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Brian Blauser Grupo Fantasma, performs live on Mountain Stage |
This week's action packed episode of Mountain Stage features Latin-funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma, along with The
Greencards, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Tracy Nelson, and Musikanto. Click here to view the playlist, and click here find a time and station where you can listen.
Based in Austin,
the 10-piece Latin-funk band Grupo Fantasma formed in 2000. Comprised of two
guitarists, two bass players, three drummers and a three-piece horn section,
the group quickly established a reputation for high-energy live shows. It’s
earned them two appearances on Austin City Limits, and spots backing up Prince
in Las Vegas and London. Last year, their album El Existential
won the group a Grammy for “Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album.” You can sample their performance here, via our Mountain Stage Song of the Week.
The Greencards make their fourth appearance on Mountain
Stage. This multi-national bluegrass trio, led by Australians Kym Warner and
Carol Young, has racked up serious accolades. None other than Robert Earl Keen called the Greencards’ music, “the best bluegrass I’ve heard in 20 years.” In 2006, the group won “New/Emerging Artist of the Year” at the Americana Music
Association Awards. With two new members, young fiddle phenom Tyler Andal and
flatpicking champion Carl Miner, the band has released The Brick Album, which
was funded by contributions from fans.
You’ll also hear from Canadian roots rock supergroup Blackie & the Rodeo Kings. You can get a taste of their Mountain Stage performance
via our Backstage at Mountain Stage video here:
Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, Backstage at Mountain Stage
Blackie & the Rodeo Kings is a collaboration between
three well-respected blues, folk and rock musicians: Colin Linden, Stephen
Fearing and Tom Wilson. The three joined forces in 1996, and under the name of
Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, released an album of songs written by Canadian
singer-songwriter Willie P. Bennett.
In 2011, The Rodeo Kings released Kings and Queens, featuring duet vocals
from Emmylou Harris, Pam Tillis, Lucinda Williams, Rosanne Cash, Cassandra
Wilson, Patti Scialfa and others.
Vocal powerhouse Tracy Nelson returns to Mountain Stage. See
her backstage interview, as well as clips from her performance here:
Tracy Nelson discusses everything from hanging out with Hendrix and Muddy Waters to saving her new album from a house fire with host Larry Groce.
Musikanto, Backstage at Mountain Stage