1,032- Bettye LaVette, Keller Williams, Kim Richey, The Langan Band, Megan Jean's Secret Family
Digest
The episode begins with a welcome from host Kathy Matea and a brief introduction to the Langen band, a Scottish trio known for their energetic performances. They open the show with a slower, more intimate song called "Sweetness," a love song from their album "Plight a Sheep." The band expresses their surprise and delight at the production of the Mountain Stage, noting that they initially thought they were just playing a small gig at a university. The episode then transitions to a performance by Julie Adams, who sings a Los Lobos song called "Hearts of Stone." The episode continues with a performance by Kim Richie, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Ohio, who performs several songs from her upcoming album "Every New Beginning." The episode concludes with a performance by Betty LaVette, a soul and blues legend, who performs several songs from her latest album "LaVette." The episode also features performances by Keller Williams, a one-man jam band known for his acoustic dance music, and Megan Jean's Secret Family, an Appalachian band. The episode ends with a thank you to all the performers, the audience, and the listeners. The host, Kathy Matea, announces the next week's show, which will be hosted by David Mayfield and feature performances by Ruthie Foster, Charlie Mars, The Wandering Hearts, Fellow Pinons, and Rebecca Porter.
Outlines
Introduction and Langen Band
This Chapter introduces the host, Kathy Matea, and welcomes the audience to Mountain Stage. The Scottish trio, Langen band, known for their energetic performances, opens the show with a slow and gentle love song called "Sweetness" from their album "Plight a Sheep." They express their surprise and delight at the production of the Mountain Stage, noting that they initially thought they were just playing a small gig at a university.
Julie Adams
This Chapter features a performance by Julie Adams, who sings a Los Lobos song called "Hearts of Stone." The Mountain Stage band accompanies her, with Ron Sol on acoustic guitar, Michael Lipton and Ryan Kennedy on electric guitars, Bob Thompson on piano, Steve Hill on bass, and Amit Solomon on drums.
Kim Richie
This Chapter features a performance by Kim Richie, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Ohio. She performs several songs from her upcoming album "Every New Beginning," including "Wild Horses" and "Joy Rider." Richie shares her connection to Ohio University, where she graduated in 1980, and discusses the inspiration behind her song "Joy Rider." She also mentions that her new album will be released on May 24th on Yep Rock Records.
Keller Williams
This Chapter introduces Keller Williams, a musical force of nature from Virginia, known for his acoustic dance music (ADM). He performs a song called "River" from his latest album "Droll," a collaboration with guitarist Gibdroll of Bruce Horn's Beast Band. Williams explains his unique performance style, which involves using a looping station to create spontaneous musical experiences.
Bob Thompson
This Chapter features a performance by Bob Thompson, the piano player for the Mountain Stage band. He plays a song written by guest Cannon and made popular by the Rooftop Singers, called "Walk Right In."
Betty LaVette
This Chapter introduces Betty LaVette, a soul and blues legend, who performs several songs from her latest album "LaVette." She shares her appreciation for the Mountain Stage and discusses her collaboration with producer Steve Jordan and songwriter Randall Bramlett. LaVette also performs a tribute to James Brown, showcasing her impressive dance skills.
Outro
This Chapter concludes the episode with a thank you to all the performers, the audience, and the listeners. The host, Kathy Matea, announces the next week's show, which will be hosted by David Mayfield and feature performances by Ruthie Foster, Charlie Mars, The Wandering Hearts, Fellow Pinons, and Rebecca Porter.
Mountain Stage Founders
This Chapter mentions the founders of Mountain Stage: Andy Ridenauer, Francis Fisher, and Larry Gross. The host encourages listeners to go out and hear some live music.
Betty LaVette's Performance
This Chapter features a performance by Betty LaVette, who sings a song written by William Montgomery. The song is about not wanting to lose a good thing.
Keywords
Langen band
A Scottish trio known for their fast-paced, mosh pit-inducing sets. Their music blends traditional Scottish folk with influences from Eastern European folk, progressive jazz, and old-time music. Their latest album, "Plight a Sheep," was released in 2022 and was 10 years in the making.
Mountain Stage
A live performance radio show based in West Virginia that features a diverse range of musical artists. The show is known for its intimate setting and its focus on showcasing both established and emerging talent. Mountain Stage is broadcast on NPR and is also available as a podcast.
Acoustic Dance Music (ADM)
A musical genre created by Keller Williams, who describes it as a blend of acoustic instruments and electronic dance music (EDM). Williams uses a looping station to create spontaneous and improvisational performances, often incorporating elements of bluegrass, electronic, and other genres.
Betty LaVette
An American soul and blues singer who has been recording music for over six decades. She is an eight-time Grammy nominee, a recipient of the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, and a member of the Blues Hall of Fame. LaVette is known for her powerful vocals and her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
Kim Richie
A Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Ohio who has been making records for over three decades. She moved to Nashville in the early 1990s and has become a favorite of other musicians in the city. Richie is known for her soulful vocals and her ability to write songs that resonate with listeners.
Julie Adams
A singer who performs a Los Lobos song called "Hearts of Stone" on the Mountain Stage. She is accompanied by the Mountain Stage band.
Keller Williams
A one-man jam band known for his acoustic dance music (ADM). He is a prolific musician who has released over 25 albums in the last 30 years. Williams is known for his improvisational performances and his ability to blend different genres of music.
Megan Jean's Secret Family
An Appalachian band from Western Maryland. They are known for their energetic live performances and their blend of traditional Appalachian music with modern influences. The band is led by Megan Jean, who plays bass and sings.
Ohio University
A public research university located in Athens, Ohio. The university is known for its strong arts and music programs and is home to the Memorial Auditorium, where Mountain Stage is recorded.
William Montgomery
A friend of Betty LaVette from Detroit who wrote the song she performs in this segment. He is known for his songwriting and his contributions to the Detroit music scene.
Q&A
What is the Langen band known for?
The Langen band is a Scottish trio known for their fast-paced, mosh pit-inducing sets. Their music blends traditional Scottish folk with influences from Eastern European folk, progressive jazz, and old-time music.
What is Keller Williams' musical style?
Keller Williams is known for his acoustic dance music (ADM), which he describes as a blend of acoustic instruments and electronic dance music (EDM). He uses a looping station to create spontaneous and improvisational performances.
What is Betty LaVette's latest album called?
Betty LaVette's latest album is called "LaVette." It is an album of songs written by Georgia soul songwriter Randall Bramlett.
What is Kim Richie's upcoming album called?
Kim Richie's upcoming album is called "Every New Beginning." It will be released on May 24th on Yep Rock Records.
Where is Mountain Stage recorded?
Mountain Stage is recorded at the Memorial Auditorium on the campus of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
What is Megan Jean's Secret Family's musical style?
Megan Jean's Secret Family is an Appalachian band from Western Maryland. They are known for their energetic live performances and their blend of traditional Appalachian music with modern influences.
What is the significance of the song "Sweetness" by the Langen band?
The song "Sweetness" is a slow and gentle love song from the Langen band's album "Plight a Sheep." It is a departure from their usual fast-paced, mosh pit-inducing sets.
What is the connection between Kim Richie and Ohio University?
Kim Richie graduated from Ohio University in 1980. She was excited to be back on campus for the Mountain Stage performance.
Who are the founders of Mountain Stage?
Mountain Stage was founded by Andy Ridenauer, Francis Fisher, and Larry Gross.
Who wrote the song that Betty LaVette performs in this segment?
The song that Betty LaVette performs in this segment was written by William Montgomery, a friend of hers from Detroit.
Show Notes
This episode was recorded on April 21st, 2024 at Ohio Univeristy's Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium in Athens, Ohio. The lineup includes
Bettye LaVette, Keller Williams, Kim Richey, The Langan Band, Megan Jean's Secret Family. https://bit.ly/4aGU9H9
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