Mountain Blog

This week’s premiere episode of Mountain Stage with Larry Groce features roots rock songwriting icon Dave Alvin, along with contemporary jazz and blues singer Catherine Russell, insurgent country and Americana artist Will Hoge, Boston-based singer-songwriter Catie Curtis, and folk mainstay Eliza Gilkyson.

Click here for a complete list of stations where you can listen to Mountain Stage, and click here to see our entire schedule of upcoming episodes.

A true icon of roots music, this was Dave Alvin’s 6^th appearance on Mountain Stage. From his early work with his brother in The Blasters to his eclectic career as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Alvin has had richly varied musical path. After The Blasters, Alvin was briefly the lead guitarist for seminal L.A. Punk Band X before releasing a series of solo albums in the 80’s and 90’s that are widely regarded as classics.

In 1989, Alvin scored a hit when he penned the Dwight Yoakam chart topper “Long White Cadillac,” which you’ll hear on this week’s Mountain Stage. You’ll also hear “Harlan County Line,” a song that gained a lot of attention after being prominently featured in the season finale of the TV show Justified. 

 

You’ll also hear from singer-songwriter Will Hoge. Situated somewhere between heartland rock, soul, and country, Hoge’s powerful voice, songwriting chops, and relentless touring schedule have earned him great deal of respect among his peers. His song “Even If it Breaks Your Heart” has become a radio hit for the Eli Young band, and his new album Seven has secured Hoge multiple trips to the Opry stage of late. You can hear Will Hoge talk about his career so far, and see clips of his performance in our latest Backstage at Mountain Stage video above.

Catherine Russell is, simply put, one of the very best contemporary jazz and blues vocalists working today. She’s shared the stage with everyone from Madonna and David Bowie to Issac Hayes and Dolly Parton. Russell comes by it naturally – her father, the late Luis Russell, was a pioneering pianist and composer who served as Louis Armstrong’s musical director for many years. For her Mountain Stage performance, you’ll get to hear Russell alongside her own band, lead by the wildly talented guitarist Matt Munisteri. You can catch a preview of her performance here, via our Mountain Stage Song of the Week, "Just Because You Can."

Boston-based singer-songwriter Catie Curtis also appears. Her career has spanned 2 decades, and she’s earned both popular and critical praise. She was called a “folk-rock goddess” by the New Yorker, and is regarded as one of New England’s finest live performers. Her new release, Stretch Limousine on Fire features a cameo by Mary Chapin Carpenter and 10 original songs that explore the passing of life’s events. She’s backed by her friend Jenna Lindbo on keys, along with the Mountain Stage band.

Finally, you’ll hear from singer-songwriter Eliza Gilkyson. Politically-minded and poetically-gifted, Gilkyson has become one of the most respected musicians in roots, folk and Americana circles. The Grammy-nominated artist has appeared on Austin City Limits, and toured with Richard Thompson, Patty Griffin and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

In February of 2003, she was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame, alongside Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt, Nanci Griffith, Billy Joe Shaver, Butch Hancock, Joe Ely and others. She’s backed for her performance by the Mountain Stage band.

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Thanks for listening to Mountain Stage!