, cluttered guitar shop was no ordinary shop. We had the best of the best. Pre-World War II Martin and Gibson acoustic and electric guitars, vintage 50s/60s Fender guitars and amps, the most valuable and collectable gear you could buy, along with player’s priced quality gear. It was Dick Gunn, the shop’s senior salesman and RIPPING country picker, who first turned me on to Townes. It was a gift for Christmas, a CD with both High Low And In Between, and The Late Great Townes Van Zandt. Upon first listen, I knew I was listening to something that wasn’t just great. It smacked of Truth, capital T. Whether that truth be tender and lighthearted, or take you to places so low that you could hardly pick yourself back up, it was so heavy. The way he combined language and guitar chords is one of a kind. Untouchable. Dick Gunn passed away in 2007, and I have yet to still reconcile his loss inside of myself. He taught me so much, gave me everything he had to teach as a player and a human. Listening to Townes functions on multiple levels for me. One of the most treasured experiences of listening to Townes is remembering my friend Dick Gunn, how we picked together, how we talked about Townes and knew that we knew that we knew he was THE BEST. Through and through.”
The opening track to Songs of Townes Van Zandt Vol II, a solo rendition of “To Live Is To Fly” performed by Mike Scheidt, has today been made publicly available via mainstream music portal, Stereogum. Scheidt, whose main act, YOB, recently signed to Neurot Recordings, recalls where he first learned of Townes Van Zandt and became part of the man’s obsessive fanbase.
“I worked in a fantastic guitar shop called Mckenzie River Music in Eugene Oregon from 1996-2003,” Scheidt begins. “This dusty, cluttered guitar shop was no ordinary shop. We had the best of the best. Pre-World War II Martin and Gibson acoustic and electric guitars, vintage 50s/60s Fender guitars and amps, the most valuable and collectable gear you could buy, along with player’s priced quality gear. It was Dick Gunn, the shop’s senior salesman and RIPPING country picker, who first turned me on to Townes. It was a gift for Christmas, a CD with both High Low And In Between, and The Late Great Townes Van Zandt. Upon first listen, I knew I was listening to something that wasn’t just great. It smacked of Truth, capital T. Whether that truth be tender and lighthearted, or take you to places so low that you could hardly pick yourself back up, it was so heavy. The way he combined language and guitar chords is one of a kind. Untouchable. Dick Gunn passed away in 2007, and I have yet to still reconcile his loss inside of myself. He taught me so much, gave me everything he had to teach as a player and a human. Listening to Townes functions on multiple levels for me. One of the most treasured experiences of listening to Townes is remembering my friend Dick Gunn, how we picked together, how we talked about Townes and knew that we knew that we knew he was THE BEST. Through and through.”
___________________________________
Link-in and hear Mike Scheidt’s rendition of “To Live Is To Fly” at Stereogum now AT THIS LOCATION.
Vice Magazine’s music channel, Noisey recently released the album’s closing anthem, “If I Needed You,” as performed by John Baizley and Katie Jones, playing HERE.
February 4, 2014
JOHN BAIZLEY & KATIE JONES: Vice/Noisey Premieres First Single From Songs Of Townes Van Zandt Vol II
As Neurot Recordings prepares to release Songs of Townes Van Zandt Vol II this Winter,
the first single from the tribute collection to late folk/country music icon is now playing via Noisey/Vice Magazine.
the first single from the tribute collection to late folk/country music icon is now playing via Noisey/Vice Magazine.
Neurot will release Songs of Townes Van Zandt Vol II in North America -- once again through a partnership with Germany's My Proud Mountain Records, the label formed to release the first Songs of Townes Van Zandt album in 2012, which featured contributions from Scott "Wino" Weinrich, Steve Von Till and Scott Kelly -- who will again handle the international release of this second installment of the series. Featuring an outstanding cast of artists who front full-time bands in addition to releasing their own solo and collaborative works complimenting this legendary but often overlooked American singer-songwriter, Songs of Townes Van Zandt Vol II bears nine more TVZ covers from Mike Scheidt (YOB, VHÖL), Nate Hall (USX), John Baizley (Baroness), Katie Jones, Stevie Floyd (Dark Castle, Taurus) and Dorthia Cottrell (Windhand).
Noisey is hosting a stream of the album's closing rendition of the Townes Van Zandt anthem, "If I Needed You," as performed by John Baizley and Katie Jones, who both provide a mixture of heartfelt vocals to an acoustic backdrop in their remake of the beautiful yet gloomy classic.
Listen in now AT THIS LOCATION.
Songs of Townes Van Zandt Vol II will see digital and CD stateside release via Neurot on March 11th. Stay tuned for additional retold tales from the collection to be released in the coming weeks.
December 18, 2013
Neurot Recordings Confirms Songs Of Townes Van Zandt Vol II For Stateside Issue
Mike Scheidt, Nate Hall, John Baizley, Katie Jones, Stevie Floyd and Dorthia Cottrell Contribute To Tribute Album
Once again through a partnership with their cohorts at Germany's My Proud Mountain Records, who envisioned the pair of tribute albums to Townes Van Zandt and will again handle the release for Europe and all international territories, Neurot will release Songs of Townes Van Zandt Vol II stateside in March of 2014. The second wave of tunes contained on the new volume complimenting this legendary but often overlooked American singer-songwriter will feature nine more TVZ covers, with contributions from a variety of artists who not only front full-time bands but whom also forged their own solo and collaborative works, including Mike Scheidt (YOB, VHÖL), Nate Hall (USX), John Baizley (Baroness), Katie Jones, Stevie Floyd (Dark Castle, Taurus) and Dorthia Cottrell (Windhand).
The cover art and track listing for Songs of Townes Van Zandt Vol II have been unveiled, with an official street date, music from the album and more to be released early in 2014.
Songs of Townes Van Zandt Vol II Track Listing:
1. To Live Is To Fly (Mike Scheidt)
2. Pancho & Lefty (Nate Hall)
3. St. John The Gambler (John Baizley & Katie Jones)
4. Rake (Mike Scheidt)
5. Waitin' Around To Die (Nate Hall & Stevie Floyd)
6. For The Sake Of The Song (John Baizley & Katie Jones)
7. Highway Kind (Mike Scheidt)
8. Our Mother The Mountain (Nate Hall & Dorthia Cottrell)
9. If I Needed You (John Baizley & Katie Jones)
"It happens every now and then. I'll be in a bar, some guy will declare that Townes Van Zandt is his favorite, settle in to a well-rehearsed, perfectly tuned and meticulously finger-picked rendition of .................whatever. I'm gone, I can't take it. I'm not buying anybody's domesticated, presentable, un-slurred, smiley faced and emasculated version of the man. And I ain't selling it either. If I'm going to play one of Mr. Van Zandt's songs, it's going make anyone in earshot a little uncomfortable. It will harsh some mellows, trigger some bad memories, some tears, bring it.....way down. Hell-fire man, play them in that hazy, beautiful, dangerous, wild and unreasonable place that birthed them! Forget you played it and play it twice! Botch the chords, miss some words, fall down off the chair. Man, he's up there, out there, under the bar and in your guitar laughing his guts out! Never forget, we're talking about a man who would walk across the Texas desert with only a bag of records, sniff some glue, steal his best friend's girl, make up a lie that was way better than any truth, and then write a better song in his sleep than any rational person's waking pinnacle. I love Townes for the beautiful, low-down, disaster of a genius that he was. And God help you if you run him down around me. Trust me, it's happened before - I am not afraid to make a scene. And by God, you'll know you just saw something then. I believe that Townes is still very much alive, more alive than you and me. We are living in the shadow world right now, all of us soon to move on. Don't fear it, don't water it down. Listen to these songs and then cuss me for the fool I am, run out and scream at the moon. Have one for the man, then move on down the road and don't look back."
- Nate Hall, 2013
June 26, 2012
Official Trailer for Scott Kelly, Steve Von Till & Wino: Songs of Townes Van Zandt
June 14, 2012
STEVE VON TILL Song Stream Available From Townes Van Zandt Tribute; Album Out Now In North America
This week, the anticipated Songs Of Townes Van Zandt -- the three-way homage compilation album with contributions from SCOTT "WINO" WEINRICH, SCOTT KELLY and STEVE VON TILL -- is officially available via Neurot Recordings in North America. Bearing nine songs from iconic American singer/songwriter legend TOWNES VAN ZANDT, with WEINRICH, KELLY and VON TILL each contributing three of their most beloved, personal tales from one of their musical heroes, the album showcases these classic, harrowing pieces of Americana in a more modern, and extremely personal fashion.
In celebration of the album's release, today BrooklynVegan is streaming the VAN ZANDT anthem "Black Crow Blues," as recorded by STEVE VON TILL (Neurosis, Tribes of Neurot, Harvestman, etc.) AT THIS LOCATION.
Additionally, the Obelisk is streaming WEINRICH's cover of TVZ's "Nothing," RIGHT HERE, and SCOTT KELLY's rendition of "St. John The Gambler" is downloadable HERE.
After having performed material by Van Zandt solo and through various collaborations on stage over recent years, on solo releases and more, the aptly entitled Songs of Townes Van Zandt brings several songs each from STEVE VON TILL, SCOTT KELLY and WINO together in praise of his deep musical influence on them all. Through a personal contact of the artists, newly-formed label My Proud Mountain was founded specially in order to release this tribute, with Neurot Recordings handling the North American release of the album.
Songs Of Townes Van Zandt is available for purchase DIRECT FROM NEUROT.
Promos of Songs of Townes Van Zandt are available to North American journalists and media outlets now via Earsplit PR.
In celebration of the album's release, today BrooklynVegan is streaming the VAN ZANDT anthem "Black Crow Blues," as recorded by STEVE VON TILL (Neurosis, Tribes of Neurot, Harvestman, etc.) AT THIS LOCATION.
Additionally, the Obelisk is streaming WEINRICH's cover of TVZ's "Nothing," RIGHT HERE, and SCOTT KELLY's rendition of "St. John The Gambler" is downloadable HERE.
After having performed material by Van Zandt solo and through various collaborations on stage over recent years, on solo releases and more, the aptly entitled Songs of Townes Van Zandt brings several songs each from STEVE VON TILL, SCOTT KELLY and WINO together in praise of his deep musical influence on them all. Through a personal contact of the artists, newly-formed label My Proud Mountain was founded specially in order to release this tribute, with Neurot Recordings handling the North American release of the album.
Songs Of Townes Van Zandt is available for purchase DIRECT FROM NEUROT.
Promos of Songs of Townes Van Zandt are available to North American journalists and media outlets now via Earsplit PR.
June 7, 2012
New Track From Townes Van Zandt Tribute Released
As previously announced, this June Neurot Recordings will issue a special three-way split CD in tribute to late American folk music hero Townes Van Zandt in North America, the homage bearing contributions from SCOTT KELLY (Neurosis, Shrinebuilder, Tribes of Neurot, etc.), STEVE VON TILL (Neurosis, Tribes of Neurot, Harvestman, etc.) and SCOTT “WINO” WEINRICH (Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, The Hidden Hand, Shrinebuilder, etc.).
As part of their weekly “Wino Wednesday” installment series, today The Obelisk is hosting an exclusive stream of one of Weinrich’s offerings from the Van Zandt homage, in the form of the record’s seventh song, “Nothing,” RIGHT HERE.
Also still available is Scott Kelly’s rendition of “St. John The Gambler” downloadable HERE.
After having performed material by Van Zandt solo and through various collaborations on stage over recent years, on solo releases and more, the aptly entitled Songs of Townes Van Zandt brings several songs each from STEVE VON TILL, SCOTT KELLY and WINO together in praise of his deep musical influence on them all. Through a personal contact of the artists, newly-formed label My Proud Mountain was founded specially in order to release this tribute, with Neurot Recordings handling the North American release of the album on June 12th.
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For more information on this album, visit the Earsplit Compound's website here.
As part of their weekly “Wino Wednesday” installment series, today The Obelisk is hosting an exclusive stream of one of Weinrich’s offerings from the Van Zandt homage, in the form of the record’s seventh song, “Nothing,” RIGHT HERE.
Also still available is Scott Kelly’s rendition of “St. John The Gambler” downloadable HERE.
After having performed material by Van Zandt solo and through various collaborations on stage over recent years, on solo releases and more, the aptly entitled Songs of Townes Van Zandt brings several songs each from STEVE VON TILL, SCOTT KELLY and WINO together in praise of his deep musical influence on them all. Through a personal contact of the artists, newly-formed label My Proud Mountain was founded specially in order to release this tribute, with Neurot Recordings handling the North American release of the album on June 12th.
For more information on this album, visit the Earsplit Compound's website here.
April 14, 2012
STEVE VON TILL, SCOTT KELLY & WINO Confirm Townes Van Zandt Tribute; Album To See US Release Via Neurot In June
This June Neurot Recordings will issue a special three-way split CD in tribute to late American folk music hero Townes Van Zandt, bearing contributions from SCOTT KELLY (Neurosis, Shrinebuilder, Tribes of Neurot, solo artist, etc.), STEVE VON TILL (Neurosis, Tribes of Neurot, Harvestman, solo artist, etc.) and SCOTT “WINO” WEINRICH (Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, The Hidden Hand, Shrinebuilder, solo artist, etc.).
After having performed material by Van Zandt solo and through various collaborations on stage over recent years, on solo releases and on random live collaborations, the aptly entitled Songs of Townes Van Zandt brings several songs each from KELLY, VON TILL and WEINRICH together in praise of his deep musical influence on them all. Through a personal contact of the artists, newly-formed label My Proud Mountain was founded specially in order to release this tribute, with Neurot Recordings handling the North American release of the album on June 12th.
Download Scott Kelly’s rendition of “St. John The Gambler” for free RIGHT HERE.
Songs of Townes Van Zandt Track Listing:
1. If I Needed You [Steve Von Till]
2. St. John The Gambler [Scott Kelly]
3. Black Crow Blues [Steve Von Till]
4. Lungs [Scott Kelly]
5. Rake [Wino]
6. The Snake Song [Steve Von Till]
7. Nothing [Wino]
8. Tecumseh Valley [Scott Kelly]
9. A Song For [Wino]
Townes Van Zandt never reached significant fame during his lifetime. Although highly respected by his peers and other songwriters, the mood and atmosphere of his music, coupled with his sometimes dark and sarcastic nature, was not suitable for the commercial country-industry of Nashville. Van Zandt’s songs did, however, reach popularity in his day, through artists such as Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Emmylou Harris. Within his circle of outsider singer-songwriters, he was adored, though ultimately it would be depression and alcoholism that would overshadow his life. Townes’ friend, singer Steve Earle, has been quoted as saying, “Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I’ll stand on Bob Dylan’s coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.” After Townes’ death in 1997, the fact that artists as diverse as Robert Plant, Mudhoney, Norah Jones, Lyle Lovett, and Bob Dylan himself have kept his songs alive and vital, is a testament to the influence and impact of his music.
So now do STEVE VON TILL, SCOTT KELLY and WINO stand and sing his tribute, each focusing on the essence of Van Zandt’s music and lyrics in his own personal way. The result is a great homage, whose intensity lies in fragility and elementary human truths. Townes Van Zandt’s broken-hearted love songs and gloom-ridden tales are most deserving of this tribute and praise.
Stated SCOTT KELLY “Townes Van Zandt’s music has had a profound effect on me as a man and as a musician. I discovered his songs 13 years ago at the same time as I had already began following a new path for myself as musician, seeking to express myself through a more direct, stripped down acoustic approach. Townes Van Zandts music is not only brutally honest, he has an ability to paint a picture with his words that is so far beyond the reach and depth of anyone else I have heard to this day. I am honored to be a part of this record and get the opportunity to bring his music to people who are fans of what I have been doing, and I am humbled to be in the presence of my two brothers Steve Von Till and Wino.”
Steve Von Till added: “To be able to honor the music of Townes Van Zandt with this project is a true gift. His songs have had a profound influence on me as a songwriter and have been a constant sonic companion since first hearing them. Sharing this tribute with Wino and Scott Kelly, both of whom I admire as human beings and fellow travelers on this journey of songcraft makes it even that much more important to me. I hope that it may bring the soul purifying, down to earth truths of Townes to others who may not have discovered him yet, and that those who already recognize his contribution to the world will appreciate this small offering.“
And affirmed Wino: “Circumstance and adventure lead me down the road of playing and writing solely on the acoustic guitar. Born And Raised on CSN, Neil Young amongst others I still ignored the Americana folk scene. Until Kenny Wagner turned me on to Townes Van Zant. I was still absorbing listening to Scott and Steves various renditions of his songs when Mr. Connie Ochs gave me Abnormal. It was this that crystallized my endearment to this music; this man, this story, this passion and emotion that has enriched our lives. So I am proud to be a part of this tribute.”
After having performed material by Van Zandt solo and through various collaborations on stage over recent years, on solo releases and on random live collaborations, the aptly entitled Songs of Townes Van Zandt brings several songs each from KELLY, VON TILL and WEINRICH together in praise of his deep musical influence on them all. Through a personal contact of the artists, newly-formed label My Proud Mountain was founded specially in order to release this tribute, with Neurot Recordings handling the North American release of the album on June 12th.
Download Scott Kelly’s rendition of “St. John The Gambler” for free RIGHT HERE.
Songs of Townes Van Zandt Track Listing:
1. If I Needed You [Steve Von Till]
2. St. John The Gambler [Scott Kelly]
3. Black Crow Blues [Steve Von Till]
4. Lungs [Scott Kelly]
5. Rake [Wino]
6. The Snake Song [Steve Von Till]
7. Nothing [Wino]
8. Tecumseh Valley [Scott Kelly]
9. A Song For [Wino]
Townes Van Zandt never reached significant fame during his lifetime. Although highly respected by his peers and other songwriters, the mood and atmosphere of his music, coupled with his sometimes dark and sarcastic nature, was not suitable for the commercial country-industry of Nashville. Van Zandt’s songs did, however, reach popularity in his day, through artists such as Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Emmylou Harris. Within his circle of outsider singer-songwriters, he was adored, though ultimately it would be depression and alcoholism that would overshadow his life. Townes’ friend, singer Steve Earle, has been quoted as saying, “Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I’ll stand on Bob Dylan’s coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.” After Townes’ death in 1997, the fact that artists as diverse as Robert Plant, Mudhoney, Norah Jones, Lyle Lovett, and Bob Dylan himself have kept his songs alive and vital, is a testament to the influence and impact of his music.
So now do STEVE VON TILL, SCOTT KELLY and WINO stand and sing his tribute, each focusing on the essence of Van Zandt’s music and lyrics in his own personal way. The result is a great homage, whose intensity lies in fragility and elementary human truths. Townes Van Zandt’s broken-hearted love songs and gloom-ridden tales are most deserving of this tribute and praise.
Stated SCOTT KELLY “Townes Van Zandt’s music has had a profound effect on me as a man and as a musician. I discovered his songs 13 years ago at the same time as I had already began following a new path for myself as musician, seeking to express myself through a more direct, stripped down acoustic approach. Townes Van Zandts music is not only brutally honest, he has an ability to paint a picture with his words that is so far beyond the reach and depth of anyone else I have heard to this day. I am honored to be a part of this record and get the opportunity to bring his music to people who are fans of what I have been doing, and I am humbled to be in the presence of my two brothers Steve Von Till and Wino.”
Steve Von Till added: “To be able to honor the music of Townes Van Zandt with this project is a true gift. His songs have had a profound influence on me as a songwriter and have been a constant sonic companion since first hearing them. Sharing this tribute with Wino and Scott Kelly, both of whom I admire as human beings and fellow travelers on this journey of songcraft makes it even that much more important to me. I hope that it may bring the soul purifying, down to earth truths of Townes to others who may not have discovered him yet, and that those who already recognize his contribution to the world will appreciate this small offering.“
And affirmed Wino: “Circumstance and adventure lead me down the road of playing and writing solely on the acoustic guitar. Born And Raised on CSN, Neil Young amongst others I still ignored the Americana folk scene. Until Kenny Wagner turned me on to Townes Van Zant. I was still absorbing listening to Scott and Steves various renditions of his songs when Mr. Connie Ochs gave me Abnormal. It was this that crystallized my endearment to this music; this man, this story, this passion and emotion that has enriched our lives. So I am proud to be a part of this tribute.”
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