Episode #48 featuring Alex Salcido of The Harmed Brothers

TMFWP_alex_salcido_portrait_cris_sohler_web

The Harmed Brothers’ Alex Salcido bellied up to the bar at The Helm. Photo by Christopher Sohler (www.christophersohler.com)

Episode #48 with Alex Salcido

Armed with a beautiful voice and a wonderfully beat up acoustic, longtime podcast pal Alex Salcido of The Harmed Brothers stopped back in The Helm last week as the featured artist for Episode #48, and we’re sure glad he did.

Just a few weeks back, Alex could be heard backing up his pal Tom VandenAvond in a special podcast taping and house show in The Helm. Now cooling his heels in Portland while working on the next Harmed Brothers record, Alex has been playing a few shows here and there around town while prepping for a summer of fun and music with his Harmed Brothers partner Ray Vietti.

TMFWP_alex_salcido_performance_cris_sohler_web

Alex Salcido, laying it down in The Helm. Photo by Christopher Sohler

On this episode, Alex shares the stories of his musical journey from middle school up through the present, a long road with some interesting twists and turns along the way. The Harmed Brothers made quite a splash in 2013-14 with their terrific release “Better Days” on Fluff & Gravy Records, and we share a few of those songs on the show. But before then, Alex performs three fantastic newer tunes, including one he dedicates to his musical pal Drew Landry, currently on the mend from an auto accident. He sings, “Well be broke, but we’ll never be broken,” on the tune “Adopt A Highway.”

We also have some amazing new music to share, per usual. When he wasn’t spreading disinformation about NASCAR racing and Loudon Wainwright III, co-host Phil Favorite dug up brand-new, unreleased songs from The Earnest Lovers and Barna Howard as well as music from some killer Northwest bands he’s seen play live recently, including Evening Bell, The Ganges River Band and Jenny Don’t & The Spurs.

There’s also new music from John Moreland and Ryan Bingham as well as terrific cuts from podcasts favorites Caleb Caudle, Tim Barry, Cory Brannan and a closing track picked by co-host Mike Lee to shine the spotlight on the recent rioting in Baltimore.

So settle in for the ride and let Mr. Salcido’s voice carry you away. All you have to do is hit play. Here’s the playlist for Episode #48 of That Much Further West Podcast:

Dust Storm, Evening Bell
Eyes of Fire, The Ganges River Band
Angel of Sunrise, The Earnest Lovers
Indiana Rose, Barna Howard
Don’t Wanna Be Lonesome (Live in The Helm), Alex Salcido
Adopt A Highway (Live in The Helm), Alex Salcido
For Stephen Maddox (Live in The Helm), Alex Salcido
Ballad of Probably Not, The Harmed Brothers
When You See Me, The Harmed Brothers
Trade All The Lights (featuring Lydia Loveless), Caleb Caudle
Angelyne, Fernando
The James, Tim Barry
High On Tulsa Heat, John Moreland
Radio, Ryan Bingham
Trouble With The Law, Jenny Don’t & The Spurs
Downtown Girls, American Aquarium
Little Birds, Trujillo
Meantime Blues, Cory Branan
Hemingway’s Whiskey, Guy Clark
Streets of Baltimore, Gram Parsons

Episode #47 featuring Morgan Geer of Drunken Prayer

TMFWP_drunken_prayer_portrait_cris_sohler_web

The one and only Morgan Geer of Drunken Prayer re-visiting The Helm. Photo by Christopher Sohler (christophersohler.com)

Episode #47 with Morgan Geer

His home base these days is Asheville, N.C., USA, but the Pacific Northwest always keeps a light on for Morgan Geer of Drunken Prayer, our guest in The Helm for Episode #47. A longtime friend and favorite of the podcast, the Reverend Geer stopped by while doing a spate of shows — some solo, some with a filled out Drunken Prayer — in Oregon and Washington over the past few weeks.

In the course of our interview, Morgan talks about the different approaches he’s taken to the three Drunken Prayer records, the single he put out last year featuring songs by The Band and Willis Alan Ramsay, and the album he’s working on that will be coming out this summer on Fluff & Gravy Records. He also tells how he’ll be playing tour dates as a touring member of the seminal alt-country band Freakwater, which will be out supporting a new record on which Geer played guitar.

TMFWP_drunken_prayer_performance_cris_sohler_web

Love Looks Like A Master — Morgan Geer, laying it down at The Helm in April 2015. Photo by Christopher Sohler

Morgan also shared a few solo versions of songs to expect on the coming Drunken Prayer album — “Love Looks Like A Master” and “Machines.” He said the new record won’t be as lo-fi as the previous Drunken Prayer record, House of Morgan, but not necessarily “just another Drunken Prayer record.”

He’ll be back in the Pacific Northwest this coming summer to play some shows in support of the new record, so we’re pretty sure we haven’t heard the last of Morgan Geer here at That Much Further West Podcast. And we made sure to play a few cuts from the previous records to help you get a feel for the wonderfully varied rock and soul Morgan cranks out under the Drunken Prayer flag.

We also play some great songs from some more of our favorite bands, including Big Shoals, The Calamity Cubes, The Bottle Rockets and a pair of tunes from the new record by John Moreland. Co-host Phil Favorite even risks his street cred by sharing a song by The Gin Blossoms. Call it a guilty pleasure.

So here’s the song list for Episode #47. Just press play and enjoy!

12 Steps, Big Shoals
Jumper Cables, Widower
Love Looks Like A Master (Live In The Helm), Drunken Prayer
Machines (Live in The Helm), Drunken Prayer

Take This Hammer, Drunken Prayer
The Missionfield, Drunken Prayer
Kite, The Calamity Cubes
Radar Gun, The Bottle Rockets
Cheatin’, The Gin Blossoms
Black River, W.C. Beck
Vanport 1948, Lewi Longmire
Mirror Behind The Man, Kate Mann
Hang Me In The Tulsa County Stars, John Moreland
Heart’s Too Heavy, John Moreland

Episode #46 featuring Hip Hatchet

TMFWP_hip_hatchet_portrait_christopher_sohler_web

Philippe, the man known as Hip Hatchet, barside at The Helm. Photo by Christopher Sohler (christophersohler.com)

Episode #46 with Hip Hatchet

You can call him Philippe, or simply Phil, but the man known as Hip Hatchet is easily one of the best pickers and folk singers that we’ve had the pleasure of hosting in The Helm.

Our team first discovered Hip Hatchet at the 2013 Wildwood MusicFest and Campout and we’ve been following his progress ever since. Now ready with a fantastic new album titled “Hold You Like A Harness,” a long tour ready to launch and a release show planned for here in Portland this coming Friday at Secret Society, Hip Hatchet is poised to take his profile to a new level.

On this latest episode, we learn a little more about Philippe’s background growing up in New Jersey, his discovery of folk and country music during his college days, and the making of the new record with players from all over the country. We also get to experience the wonderful guitar playing and one-of-a-kind voice — described as “earthy” by co-host Eric Kotila —in live performances of two songs, including the title cut from the new record.

TMFWP_hip_hatchet_christopher_sohler_web

Phil from Jersey, Taylor in hand, entertaining our guests in The Helm. Photo by Christopher Sohler

With a three-month tour that will take him all over the country and up into Canada, Hip Hatchet is ready to take the world by storm with a record reflective of his terrific talent. Be sure to check him out when he rolls through your town, and if you’re here in Portland, catch him with a six-piece band this Friday at Secret Society.

We also share some great recorded music, some local to us here in Portland. Be sure to check out the tune from Malachi Graham, who celebrated the release of her new EP last week, as well as the songs from M. Lockwood Porter and Drunken Prayer, who will be a guests on the podcast in coming weeks.

Inspired by Hip Hatchet’s appearance on the show, co-host Mike Lee shared a set of songs featuring artists he discovered over the course of the first three Wildwood festivals, including Deadstring Brothers, C.W. Ayon and Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas.

So lots to enjoy on Episode #46. Dial it up, download it and dig in. Here’s the playlist:

Small Bird Song, Hip Hatchet
Hold You Like A Harness (Live in The Helm), Hip Hatchet
Joy of Repetition (Live in The Helm), Hip Hatchet
David’s Wolves, Hit Hatchet
Money Back, The Resolectrics
Pre-Code Blues, Malachi Graham
I Came Around, Possessed By Paul James
Good Time Gal, Copper & Coal
Chris Bell, M. Lockwood Porter
Cavalier, Shovels & Rope
Lucille’s Honky Tonk, Deadstring Brothers
Hollerin’ Mercy, Sidestreet Reny
Tired Oak, Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas
Catron Country Time, C.W. Ayon
Bible On The Dash (featuring Hayes Carll), Corb Lund
You Walk, Drunken Prayer
Remember Me, Fernando
AM Country Heaven, Jason Eady

TMFWP Special: An Evening with Tom VandenAvond

TMFWP_Tom_VandenAvond_portrait_web

Buddies and touring mates: Alex Salcido (left) and Tom VandenAvond in The Helm. Photo by Christopher Sohler (www.christophersohler.com)

Listen to Tom VandenAvond’s performance at The Helm from 3-25-15:

Tom V. in The Helm

Listen to Tom’s interview with the hosts of That Much Further West Podcast:

Interview with Tom V.

Tom VandenAvond is one of our finest modern American troubadours, and a longtime favorite of That Much Further West Podcast. That’s why we were thrilled to have Tom and his touring mate, Alex Salcido of The Harmed Brothers, in for a special house show in The Helm on March 25.

Tom V. was touring the Pacific Northwest promoting his latest CD, “Endtimes,” a record he made with the help of one of the Pac NW’s best bands, Larry and His Flask. With Salcido riding shotgun and adding banjo and other goodies, the house show at The Helm leaned heavily on cuts from “Endtimes” and his two other terrific CDs, 2012’s “Wreck of a Fine Man” (see video below) and 2010’s “You Ought To Know Me By Now.” All three records come highly recommended by the podcast crew.

TMFWP_tom_VandenAvond_web

Tom V. with support from Marilee Hord and Alex Salcido.

You can almost hear the million road miles he’s covered in his raspy, whiskey-soaked voice as he entertains a small crowd of believers in The Helm. In our interview with the podcast hosts, Tom shared some tales from the road and how he ended up based in his current hometown of Knights Ferry, California, after a long stint in Austin, Texas. He also played a couple of bonus tunes accompanied by Salcido and our local friend Marilee Hord.

Enjoy the recordings and be sure to watch for Tom V. coming through your hometown soon. And follow all his comings and goings at tomvandenavond.com.

Episode #45 featuring The Git Rights Gospel Revue

TMFWP_git_rights_group_web

The Git Rights Gospel Revue (l to r): Levi Lunde, Michael Sean Cummins, Marilee Hord, Bob Dunham, Heather Jo Cahill and Chad Lanning. Photo by Christopher Sohler (www.christophersohler.com)

Episode #45 with the Git Rights

Praise the Lord, we had The Git Rights Gospel Revue into The Helm for a rowdy good time in recording Episode #45. And before you ask, the answer is yes, we knew exactly what we were getting into.

The Git Rights are legends in the local bar circuit here in Portland. Their live shows feature an irreverent mix of country music and Christian outreach, all spouting from the mind of their humorous leader Michael Sean Cummins. The material is presented tongue-in-cheek, but the message is very real in calling out the hypocritical nature of conservative Christianity in America. Sometimes it’s OK to be a little naughty while being nice, and followers of the Git Rights know they’re in for a fun ride every time the band takes the stage. “It’s like going to church, and there’s whiskey,” Rev. Cummins explained.

On this episode, listeners will learn “It Ain’t Gay To Love Jesus,” and also that following Christ’s example isn’t all that difficult — pretty much “try not to be a prick.”

TMFWP_git_rights_web

The Git Rights sharing their gospel music in The Helm.

The Git Rights are prepping for a big show this coming Friday night at The World Famous Kenton Club, the North Portland bar that has served as their home base since their inception. It’s a birthday show for two of their members turning 40, and they’ll also be sharing the bill with one of the best bands in town, Root Jack. It’s a show that’s sure to reveal the Git Rights in their fun-loving glory, so be get there early and prepare for a sweaty, Jesus-lovin’ good time.

While this episode frequently twists and turns toward oblivion, we manage to keep it on the rails by sharing plenty of great music from the wonderful world of Americana and Alt-Country. Topping the playlist is a song, “Asymmetrical Man,” from the new EP by Portland treasure Randall Payton and his band Chez Stadium (search on Bandcamp). We also have tunes from Seattle’s Evening Bell and Chuckanut Drive as well cuts from C.W. Ayon, Charlie Parr, Cody Jinks and Micheal Dean Damron, among others.

So dial it up and open your heart to Jesus. Here’s the playlist:

Asymmetrical Man, Chez Stadium
To Love Somebody, Slobberbone
No Lonesome Tune, Townes Van Zandt
Dust Storm, Evening Bell
It Ain’t Gay To Love Jesus (Live In The Helm), The Git Rights Gospel Revue
Dead Guy On A Stick (Live In The Helm), The Git Rights Gospel Revue
The Hand Of The Almighty (Live In The Helm), The Git Rights Gospel Revue
When God Dips His Love In My Heart (Live In The Helm), The Git Rights Gospel Revue
Bring That Bottle, C.W. Ayon
The Speakeasy Solution, Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy
Funeral Road Blues, Charlie Parr
Burning .44, Chuckanut Drive
13 Years, Cody Jinks
Bad Days Ahead (Live), Michael Dean Damron

Episode #44 featuring Jenny Don’t & The Spurs

TMFW_jenny_dont_christopher_sohler_web

We’ve been Spurred (l to r): Lewi Longmire, Jenny Don’t and Sam Henry in The Helm. Photo by Christopher Sohler (www.christophersohler.com)

Episode #44 with Jenny Don’t & The Spurs

Our latest night in The Helm was a rowdy one and made even rowdier by the presence of one of Portland’s best new country bands, Jenny Don’t & The Spurs. Featuring the terrific songwriting and acoustic playing of Jenny Don’t — best known for fronting the fabulous punk-surf-garage band Don’t — The Spurs were kind enough to stop by to promote the release of their new 7-inch and a concert they have coming up opening for Lukas Nelson & The Promise of The Real at Mississippi Studios on March 17.

The Spurs perform as a four-piece fronted by Jenny and backed by legendary drummer Sam Henry, guitarist Lewi Longmire and bassist Kelly Halliburton. Kelly missed the podcast (he’s on tour with his punk band P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S.), but the rest were on board at The Helm to share their thoughts on playing country music, touring Europe and reaching bigger, receptive audiences. And with Lewi adding some lead telecaster and Sam slapping a pair of brushes on a single snare drum, Jenny led the Spurs through a pair of brand-new songs that were warmly received by the excellent rogue’s gallery of Helm guests.

TMFWP_jenny_dont_1_christopher_sohler_web

Jenny Don’t has the chops and boots for kickin’ out the jams. Photo by Christopher Sohler

Once The Spurs wrapped up their interview, things devolved pretty quickly in typical That Much Further West Podcast fashion. But over the course of the episode our hosts managed to share their usual healthy dose of Americana and alt-country for the episode playlist.

Co-host Phil Favorite ran with an “Amarillo” theme, started by a request for the Austin band Lil Cap’n & Travis by our friend and in-house guest Shelby Farrar. Also on the list is a song “Amarillo” from the excellent new album by Ryan Culwell, and the same-titled classic by Emmylou Harris.

Co-host Eric Kotila added some great songs by some of the artists who will be performing at this coming summer’s Wildwood MusicFest & Campout, including Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit, Matt Woods and podcast favorite Emily Herring. And third amigo Mike Lee shares some tunes from and stories about a handful of his favorites, including 500 Miles To Memphis, Supersuckers and Soda Gardocki.

We saved the last song from the one and only Willie Nelson. And for the record, news of Willie’s death last week were greatly exaggerated, which is reason enough to dial it up and dig into Episode #44. Here’s the playlist:

My Life In Amarillo, Lil Cap’n & Travis
Amarillo, Ryan Culwell
Amarillo, Emmylou Harris
Do You Know Thee Enemy?, Slim Cessna’s Auto Club
The Very Best, The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit
Drinking To Forget, Matt Woods
Your Mistake, Emily Herring
The Fire (Live In The Helm), Jenny Don’t & The Spurs
The Note (Live In The Helm), Jenny Don’t & The Spurs
Shot My Old Man Down, Jenny Don’t & The Spurs
You Win Again, Jenny Don’t & The Spurs
Easy Come & Easy Go, 500 Miles To Memphis
Streets of Baltimore, Gram Parsons
Roadworn And Weary, Supersuckers
Gutter Queen, Soda Gardocki
Uncloudy Day, Willie Nelson

TMFWP Special: Catching up with Aaron Lee Tasjan

ALT3

Aaron Lee Tasjan, looking slightly less shaggy than he did last month opening for The Mastersons at Mississippi Studios in Portland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Listen to Aaron Lee Tasjan’s performance at Mississippi Studios from Feb. 17, 2015:

Aaron Lee Tasjan at Mississippi Studios, 2-17-15

Listen to an interview with Aaron Lee after the show:

Interview with Aaron Lee Tasjan, 2-17-15

Armed with his trusty six-string acoustic, aw-shucks charm and a handful of fantastic songs, 20-something singer/slinger/songwriter Aaron Lee Tasjan stepped on the stage at Mississippi Studios in Portland last month ready to kill. And kill he did.

Currently on tour opening for New West recording artists The Mastersons, ALT proved himself as powerful a solo artist as he is fronting a full rockin’ band. His clever songwriting and nimble, innovative guitar work were on full display during a short, seven-song set featuring just one tune from his terrific 2014 EP “Crooked River Burning.”

ALT1

ALT, fully bearded and coming to a town near you soon.

A recent move to East Nashville, Tennessee, has led to an inspirational explosion for ALT, who’s been touring all over the states since the start of 2015. Over the coming months, he’ll be putting the finishing touches on his new full-length record, the crowd-funded “In The Blazes.”

After the Portland show, ALT sat down with podcast co-host Phil Favorite for a chat about life on the road, his plans for the rest of 2015, an update on the new record and a recent full-band performance that was taped for the internet at Electric Lady Studios in New York City (see bottom of this post).

At That Much Further West Podcast, we’re expecting big things for this terrific young artist in the years to come. Look for him later this month at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas, and on the road with Chuck Mead (of BR549 fame) in the Spring. Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy our crowd bootleg and interview.

Here’s the setlist from Aaron Lee’s performance at Mississippi Studios:

1. Madonnas From America
2. Don’t Walk Away
3. East Nashville Song About A Train
4. Please Forgive Me, Ohio
5. American Tan
6. Living Proof
7. 66 Dollar Blues

Episode #43 featuring The Hillwilliams

TMFWP_hillwilliams_christopher_sohler_web_1

The Hillwilliams in The Helm (left to right): Bernardo Gomez, Matt Franzen, Rich Landar and David Gerow. Photos by Christopher Sohler (www.christophersohler.com)

Episode #43 w/ The Hillwilliams

For Episode 43, we answer the burning question, “Are you ever gonna have some kick-ass bluegrass on this show?” Our answer: “Hill yeah!” Portland’s hottest new bluegrass act, The Hillwilliams, invaded The Helm for an interview and performance promoting their brand-new CD, titled Hill Yeah!

TMFW_hillwilliams_christopher_sohler_2_web

The Hillwilliams: No turntables, one microphone.

With mandolin player and singer Rich Landar leading the interview, we learn how The Hillwilliams formed, toured and honed their bluegrass chops to get ready for recording their debut album, which consists mostly of original material. The band also includes singer/banjo player Matt Franzen, David Gerow on fiddle and Bernardo Gomez, all much-accomplished musicians and veterans of our local music scene.

Sandwiched between a pair of cuts from the new disc, The Hillwilliams show off their live chops on a couple others: Landar’s “Ants In The Kitchen” and a cover of “Saving Grace,” a tune penned by late-great local legend Scotland Barr. Both performances earned rousing applause from an enthusiastic group of friends gathered in The Helm. Local listeners will want to check out this band during one of their upcoming Portland performances.

This episode also features a playlist featuring tons of new music picked by our co-hosts.

Phil Favorite talks up the Seattle band Evening Bell and shares a cut from their new single called “Restless Angel,” and also a tune from Jenny Don’t & The Spurs called “Trouble With The Law.” Mike Lee’s selections — songs from Ryan Bingham, American Aquarium, Murder By Dealth, Tim Barry and Justin Townes Earle — are all from recently released records. So are the songs at the end of the show, one from Steve Earle and another Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires. And co-host Eric Kotila picked a handful of tunes that fit the “bluegrassy” vibe of the show, choices inspired by the visit from The HIlliwilliams.

Yes, lots to chew on here. So dial it up, kick back and press play! Here’s the playlist:

Restless Angel, Evening Bell
Trouble With The Law, Jenny Don’t & The Spurs
Man I’m Supposed To Be, American Aquarium
Burn My Body, The Hillwilliams
Ants In The Kitchen (Live in The Helm), The Hillwilliams
Saving Grace (Live in The Helm), The Hillwilliams
Ratty Old Hat, The Hillwilliams
Adventures of You and Me, Ryan Bingham
Send Me Home, Murder By Death
No News From North, Tim Barry
Call Ya Momma, Justin Townes Earle
Bound To Ride, Jayke Orvis and the Broken Band
Evil Motherfucker From Tennessee, Joe Buck Yourself
The Devil Gets His Due, The Dirt Daubers
Old West Side, The Tillers
Codeine, Trampled By Turtles
Go Go Boots Are Back, Steve Earle
Mutineer, Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires

Episode #40 featuring Timber County

TMFWP_timber_county_christopher_sohler_web

The gang’s all here, including Kip Lindig (with guitar) and Marilee Hord (right, with mic) of Timber County. Photo by Christopher Sohler.

Episode #40 with Timber County

Good friends, good times and great music . . . what a wonderful way to kick off 2015. The podcast team and some of our best supporters gathered at our main headquarters — The Helm — for our first live taping of the year featuring our pals Kip Lindig and Marilee Hord of Timber County.

This new musical project, which launched publicly at the end of 2014, features all-new tunes from our longtime pal Kip, a man of much music and merriment. Loved for his terrific spirit and positivity, Kip “brings the party wherever he goes,” according to co-host Eric Kotila. Episode #40 is proof positive of that. The show features three brand-new songs from this brand-new incarnation, all performed live and exclusively for That Much Further West Podcast.

In our interview, we learn how Timber County came together, their plans for 2015 and how the lovely Ms. Hord helped in shaping the songs. We even pick up a hint as to whether or not Marilee may be the daughter of Jimmy Page, but no confirmation either way was granted.

wildwoodtimber

Marilee and Kip during a recent performance at The Wildwood Hotel in Willamina, OR.

Our hosts also share another batch of great tunes, many from some of their favorite albums of last year. A little research by co-host Mike Lee revealed the fact that our theme song from the band Lucero had never been played on the show in its entirety, so it’s included along with songs by The Easy Leaves, M. Lockwood Porter, Austin Lucas and the great John Moreland, among many others.

Mike also shares a romantic story involving the singer from Arliss Nancy, and the boys weigh in on the significance of Sturgill Simpson’s ascendance in the realm of popular music.

So settle in for a fun and rollicking good time. Here’s the playlist for Episode #40:

5 Degrees Below Zero, Richmond Fontaine
The American, The Easy Leaves
That Much Further West, Lucero
Saving Me (Live In The Helm), Timber County
Silver Chain (Live In The Helm), Timber County
Head For The Hills (Live In The Helm), Timber County
Lucero Song, Matt Woods
Over And Over And Over Again, Cahalen Morrison & Country Hammer
Greetings From The Salty Old Gulf Coast, Tom VandenAvond
Glass City, Two Car Garage
Restless, M. Lockwood Porter
Moonshiner, Uncle Tupelo
He Told Her The City Was Killing Him, The Delines
Save It For Yourself, Austin Lucas
We Can’t Talk (About Those Things), Cutbank
Bottles & Cans, Caleb Caudle
Break My Heart Sweetly, John Moreland

TMFWP Special: Live From The Helm, Vol. 1

TMFWP_the_helm_bar_christopher_sohler_graphic_web

Bar lights at The Helm . . . our home base in Portland, OR, USA. Photo by Christopher Sohler

Live From The Helm, Vol. 1

It’s a bar. It’s a basement. It’s a warm gathering space for friends. And it’s our home base here at That Much Further West Podcast.

The Helm, so named in honor of the great Levon Helm, is all that and so much more, for in a little over a year it has been a place for co-hosts Eric Kotila, Mike Lee and Phil Favorite to record the show and receive their guests for good times and great performances.

So to kick off 2015, we’ve gathered some of the best live performances from our first year-plus in The Helm to create this very special podcast. You’ll hear songs not only by some of our best friends but also folks we’ve come to admire for their fantastic talents and artistic integrity. The performances are raw, righteous, some a little bit flawed, but all straight from the heart and aimed at your soul.

We’re looking forward to inviting more and more great singers, songwriters and players into The Helm as 2015 continues. It’s a great way for you to get to know them better and for them to promote record releases, upcoming performances and tours. And as you’ll discover by playing this podcast, we’re blessed by an abundance of talented friends both local to Portland and Oregon but also California, Washington and across the U.S.A.

Special thanks to all the artists who took the time to support the podcast and lend their talents, and also a big thanks to the Kotila Family — Eric, his lovely wife Jean and their beautiful baby Ruby (who makes a cameo on this podcast) — for opening up their home to our wonderful community.

So here it is . . . the playlist for Live From The Helm, Vol. 1. Dig it.

Step By Step, Chris Miller and James Sasser (Miller & Sasser)
Call Your Shot, Willy Tea
Slave Boy, Ron Rogers (with Deborah Giles)
Think Too Much, Kris Stuart (of Root Jack)
Greedy, Sarah Gwen
Little Birds, Freddy Trujillo
The Road, Joel Roth (of The Low Bones, with Paul Brainard)
On Mobile Bay, Morgan Geer (of Drunken Prayer, with Christa Geer)
Just Like A Fool, Rich West Blatt
Used To It Now, Nate Wallace (of Hearts of Oak, with Ezra Meredith and J. Lever)
My Beloved, Bradford Loomis & Beth Whitney
Peaceful Release, Nick Foltz (of Lowlight)
Only Blind, Tate Peterson (of The Resolectrics)
Crowhurst, Henry Kammerer (of Hillstomp)