'Walk the Line' Brings Johnny and June to the Big Screen

November 18, 2005

In U.S. theatres today, Walk the Line, a new Johnny Cash bio-pic starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon as the late Johnny and June Carter Cash. The project was initiated before Cash died and had his blessing - with one stipulation, that whoever portrayed him actually knew how to play guitar. So, Phoenix learned to play (both Phoenix and Witherspoon provide their own vocals for the song covers). The film is getting great reviews, and Oscar buzz is surrounding Witherspoon, who grew up in Nashville and, blessedly, has a southern accent that is truly authentic. The story follows Cash from his difficult youth, through his addictions, to a happy ending with June at his side (I'm sorry if that ruined the ending for anyone!).

Jerry Douglas Wins Musician of the Year

November 16, 2005

He may have lost out on the IBMA's dobro of the year award, but he won a shiny new prize from the Country Music Association last night. Because of all of the "stunt" performances (I could have used way more Dolly and much less Elton), Jerry had to accept his award for Musician of the Year off-air. Alison Krauss & Union Station with Mr. Douglas played before the Vocal Group of the Year award was handed out (it went to Rascal Flatts). Keith Urban won for entertainer of the year (he's Australian).

Nominations for First Canadian Folk Music Awards

November 15, 2005

On Dec. 10 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec, folk artists from across the country will gather for the first-ever Canadian Folk Music Awards. The ceremony will honor the breadth and quality of folk music in Canada and put folk music center stage, not huddled in the miscellaneous categories of the Junos (or Grammys, for that matter - and the U.S. doesn't have stand alone awards for folk like those that exist for Americana, Country, Blues and Bluegrass).

The 14 categories for the new CFMA include prizes for solo and group work, contemporary and traditional titles, World artists, emerging artist, and "Pushing the Boundaries." The event on Dec. 10 will be hosted by Gilles Garand and multiple-nominee, Connie Kaldor. Performers include James Keelaghan, David Francey and Le Vent du Nord.

Links for the Nov. Chat's "New CDs in the Stream"

November 8, 2005

Here are links to artist sites and to shopping sites (the holidays are coming - sooner than you think) for the CDs recently added to the Folk Alley music library.

Joan Baez - Bowery Songs
Arlo Guthrie - Live in Sydney
Jackson Browne - Solo Acoustic Volume 1
Dolly Parton - Those Were the Days
The Lovell Sisters Band - When Forever Rolls Around
Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas - Fire & Grace
Gordon Bok - Apples in the Basket
Various Artists - Moody Bluegrass: A Nashville Tribute to the Moody Blues
Niall Vallely - Buille
Bethany & Rufus - Bethany & Rufus
Mary Gauthier - Mercy Now
Paul Kamm & Eleanor MacDonald - Like Water
Liz Carroll and John Doyle - In Play

CMA Crossover Crazy

November 4, 2005

Although the Country Music Awards will open with a performance by recently scorned Kenny Chesney on Tues., Nov. 15 in New York at Madison Square Garden, there will be an array of singers who are not normally thought of "Country." Mostly featured in duets, stars set to appear on "Country's biggest night" include Olivia Newton-John (who, in fairness, has actually won a CMA) and Bon Jovi. Dolly Parton (fresh off the release of the lovely Those Were the Days) will pair up with Elton John while Willie Nelson and Paul Simon will perform together for the first time. Well, it worked for Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock.

In other CMA Alison Krauss is nominated for Female Vocalist of Year and she is scheduled to perform with her band, Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, also nominated for Vocal Group of the Year. Douglas is nominated for Musician of the Year, as is Randy Scruggs. The ceremonies will be broadcast live in the U.S. on CBS.