Tag Archives: Portland alt-country podcast

Episode #69 featuring Stars of Cascadia

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Representing Stars of Cascadia (l to r): Scott Jeffries, Mandy Allan and John Nyen. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

Stream or download Episode #69:  Episode 69 w/ Stars of Cascadia

When we first met Stars of Cascadia last summer, they had just launched as a local band ready to make some noise in the Americana scene in our hometown of Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. Now they’re back in The Helm with a debut CD called “Riverside Skyline” and ready to rock with a big celebration show this Friday, May 20 at White Eagle Saloon.

According to the band’s leader, Scott Jeffries, the new CD came together quickly under the guidance of producer/engineer Bryan Daste at his Magic Closet studio. With songwriting contributions from several band members, the seven-piece Stars pooled their talents to deliver some beautiful renderings of their heartfelt alt-country songs, some of which the trio of Jeffries, singer Mandy Allan and fiddle player John Nyen perform here live for Episode #69 of That Much Further West Podcast.

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Stars for the night in The Helm: Mandy, John and Scott of Stars of Cascadia. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

They also preview a few songs from the debut album that show off the talents of the various songwriters from the band. Each is a poignant look into the life of the author, a theme that often brings out the best in country music. And by sharing a few selections by artists who have influenced his songwriting, Jeffries displays a leaning toward the sentimental and wistful, things that may not seem obvious considering the scathing nature of a few of the originals he shares.

All in all, the band paints a fairly complete portrait of what they’re about and how they bring their hard-boiled stories to life. So sit back and enjoy this hour with Stars of Cascadia, and be sure to pick up a copy of the new record at their show this Friday night or at any of a number of online outlets when the disc goes live later in the week.

Here’s the playlist:

Santa Ana Winds (Live In The Helm), Stars of Cascadia
Life Of The Party (Live In The Helm), Stars of Cascadia
Judge Moore (Live In The Helm), Stars of Cascadia
$1,000 Wedding, Gram Parsons
TVA, Drive-By Truckers
Tonight, Shine A Light, Matthew Lindley
The Man I Am, Stars of Cascadia
Lowmoor, Stars of Cascadia
Bad Habits, Stars of Cascadia

TMFWP Special: Portland Country Underground — An Appreciation

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The lads of Portland Country Underground in their native habitat, Laurelthirst Public House (l to r): David Lipkind, Darrin Craig, David Reisch, Lewi Longmire, Ben Nugent and Jason Montgomery.

Stream or download TMFWP Special:
Portland Country Underground — An Appreciation: PCU Podcast Special

By PHIL FAVORITE
For That Much Furhter West Podcast
Since forming about five years ago as a Monday night happy hour band at the Laurelthirst Public House, Portland Country Underground, or PCU as they are known, has had a handful of individual lineup changes. But in terms of talent, the band has been a model of consistency, providing their fun-loving fans with songs from a catalog that spans the history of Americana music and often dips into the obscure and inspirational.

The current PCU lineup features longtime members Darrin Craig on rhythm guitar, Lewi Longmire on lead guitar, David Lipkind on harmonica, Dave Reisch on bass and relative newcomers Ben Nugent on drums and Jason Montgomery on pedal steel and lap steel guitar. All are respected veterans of the Portland music scene, and Reisch provides a direct link to Portland’s past — he was a member of the Holy Modal Rounders, plays with trippy-hippy veterans the Freak Mountain Ramblers, and when singing with PCU leads the band through a few songs made famous by fellow Portland alt-country and folk pioneers such as Jeffrey Frederick.

Kansas-born W.C. Beck was an original member of PCU and added a healthy dose of Midwest authenticity to the act, which you can hear on his song “Poor Man.” Like a few other former members of the band, he has since moved away from Portland but usually sits in with PCU when he returns here for visits. His cousin Darrin Craig, another Kansan, keeps that Midwestern vibe in tact, which you can hear when he sings “Pray For Rain.”

That song features some supernatural harmonica playing by David Lipkind, who occasionally takes lead vocal duties and is always at the ready to add some sweet harmonies or drop an insane harp solo when called on by the band’s live traffic cop, Lewi Longmire. When he’s not ripping a hot guitar solo of his own, Longmire is calling the shots, passing out solos between Lipkind and Montgomery or taking lead singing duties on songs by artists as varied as Mel Tillis, Ronnie Lane and Jimbo Mathis. He occasionally adds an original tune to the mix, such as the one we share here, “Baby, Would You Take Me Home.”

Needless to say, we’re huge fans and admirers of PCU, who sit at the top of sweet list of top-notch alt-country happy hour bands that we’re privileged to enjoy here in Portland.

You can catch Portland Country Underground for free on the first, second, fourth Monday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Laurelthirst Public House. If you do, be sure to tip the band and your bartenders.

A special podcast thank you to our pal and local recording guru Greg Fuller for providing us with these wonderful sound files. Feel free to stream or download the individual tracks from this special edition of the podcast.

Stream or Download “Poor Man” here:  Poor Man

Stream or download “Pray For Rain” here: Pray For Rain

Stream or download “Baby, Would You Take Me Home?” here: Baby, Would You Take Me Home?

May Podcast Picks

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Austin Lucas, coming to a town near you soon.

Stream or download Podcast Picks: May Podcast Picks

Austin Lucas has one of those pure country voices that makes your ears stand at attention. Apply the voice to the terrific songs he writes and it’s no surprise Austin has long been a favorite of That Much Further West Podcast, where we’ve been sharing his songs from the start.

Now, with a fantastic new album out called “Between The Moon & The Midwest,” the hardworking Mr. Lucas is ready once again to take his show on the road. He’ll be launching a tour later this month with Adam Faucett and Portland’s Fernando that will sweep through Texas and the Southwest before covering California and the Pacific Northwest. They’ll be at the Doug Fir Lounge in Portland on June 8.

One of the cuts from the new album, titled “Wrong Side Of The Dream,” features the inimitable Lydia Loveless and kicks off our Podcast Picks for May. It’s a bittersweet song about being stuck on the road and away too long from the one you love, written from both sides of the sad story. Washed in steel guitar, the song is a perfect way to launch into this month’s podcast picks, which feature more tales of bad-boy brothers, wild sailors, weekend hell raisers and troubadours ready to hit the road.

We’re especially stoked to share a song from our Australian friend Matthew Colin, who recently hit us with a stunning set of new demos. Hearing “Coyote,” you’ll quickly understand why we’re big fans of Matthew and his music.

We also have songs from the hot new albums by Sturgill Simpson, Richmond Fontaine and Margo Price along with a few of our local favorites such as Drunken Prayer, Hearts of Oak and Quiet Life. And we wrap things up first with a birthday salute to Mr. Willie Nelson and a tune from the band Denver sung by Birger Olsen, whose solo debut album is due in June. We’re hoping to bring Birger into The Helm for a formal podcast episode in advance of the new record, but until then, enjoy some great music as selected by our podcast team.

Here’s the playlist for May Podcast Picks:

Wrong Side Of The Dream, Austin Lucas (featuring Lydia Loveless)
Sea Stories, Sturgill Simpson
Three Brothers Roll Into Town, Richmond Fontaine
Low Down Soul, The Deslondes
Weekender, Margo Price
Hellraiser, Drunken Prayer
Used To It, Hearts Of Oak
Time Until, Quiet Life
Coyote, Matthew Colin
Keweenaw Flower, The Lowest Pair
My Leavin’, Luther Dickinson
On The Road Again, Willie Nelson
Sammyville, Denver

Episode #68 featuring The Harmed Brothers

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Coming to a town near you soon, The Harmed Brothers (l to r): Matthew McClure, Alex Salcido, Ray Vietti and Ryan Land. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

Stream or download Episode #68: Episode 68 w/ Harmed Bros

Right there at the top of their tour schedule: The Helm!

Yes, that’s right, we were stop No. 1 (on 4/20, no less) as The Harmed Brothers launched an ambitious three-month tour that will take them from their home base of Portland, Oregon, all the way to Portland, Maine, U.S.A. And they brought their full touring quartet — with leaders Alex Salcido and Ray Vietti supported by bassist Matthew McClure and drummer Ryan Land — into The Helm for a fun interview and performance for Episode #68 of That Much Further West Podcast.

We had Alex and Ray as individual guests on the show last summer, so it was good to get the full Harmed Brothers experience this time around. On this episode they talk about their plans to release an EP some time this summer on Fluff & Gravy Records, the tour itinerary (including a stop to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N. Y.), and some of the bands they expect to hook up with along the way.

They also talk about their coming together under the influence of the Dave Matthews Band and select a couple of songs (by ELO and Ryan Adams) that reveal what inspired them to become songwriters and also what’s been ringing in their heads recently. They also share some stories from their close relationship with podcast favorite and musical guru Willy Tea Taylor, who has been a guiding light for The Harmed Brothers in their larger family of Americana troubadours (including Tom VandenAvond and Soda Gardocki, among many others).

And after performing a handful of original songs and a lovely version of Happy Birthday for podcast gallery member Stacy, the boys were ready to hit the road outfitted with several bottles of hot sauce from Secret Aardvark Trading Company, our show sponsor.

Stay on top of all things Harmed at their website, including tour dates, and in the meantime, kick back and enjoy the show. Here’s the episode playlist:

A Letter To Lisa
State of Kansas
With Them Comes Hell (Live In The Helm)
 Conversation (Live In The Helm)
Telephone Line, Electric Light Orchestra
If I Am A Stranger, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
Under The Axe
Better Days
Where I’ve Always Been (Live In The Helm)

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The Harmed Brothers, launching their tour from The Helm. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media

Episode #65 featuring Willy Vlautin of Richmond Fontaine

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Willy Vlautin of Richmond Fontaine making himself at home in The Helm. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

Stream or download Episode #65: Episode 65 w/ Willy Vlautin

For 20 years, Richmond Fontaine has been the vanguard for Portland’s alt-country scene, earning worldwide acclaim for their dramatic, steel-infused Western soundscapes and the one-of-kind storytelling of singer Willy Vlautin. That’s why we are thrilled to share this interview and performance by Mr. Vlautin, recorded at our home base, The Helm.

Now entering the last chapter of their fantastic run, RF has just released their final album, “You Can’t Go Back If There’s Nothing To Go Back To,” available now on Fluff & Gravy Records. On this episode of That Much Further West Podcast, Willy shares a few solo performances of songs from the new record as well as some thoughts on the end of the Richmond run and the impact the band has made over the years.

Willy takes us back to his roots growing up in Reno, Nevada, and how he came to find great music from the Los Angeles underground during his teenage years. Asked to pick a few tunes that were influential during that period, he selected songs by Los Lobos, Tom Waits and The Pogues (this episode was taped on St. Patrick’s Day).

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Willy the lefty sharing a few of the instant classics from the new Richmond Fontaine record, “You Can’t Go Back If There’s Nothing To Go Back To.”

He also talks about the evolution of his songwriting, introducing different storytelling techniques and voices and shifting points of view to advance his richly detailed lyrical ideas. As author of four critically acclaimed novels, Willy talks about how many of his longer literary stories start as song ideas — indeed, many of the characters from his great books first show up in songs by Richmond Fontaine. Listen closely as Willy reveals the title of his next novel.

We wrap up the episode with the handful of RF classics from the body of their 10 great albums — a quick primer for what is unquestionably one of the greatest bands in Portland history (see the playlist below). Also, check out the video for one of the band’s awesome instrumentals, “El Tiradito,” from the album “Thirteen Cities,” captured at WaveLab Recording Studios in 2007.

The band will be heading to Europe this spring to promote the new record and will do some touring over the rest of the year in what appears to be Richmond Fontaine’s swan song, so be sure to pick up a copy of the new record and keep an eye out for when they roll into your town. You want to miss one last chance to see this legendary band.

Here’s the playlist from Episode #65 featuring Willy Vlautin of Richmond Fontaine:

$87 And A Guilty Conscience That Gets Worse The Longer I Go, Richmond Fontaine
Wake Up Ray (Live In The Helm), Willy Vlautin
Three Brothers Roll Into Town (Live In The Helm), Willy Vlautin
Will The Wolf Survive, Los Lobos
Shore Leave, Tom Waits
A Rainy Night In Soho, The Pogues
Don’t Skip Out On Me (Live In The Helm), Willy Vlautin
Lost In The Trees, Richmond Fontaine
The Warehouse Life, Richmond Fontaine
Give Me Time, Richmond Fontaine
Always On The Ride, Richmond Fontaine
Winner’s Casino, Richmond Fontaine
The Kid From Belmont Street, Richmond Fontaine
Through, Richmond Fontaine

 

Episode #63 featuring Mamma Coal

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Partners in crime: Paul Brainard and Carra Barratt Stasney, aka Mamma Coal. Photo by Anne Marie

Stream or download Episode #63: Episode 63 w/ Mamma Coal

She’s tall, she’s tough and she’s talented. Mamma Coal can do it all. That’s why we were thrilled to have Carra Barratt Stasney on board for the taping of Episode #63 at The Helm.

Carra is well known in Pacific Northwest country music circles for her terrific singing and songwriting as the dark-haired half of the female duo Copper & Coal. Taking the name Mamma Coal, she’s out promoting her latest musical project, “Raven Haired Vixen,” a musical reimagining of Willie Nelson’s legendary 1975 country album “Red Headed Stranger.” She just launched a Kickstarter Campaign to help fund the project (see the video below).

She’s also curating a fantastic, two-night, two-city Valentine’s weekend performance of classic country duets called “Hearts On Fire,” which will play in Seattle at Conor Byrne Pub on Feb. 13 and in Portland at Star Theater on Feb. 14. Carra will be among an all-star lineup of great singers sharing the songs of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, and many more!

On this episode, Mamma Coal tells us about her musical upbringing, her love of classic rock hits and what brought her to the world of country music. She also shares the story about finding a musical kinship with local players from our podcast inner circle, The Hoot Family, and how becoming a mother inspired “Raven Haired Vixen,” a musical story set in the old west of a mother tracking down the baby son who was taken from her.

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Paul Brainard adding some tasty steel to the wonderful stylings of Mamma Coal in The Helm. Photo by Anne Marie

And to share a few live versions of songs from the new project, Carra invited ace guitarist and steel player Paul Brainard to ride shotgun on the live performance. Paul is playing a big role in helping Carra bring “Raven Haired Vixen” to fruition, lending his musical guidance and tasty playing to the mix.

We also share a few recorded songs from Carra’s earlier days, including a tune from Copper & Coal, a song from Carra’s first band, American Cosmos, and also a fine number from her self-titled solo record from a few years back.

For more information on the Kickstarter campaign or for tickets to the Seattle and Portland “Hearts On Fire” shows, check out the links above. And for everything Mamma Coal, visit her website.

Thanks for tuning in!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carrastasney/mamma-coal-reimagining-willie-nelsons-outlaw-conce

 

 

Episode #60 featuring Jeremy Wilson

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Jeremy Wilson, lighting up The Helm. Photo by Anne Marie

Episode #60 w/ Jeremy Wilson

That’s his name on the letterhead. But long before he started up The Jeremy Wilson Foundation — a nonprofit supporting music artists and crew who can’t afford health insurance — Wilson made a name for himself as singer for the iconic Portland indie rock band Dharma Bums.

He later emerged as a critically acclaimed solo performer and producer, all of which made it an honor to welcome him into The Helm for Episode #60 of That Much Further West Podcast.

Jeremy’s been especially busy lately. He’s just coming down from one of the foundation’s cornerstone events, The Next Waltz — held annually over the Thanksgiving weekend here in Portland — and is already prepping for another big evening of music honoring the late Brian Berg at Doug Fir Lounge this coming Saturday.

As he’ll breathlessly tell you, it’s all been a whirlwind. His nonprofit work since setting up the foundation in 2010 has been “never ending.” It all started as an idea after the local music community rallied to help him cover medical expenses related to a heart condition that proved life-threatening just a few years back.

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Jeremy Wilson fills in the “Empty Spaces” live in The Helm. Photo by Anne Marie

In our interview, Jeremy talks about the foundation’s work but he also goes deep into his musical upbringing and the influences that shaped his career. He shares some great stories from his days at the forefront of American indie rock in the late 80s and early 90s, and also plays some songs from his stunning solo record from 2014, “Empty Through Empty Spaces.”

We hope that after hearing Jeremy speak about the work he’s doing with the foundation (and catching on to his infectious spirit), you’ll make a donation to help provide a safety net for our local musicians in need. Also, you can support Jeremy by purchasing a download of his latest record.

This episode features more music from some of our finest local artists, including The Resolectrics, 44 Long, Tin Silver and Missi & Mister Baker. We also share some tunes from podcast favorites such as Matt Woods, Turnpike Troubadours, Hellbound Glory and John Moreland.

So settle in on a rainy day, and dream away. Here’s the playlist:

Newspaper, The Resolectrics
In From The Cold, Missi & Mister Baker
Everybody Has A Way, 44 Long (featuring Paul Brainard)
Empty Through Empty Space (Live In The Helm), Jeremy Wilson
The Sliver, Jeremy Wilson
The Whisper (Live In The Helm), Jeremy Wilson
Let The Poor Man Beg, Jeremy Wilson
Drown, Son Volt
For The Good Life, Joey Kneiser
Repossesed, Hellbound Glory
If The Good Lord’s A Good Ol’ Boy, The eXcavators
Drinking To Forget, Matt Woods
American Flags in Black & White, John Moreland
The Bird Hunters, The Turnpike Troubadours
David, Cody Jinks
Dear Susan, Tin Silver

Episode #59 — Seasonal Fall Favorites

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Holding down The Helm: Co-hosts Eric, Phil and Mike of That Much Further West Podcast. Photo by Anne Marie

Episode #59 — Seasonal Fall Favorites

A last-minute cancellation left us without a guest for Episode #59 of That Much Further West Podcast, but our fearless co-hosts figured, ‘What the hell? Let’s plow forward anyway.” So with a bare-bones crew on hand, they convened at The Helm to share some tunes from some of their favorite fall releases and promote the slew of shows on tap in Portland over the next few weeks, several involving the best and brightest from the world of alt-country.

Ironically, as the lads were taping this show, alt-country darling Chris Stapleton was cleaning up at the very mainstream Country Music Awards and making a big splash on the nationally televised awards show. The next morning his awards show performance, with pop superstar Justin Timberlake riding shotgun, was the talk of the internet.

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The boys at work, with Sadie the dog on the run. Photo by Anne Marie

Mr. Stapleton had already won over the podcast crew with his earnest, whiskey-soaked approach, soon to be on display at his show this coming Thursday at the Wonder Ballroom in our homebase of Portland, Oregon, USA. We kick off the podcast with a song from him and soon follow up with one from Sturgill Simpson, whose show at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland this coming Saturday has been sold out for months.

We also feature a live song from Lucero, our much-talked-about podcast namesakes who are on their way back to Portland for a show at the Crystal on the 18th. And we revisit a couple of albums that we’ve been spinning constantly during the fall —Aaron Lee Tasjan’s “In The Blazes” LP and Bottle Rockets’ “South Broadway Athletic Club,” released a few weeks back on Bloodshot Records.

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Whispering Philly — oddly sober and somber — gets demonstrative during the show. Photo by Anne Marie

On a more somber note, co-host Phil Favorite shares a song and a few memories of his recently passed friend Brian Berg, the brains and brawn behind the great Portland band 44 Long. Brian left us for good a few weeks back and the city’s music scene has been in mourning ever since. With tributes from throughout the community pouring in, we’d be remiss to not share a few stories one of Brian’s many awesome songs, in this case “God Loves A Fool” from 44 Long’s iconic debut, Collect Them All.

So have at it folks . . . like a punch to the face, it’s quick, powerful and to the point. And the music is well worth your time on a cool November day. Here’s the playlist:

Might As Well Get Stoned, Chris Stapleton
Beyond The Moon, Old Man Markley
God Loves A Fool, 44 Long
Long White Line, Sturgill Simpson
Really Wanna See You, Lydia Loveless
Lucinda’s Room, Aaron Lee Tasjan
A Dangerous Thing, Lucero
Portland, Drag The River
Picture In My Mind, Freakwater
The Champagne of Tears, Drunken Prayer
Snake Farm, Ray Wylie Hubbard
Monday (Every Time I Turn Around), Bottle Rockets