Greetings from Laurel Canyon!
For a third consecutive year I’m in Nashville for the Americana Music Awards. It’s a music conference like SXSW, centered around an awards show presented the legendary Ryman Auditorium. The music echoing thru the Ol’ Opry, is a pleasant mix of country, blues, folk, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. There are achievement awards—cool, young, “rootsy” artists like Shaky Graves, Houndmouth, and Sturgill Simpson are represented, as well as tons of old dudes and chicks with cool vintage guitars! Even Don Henley took a bow.
Watching this year’s awards I was drooling over master guitarists and their tasty vintage axes—Dave Rawlings (with Gillian Welch), Greg Leisz (with Lucinda Williams), Marc Ribot’s acoustic, and Keb Mo’s fitting tribute to Lucille (“long gone”) B.B. King’s guitar—all point toward the city of Nashville as the “home of the guitar” moving into the 21st century.
I’ve always referred to a guitar old as “a friend.” Indeed, a cool guitar collection is very much like having a second family. Certainly no guitar player would laugh at this thought?
Speaking of family, this week’s Idelic Hour is a set of songs with family in mind. Tuesday rang in the Jewish new year of 5776. With my wife being 25% Cherokee Indian, I love referring to us Sidels as “Shmohawks”—Jewish Indians who have wild ideas and simple spiritual practices.
So, with 5776 in mind, the Sidels send you and your families love and positive vibes with this AMA inspired hour of music.
The Idelic Hit of the Week:
RADKEY – Parade It
“One more day in guitar city. Find me…”
