Good morning friends!
Since we've been visiting with Michellen and Jason Hannan this week, I thought I'd pull in one of their covers for Friday Funny.
Take a step back in time and enjoy this cover of a clssic Conway and Loretta tune:
Good morning, everyone!
I just realized that while I had The Party List posts ready to run, I never copied/ pasted into the actual post.
My sincerest apologies. So let's get on the road this week!
Note: Please remember to check
with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket required
for the shows you plan to attend. While a lot of states have opened up, there
are still Safe Practices in place. Also, some venues have an age restriction.
Not all events take place in
Texas. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS
and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…
Let’s Get This Party STARTED!
TEXAS
Thursday 17 –
Aaron Watson – Rock & Roar At
the Zoo – Abilene
Mike Blakely – Third Thursday with john Arthur Martinez – Western
Edge – Fredricksburg
Marshall Tucker Band – Gruene
Hall – new Braunfels
Bellamy Brothers – Arena Theatre –
Houston
Friday 18 –
Aaron Watson - Peach Jamboree –
Stonewall
Mike Blakely – Texas Heritage Vineyard
– Fredricksburg
Woody Eastman’s Album Release Party!
ShaAnnie – Texas Heritage Tasting
Room – Fredricksburg
Woody Eastman’s Album
Release Party!
Marshall Tucker Band – Crockett
Civic Center – Crockett
Bellamy Brothers – Country City
Saloon & Grill - Cameron
Saturday 19 –
Aaron Watson - Tyler Cattle Baron’s
Gala
Mike Blakely Band – Blue Agave Cattle
Co. – Blackwell
john Arthur Martinez –
Southern Sky Music Café – Ingram
Gary P. Nunn – Lea
Lou Co Op – Mason
Wake Eastman – Altdorf Biergarten
– Fredricksburg
Thomas Michael Riley
– The Back Porch – Port Aransas
Marshall Tucker Band – Spellman
Amphitheater – Forney
Jon Wolfe – Mama Tried Deep
Ellum – Dallas
Wade
Bowen – Holland Corn Days Festival – Holland
Bellamy Brothers – Sundance Hall –
Canton
Sunday 20 –
Mike Blakely – Sunday with the
Blakelys – Lone Star Bar & Grill – Fredricksburg
Shakey Graves –
The Rustic – Dallas
/w Sir Woman
George Ensle – Poodie’s Hilltop
– Spicewood
Songwriter Showcase w/ Tony Ramey
Tuesday 22 –
Mike Blakely – Tuesday’s @ Western
Edge – Western Edge – Fredricksburg
john Arthur Martinez –
Trailblazer Grille - Burnet
Wednesday 23 –
No Shows Found
ON THE ROAD
Thursday 17 –
Whiskey Myers – Ozarks
Amphitheater – Camdenton MO
w/ Jamey Johnson
Jason
Eady – The Law Office Pub – Yorkville IL
Cody Johnson – The Country
Fest – North Lawrence OH
Oak Ridge Boys – Downtown Paris –
Paris TN
Friday 18 –
Jason
Eady – The Wagner House – Freeport IL
Neal McCoy – Moondance Events –
Walker MN
Jon Wolfe – George’s Majestic
Lounge – Fayetteville AR
Cody Johnson – The Ryman
Auditorium – Nashville TN
Oak Ridge Boys – Hartville
Kitchen – Hartville OH
Jason
Eady – Eckert’s Belleville Country Store & Farms – Belleville IL
Cody Johnson – The Ryman
Auditorium – Nashville TN
Oak Ridge Boys – Cv Music
Festivals – Cadott WI
Sunday 20 –
Whiskey Myers – First Security
Bank – Little Rock AR
/w Jamey Johnson
Jason
Eady – Morello’s Restaurant & Catering – Harrisburg IL
Tuesday 22 –
Whiskey Myers – BancorpSouth Arena
– Tupelo MS
/w Jamey Johnson
Wednesday 23 –
Neal McCoy – Country Fest – Cadott
WI
Good morning, friends.
I do apologize for moving this review. I spent about three hours in the early morning pulling weeds but still managed to get overheated on Monday. I slept all day trying to recoup. Yesterday (Tuesday) was back out in the garden for more of the same but this time I paid attention to my body and quit before I had a repeat.
There ya go! Now we're back on track and I'm excited to bring you the review of this new album from Michelle and Jason Hannan - CHEATER'S WALTZ
.8 Good morning, country music fans!
Today, we're talking to Michelle and Jason Hannan. They are a husband and wife duo from Frederick Maryland and leading the group - OneBlueNight
Let’s start by learning a bit
about each of your backgrounds. Both of you come from deep musical roots. What
influenced each of your music careers from those backgrounds?
Michelle: I grew up listening to country music in the 90s, whatever was on the radio. My mom always said that I was singing before I could talk. My grandfather was the only real musician in my family and I would sit and listen to him sing and play his piano or guitar and try to pick up what I could. He’s the one who introduced me to traditional country - artists like Patsy Cline, George Jones, Merle Haggard - the stuff that influenced all of the great songs I heard in the 90s. I sang along with the radio in the car and was always playing something and singing along at home. My mom used to get out her tape recorder and record me singing along to stuff, I wish I still had those tapes! She tried to get me to sing in front of other people; I remember a Thanksgiving where I literally got under the kitchen table to sing because I was so shy! When I was a teen, my older brother had a guitar, and when he left the house I would sneak in and grab it and try to make chords. It took a while, but I finally taught myself how to accompany my singing. I got older and kind of abandoned the idea of making something of myself in music - I was extremely self-conscious. It wasn’t until I met Jason in 2014 that I actually got a chance to sing on stage. He really brought me out of my shell and helped to shape me into the musician I am today. I’m extremely lucky to have met him - both in a musical sense and in a personal sense, as we’ve been happily married for several years now!
Jason: I grew up in Mississippi and just about everybody played music down
there. My father, Hal Windham, was a musician of note in the Gulf Coast music
scene in the 70’s. He recorded a single with Malaco Records in 1976 that got some
airplay regionally (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pyh3n1ohJM). So it was in
my blood and I would just try to learn whatever instruments I could growing up.
I got involved with bluegrass when I was in the military and played guitar,
bass, and mandolin in several bluegrass bands up until I met Michelle and we
both decided to return to our country roots. We clicked immediately vocally,
more so than anyone else I’ve ever sung with. It was pretty crazy. Oh yeah, we
got married too. She needs higher standards!
Concept Album. As a writer, I love the idea of using an entire album to tell a story while at the same time, each track can stand on its own and strike a chord with any of your listeners.
Will you share with my readers the
seed for the storyline came from?
Jason: I wrote a song with my
daughter called “Everything I’ve Got’s in Tennessee” back about 9 years ago or
so, long before this album was ever a thing. The song ended up coming together
as a murder ballad. Not by design, that’s just the way it fell together. When
we decided to write a concept album that song seemed like a natural starting
point. Michelle rewrote the melody for it and added a verse. We built the album
around that song and it ended up being the second single we released from the
album. For the rest of the album we knew what plot points we needed to hit and
tried to write or find songs that fleshed them out, then we added interludes to
transition between the 3 acts. It was an ambitious project and we’re very
pleased with how it came together.
Jason, I know you were inspired to do a concept album based on a teenage experience of hearing Willie Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger album. My question is for Michelle. What was your first thought when Jason brought the idea to you?
Michelle: I had never really
paid much attention to the idea of a concept album. I can't think of many that
I've heard myself, although it's possible that I have listened to one without
realizing it was a cohesive work. When Jason brought it to me, it seemed like a
really cool idea and it only got cooler once it started to develop. He really
drove this project, and I definitely admire his creativity and drive.
Cheater’s Waltz is the story of a woman’s journey. Have you thought about flipping the coin and giving a male’s perspective?
Jason: That’s an interesting
idea! There are actually a couple songs on the album that are from the guys’
perspective, both sung by me. One is “Before I Met You” and the other is
“Livin’ on Barroom Time”. Taken as a whole, they don’t really present the guy
in a very flattering light. He’s certainly not the hero of the story. And one
of the most challenging things about writing this album (for me) was trying to
write from a female perspective. I certainly wouldn’t rule out writing another
concept album from a male’s perspective at some point in the future.
Michelle: An album from the
perspective of the cheater would be interesting. I see the opportunity for a
ghost story at the end…that could be cool!
You share a big part of the credit on this album to fellow bandmate, Howard Parker. Aside from amazing instrumental talent, what did he bring to the table?
Michelle: Howard was an integral part of
the planning and execution of the album. He had some great ideas regarding
arrangements, and was always receptive to us bouncing ideas off of him. Of
course, he also wrote the beautiful “Loren’s Lament”, the instrumental on the
album, which really helped to set the tone for the rest of the album. It’s rare
to find someone who lines up so well with your own ideas and taste when you’re
dealing with a lot of original music. We’re very blessed to have Howard as a
bandmate and friend.
Jason: Oh man, we couldn’t have
done any of this without Howard. In addition to what Michelle said, Howard is also
an extremely underrated singer! He can harmonize with the best of them. You can
really hear him do his thing vocally on the album’s last track, the a cappella
quartet. The part he’s singing is not easy and he knocks it right out of the
park!
Jason: Speaking for just
myself, the hardest part was the production side. This is the first album I’ve
ever totally produced and mastered myself and I really had to work hard to make
it sound like I wanted. I got what I wanted but I do honestly worry more about
what critics will say about the production than anything else. I was very lucky
because all the musicians that were involved (Michelle, Howard, Shannon Bielski
on fiddle, Jim Robeson on accordion) turned in stellar performances.
I try to really get in touch with the heroines in my books. Michelle, was there anything in this story you felt you identified with?
Michelle: I think I identified
most with her seemingly wild nature at the beginning of the story, especially
in the first song. I’m starting to settle down though! Of course, we’ve all had
heartbreak and challenges in our relationships. I can’t say I’ve ever
considered murder though. That’s what I tell Jason, anyway.
When folks listen to this album, what do you hope their experience will be, or that they’ll walk away thinking…..
Jason: I just hope people are
immersed in the story, that they are moved by it in some way, that it makes
them feel something. If they do, I’ve gotten what I wanted out of it. It’s a
rare enough thing these days, what with the direction the country music
industry has gone in.
Guitar recital when I was 10 or
so! I’d picked up a guitar because my mom had an acoustic around the house when
I was young, then started taking lessons. I never really took off until I got
an electric guitar for Christmas one year. Not long after that, a buddy of mine
in high school was working on some songs that he needed help finishing. I
helped him, and it opened up the whole world of songwriting for me.
You are inspired by all things western. What musical artists have inspired you over the years?
Several of my biggest
influences were actually Bob Dylan, The Band, Van Morrison, and Townes Van
Zandt. I return to them over and over again. And of course, Pet Sounds by The
Beach Boys, and all things Beatles. And I grew up listening to classic rock and
grunge, along with Marshall Tucker Band, a band my dad loved.
Your first single, Outlaw’s Farewell is about Billy the Kid’s last night. A beautiful ballad, by the way. How did you find that information? Were you inspired by the work of James Charles Roy?
Thank you! It actually came
from an article in the great Old West magazine “True West” about an interview
with a friend (maybe girlfriend?) of the Kid, Paulita Maxwell, sister to Pete
Maxwell. I had been working on a ballad partially inspired by Sam Peckinpah’s “Pat
Garrett and Billy the Kid” and grew up loving Young Guns since I was an 80s
kid. In the article, it mentions the Kid’s final words, overheard by Paulita,
as “Quien es son esos afuera?” which translates to “who are those men outside?”
When I read those words, they fit perfectly for the ending of my ballad, and
that’s how it came about.
Have you read other books about ‘the Kid’ such as the one by fellow Texan, W. C. Jameson? If so, is there something about Billy that fascinates you, or is it Western history in general?
I have not read Jameson’s book,
but have read Robert Utley’s excellent history, “Billy the Kid: A Short and
Violent Life.” And I’ve been fascinated with Billy since I grew up with a dad
who loved the Old West, and took me hunting when I was very young. We used to
bird hunt in an old caliche pit in South Texas, and it always reminded me of
the set from Young Guns.
But Western history in general does fascinate me, especially Native American history. I’m also fascinated with the idea of untangling the legend from the facts of Old West events, and how those myths get started. John Sayles’ great movie “Lonestar” was a big influence on me loving that murky grey area between fact and fiction in our perception of the Old West, and being fascinated by that borderland of the west where so many diverse races and characters intersected. I feel like the US as a country is still dealing with the legacy of the West, so for me it’s always ripe with stories.
The album is entitled, What Keeps the Heart Afloat. Where did the title come from?
It comes from one of my
favorite lines on the album, in the song “Dennis,” about Beach Boy drummer
Dennis Wilson: “What makes a man go under and what keeps the heart afloat?” The
songs on the album are my attempt to answer that question.
The Pandemic put a lot of things on hold, including this album, yet you were working a lot behind the scenes. Was there anything that may have came out differently, because of the extra time you had to finesse?
Well, I got laid off from my
job during the pandemic, and then thankfully found a better paying job that
allowed me to hire a promoter! So, in that sense, I was able to give it a
better shot than I would have pre-pandemic. The album was finished right as the
pandemic started, so it did put the album on hiatus until I was able to put
money back into completing the promo side of it.
What do you love most about What Keeps the Heart Afloat?
I love that it’s uncluttered.
It’s mostly me and my guitar, and so I feel like the songs are expressed more
directly. Producer Mason Shirley and I tried to keep it as natural as possible.
Our barometer was “would this sound good around a campfire?” So many
singer-songwriters release albums that are dense with overdubs and
overproduction. I wanted to stay away from that, and I think it comes through
in the songs. Plus, these are some of my favorite songs I’ve written.
Do you think this ‘western’ vein is your signature or is there more waiting for a turn?
I think I’ll always return to
the West in songs because I find it so fascinating, but there’s also other
elements on this album too. So we’ll see, I’ve already got a handful of songs
ready for another album, both West-themed and regular old story songs.
I look forward to reviewing the album tomorrow. In the mean time, here's a video of one of the songs from the album:
Note: Please remember to
check with the venue as to whether or not there is a cover charge or ticket
required for the shows you plan to attend. While a lot of states have opened up,
there are still Safe Practices in place. Also, some venues have an age
restriction.
Not all events take place in Texas. With that in mind I will begin listing them not only by day but by TEXAS and ON THE ROAD. With that in mind…
Let’s Get This Party STARTED!
Thursday 3 –
Aaron Watson – Frio Hill Country
Grill – Cypress
john Arthur Martinez – Hard Count
Outdoor Stage – Georgetown
Aaron Copeland –
Dosey Doe’s Breakfast, BBQ & Whiskey Bar -
Jason Eady – Dosey Doe’s Big Barn – The
Woodlands
Neal McCoy – Brauntex Performing
Arts Theatre – New Braunfels
Aaron Watson - Whitewater Amphitheater
– New Braunfels
Also available for
Livestreaming
Gary P. Nunn –
Poodies Spicewood
Whiskey Myers – Floore’s – Helotes
–
Junior Gordon –
Dosey Doe’s Breakfast, BBQ & Whiskey Bar – The Woodlands
Jason Eady – Poor David’s Pub –
Dallas (2 shows)
Jon Wolfe – Wild West Cedar Park
– Cedar Park
Wade
Bowen – Cook’s Garage – Lubbock
Saturday 5 –
Aaron
Watson – Grimes Co. Fair – Navasota
Mike Blakely – The Family at Wildseed
Farms
Gary P. Nunn – Old Town
Theatre – Huntsville
Whiskey Myers – Young Country
Arena – Graham
w/ Old 97s Read Southhall Band
Drew Kennedy-
Dosey Doe’s Breakfast, BBQ & Whiskey Bar – The Woodlands
Jason Eady – Food Truck Championship
of Texas – Graham
w/ Adam Hood
Courtney Patton –
Young County Arena – Graham
Neal McCoy – Arlington Music Hall –
Arlington
Jon Wolf – House Pasture Cattle
Co – Concan
Wade
Bowen – Whitewater Amphitheater – New Braunfels
Sunday 6 –
Mike Blakely – Sunday’s with The
Blakelys – Lone Star Bar & Grill – Fredricksburg
john Arthur Martinez – Texas
Heritage Tasting Room – Fredricksburg
Jason Eady – The Post at River East –
Ft. Worth
Monday 7 –
Bracken Hale – Poodies Hilltop
– Spicewood
Tuesday8 –
Mike Blakely – Tuesday’s at Western
Edge – Western Edge – Fredricksburg
Wednesday 9 –
Aaron Watson – Rolling 7’s Ranch – Odessa
ON THE ROAD
Thursday 3 –
No Shows Found
Friday 4 –
No Shows Found
Saturday 5 –
Bellamy Brothers – Bare Bones BBQ
– Gainesville USA
Oak Ridge Boys – Fergus Center for the Performing Arts – Lewiston MT
Sunday 6 –
No Shows Found
Monday 7 –
No Shows Found
Tuesday 8 –
No Shows Found
Wednesday 9 –
Oak Ridge Boys – Jay & Susie
Gogue PAC @ Auburn University – Auburn AL
