Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

“Remembering MLK” + Shy Boys

Wednesday MidDay Medley celebrates the life of human rights icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. born Jan. 15, 1929. MLK led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, serving as its first president. King’s efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination thru civil disobedience and non-violent means. As Pete Seeger wrote: “Songs gave them the courage to believe they would not fail.”

By the time of his death in 1968, Dr. King had refocused his efforts on ending poverty and opposing the Vietnam War. King was assassinated, April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and Congressional Gold Medal in 2004; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. national holiday in 198I. [This year’s MLK Day is Monday, January 20.]

1. Soweto Gospel Choir – “Pride (In The Name of Love)”
from: In the Name of Love – Africa Celebrates U2 / Shout! Factory Records / 2008

2. International Noise Conspiracy / MLK Jr. – “The First Conspiracy / Let Freedom Ring”
from: Adbusters – Live Without Dead Time / Adbusters / 2003

3. Labelle – “Something in The Air / The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”
from: Something Silver / Warner Archives / 1997
[orig. Pressure Cookin’ / 1973, 3rd album from the funk/soul trio of: Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash who each shared a rap on “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” a poem and song by Gil Scott-Heron. It was the B-side to Scott-Heron’s first single, “Home Is Where the Hatred Is”, from his album Pieces of a Man (1971). “Something in the Air” is a song orig. recorded by Thunderclap Newman, a band created by Pete Townshend for The Who’s former roadie John ‘Speedy’ Keen who wrote and sang the song. It was a UK #1 single for three weeks in July 1969.]

10:13 – Soul Brother…

4. Curtis Mayfield – “Beautiful Brother of Mine”
from: Roots / Curtom-Buddah / 1971

5. Maceo & The Macks – “Soul Power ’74”
from: James Brown’s Funky People, Pt. 2 / People Records / 1988
[Not only is this particular record sampled more than hors douvres in a supermarket aisle, it contains samples itself in the form of tape overlays of civil rights rallies, a Dr. King speech, and an announcement of King’s assassination. Maceo Parker has played saxophone with James Brown, Parliment, Funkadelic, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell and Prince.]

6. Sweet Honey in The Rock, Aaron Neville, Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise -“Ella’s Song”
from: Soundtrack to Boycott / HBO / 2001
[Critically acclaimed 2001 film staring Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Terrence Howard as Ralph Abernathy, and CCH Pounder as Jo Ann Robinson.]

10:27 – Underwriting

10:29 – King’s Life, Death, and Spirit…

7. Darwin Hobbs & Karen Clark-Sheard – “King”
from: Soundtrack to Boycott / HBO / 2001

8. Mahalia Jackson – “How I Got Over”
from: The Original Apollo Sessions / Couch & Madison Partners / May 25, 2013
[Gospel hymn composed & published in 1951 by Clara Ward (1924-1973). It was performed by Mahalia Jackson at the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 before 250,000 people. Mahalia Jackson (Oct. 26, 1911 – Jan. 27, 1972) was referred to as “The Queen of Gospel”. She became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world, heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. She was described by entertainer Harry Belafonte as “the single most powerful black woman in the United States”. She recorded about 30 albums (mostly for Columbia Records) during her career, and her 45 rpm records included a dozen “golds”—million-sellers. “I sing God’s music because it makes me feel free,” Jackson once said about her choice of gospel, adding, “It gives me hope. With the blues, when you finish, you still have the blues.”]

9. Martin Luther King Jr. – “MLK – I Have A Dream 1963 (excerpt)”
from: Inspirational Speeches, Vo. 3 / Orange Leisure / May 16, 2011 [American civil rights leader/activist and Baptist minister, born Jan. 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. King’s speeches have been issued on numerous releases – his most well-known and influential address being “I Have a Dream”, which was held during “The March on Washington” in 1963. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee.]

10. Marian Anderson – “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”
from: He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands / BMG / Orig. 1961
[Reissued 1991]
[Marian Anderson (Feb 27, 1897 – Apr. 8, 1993) was one of the most celebrated singers of the 20th century. In 1939, the (DAR) refused to let Anderson sing in Constitution Hall. With the aid of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt, Anderson performed a critically acclaimed open-air concert on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. before a crowd of more than 75,000 people and a radio audience in the millions. Anderson became the first black person, to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC on Jan. 7, 1955. Anderson worked as a delegate to the UN Human Rights Committee and “goodwill ambassadress” for the U.S. Dept. of State, giving concerts all over the world. She participated in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, singing at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. Anderson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978, the National Medal of Arts in 1986, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991.]

11. Tramaine Hawkins, Ella Mitchell, Billy Porter & Chorus-“Rocka My Soul”
from: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre “Revelations” / V2 / 1998

10:45 – Freedom…

12. Nina Simone -“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free”
from: Silk and Soul / RCA / 1967

13. Solomon Burke – “None Of Us Are Free”
from: Don’t Give Up On Me / Fat Possum / 2002
[Back up singers: The Blind Boys of Alabama]

14. Nina Simone – “I Shall Be Released”
from: To Love Somebody / RCA / 1967

11:00 – Bobby Watson & The Staple Singers…

15. Bobby Watson & The I Have a Dream Project – “Check Cashing Day”
[feat. Glenn North]
from: Check Cashing Day / Lafiya Music / Digital – Aug. 28, 2013 / Physical – Nov. 12, 2013
[From wikipedia.org: “Bobby Watson was born in Lawrence, Kansas, August 23, 1953. he is an American post-bop jazz alto saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator. Watson now has 27 recordings as a leader. He appears on nearly 100 other recordings as either co-leader or in a supporting role. Watson has recorded more than 100 original compositions. Watson grew up in Bonner Springs, Kansas, and Kansas City, Kansas.

16. The Staple Singers – “When Will We Be Paid”
from: Single / Stax (Fantasy / Ace) / 1967

17. Mavis Staples – “Down in Mississippi”
from: Live – Hope At The Hideout / Anti / 2008
[Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Mavis Staples, of The Staple Singers, is a celebrated equal rights activist. She’s performed at inaugural parties for Presidents Kennedy, Carter and Clinton, Recorded in June, 2008, in the run up to the Presidential election of Barrack Obama. Recorded live in the intimate bar The Hideout, in her hometown of Chicago. The record is filled with freedom songs. Mavis Staples, who marched and sang and protested alongside Dr. Martin Luther King during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, saw her sense of hope validated on Nov. 4th, 2008 when Barack Obama was elected President.]

18. Pops Staples – “You Gotta Serve Somebody”
from: e-town live volume 3 / e-town /
[orig. written by Bob Dylan. Rec. Sept. 16, 1994, Live in Boulder] [Roebuck “Pops” Staples was born on a cotton plantation near Winona, Mississippi, on December 28, 1914, the youngest of 14 children. When growing up he heard, and began to play with, local blues guitarists such as Charlie Patton, who lived on the nearby Dockery Plantation, Robert Johnson, and Son House. He dropped out of school after the eighth grade, and sang with a gospel group before marrying and moving to Chicago in 1935. A “pivotal figure in gospel in the 1960s and 70s,” and an accomplished songwriter, guitarist and singer. Patriarch of The Staple Singers, which included his son Pervis and daughters Mavis, Yvonne, and Cleotha.]

11:15 – Gospel & Folk Music Carried the Message…

19. Pete Seeger – “We Shall Overcome”
from: The Essential Pete Seeger / Columbia – Legacy / 2004
[derived from a gospel song by Reverend Charles Tindley called “We Will Overcome” written in 1901. Adapted and made famous by Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and others the song became central to the civil rights movement of the 1950 and 1960s and eventually used all around the world. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made use of “we shall overcome” in the final Sunday March 31, 1968, speech before his assassination.]

20. Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion – “Dr. King”
from: exploration / New West / 2005 [written by Pete Seeger]

21. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – “This Land is Your Land”
from: Naturally / Daptone / 2005
[written by Woody Guthrie, Sarah Lee’s Grandfather.]

11:30 – Underwriting

11:30 – Shy Boys

22. Shy Boys – “Postcard”
from: Shy Boys / High Dive Records / January 21, 2014

Brothers Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch, and roommate Konnor Ervin, are members of the Kansas City based band, Shy Boys. They join us live in the KKFI 90.1 FM Studios to talk about their debut, self-titled album, released on High Dive Records. Shy Boys will play an album release show, Friday, Jan. 17, 10:00 PM, at Harling’s Upstairs, 3941 Main Street, with Metatone and Knot Lazy.

It was over a year ago that the band was on the show, when Kasey Rausch and Kim Rausch McLaws were special producers, and we chronicled the music of 4 generations of the Rausch Family. Collin and Kyle father was the band director and music teacher.

Konnor Ervin is the lead singer and songwriter of The ACBs, a band that Kyle plays drums in, Konnor told us about how he met Kyle and when we first heard his music created with brother Collin.

The new 10 song album is being released January 22, 2014. Two singles have been released from the album.

The second single was made available on Pitchfork….”Is This Who You Are”

11:40

23. Shy Boys – “Is This Who You Are?”
from: Shy Boys / High Dive Records / January 21, 2014

11:43

The band talked about High Dive Records and their label mates: ACBs , Ghosty, Fourth of July.

This radio show has been a big fan of all of the ACBs recordings. In 2011 we started playing songs from The I’ms, a duo made of up Collin and Kyle, who posted 6 of their self recorded songs on their Facebook page. We ended up including this informal release in our Top Ten of The 111 Best Recordings of 2011. Three of those songs from The I’ms, Facebook page, ended up being rerecorded and included on Shy Boys. The band recorded the album at West End Studio, over two-weekends. Collin talked about the limited money for studio time, how there were no more than 5 takes per song. The band came to the studio with the songs mostly in place except for the lyrics, many of which were written in the studio. One of the songs where Konnor jumped in to help with new lyrics was “Bully Fight.” Konnor talked about how in his research over the internet, he discovered a story about a bully fight in Sydney, Australia, where a victim of a “bully,” fights back.

11:48

24. Shy Boys – “Bully Fight”
from: Shy Boys / High Dive Records / January 21, 2014

11:50

Shy Boys will play an album release show, Friday, Jan. 17, 10:00 PM, at Harling’s Upstairs, 3941 Main Street, with Metatone and Knot Lazy.

Shy Boys will play an album release show, Saturday, January 18, at 10:00 pm , in Lawrence, Kansas, at Eighth Street Taproom, 801 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, Kansas, with The Conquerors, and Hush Machine (members of Psychic Heat/Your Friend/Haunt Ananta).

25. Shy Boys – “Keeps Me On My Toes”
from: Shy Boys / High Dive Records / January 21, 2014
11:59:30

26. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

Sources for notes on tracks and interview segments come from: artist’s websites and wikipedia.org and where noted.

Show #508

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

“Remembering MLK” + Shy Boys Live!

Wednesday MidDay Medley celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., born January 15, 1929. Dr. King led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, serving as its first president. King’s efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means.

By the time of his death, Dr. King had refocused his efforts on ending poverty and opposing the Vietnam War, both from a religious perspective. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and Congressional Gold Medal in 2004. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. national holiday in 198I.

Mark plays music of the movement from: Bobby Watson & The I Have a Dream Project, Nina Simone, Pops Staples, Mavis Staples, The Staple Singers, Thelonius Monk Septet, Pete Seeger, Mahalia Jackson, Curtis Mayfield, Maceo & The Macks, Sweet Honey in The Rock, Tramaine Hawkins, Ella Mitchell, Billy Porter, Solomon Burke, Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Soweto Gospel Choir, Labelle, Darwin Hobbs & Karen Clark-Sheard.

Shy Boys

At 11:30 Mark welcomes back to the show, members of the Kansas City based band, Shy Boys. Brothers Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch, and roommate Konnor Ervin, join us live in the 90.1 FM Studios to talk about their debut, self-titled album. We’ll feature music from the new recording, released on High Dive Records. Shy Boys will play an album release show, Friday, January 17, 10:00 PM, at Harling’s Upstairs, 3941 Main Street, with Metatone and Knot Lazy. More info about Shy Boys at http://shyboys.bandcamp.com

On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or
STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org

Show #508

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

A Birthday Tribute to Iris DeMent

1. Iris DeMent -“Mama’s Opry”
from: Infamous Angel / Warner Brothers / 1992 / 1993

2. Iris DeMent – “Mama Was Always Tellin’ Her Truth”
from: Sing The Delta / Flariella / Oct. 2, 2012
[Iris Dement previewed many of her new songs when she was in concert with husband Greg Brown, for their 11-11-11 show at The Folly Theatre to benefit St. Mark Child and Family Development Center. Now those songs are part of her brand new release that includes a total of 12 new songs. It is her first full-length release of original songs since 1996. The new record has been critically acclaimed by the music press on both sides of the Atlantic.]

Iris DeMent was born January 5, 1961, in rural Paragould, Arkansas. She was the youngest of 14 children. At the age of three, her devoutly religious family moved to California, where she grew up singing gospel music. During her teenage years, Iris was exposed to country, folk, and R&B, drawing influence from Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell.

After a series of jobs as a waitress and typist, Dement wrote her first song at the age of 25. She played open-mic nights in Kansas City, until she moved to Nashville, in 1988, and met producer Jim Rooney, who helped her land a record contract.

Dement made her recording debut in 1992, when her independent label offering, “Infamous Angel” won critical acclaim. Despite a complete lack of support from country radio, the record’s word-of-mouth praise earned her a deal with Warner Bros. records, which reissued “Infamous Angel” in 1993.

10:12 – Influences of Iris DeMent

3. Loretta Lynn & Jack White – “Portland Oregon”
from: Van Lear Rose / Interscope / 2004
[Produced by Jack White of The White Stripes and Racontuers. It was initially intended as a musical experiment, blending the styles of country singer-songwriter Lynn and producer White, who performs on the whole album as a musician. At the time, Lynn was 69 and White was 28. The title refers to Lynn’s origins as the daughter of a miner working the Van Lear coal mines. The album was the most successful crossover music album of Lynn’s 45-year career. At the 2005 Grammy Awards, Lynn won: Best Country Album and Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for her duet with White.]

4. Johnny Cash & Joni Mitchell – “Girl From North Country”
from: The Best of The Johnny Cash TV Show / Columbia Legacy / 2007
[a TV music variety show that ran for 58-episodes from June 7, 1969 to March 31, 1971 on ABC. It featured many folk/country musicians of the time: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, Kris Kristofferson, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Merle Haggard, James Taylor and Tammy Wynette. It also featured other musicians such as jazz great, Louis Armstrong, who died 8 months after recording the show. Recorded at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, then home of the Grand Ole Opry. The first show featured Joni Mitchell, Cajun fiddler Doug Kershaw, Fannie Flagg and Bob Dylan. The show included a “Country Gold” segment that featured legends never seen on network TV such as Bill Monroe & his Blue Grass Boys. Cash refused to cut the word “stoned” from Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down”, he stood by his Christian faith “despite network anxieties”, and persisted in bringing on Pete Seeger whose anti-Vietnam song on another network had “caused a firestorm.” He premiered his Man in Black song on an episode filmed at Nashville’s Vanderbilt University’s campus. The show was dumped in 1971 as part of ABC’s so-called “rural purge,” which also claimed that network’s The Lawrence Welk Show.]

5. John Prine w/ Iris Dement – “We’re Not The Jet Set”
from: In Spite Of Ourselves / Oh Boy / 1999
[In 1968 country superstar George Jones witnessed a fight between Tammy Wynette and her husband Don Chapel. At Jones’s urging, Wynette and her daughters drove away with him. Wynette and Jones married Feb. 16, 1969, and Wynette’s 4th daughter, Georgette, was born in 1970. Jones and Wynette, were nicknamed the “President and First Lady” of country music, and they recorded a string of hit duets that seemed drawn directly from their volatile relationship, which resulted in their divorcing in 1975. Their classic recordings included “Two Story House,” “Golden Ring,” and the humorous “(We’re Not) The Jet Set.” ]

6. Loretta Lynn – “You Ain’t Woman Enough To Take My Man”
from: Legends of Country Music / Columbis Legacy / 1997
[Live performance for Austin City Limits taped in 1983. Loretta Webb was the second of 8 children; grew up in Butcher Holler, a section of Van Lear, a mining community in Kentucky. Growing up with such humble roots had a huge effect on Lynn’s life and heavily influenced her music as an adult. Her autobiography describes how, during her childhood, the community had no motor vehicles, paved roads, or flush toilets. She married Oliver Vanetta Lynn, known as “Doo,” on Jan. 10, 1948, at age 13. In an effort to break free of the coal mining industry, at 14, Lynn moved to the logging community Custer, Washington, with her husband. The Lynns had 4 children – Betty Sue, Jack Benny, Cissy and Ernest Ray – by the time Loretta was 18, and in her early 20s she then had twin girls, Peggy & Patsy. No stranger to controversy, Loretta Lynn possibly had more banned songs than any other country music artist, prior to The Dixie Chicks, including “Rated X,” about the double standards divorced women face, “Wings Upon Your Horns,” about the loss of teenage virginity, and “The Pill,” lyrics by T. D. Bayless, about a wife and mother becoming liberated via the birth control pill. Her song “Dear Uncle Sam,” released in 1966 during the Vietnam War, describes a wife’s anguish at the loss of a husband to war. It has been included in live performances during the US – Iraq War.]

7. Merle Haggard – “Workin’ Man Blues”
from: Oh Boy Classic Presents Merle Haggard / Oh Boy Records / 2000 [Originally released in 1969, a tribute to a core group of his fans: The American blue-collared working man. Backed by an electric guitar that typified Haggard’s signature Bakersfield Sound, he fills the role of one of those workers expressing pride in values of hard work and sacrifice, despite the resulting fatigue and the stress of raising a large family. Included on Haggard’s 1969 album “A Portrait of Merle Haggard.” Included in this collection on John Prine’s Oh Boy Records.]

10:29 – Underwriting

10:30 – Influences of Iris DeMent

Iris DeMent represents that place in the road, where Country and Folk music merged with honest stories, of working class people, not afraid to tell the truth about the times they are living through. Iris DeMent grew up singing gospel music. During her teenage years she was first exposed to country, folk, and R&B, drawing influence from Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell.

8. Johnny Cash – “Ring of Fire”
from: 16 Biggets Hits / Columbia Legacy / 2007
[co-written by June Carter (wife of Johnny Cash) and Merle Kilgore. The song was recorded on March 25, 1963 and became the biggest hit of his career, staying at #1 on the charts for 7 weeks. “Ring of Fire” refers to falling in love – which is what June Carter was experiencing with Johnny Cash at the time. Some sources claim that June had seen the phrase, “Love is like a burning ring of fire,” underlined in one of her uncle A. P. Carter’s Elizabethan books of poetry. She worked with Kilgore on writing a song inspired by this phrase as she had seen her uncle do in the past. In the 2005 film, Walk the Line June is depicted as writing the song while agonizing over her feelings for Cash despite his drug addiction and alcoholism as she was driving home one evening. She had written: “There is no way to be in that kind of hell, no way to extinguish a flame that burns, burns, burns”. Cash claims he had a dream where he heard the song accompanied by “Mexican horns”. Four years after the song was released, Carter and Cash were married which Cash states helped to stop his alcohol and drug addictions. Cash’s daughter, Rosanne has stated, “The song is about the transformative power of love and that’s what it has always meant to me and that’s what it will always mean to the Cash children.]

9. Bob Dylan – “I Shall Be Released”
from: The Essential Bob Dylan / Columbia – Sony / 2000
[Originally recorded October, 1971. ]

10. Joni Mitchell – “For The Roses”
from: For The Roses / Asylumn / 1972
[Released between her 2 biggest commercial and critical successes – “Blue” and “Court & Spark”. In 2007 it was one of 50 recordings chosen that year by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry. The title song “For the Roses” was Mitchell’s farewell to the business; she took an extended break for a year after. The album was critically acclaimed with The New York Times saying “Each of Mitchell’s songs on For the Roses is a gem glistening with her elegant way with language, her pointed splashes of irony and her perfect shaping of images. Never does Mitchell voice a thought or feeling commonly. She’s a songwriter and singer of genius who can’t help but make us feel we are not alone.” A nude photograph of Joni Mitchell was included on the inside cover of the original LP and is included in the CD booklet. The photograph shows the singer from the rear and was taken from a considerable distance; she is shown standing on a rock and staring out at the ocean. This created some controversy at the time.]

10:44

Iris DeMent’s first three releases on Warner Brothers Records, were all critically acclaimed, she received two Grammy nominations during this time, in the “Folk Music” category. Meanwhile country radio completely overlooked her original songs, and amazing voice, that has been compared to Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. This next set features music from her debut recording, “Infamous Angel,” as well as its follow-up, the autobiographical, “My Life,” released in 1994 and we’ll play from her third Warner Brother’s release, “The Way I Should,” released in 1996, which contains some of Iris DeMent’s most political songs. When Michael Moore spoke at The Uptown Theatre Iris DeMent opened for him, with his favorite song “Wasteland of the Free.” We will play the title track, “The Way I Should.”

11. Iris DeMent – “Our Town”
from: Infamous Angel / Warner Brothers / 1992 / 1993

12. Iris DeMent – “My Life”
from: My Life / Warner Brothers / 1994

13. Iris DeMent – “The Way I Should”
from: The Way I Should / Warner Brothers / 1996
[Produced by Randy Scruggs]

10:55 – Collaborations

14. Nanci Griffith w/Iris – “Ten Degrees and Getting Colder”
from: Other Voices Other Rooms / Elektra / 1993 [written by Gordon Lightfoot]

15. Nanci Griffith w/Iris & Emmylou – “Are You Tired of Me Darling”
from: Other Voices Other Rooms / Elektra / 1993
[High Harmony – Iris / Low Harmony – Emmylou Harris]
[Nanci Griffith’s 10th album. Here she pays homage to other songwriters who have influenced her own career.]

16. Randy Scruggs w/Iris & Emmylou – “Wildwood Flower”
from: Crown of Jewels / Reprise / 1998

17. John McCutcheon w/Iris – “Over The Garden Wall”
from: Sprout Wings and Fly / Rounder / 1997 [written by AP Carter]

18. Gary Kirkland w/Iris – “Just For Me”
from: Shootin’ The Works on Love / Dark Horse / 2003

11:15 – Collaborations

19. Steve Earle & The Del McCoury Band w/Iris – “I’m Still In Love With You”
from: The Mountain / E – Squared / 1999
[Released February 23, 1999. Songs were written by Earle as a tribute to the founder of bluegrass music, Bill Monroe, who had died in 1996.]

20. John Prine w/ Iris – “In Spite of Ourselves”
from: In Spite of Ourselves/ Oh Boy / 1999 [written by John Prine]

21. Tom Russell w/Iris – “Love Abides”
from: The Man From God Knows Where / Hightone / 1999

11:30 – Greg Brown

In the 2002 Iris DeMent did a benefit concert for The Friends of Community Radio at Unity Temple on The Plaza. I remember when Iris asked us if it was okay that she have a musician friend open the concert for her, we agreed because Iris was donated her talent to the cause of community radio. And then she told us that this musician friend was Greg Brown, wh at this point was know all over the country but had never before played KC.

Later that year, on November 21, 2002 Greg married Iris DeMent in a private ceremony in the office of Rev. Sam Mann of St. Mark Church in East KC.

Grammy Nominated Greg Brown is one of the most respected singer songwriters working in music today. He started singing professionally at the age of 18 organizing early folk concerts in New York City, Portland, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. In the 1980s, he worked and toured extensively as musical director for Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion radio program. He also founded his own record label, named Red House Records after a home in which he lived in Iowa.

Greg Brown has release over 30 recordings and has allowed much of his music to be used to raise funds and awareness for environmental and social causes. His songs have been performed by Willie Nelson, Jack Johnson, Carlos Santana, Michael Johnson, Ani DiFranco, Shawn Colvin, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Iris DeMent and Joan Baez.

22. Greg Brown w/Iris -“Jacob’s Ladder”
from: Honey in The Lion’s Head / Trailer / 2003

23. Greg Brown – “Bucket”
from: Evening Call / Red House / 2006
[The Washington Post writes, “The singer-songwriter from Iowa has a baritone as rough and chunky as Thanksgiving gravy with the turkey bits still in, and that’s just how his words drip out on his album, “The Evening Call.” on “Whippoorwill” he sing as sweetly as his lover down in Kansas City. That’s his wife, Iris DeMent, and on “Joy Tears,” he tells her, “When you start your singing, honey, the heavens open up with grace.”]

24. Greg Brown – “Let The Mystery Be”
from: Freak Flag / Yep Roc / May 10, 2011
[While recording what was to be his next album lighting hit the studio where he was working, and Greg Brown lost the recordings. Greg, used the experience to turn inward and write more songs that comprise his 24th album: Freak Flag, the title track is all that remains of the lost original album. Greg wrote ten new songs, recording them at Memphis, Tennessee’s legendary Ardent Studios. Produced by Bo Ramsey, the album also includes a cover of Brown’s daughter Pieta’s song ”Remember the Sun.’]

11:45

25. Iris DeMent – “Leaning on The Everlasting Arms”
from: True Grit (Sountrack to the Motion Picture) / Nonesuch Records / Dec. 17, 2010
[The musical score for the Coen Brothers new interpretation of the True Grit was created by Carter Burwell. Much of the music was adapted from old public domain gospel hymns. The very last song hear in the film, during the closing credits, is the only piece on the soundtrack that includes vocals. The track is not available on the CD release, but is available if you download the entire album through I-tunes. The song was originally written by Elisha A. Hoffman and Anthony J. Showalter, and originally published in 1887. Copyright is now Public Domain. Iris also included an earlier version of this song on “Lifeline” her 2004 independently released album of protestant gospel hymns, she grew up hearing her mother sing. “Lifeline” does inclue one original song called “He Reached Down” was this song inspired by a sermon delivered by Rev. Sam Mann.]

In his review for WHYY’s Fresh Air, Entertainment Weekly Music Editor – Ken Tucker wrote: “Iris DeMent possesses one of the great voices in contemporary popular music: powerfully, ringingly clear, capable of both heartbreaking fragility and blow-your-ears-back power. Had she been making country albums in the ’70s and ’80s and had more commercial ambition, she’d probably now be considered right up there with Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. Instead, she’s lived a contemporary life, a somewhat private life. As she recently told an interviewer, “There’s a lot that goes into life besides songwriting.” And she’s taken her time in composing songs that fit into no genre easily.”

Her new album “Sing The Delta” has received glowing reviews from the UK publication UNcut, The New Yorker, The Boston Globe, The Chicago Tribune, and was in many Top Ten Lists of KC music affictionados, incl. #1 on our list of The 112 Best Recordings of 2012

26. Iris DeMent – “Livin’ On The Inside”
from: Sing The Delta / Flariella / Oct. 2, 2012
[Her first full-length release of original songs since 1996. Iris was our special guest on our Oct 10, WMM.]

27. Iris DeMent – “Go On Ahead and Go Home”
from: Sing The Delta / Flariella / Oct. 2, 2012
[Iris Dement previewed many of her new songs when she was in concert with husband Greg Brown, for their 11-11-11 show at The Folly Theatre to benefit St. Mark Child and Family Development Center. Now those songs are part of her brand new release that includes a total of 12 new songs. It is her first full-length release of original songs since 1996. The new record has been critically acclaimed by the music press on both sides of the Atlantic.]

11:59:30

28. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

A Personal Note:

I first met Iris DeMent when I was working at Kinko’s at West 39th & Rainbow in 1992. Iris came in to copy a few of her press clipping and on another visit to make her wedding announcements. Later I discovered her as a singer on Late Night with Conan O’Brien were she performed her song “My Life.” Then I ran into her at the old Classic Cup in Westport. I was nervous and shy, but she approached me and asked, “How do I Know You?” Our paths cross many times again and we bumped into each other at a Patti Smith concert in Lawrence.

Iris DeMent played three songs for one of our Big Bang Buffet shows back in 1999, at one of the first “First Fridays,” at the Hobbs Building during Culture Under Fire. She took the stage after an incredible dance performance by David Ollington that ended with his body being absent of all clothing. Iris also did a benefit for Friends of Community Radio in 2002, and for KKFI in 2004, both times Greg Brown joined Iris in concert. We were all surprised when Iris and greg were married just after their 2002 show at Unity Temple on the Plaza.

Iris performed her song, “Wasteland of the Free” on stage at the Uptown to open for Michael Moore, because it was one of his favorite songs. She played with Greg at Community Christian Church before Amy Goodman (of Democracy Now) took the stage. Amy is also a huge fan of Iris. Iris helped raise over $10,000.00 in both benefit concerts she gave for Community Radio. She never took a penny.

One of the biggest reasons Iris did all of these things was because Anne Winter was her friend, and Anne asked Iris. Anne was like that really incredible mentor who challenged us all to rise above life’s mediocrity, and DO something. She challenged us all. But she also LOVED helping to make her friend’s dreams come true. Having Iris play on stage with us at a Big Bang Buffet show was one of those moments for me. Asking me to stage manage at the Michael Moore show at the Uptown Theatre, was another. Inviting me to sing old time hymns with Iris and Anne, and Ike Sheldon of The Wilders, at Iris’s River Market loft was another. Anne helped to make all of these connections. Anne even went on tour with Iris at one point, to support her friend.

Thank you Iris! and thank you Anne! I love you both so very much!

Sources for notes on tracks and interview segments come from: artist’s websites and wikipedia.org and where noted.

Show #507

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

A Birthday Tribute to Iris DeMent

Wednesday MidDay Medley celebrates the Birthday of Iris DeMent, born January 5, 1961, in rural Paragould, Arkansas. She was the youngest of 14 children. At the age of three, her devoutly religious family moved to California, where she grew up singing gospel music. During her teenage years, Iris was exposed to country, folk, and R&B, drawing influence from Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell.

After a series of jobs as a waitress and typist, Dement wrote her first song at the age of 25. She played open-mic nights in Kansas City, until she moved to Nashville, in 1988, and met producer Jim Rooney, who helped her land a record contract.

Dement made her recording debut in 1992, when her independent label offering, “Infamous Angel” won critical acclaim. Despite a complete lack of support from country radio, the record’s word-of-mouth praise earned her a deal with Warner Bros. records, which reissued “Infamous Angel” in 1993.

We’ll feature music from all five of Iris DeMent’s full length recordings, plus her additional work with artists such as her husband – Greg Brown, and also: John Prine, John McCutcheon, Emmylou Harris, Tom Russell, Nancy Griffith, Steve Earle, Gary Kirkland and songs from various compilations.

We’ll also feature music from Iris DeMent’s inspirations: Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, and others.

On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or
STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org

Show #507

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

Rural Grit Radio

Wednesday MidDay Medley rang in the New Year with Rural Grit Radio, a special celebration of 20 years of Rural Grit Records & Productions that has hosted the Rural Grit Happy Hour for the past 15 years in Kansas City. Rural Grit were the first to record The Wilders, and feature the music of many of KC’s prominent musicians and songwriters.

Joining Mark as guest producers and guest co-hosts were: Kim Stanton, Executive Director; Mark Smeltzer, Principle Musician of Rural Grit; and KC Stanton longtime host of Rural Grit Happy Hour.

1. Trouble In Mind – “Titanic”
from: 21 Song Demo / Rural Grit Records / 1992
[Trouble In Mind were: Patrick Frazier, Mark Smeltzer, Don Carrick, Mike Murphy. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Randy Wolf in Maryville, MO. Rural Grit was started by Trouble In Mind and Randy Wolf. At a show at Whistler’s Mother, a coffeehouse about Whitler’s Books in Westport, Trouble In Mind met The Young Johnny Carson Story (Ike Sheldon, Tom Livesay and Clayton Brown) and The Dhurries (Phil Wade and Betse Ellis). The night that Whistler’s Mother closed down their friendships and musical explorations expanded.]

10:15

2. Dale Frazier – “Tough Luck”
from: Dressed Up & It’s Hot – Farther On / Rural Grit Records / 2001
[notes: Recorded live at Tickfest 2001 by Brendan Moreland and Tom Livesay. Mixed and mastered by Phil Wade.]

3. Jerry, Len, Jen – “The Cuckoo”
from: Tick 777 / Rural Grit Records / 2007
[Recorded live at Tickfest 2007 held at the farm of Dale Frazier. Jerry, len & Jen were traveling friends of Dale Frazier’s who dropped in and played a few songs. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Mark Smeltzer.]

4. Sandoval – “Coal Train Coming”
from: Randy’s Road Tape / Rural Grit Records/1999
[Sandoval was: Tony Ladesich, Brendan Moreland & guest Mark Smeltzer. Recorded live around a campfire at Tick Ranch in 1998 by Randy Wolf. Mixed & mastered by Randy Wolf.]

5. Columbo – “Arkansas Sheik”
from: Dressed Up & It’s Hot-Tongue Unknown/ Rural Grit Records / 2001
[Columbo was: Ike Sheldon, Mark Smeltzer, Nate Gawron and Mike Dolumbo. Recorded live at Tickfest 2001by Brendan Moreland and Tom Livesay. Mixed and mastered by Phil Wade.]

10:40

6. The Kemps – “Will You Miss Me”
from: High Atop The Haybale / Rural Grit Records / 2000
[The Kemps were: Mark Stevenson, Scott Gobber, Amy Bhesania. Recorded live at Winfield in 1999 on the Rural Grit Stage. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Randy Wolf.]

7. Patrick Frazier – “Tear Open Your Heart”
from: Unreleased / 2003
[Patrick Frazier, with: Ike Sheldon, Clayton Brown. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Clayton Brown in Chicago.]

10:53

8. Nate Gawron & The Gospel Three – “When I Was A Sinner”
from: Happy Times / Rural Grit Records / 2001
[Nate Gawron, Ike Sheldon, Brendan Moreland, Scott Gobber. Recorded live at Tickfest 2000. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Randy Wolf]

9.Ike Sheldon – “Nobody’s Fault But Mine”
from: Dressed Up & It’s Hot – Farther On / Rural Grit Records / 2001
[Recorded live at Tickfest 2001 by Brendan Moreland and Tom Livesay. Mixed and mastered by Phil Wade.]

10. The Severe Brothers – “By The Way The River Runs”
from: Dressed Up & It’s Hot – Farther On / Rural Grit Records / 2001
[Stephen Hartley and David Regnier. Recorded live at Tickfest 2001 by Brendan Moreland and Tom Livesay. Mixed and mastered by Phil Wade.]

11. Freight Train Rabbit Killer – “Saw Brother Judas”
from: Freight Train Rabbit Killer / Rural Grit Records / 2013
[Mark Smeltzer and Kristopher Bruders. Recorded live at the Open Fire Pizza afterhours in 2013 by Mark Smeltzer. Mixed and mastered by Mark Smeltzer]

11:05

12. Mel McDonald – “Mr. Crump Don’t Like It”
from: Dressed Up & It Hot – Farther On / Rural Grit Records / 2001
[Recorded live at Tickfest 2001 by Brendan Moreland and Tom Livesay. Mixed and mastered by Phil Wade.]

13. Dale Frazier & The Black Greasy Firemen – “Ballad of the Black Greasy Firemen”
from: Tick 777 / Rural Grit Records / 2007
[notes: Dale Frazier, Mark Smeltzer, Don Carrick, Sterling Brown, Chris DeVictor, David Regnier. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Mark Smeltzer.]

14. The Wilders – “Sandy Boys”
from: Show Us Your Tick / Rural Grit Records / 2003
[Ike Sheldon, Betse Ellis, Phil Wade, Nate Gawron. Recorded live at Tickfest 2003. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Mark Smeltzer.]

11:15

15. Trouble In Mind – “Fortress”
from: Mudlick / Rural Grit Records / 1998
[Mike Murphy, Don Carrick, Patrick Frazier, Mark Smeltzer. Recorded two-track live at the Tick Ranch Studio in 1997. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Randy Wolf.]

16. Clayton Brown – “I Wanted You Around”
from: Epitaphs From the Tomb of the Unknown Loser/ Rural Grit Records/1999
[notes: Clayton Brown recorded, mixed and mastered at his house in Kansas City, MO.]

17. The Whittlers – “Dressed Up & It’s Hot”
from: Dressed Up & It’s Hot-Tongue Unknown / Rural Grit Records / 2001
[The Whittlers were: Tom Livesay, Phil Wade, with guest Ike Sheldon. Recorded live at Tickfest 2001by Brendan Moreland and Tom Livesay. Mixed and mastered by Phil Wade.]

11:25 – Interview with Ike Sheldon

18. Dually Jukes – “Trust of a Fool”
from: Unreleased / 2011
[David Regnier, Mark Smeltzer. Recorded live in Smeltzer’s living room. Mixed and mastered by Mark Smeltzer.]

19. Freight Train Rabbit Killer – “Old American Law”
from: Freight Train Rabbit Killer/ Rural Grit Records/2013
[notes: Kristopher Bruders, Mark Smeltzer. Recorded live at Open Fire Pizza afterhours. Mixed and mastered by Mark Smeltzer.]

11:43 – Underwriting

11:45

20. Mark Smeltzer – “Lay Your Burden Down”
from: Mudlick/ Rural Grit Records/1998
[Recorded live at Tick Ranch Studio. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Randy Wolf.]

21. Betse Ellis – “Question To Lay Your Burden Down”
from: High Moon Order/Free Dirt/2013
[Betse Ellis with: Jason Beers, Jonathan Kraft, Josh Mobley, Mark Smeltzer, Michael Stover, Mike West. Recorded at 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor, Lawrence, KS. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Mike West. Produced by Mike West and Betse Ellis. ]

11:58

22. Pattonsburg Levee Volunteers – “Highsteppin’ Country Girl”
from: Tick / Rural Grit Records / 2007
[The song that ends every Rural Grit Happy Hour known as Jubilee.]

Notes on Rural Grit from Kim Stanton:

Mission Statement: Rural Grit is dedicated to the promotion, performance, and preservation of roots music and strives to provide opportunities for like-minded individuals to further their artistic causes.

… a bio…a biography of who we are…we are a group of individuals who play and work together. We are musicians, artists, teachers, students, social workers, farmers, welders, engineers, chefs, retailers, conservationists, realists, and idealists.

Our focus is roots music–old time, old country, honky tonk, blues, juke joint and original music–traditional sounds to experiments beyond the accepted boundaries. Rural Grit has a stable of performers who create and perform in more than one of these genres.

Rural Gritters are linked by the belief that artists from the past laid down a foundation to be enhanced and built upon. They are encouraged and supported by like-minded musicians, family, and friends to express this belief.

Rural Grit is an exchange of ideas and information. Education is always at the forefront.

Rural Grit provides recording opportunities. We capture live recordings whenever possible.

…Rural Grit is a group of individuals who work and play together.
Rural Grit started from the musical/artistic homesteading of a band called Trouble In Mind (Mark Smeltzer, Patrick Frazier, Mike Murphy & Don Carrick) and a sound engineer (Randy Wolf). Formed in 1990 in Maryville, Missouri, Trouble In Mind and their sound freak friend stuck together–creating and recording music. In 1994, they self-released ‘Trouble In Mind’ on the Rural Grit Label; the name ‘Rural Grit’ was chosen to describe the kind of music that Trouble In Mind created–they never could be identified by one genre and the idea of grit use on the farm appealed to them. After the release, they continued to record–in their attics, basements, and out at the Tick Ranch in the original farmhouse.

When Trouble In Mind started, the music world looked a lot different in Kansas City than it does today. For example: there was a single booking agency that was extremely powerful and if you didn’t belong to their stable of performers, then you didn’t get booked. Of course there were underground shows or underage shows, but they were often shut down by the city after the first show. Acoustic shows were unheard of-you couldn’t find one anywhere. At that time, coffee shops had just started to exist and were beginning to host more diverse/eclectic shows but the public wasn’t that accepting, yet. Groups like Uncle Tupelo and movements like No Depression were regional at best. Everything in KC was very much a formula and the thing that you could really rely on from audiences was a big round of indifference. It seemed like gigs at that time were based not on good music, but whether the band could play something that was known and popular, and in a style that was known and popular. Bands, just by the nature of the music scene, couldn’t really be all that creative. Even to this day, the general population of this city doesn’t really support local music. People don’t know what they like; they like what they know.

Trouble In Mind didn’t care if they were popular or not. They soon realized that the kind of music that they wanted to hear, they’d have to be playing it themselves. Maybe they just didn’t know any better–none of them grew up here; they all grew up in small towns, met at a small town university (Northwest Missouri State University) and gravitated together to KC. They didn’t look for anyone to respect what they did, so when they weren’t respected, they didn’t care. The main difference between them and any other “punk” band was that they didn’t call it quits after six months. Trouble In Mind only played music that they thought people should hear, not what the public wanted to hear. This attitude led to a following that was 98% musicians–artists from all different kinds and types of musical expression.

The underground scene that was present at the time enabled them to meet musicians like: Dale Frazier, The Young Johnny Carson Story, The Dhurries, My Childhood Hero, and Blue Museum. None of these artists publicly played the same kind of music, but as they hosted house parties and afters or hung out for an afternoon, a community of musicians emerged. The artists challenged and supported each other. They each shared their American musical roots–by listening to old recordings, playing the traditional or revised versions and revealing their song-writing abilities. This established an outpost that didn’t cater to the popular thing at the time. They tried to encourage other artists to go farther back and listen–to try to find the roots. Trouble In Mind and Randy were constantly recording and inviting others to record with them. It wasn’t about the next record deal or being a star. It was about playing music, being honest, and following your heart/soul.

In 1995 The Santa Rosa Tick Fest began. Trouble In Mind, Randy Wolf and Dale Frazier hosted the Santa Rosa Tick Fest–a weekend long playing/recording extravaganza. That year the infamous “Meat Gig” at the American Royal began. They continued to meet, play and socialize with new artists and newly founded bands (Foolish Sad Robot, Daysleeper, The Wilders, Santa Rosa String Band, The Kemps, Sandoval, Secret Liquor Cure).

In 1996 longtime friends, KC and Kim Stanton, returned to the area and helped Trouble In Mind out with the business end–bookings, publicity and merchandise sells.

The community of musicians continued to musically interact. Randy continued to record, record, record. Other artists wanted to release on the Rural Grit Label–Dale Frazier, Santa Rosa String Band, The Wilders, The Kemps, Clayton Brown and Al Trout. Decisions were made about what did we want Rural Grit to be. We went the full gamut–with a board of directors, monthly meetings, a mission statement, and even procedures. The core group–Mark, Pat, Mike, Don, Dale, Randy, KC, Kim, Ike, and Betse–agreed on this: Rural Grit was not out to make money. We provided the label name. Each artist that released on the label would do all the work, thus garnering all the money and owning all rights to the record. Rural Grit would produce shows or events and we would recorded it. Rural Grit would release compilations or anthologies from their own recordings. All proceeds from Rural Grit merchandise and shows would go back into the general fund to maintain recording gear and RG merchandise, produce Tick Fest and have some money available for our uninsured artists. There would be no regular paid positions–basically everything done is on a volunteer basis.

That’s how Rural Grit started–a lot of work, dedication, love of music and hanging with like-minded folks.

Rural Grit Happy Hour–What it started as…what it is today.
On August 23, 1998, the band Trouble In Mind was scheduled to play a Sunday night gig at the Grand Emporium. Three weeks before the gig, the other two scheduled bands cancelled and we were asked if we wanted to try and fill the night. What an exciting prospect…one whole night, designed by us, we couldn’t resist the lure. For a number of years, we had been putting on the legendary 15 hour Tick Festival out in the middle of nowhere, so we knew we could round up musicians and put on a show. In addition, we had also recorded the Tick Fest that summer and wanted to release the music. So, we moved into high gear, rounding up the musicians who had played at the Tick Fest, mastered a 90 minute cassette for release and advertised.

“Rural Grit Records invites you to the 49th Annual Santa Rosa Tick Fest Tape Release Party” Featuring: Trouble In Mind, The Wilders, The Kemps, Sandoval, Rex Hobart & the Misery Boys and The Santa Rosa Stringband. The four hour show turned into a 5 1/2 hour show–there was constant music with main acts- acoustic and electric, in-between acts, to acts standing on chairs in the audience to battery powered amp wielding musicians mingling with the crowd. It was a huge success.

Roger Naber, owner of the GE, asked us if we would be interested doing such a show monthly. After discussion, we decided that we could do it every 4 months. The next show was scheduled for Sunday, January 1, 1999. It was crazy to take on the odds of having a successful show on the day after New Year’s Eve but we decided to try . We even ended up competing with a snowstorm, but the musicians and audience still showed up to participate.

Not long after the success of the January 1st show, Roger, who had just returned from Austin where he had attended a variety of Happy Hour shows at clubs, like the Continental Club, contacted Kc, who had lived in Austin and was familiar with how the Happy Hour shows ran. They discussed Rural Grit putting on a weekly Happy Hour Show. We decided to do it—we’d have a weekly event at the GE, a reputable club; we would have a regular venue for our artists to perform; we could meet more musicians. After some discussion and sweet persuasion, Ike Sheldon (The Wilders and Trouble In Mind) agreed to host the weekly Happy Hour. ..Brother Ike..s Rural Grit Happy Hour at the Grand Emporium.. began on the first Monday of February in 1999.

“Brother Ike’s Rural Grit Happy Hour (RGHH) every Monday 6:00-8:00” –In the beginning, we featured local bands–artists that were part of Rural Grit or networked with Rural Grit artists. Attendance was sparse during the first several months–what in the hell did we think we’re doing? We realized that what we were offering was too much like every other show offered in Kansas City. We decided to make the Happy Hour more like our big shows–constant music of a wide variety with some element of the unorthodox each night. We wanted to create a situation where musicians and music lovers were the regulars.

Our mission statement (Rural Grit is dedicated to the promotion, performance, and preservation of roots music and strives to provide opportunities for like-minded individuals to further their artistic causes) provided the road map for the RGHH. We decided to keep the RGHH acoustic in nature and the focus on Roots Music. The stage plot designed was a single mic set up, a large single diaphragm microphone. This eliminated the need for the full-time sound engineer (Randy, Little John, Jenna, Conrad, Mark) to take music time away using multiple mic set ups. We noticed that with the single mic, artists were placed in a situation where they had to listen to each other with out monitors and they were able to quickly get on and off the stage. There was usually a bass mic and an extra 57 as a spot for quiet instruments, however, these were seldom used.

To create a music, party-like atmosphere and check out booking prospects, the—Inbetweens: were created to allow artists who were not featured that evening to participate. “Duets & Trios” night (every 3rd Monday) was an opportunity for beginners to interface with skilled amateurs to professional road-dogs and for all artists to test new material/instruments. “Theme Nights” (like Death, Disaster and Destruction, or Trainwrecks and Catastrophes, or Outlaws and the Women Who Loved Them) and ”VS” nights (as in Hank Williams Sr. VS Robert Johnson, or Johnny Cash VS Muddy Waters) were created to add variety and encourage learning new material. “Electric Freakout” (every 5th Monday) was a night for our musicians who also played electrically to rock out. Occasionally we had touring bands featured, which opened the need for opening acts, in response the “Rural Grit All-Stars” were created. This is a changing group of artists who frequent the RGHH and can be tailored to compliment the touring band. We also put on two 6-hour shows a year–The Winter Tick Fest and The Anniversary Show.

By the end of 2002, the consistent touring of The Wilders kept Ike and company at the Happy Hour less, but by that time, we had met another wave of crazy, musician types who sure did like getting together and exploring musical roots firsthand. All the time The Wilders were beginning to trek across the country, spreading Rural Grit recordings far and wide. At this time we changed the name officially to the Rural Grit Happy Hour.

At the beginning of 2003, the Rural Grit Happy Hour was still in full swing, providing musicians with a unique networking opportunity and the audience with variety each week. Roger extended our hours and the RGHH was the only gig offered on Monday nights. The RGHH had become a place where musicians connected and created new bands, where young bands came to spread their wings, and old timers came back to reconnect with the young. In addition, there was a core loyal following among musicians, patrons and staff. Amazing Grace was there each Mondays feedin’ us soul food; it went well with the soul of the music. It was real, honest– it was music from the heart for the heart. We felt like we had actually done something good, something to be proud of and something that was continuing to grow.

In May of 2004 a series of unforeseen events took place: Roger had cut a deal to sell the Grand Emporium. The new owners planned to rip out everything, down to the studs–nothing would remain the same except the stage. We did not want the RGHH to end but where to go after 5 years and 3 months. Other happy hour shows had come and gone but the Rural Grit had outlasted them and now the venue itself!

Memorial Day- a day we usually take off-would be the last day the GE’s doors would open and the RGHH would be the final event at the GE. We decided to put on a Big Show–Memoriam at The Grand Emporium–everyone was coming together for the last show, flyers were posted, radio and print interviews. Everything was high energy; people were exited. Musicians and fans alike had begged, pleaded, demanded that the RGHH go on somewhere else. We thought, “o.k., but where?” Where indeed. Venues from across the city were courting us. We didn’t want to make a decision in such a short period of time, so it was decided that we would “take a summer vacation” at Mike’s Tavern playing theme shows and scout out a permanent venue.

The Saturday night before the last show at the GE was when the second of a series of unforeseen events took place. A F4 tornado cut a deadly path through Davies County MO, home of the Santa Rosa Tick Festival and the magical Tick Ranch studio. Dale, Mary and cousin Jeff made it out alive, but some folks just down the road did not. As for the studio, (really an old farm house) the main record room was amazingly just fine but the roof above the engineer’s room was ripped off and 7 inches of rain was dumped inside. It would rain 5 more inches that week and another funnel cloud would threaten two weeks later. However, 40 yards away an earth contact home was destroyed. Now not only we looking for a new venue, but we had less than 2 months to repair the studio and clean up the debris to get ready for Tick Fest. Ever cleaned up after a F4 tornado–it’s one hell of a job! The final RGHH at the GE was a huge success–over 150 patrons and 50 musicians closed the GE in style.

At the end of our summer vacation at Mike’s Tavern, we decided to move to The Brick. So the RGHH continues on Monday nights from 6-9 p.m. at The Brick. We keep to the same format that we used in the past. There are featured bands/artists with “Inbetweens”. Every third Monday of the month is Duets & Trios night. Every fifth Monday is the Electric Freakout. We still have theme nights or vs nights. We still use a single mic. We still encourage the networking between musicians and supporting a like-minded community.

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
http://www.kkfi.org

Show #506

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

Rural Grit Radio

Wednesday MidDay Medley rings in the New Year with Rural Grit Radio, a special celebration of Rural Grit Records & Productions that has hosted the Rural Grit Happy Hour for the past 15 years in Kansas City. Rural Grit were the first to record The Wilders, and feature the music of many of KC’s prominent musicians and songwriters.

Joining Mark as guest producer and guest co-hosts are: Kim Stanton, Executive Director and Mark Smeltzer, Principle Musician of Rural Grit. Mark and Kim will feature music from their vast catalog of Rural Grit Recordings of over the last 15 years. Along with the recordings we will also feature a live, in the studio group performance from many of the regular contributors of The Rural Grit Happy Hour, produced every Monday night at The Brick.

On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or
STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org

Show #506

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

The 113 Best Recordings of 2013
(Part 4 of 4)

Wednesday MidDay Medley presents part-four, of our four-week special: The 113 Best Recordings of 2013. Based on the playlists of Wednesday MidDay Medley, we’ll feature representative tracks from our favorite recordings. In 2013 we’ve played over 1000 songs, and hundreds of New & Local Releases. We’ve presented dozens of LIVE in-studio performances from area performers, and we’ve interviewed over 200 local and national guests.

1. (25.) Spirit is the Spirit – “I Believe That We Will Win”
from: Baktun Baby / Independent / November, 2012
[Lawrence, Kansas based 5-piece band known for their beautiful Psychedelic-Folk-Rock sound. Members include: Austen Malone, Noah Compo, Josh Landau, Brook Partain, Danny Bowersox]

2. (24.) Foxygen – “San Francisco”
from: We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic / Jagjaguar / January 18, 2013
[Second full-length album by Californian experimental rock duo of Sam France, 22 year old vocalist and songwriter, originally from Olympia, Washington, and Jonathan Rado, also 22, who is a songwriter, guitarist, and keyboard player, originally form NYC. Formed in 2005, the band self-released several EPs between 2007 and 2011. In 2012 the group was signed to Jagjaguwar Records. This album was produced by Richard Swift and recorded at his National Freedom studio.]

3. (23.) Ha Ha Tonka – “Rewrite Our Lives”
from: Lessons / Bloodshot Records / September 24, 2013
[Formed in Springfield, Missouri their music is steeped in Ozark folk. Originally from West Plains, Missouri. Brett Anderson – keyboard, guitar, and vocals; Lennon Bone – drums & vocals; Lucas Long – bass & vocals; Brian Roberts -guitar & vocals. Signed to Bloodshot Records out of Chicago. The band is named after Ha Ha Tonka state park in southern Missouri.]

10:15

4. (22.) Laura Marling – “I Was An Eagle”
from: Once I Was An Eagle / Ribbon Music / May 28, 2013
[4th album by British singer-songwriter Laura Beatrice Marling born Feb 1, 1990. A folk musician from Eversley, Hampshire, United Kingdom. Her debut album “Alas, I Cannot Swim,” her 2nd album “I Speak Because I Can,” and her 4th album “Once I Was An Eagle” were nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2008, 2010, and 2013, respectively. She won Best Female Solo Artist at the 2011 Brit Awards and was nominated for the same award at the 2012 Brit Awards.]

5. (21.) Maps For Travelers – “Matter of Time”
from: Change Your Name / No Sleep Records / April 27, 2013
[Formed in the Spring of 2010 by 4 musicians who have played and toured nationally in various bands in and around the local KC area. RL Brooks on Vocals, Guitar, Trumpet; Zach Brotherton on Vocals, Guitar; David Fleming on Bass, Kevin Medina on Drums.]

[Maps For Travelors play Riot Room, 4048 Broadway, on Jan. 10, with David Hasselhoff on Acid and Various Blonde.]

6. (20.) Janelle Monae – “Dance Apocalyptic”
from: The Electric Lady / Bad Boy Records / September 10, 2013
[Janelle Monáe moved from Kansas City, Kansas to New York to study theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Her original plan was to pursue a career on Broadway, but she soon changed her mind and returned to music. After moving to Atlanta, GA, where she met OutKast’s Big Boi, Monáe founded the Wondaland Arts Society with like-minded young artists and made appearances on Outcast’s Idlewild, where Janelle is featured on the songs “Call The Law” and “In Your Dreams”. In 2007, Monáe released her first solo work, titled Metropolis. A few months later she was signed to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ label, Bad Boy Records.]

[Janelle Monae played the Uptown Theatre, Friday, Novenber 15]

10:29 – Underwriting

10:30

7. (19.) Mazzy Star – “California”
from: Seasons of Your Day / Rhymes of an Hour / September 24, 2013
[4th studio album by alternative rock band formed in Santa Monica, California, in 1989, a collaboration of guitarist David Roback and bassist Kendra Smith. Roback’s friend Hope Sandoval became the group’s vocalist when Smith left the band. Mazzy Star is best known for the song “Fade into You” which brought the band some success in the mid-1990s and was the group’s biggest mainstream hit, earning extensive exposure on MTV, VH1, and radio airplay. Roback and Sandoval are the creative center of the band, with Sandoval as lyricist and Roback as composer of the majority of the band’s material. Mazzy Star has deep roots within the Californian Paisley Underground movement of the early 1980s. David Roback, along with his brother Steven, was one of the main architects of leading Los Angeles psychedelic revival band, the Rain Parade.]

8. (18.) The Latenight Callers – “Straight Razor”
from: Songs for Stolen Moments / TLNC / June 8, 2013
[Formed in Lawrence by baritone guitarist, Krysztof Nemeth, and vocalist Julie Berndsen, With the addition of Bassist Gavin Mac, and Nick Combs on keyboards. The Latenight Callers joined us live on June 5.]

9. (17.) Phosphorescent – “Song For Zulu”
from: Muchacho de Lujo (Deluxe Edition) / Dead Oceans / March 15, 2013
[Phosphorescent is the working moniker of American singer-songwriter Matthew Houck. Originally from Alabama, Houck began recording and performing under this nom de plume in 2001 in Athens, Georgia. He is currently based in Brooklyn, New York.]

10:47

10. (16.) Swimming in Speakers – “So Alive”
from: Guessing The Others / Independent / February 5, 2013
[Debut full length recording from Christopher Clarke & Meadow Elizabeth. Christopher trained professional in KC with UMKC’s professional actor training program at the conservatory. After living and working in Prague, Christopher landed back in Adirondack Park, New York, where Swimming in Speakers was formed. The band mixes indie ambient synth-pop, toe-tapping freak folktronica, and Christopher Clarke’s multi-layered production with Meadow Elizabeth’s hypnotic vocals.]

11. (15.) Cowboy Indian Bear – “Let it Down”
from: Live Old, Die Young / The Record Machine / April 23, 2013 [Released on White Vinyl! Joshua Browning served the band as producer and engineer. The songs were recorded over a three year period, where the band was also constantly touring, living on the road, keeping the van running. Beau Bruns – percussion, vocals, glockenspiel, guitar, Charles Calhoun – vocals, guitar, bass, keys, percussion, Martinez Hillard – vocals, guitar, keys, bass, percussion; Katlyn Conroy vocals, piano, keys.]

[Winner of the 2013 Pitch Music Award for Best Live Act.]

12. (14.) Tiny Horse – “Wind and Rain”
from: Darkly Sparkly [EP] / Flyover Records / Mar. 4, 2013
[Debut EP release from Abigail Henderson and Christopher Lynn Meck. Cody Wyoming-baritone guitar, guitar, keys, Zachary Phillips-bass guitar, Matt Richey-drums, percussion.]

11:00

13. (13.) Akkilles – “Country Boy Deluxe”
from: Something You’d Say / Akkilles / July 2, 2013
[Singer/songwriter David Bennett formed the KC based band Akkilles in 2011. Akkilles includes David Bennett on lead vocalsm guitar; Isaac Anderson, on drums; Rachel Pollock on violin, piano, percussion, & vocals; Nick Pick on Bass & vocals; Jeff Larison on lead guitar & dobro. David Bennett & Issac Anderson joined us on 6/26]

14. (12.) The Wires – “Native”
from: The Wires – Alternative Strings / Independent / March 9, 2013 [Laurel Morgan grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. A classically trained, she has been playing the violin for 25 years. Laurel graduated from the UMKC Conservatory of Music in 2005. She has also performed with the Des Moines Symphony, Quixotic fusion ensemble, Musical Theatre Heritage at the Off-Center Theatre and as a member of folk-rock band, ‘In the Pines” that won several Pitch music awards. As a composer, arranger, and musician Laurel Morgan has traveled to Germany, Austria, and throughout the United States, but is based here in KC. Laurel Morgan is currently on faculty at the Cottey College department of music. Sascha Groschang graduated from Paseo Academy of Performing Arts in 2000, UMKC Conservatory of Music in 2004, and Mannes College – The New School For Music in 2008. She had her solo recital debut at Carnegie Hall’s recital hall, Weill Hall in February 2009. Sascha has recorded or performed with Peter Gabriel, Joanna Newsom, Ashanti, Adina Menzel, Clay Walker, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. She has also worked for NBC and Rhino Records. She is currently working with Juniper String Ensemble, Saint Joesph Symphony, and is part of the faculty at Missouri Western State University. She also teaches out of her Midtown KC home studio. You can learn more at: cellolady.com. Together, Laurel Morgan & Sascha Groschang are The Wires, an alternative exploration in string sound from KCMO. They compose & perform original music for violin & cello.]

15. (11.) The Silver Maggies – “Slow Poke”
from: My Pale Horse / Money Wolf Music / March 28, 2013
[Fronted by lead singer/songwriters – Patrick Deveny and Terrence Moore (American Catastrophe, The Black Water). Founding members include Felix Dukes on electric guitar, Jonathan Knecht on drums and Steve Tubbert (Zoom) on bass. Terrence joined The Silver Maggies in 2010 after performing with them that year at the Murder Ballad Ball. He brought several original songs to add to the repertoire and splits singing and songwriting duties. This spring the band added Amy Farrand (American Catastrophe, Atlantic Fadeout, EIO) on vocals and additional instrumentation, as well as Samon Rajabnik on B3 organ. Both artists performed on “My Pale Horse” and joined the band for a raucous set at the 2012 Murder Ballad Ball in Kansas City. The album was recorded over the last year by Chris Cosgrove at Black Lodge, Cosgrove Audio, WaveLab and Element Recording. Mixing was done in Tuscon, AZ at WaveLab by veteran producer/engineer Craig Schumacher (Calexico, Neko Case, DeVotchKa).]

11:15

16. (10.) Bobby Watson & The I Have a Dream Project – “Check Cashing Day (For Ms. Trudy) [feat. Glenn North]”
from: Check Cashing Day / Lafiya Music / Digital – Aug. 28, 2013 / Physical – Nov. 12, 2013
[From wikipedia.org: “Bobby Watson was born in Lawrence, Kansas, August 23, 1953. he is an American post-bop jazz alto saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator. Watson now has 27 recordings as a leader. He appears on nearly 100 other recordings as either co-leader or in a supporting role. Watson has recorded more than 100 original compositions. Watson grew up in Bonner Springs, Kansas, and Kansas City, Kansas. He attended the University of Miami with fellow students Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius and Bruce Hornsby. After graduating in 1975, he moved to NYC and joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. He performed with the Messengers from 1977 to 1981. After the Jazz Messengers, Watson work with many notable musicians, including: drummers Max Roach and Louis Hayes, fellow saxophonists George Coleman and Branford Marsalis, multi-instrumentalist Sam Rivers and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. In addition, Watson has served in a supporting role for a number of vocalists including: Joe Williams, Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls, Betty Carter, and Carmen Lundy, and has performed as a sideman with Carlos Santana, George Coleman, Rufus and Chaka Khan, Bob Belden and John Hicks. Later, in association with bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Victor Lewis, Watson started the first edition of Horizon, an acoustic quintet modeled after the Jazz Messengers but with its own slightly more modern twist. In addition to his work as leader of Horizon, Watson also led a group known as the High court of Swing (a tribute to the music of Johnny Hodges), The Tailor-Made Big Band (16 pieces in all) and is a founding member of the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet, an all-horn, four-piece group with alto saxophonist Ed Jackson, tenor saxophonist Rich Rothenberg, and baritone saxophonist Jim Hartog. Watson also composed an original song for the soundtrack of Robert De Niro’s A Bronx Tale (1993). A resident of New York for most of his professional life, Watson served as a member of the adjunct faculty and taught private saxophone at William Patterson University from 1985 to 1986 and the Manhattan School of Music from 1996 to 1999. He is currently involved with the Thelonious Monk Institute’s yearly “Jazz in America” high school outreach program. In 2000, he was approached to return to his native midwestern surroundings on the Kansas-Missouri border. Watson was selected as the first William D. and Mary Grant/Missouri, Distinguished Professorship in Jazz Studies. The past seven years he has served as the director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music although he still manages to balance live engagements around the world with his teaching responsibilities. Watson’s ensembles at UMKC have garnered several awards and national recognition.] [From DLmediamusic.com: “As Watson reflects, Check Cashing Day serves as “a commentary on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we need to go as a people, as a country, and as a global community.” Watson chose to concentrate on the reason why over 300,000 people, black and white, gathered in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963. Dr. King spoke of coming to Washington to cash a 100 year old check, a moral check that the founding fathers wrote into the Declaration of Independence, but to this day, the check keeps coming back marked ‘insufficient funds.’ Introducing poet and spoken word artist Glenn North from KCMO, Check Cashing Day is a concept recording with 15 tracks portrayed in the vein of musical theatre. “I asked Glenn to put some poetry, from his perspective, to several of my compositions, as well as one written by vocalist Pamela Baskin-Watson and two by bassist Curtis Lundy,” comments Watson. “It was my desire with this project to produce poetry that would in some ways cleanse the soul,” notes North. In addition, Watson’s release features trumpeter Hermon Mehari, pianist Richard Johnson, drummer Eric Kennedy, flutist Horace Washington, and trombonist Karita Carter.]

17. (9.) The Dead Girls – “Under Seige”
from: Fade In/Fade Out / Independent / 2013
[The Dead Girls (formerly Dead Girls Ruin Everything) was formed in 2004 from the ashes of Ultimate Fakebook and Podstar, two bands that were staples of the Lawrence and KC power-pop sound. Guitarists / singers JoJo Longbottom and Cameron Hawk, of Podstar, combine their dual-guitar attack and vocal harmonies with the rhythmic assault of drummer Eric Melin and bassist Nick Colby, of Ultimate Fakebook. The band’s new record was Produced by Chris Cosgrove who produced their 2010 album “Out Of Earshot.”]

18. (8.) Soft Reeds – “Funky Friends Breathe, Ok?”
from: Blank City / The Record Machine / April 23, 2013
[Ben Grimes of Soft Reeds joined us LIVE on WMM on April 17.]

11:28 – Underwriting

11:30

19. (7.) Radkey – “Little Man”
from: Devil Fruit – EP / Little Man Records / October 14, 2013
+ Cat & Mouse – EP / Wreckroom / June 4, 2013
[Radkey is a St. Joesph based band made up of teenage brothers Darrion, Isaiah, and Solomon. Their influences include The Who and Nirvana.]

20. (6.) The ACBs – “Feel Winter”
from: Little Leaves / High Dive Records / March 5, 2013
[Konnor Ervin (lead vocals, guitar); Bryan McGuire (bass); Andrew Connor (guitar); Kyle Rausch (drums). Follow up to their December, 2010 release, Stona Rosa. Their songs have been featured on MTV’s The Inbetweeners, and Daytrotter. The title “Little Leaves” is a nod to frontman Konnor Ervin’s landscaping day job. The lead single, “Ocean” was released as a free download in late 2012, prompting Popmatters to declare the ACBs as one of its “Best Hopes to Break Out in 2013.”]

[Winner of the 2013 Pitch Music Award for Best Pop Band.]

21. (5.) Bloodbirds – “Patterned Sky”
from: Psychic Surgery / Independent / February 1, 2013
[KC based Psychedelic post-punk trio featuring ex-Ad Astra Per Aspera member Mike Tuley, his wife Brooke Tuley and Anna St. Louis. The album will be available as a vinyl LP in April. Recorded at Junior’s Motel, with additional recording at the Worst Place in the World, and House Tuley. Rcorded by Kirk Kaufman and Mike Tuley. Mixed by Mike Tuley.

22. (4.) Dead Voices – “Dream Notes”
from: Dead Voices / Independent / April 20, 2013
[KC Super-Group, formed in September of 2010, by David Regnier, Jason Beers, Matt Richey, Michael Stover, Marco Pascolini. Lauren Krum sings with David on “Pardoning”. The band joined us on April 17.]

11:45

23. (3.) Betse Ellis – “Question To Lay Your Burden Down”
from: High Moon Order / Free Dirt / June 14, 2013
[2nd solo release from renowned fiddler, Betse Ellis, known by many as a founding member of The Wilders.]

24. (2.) The Grisly Hand – “Phineas Gage”
from: Country Singles / Independent / April 26, 2013
[Formed in 2009. The current line up includes: Jimmy Fitzner (Guitar and Vocals), Lauren Krum (Vocals and Percussion), Johnny Nichols (Bass and Vocals), Matt Richey (Drums), Mike Stover (Steel Guitar), and Ben Summers (Guitar and Mandolin). Mike Stover & Lauren Krum of The Grisly Hand joined us LIVE April 24.]

[Winner of the 2013 Pitch Music Award for Best Americana/Bluegrass Band.]

25. (1.) PedalJets – “Terra Nova (Radio Edit)”
from: What’s In Between / Electric Moth Records / June 25, 2013
[1st album of new material in 23 years. Paul Malinowski (Vocals, Guitar), Rob Morrow (Drums, Vocals), Mike Allmayer (Guitar, Vocals), Matt Kesler (Bass, Vocals). Produced by The Pedaljets & Paul Malinoski. The albums photos & design are from artist Archer Prewitt of: the Sea and Cake and The Coctails. More info: thepedaljets.

26. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

sources for notes: artists websites and wikipedia.org

Show #505

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

The 113 Best Recordings of 2013
(Part 4 of 4)

Wednesday MidDay Medley presents part-four, of our four-week special: The 113 Best Recordings of 2013. Based on the playlists of Wednesday MidDay Medley, we’ll feature representative tracks from our favorite recordings. In 2013 we’ve played over 1000 songs, and hundreds of New & Local Releases. We’ve presented dozens of LIVE in-studio performances from area performers, and we’ve interviewed over 200 local and national guests. 62% of the recordings on our “Best of” list were locally produced. It’s all good!

This Wednesday, we’ll count down #25 through #1 of our list, with music from: The Grisly Hand, Dead Voices, Pedaljets, Betse Ellis, bloodbirds, The ACBs, Radkey, Soft Reeds, The Dead Girls, Bobby Watson, The Silver Maggies, The Wires, Akkilles, Tiny Horse, Cowboy Indian Bear, Swimming in Speakers, Ha Ha Tonka, Spirit is The Spirit, The Latenight Callers, Maps For Travelers, Foxygen, Phosphorescent, Mazzy Star, Janelle Monae, and Laura Marling.

On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or
STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org

Show #505

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

The 113 Best Recordings of 2013
(Part 3 of 4)

Wednesday MidDay Medley presents part-three, of our four-week special: The 113 Best Recordings of 2013. Based on the playlists of Wednesday MidDay Medley, we’ll feature representative tracks from our favorite recordings. In 2013 we’ve played over 1000 songs, and hundreds of New & Local Releases. We’ve presented dozens of LIVE in-studio performances from area performers, and we’ve interviewed over 200 local and national guests. 62% of the recordings on our “Best of” list were locally produced. It’s all good!

1. (54.) Arcade Fire – “Flashbulb Eyes”
from: Reflector / Merge / October 28, 2013
[From wikipedia: 4th studio album from Montreal based band. Reflektor was co-produced by former LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy, regular Arcade Fire producer Markus Dravs, and the band itself. Influenced by Haitian rara music, the 1959 film Black Orpheus and Søren Kierkegaard’s essay, “The Present Age”, Reflektor’s release was preceded by a guerrilla marketing campaign inspired by veve drawings, and the release of a limited edition single, “Reflektor”, credited to the fictional band, The Reflektors, on September 9, 2013. The song features guest vocals by David Bowie. The album’s origins stem from a trip that both vocalist and guitarist Win Butler and multi-instrumentalist Régine Chassagne took to her family’s home country of Haiti. Butler noted, “Going to Haiti for the first time with Regine was the beginning of a major change in the way that I thought about the world. Usually, I think you have most of your musical influences locked down by the time you’re 16. There was a band I [feel] changed me musically, just really opened me up to this huge, vast amount of culture and influence I hadn’t been exposed to before, which was really life-changing.” Inspired by the country’s rara music, Butler and Chassagne incorporated elements of this sound into the band’s new material, alongside Jamaican influences. Butler stated, “I mean, it’s not like our band trying to play Haitian music. I just felt like we were opened up to a new influence. Bob Marley probably felt the same way the first time he heard Curtis Mayfield.”]

2. (53.) Beautiful Bodies – “Invincible” [Radio Edit]
from: Battles [EP] / Independent / July 20, 2013
[Indie/rock band from Kansas City that mixes elements of punk, dance, new wave, and rock. Fronted by the magnetic – and at times, mischievous – Alicia Solombrino on VOCALS; Thomas Becker on GUITAR & BACKUP VOX; Luis Arana on BASS; Aaron Crawford on DRUMS. The band has received comparisons to Blondie, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Runaways and Metric. More info at thebeautifulbodies.com]

3. (52.) Erik Voeks – “Dark Angel of Delmar”
from: Finulu [EP] / Independent / April 29, 2013
[Written by Erik Voeks. Produced by Patrick Hawley & Erik Voeks., Mixed & mastered by Adam Schmitt, Drums, piano, pump organ: Patrick Hawley, Steel guitar: Mike Stover, Trumpet: Ryan Oldham, Handclaps: Coleen Voeks & Mary Hawley, Field recordings: Coleen Voeks. Everything else recorded at Sandusky Sound Co. by EV.]

[In 2013 Erik Voeks toured Spain, where he is a big deal, toured the NYC area with The Depth & The Whisper, and won a Pitch Music Award for Best Male Singer-Songwriter.]

4. (51.) Boards of Canada – “Sick Times”
from: Tomorrow’s Harvest / Warp Records / June 10, 2013
[4th studio album by the Scottish electronic music duo. Band members Mike Sandison and Marcus Eoin began composing and recording the album following the release of The Campfire Headphase (2005) and the expansion of their studio at Hexagon Sun near Pentland Hills. The duo continued recording intermittently until late 2012, when large parts of the album were recorded. Influenced by film soundtracks from the 1970s, Tomorrow’s Harvest features a more downtempo form of ambient music, similar to Boards of Canada’s earlier releases. Tomorrow’s Harvest was the first new music released by Boards of Canada in seven years, since Trans Canada Highway (2006).]

10:15

5. (50.) Marva Whitney – “Daddy Don’t Know About Sugar Bear”
from: Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label / Numero Group – Cleanteen Records / Sept. 3, 2013
[Born Marva Ann Manning, May 1, 1944 in Kansas City, Kansas. Whitney’s performing career started as early as three years old while touring with her family’s gospel group, the Manning Gospel Singers. In 1960, when she was 16, she joined a Kansas gospel group, the Alma Whitney Singers, and ended up marrying Harry Whitney, the brother-in-law of the group’s leader. Ever since, she has gone by her married name, Marva Whitney. Marva Whitney is well known as a funk vocalist. Singing with James Brown in the late 1960s, she was able to make a name for herself with powerful songs like “I’m Tired, I’m Tired, I’m Tired (Things Better Change Before Its Too Late)” and “If You Don’t Work (You Can’t Eat).” Her recording of “It’s My Thing (You Can’t Tell Me Who to Sock It To)” reached the R&B Top 20. Her song “Unwind Yourself” has been sampled numerous times, most recognisably by DJ Mark the 45 King on his 1987 track “The 900 Number”, which was then sampled by DJ Chad Jackson on his 1990 hit single “Hear the Drummer (Get Wicked)” (UK #3 in July 1990), by DJ Kool on his 1996 hit “Let Me Clear My Throat” (UK #6 in March 1997), Sway on his 2009 track Mercedes Benz and Mac Miller on his 2011 track Party On Fifth Ave. In 2006, Marva Whitney collaborated with German born DJ/collector/manager DJ Pari and Japanese funk orchestra Osaka Monaurail to produce a new single, “I Am What I Am”. Osaka Monaurail style themselves on the James Brown sound and the single was produced in the fashion of an authentic release of the recordings she produced with Brown in 1969. Two successful tours of Japan and a full length album release followed, also entitled “I Am What I Am”. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, the tour was also brought to Europe. In December 2009, Whitney collapsed on stage in front of thousands of fans in Lorne, Australia, while performing with The Transatlantics at Falls Festival. She was immediately rushed to Geelong Hospital, where doctors diagnosed a stroke. The remaining dates of her tour had to be canceled, but Whitney made a recovery and performed again in 2010. In December 2012, Whitney died from complications of pneumonia at her home. She was 68.]

6. (49.) Claire and the Crowded Stage – “Technicolor”
from: Technicolor [EP] / Independent / January 5, 2013
+ Night Side of Day [EP] / Independent / July 20, 2013
[All songs by Claire Adams. All arrangements by The Crowded Stage: Katy Guillen, Katelyn Boone,, Brent Jamison, Peter Lawless, Stephanie Williams, Jerod Rivers and Teri Quinn. Tecnicolor was Recorded in Kansas City by Jerod Rivers, Peter Lawless, Claire Adams and Brent Jamison, mixed by Claire Adams
mastered by Duane Trower at Weights+Measures soundlab.]

[Claire & the Crowded Stage are Stretching out for the Early Show…Saturday, January 11, 6:00pm to 8:30pm at Coda, 1744 Broadway]

7. (48.) Gemini Revolution – “Floating Thoughts Under Dark Clouds”
from: My Mind Has Wings [EP] / Upstairs Recordings / November 1, 2013
[Gemini Revolution is: Dedric Moore, Delaney Moore, Mika Tayana. They were asked to perform at last year’s Pop Montreal Festival. Upstairs Recordings of Vancouver, Canada, released their self titled, full length debut to coincide with the festival.]

8. (47.) Metatone – “Dark Empress”
from: Metatone / Independent / May 14, 2013
[Recorded & mixed by Metatone 2012-2013. Written by J. Ashley Miller & Metatone. J. Ashley Miller: Vocals, Guitar; Gary Miller: Percussion, Harmonica, Vocals; Jon Kraft: Drums; Rabbit Killer: Mr. Squeaky; Abbi Miler: Vocals; Hank Eddins: Bass; Rhys Ziemba: Guitar; Iko: Vocals, Hype. More info at metatone.bandcamp.com]

10:30 – Underwriting

10:32

9. (46.) Hidden Pictures – “Where Does The Story Go”
from: Where Does The Story Go [EP] / Golden Sound Records / October 14, 2013
+ Sister Wife [EP] / Golden Sound Records / June 4, 2013
[Richard Gintowt wrote the songs and sang lead vocals and played guitar. Claire Adams sang back up. Nate Holt played keyboard. Jeff Freling played guitar. Lennon Bone played drums on “Moving Out.” Cameron Hawk played drums on “Where Does the Story Go?” and “Second Shadow.” Corey Vitt played bass on tracks one and three. Kyle Akers played bass on track two. Wayne Hutcherson sang high harmony on the chorus of “Moving Out” with Leslie Waggoner. Paul Malinowski tracked drums and bass at Massive Sound Studios. Joel Nanos mixed it at Element Studios. Doug Van Sloan mastered it at Focus Mastering Omaha. Patrick Giroux designed the cover.]

[Hidden Pictures play a special Homecoming Show, TONIGHT, at 10:00pm at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, Kansas. Richard is back from San Francisco for the week so a show was wrangled up.]

10. (45.) Maria Taylor – “You’ve Got A Way with the Light”
from: Something About Knowing / Saddle Creek Records / October 29, 2013
[Azure Ray’s Maria Taylor returns with her 5th solo. Recorded with Mike Mogis and Andy LeMaster.]

11. (44.) John L. Keck – “Die With Me”
from: Jack Moon Sessions / Independent / Nov. 9, 2013
[Two years ago while John was visiting the famous Sun Studios in Memphis, TN where Presley, Cash, Howlin’ Wolf, Jerry Lee Lewis, and so many others have recorded John decided to produce a single at the legendary studio and a session being booked. He originally only booked 2 hours thinking that would be plenty of time to get several takes of “Die with Me”, his most recent song. 2 hours turned into 4, and 8 tracks were recorded with 3 takes of each song. This “live” album was brought back to KC and discussed with Brent Jamison & Chappy Felkins of Dreamwolfanimalbear Productions, with the intention of adding more instrumentation to it, to bring out a full band sound that John had planned for most of the songs. John’s friends Betse Ellis; Elaine McMillan; Megan Zander & Chris Taddy of Dream Wolf; Clint Hoffmeier of Ned Ludd and Vehicle; and Hume Man were asked to sit in on the Chappy Road sessions and create the sound John was hearing in his head.]

12. (41) Olassa – “Where Will I Live”
from: I Love You Come Back To Me / Indep. / Jan. 26, 2013
[Indie Folk from Lawrence, KS. Allison Olassa Guitar, Accordion, Organ & Vocals; Cain Robberson on guitar & vocals; and Tyler Bachert on drums.]

[Olassa play the recordBar, 1020 Westport Rd. Friday, Dec. 20, at 10:00 with Akkilles, and Paper Bird.]

10:45

13. (42.) David Burchfield and The Great Stop – “Sun Came Up”
from: Perseids / Independent / August 10, 2013
[Produced, engineered, mixed and master by Mike Crawford at the Impossible Box in Kansas City, with David Burchfield on vocals & guitar; Leslie Hammer on banjo, fiddle and viola; Seth Jenkins on upright bass, Jeff Larison on pedal steel and dobro; Andy Michael on piano and accordian; and Devon Russell on vocals, choir.]

[David Burchfield and the Great Stop regroup while David is home for the holidays playing a special show, Sat, Dec. 21, at 8:00pm, The Brick – 1727 McGee, with Attic Wolves and Devon Russell.]

14. (41.) Madisen Ward & the Mama Bear – “Whole Lotta Problems”
from: We Burned The Cane Field / Independent / October 6, 2012
[Singer songwriter, Madisen Ward graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri in 2007. He plays live and records with his Mother, Ruth WardMama Bear, both on guitar, with Mama Bear harmonizing with her son. Their debut EP was recorded in Kansas City’s Element Recording by Joel Nanos.]

15. (40.) Summer Osborne – “Grace”
from: As I Am / Summer Osborne / June 30, 2013
[St. Louis based singer songwriter has been performing on stage since the age of four. She has been performing her original music since 2005, releasing 8 full-length albums and an EP. Since 2009, Summer has been constantly on tour playing Pridefests in St. Louis, Vancouver, Columbia, Memphis, Springfield, Lexington, Belleville. Summer is a champion of the KC HRC Battle of The Babes – Acoustic Stage. Summer has shared the stage with The Indigo Girls, God-Des and She, Tiffany, Jen Foster, Sugarbeach, The Cliks, Crystal Waters, Betty, Martha Wash, RJ Helton, Jennifer Holliday, Kimberley Locke, Tret Fure, and Shannon Curtis.]

[Summer Osborne plays the Uptown Arts Bar, 3611 Broadway, TONIGHT! The Show starts at 7:00 pm with Roem Baur, The Welcome Matt, and KC Turner, three musicians from San Francisco.]

11:00 – Station ID

16. (39.) The Clementines – “Bayou”
from: The Clementines / Independent / June 1, 2013
[The Clementines as a duo Tim Jenkins & Nicole Springer played LIVE on our April 25, 2012 Wednesday MidDay Medley. Since then they’ve added Stephanie Williams on Drums, and Travis Earndshaw on Bass. Nicole Springer grew up in Oak Grove, MO, and graduated H.S. in 2004. She studied Music-Vocal/Choral at Missouri State University, in Springfield, MO, and studied Special Education with Music at Metropolitan MO CC, in KCMO. Nicole told The Pitch (Jan. 10, 2012 article): “I grew up singing in gospel choirs,” she says. “And I still love gospel music, though I’m not religious or anything. I did musicals throughout high school, and I went to school for a year at Missouri State for music education. But I’ve never been in a committed band before this one.”]

[The Clementines play KC Uncovered III – Shine A Light, A Tribute to the Music of Abigail Henderson, Saturday, December 21, at the recordBar, at 8:00pm, also featuring: Sister Mary Rotten Crotch, Not A Planet, The Vi Tran Band, and The Oil Lamps (Featuring Bill Sundahl, Mike Meyers, Mike Alexander, Steven Michael Tulipana, Scott Easterday, Howard Iceberg, John Velghe, Amy Farrand and others). These five bands perform the songs of Abigail Henderson! 100% of the proceeds go to Midwest Music Foundation, the not-for-profit organization Abigail and friends formed to support area musicians and their emergency health care needs. ALSO, Voting starts at midnight for the 10-day voting period for Boulevard Brewing Company’s KC Pils campaign to benefit Midwest Music Foundation. You can vote each day – one vote per day, per IP address! You can help support the not-for-profit, volunteer organization that supports local musicians! More info at http://www.voteformmf.com.]

17. (38.) The Conquerors – “Our Time”
from: The Conquerors / Independent / February 26, 2013
[First album by KC based Psychedelic – Psychotropic Rock and Roll from: Rory Cameron on Guitar/Vocals, Christian O’Reilly on Bass/Vocals, Jim Button on Drums, Vince Lawhon on Guitar/Vocals, Mikee Pruitt on Drums/Banjo/Vocals. Recorded live by: Willy Christie, Mixed by: Vincent Lawhon, Mastered by: David Gaume at Element Studios.]

18. (37.) Josh Berwanger – “Baby Loses Her Mind”
from: Strange Stains / Good Land Records / October 1, 2013
[From Berwangermusic.com: “Josh Berwanger could easily be considered a veteran of the rock and roll wars. He first made a name for himself as a member of The Anniversary, a seminal Kansas band that released two glorious albums (2000’s Designing a Nervous Breakdown and 2002’s Your Majesty) and selling over 100,000 records before imploding in a breakup of Fleetwood Mac-style proportions while attempting to tour Japan. Undeterred, Berwanger put together a new band—a country-rock outfit called The Only Children–and would go on to release two criminally underrated records (2004’s Change of Living and 2007’s Keeper of Youth) before pulling the plug on that project and taking a job doing the next most logical thing possible– coaching high school basketball in Lawrence, Kansas. For the recording of Strange Stains, Berwanger joined forces with old pal (and original drummer for The Anniversary) Michael Hutcherson, who brought not only brought the rhythm to the record, but a wonderful familiarity as well. “Josh and I met in 1996 while playing in local Kansas City pop punk bands,” recalls Hutcherson, “I am honored to be making music with Josh again. For all that’s changed in our lives over the years, we’ve still got a symbiotic musical relationship. No questions, no egos, just rock and roll. The new also features additional playing from The Breeders’ Jim Macpherson.”]

[Josh Berwanger plays miniBar, 3810 Broadway, Friday, December 20, at 10;00 pm, with The Belles.]

19. (36.) La Guerre – “Lake Ontario”
from: The Three [EP] / The Record Machine / May 7, 2013
Violent (7-song EP) / The Record Machine / Aug. 20, 2013
[Katlyn Conroy is a singer songwriter based in Lawrence, KS and is a member of, Cowboy Indian Bear. La Guerre is the French for “war.”]

[In 2013 La Guerre won a Pitch Music Award for Best Female Singer-Songwriter.]

11:16

20. (35.) The Holydrug Couple – “Willoweed”
from: Noctuary / Sacred Bones Records / Jan. 22, 2013
[Devotional dream pop, neo psychedelia from Chile. All songs written, recorded and produced by Ives Sepulveda. Vocals, guitars, bass guitar, keys, noises, percussion and drums performed by Ives Sepulveda. Drums performed by Manuel Parra. Recorded at From the bed in Santiago, Chile between july and october of 2012. The Holydrug Couple are a part of the burgeoning psychedelic rock scene rising out of Chile. Based in Santiago, members Ives Sepúlveda and Manuel Parra met while “jamming” together.]

21. (34.) Cass McCombs – “There Can Be Only One”
from: Big Wheels and Others / Domino Recording Co. / October 14, 2013
[Born in Concord, California in 1977. Famed DJ John Peel called his music “unobtrusively brilliant.” Cass McCombs has received widespread critical acclaim. He has led a nomadic existence for most of his adult life, moving from one city to the next, living in cars, on couches and at campsites. McCombs spent time developing his music bouncing between New York City, San Francisco, the Pacific Northwest, England and Baltimore. McCombs has stated that his tombstone will read “Home At Last.”]

22. (33.) Of Montreal – “Fugitive Air”
from: Lousey With Sylvianbriar / Polyvinyl / October 8, 2013
[Athens, Georgia based rock band, founded by frontman Kevin Barnes in 1996, named after a failed romance with a woman “of Montreal.” The band is one of the bands of the Elephant 6 collective. Of Montreal’s musical style has evolved from vaudeville and Beatles-influenced psychedelic twee pop to a mixture of electronica, funk, glam, and afrobeat music influenced by Prince and David Bowie. Lousy with Sylvianbriar is the band’s twelfth studio album.]

11:27 – Underwriting

11:29

23. (32.) Crocodiles – “I Like It In The Dark”
from: Crimes of Passion / Frenchkiss / Aug 20, 2013
[4th studio album by indie pop band from San Diego. Formed in 2008 by Brandon Welchez and Charles Rowell after the break-up of their former punk bands Some Girls and The Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower. Brandon Welches also played in an early incarnation of Dum Dum Girls and he is married to frontwoman Dee Dee Penny. The album was produced by Sune Rose Wagner of The Raveonettes in LA. Guests on the album include Gregg Foreman of Delta 72 and Cat Power, soul singer Afrodyete of Breakestra as well as Welchez’ brother, jazz musician Josh Welchez.]

[In Sept. 2010, Crocodiles released an instrumental song, “Kill Joe Arpaio”, referencing the controversial anti-immigrant Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona. Arpaio heard the song and responded using twitter, “Msg for the San Diego band ‘Alligators’ who wrote new song called ‘Kill Joe Arpaio’: BITE ME,”. Arpaio also referenced the song during an appearance on Phoenix TV channel KPHO, saying “I’m a little concerned about the music, where kids can get this type of music. I think it sends a bad message. I understand freedom of speech, but there has to be a line of threatening a law enforcement official.” Crocodiles responded via Spin Magazine saying “Maybe if the song was called ‘I’m Gonna Kill Joe Arpaio,’ he’d have a case but what we are attacking is the attitudes and policies he represents. In reality, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that his much-deserved heart attack comes soon; the world can always use one less racist.” ]

24. (31.) Red Kate – “Union Voice (Radio Edit)”
from: When the troubles come (Vinyl) / Replay Records USA / August 23, 2013
[In the review of the debut EP, The Pitch wrote, “Bassist and lead vocalist L. Ron Drunkard, (aka Shaun Saving) is a socialist activist by day, bellows like an Appalachian Roger Daltrey.” Andrew Whelan – Drums/Vocals, Brad Huhmann – Guitar, Desmond Poirier – guitar/vocals]

25. (30.) Rev Gusto – “Click Click”
From: Rev Gusto [EP] / Catapult / January 5, 2012
[Jerry Frederick on Vocals & Guitar, Sam Frederick on Bass, Shaun Crowley on Guitar, Peter Beatty on guitar Quinn Hernandez on Drums, Rev Gusto just released their first self-titled EP recorded at Element Recording.]

26. (29.) She’s A Keeper – “Plattsburg”
from: Sterlin / Independent / Dec. 11, 2013
[5-piece band from KC, includes: Fritz Hutchison – vocals, banjo, percussion; Zac Jurden – vocals, guitar; Colin Nelson – vocals, guitar; Elliott Phillips – bass, mandolin; Kate Sopcich – cello, keyboard. The song is named after the place in Missouri.]

[In 2013 She’s A Keeper won a Pitch Music Award for Best Emerging Band.]

11:45

27. (28.) Not A Planet – “Kingdom Come”
from: The Few, The Proud, The Strange / Independent / May 10, 2013
[Kansas City based Rock and Roll trio formed in 2010. Nathan Corsi, Liam Sumnicht, Bill Sturges.]

[Not A Planet play KC Uncovered III – Shine A Light, A Tribute to the Music of Abigail Henderson, Saturday, December 21, at the recordBar, at 8:00pm, also featuring: Sister Mary Rotten Crotch, The Clementines, The Vi Tran Band, and The Oil Lamps (Featuring Bill Sundahl, Mike Meyers, Mike Alexander, Steven Michael Tulipana, Scott Easterday, Howard Iceberg, John Velghe, Amy Farrand and others). These five bands perform the songs of Abigail Henderson! 100% of the proceeds go to Midwest Music Foundation, the not-for-profit organization Abigail and friends formed to support area musicians and their emergency health care needs. ALSO, Voting starts at midnight for the 10-day voting period for Boulevard Brewing Company’s KC Pils campaign to benefit Midwest Music Foundation. You can vote each day – one vote per day, per IP address! You can help support the not-for-profit, volunteer organization that supports local musicians! More info at http://www.voteformmf.com.]

[In 2013 Not A Planet won a Pitch Music Award for Best Rock Band.]

28. (27.) David Bowie – “Where Are We Now?”
from: The Next Day / ISO – Columbia / Expected March 12, 2013
[We were all surprised to hear the single Bowie released on his birthday, Jan. 8. His 1st new music in 10 years. In the works for over 2 years, Bowie is collaborating w/ longtime producer Tony Visconti who told the BBC that they worked on the new album at a very slow pace. “We never spent more than two to three weeks at a time recording,” Visconti said. “And then we’d take off as much as two months. We’d usually work on one or two songs in an afternoon and we’d whip them up to shape where they’d sound like great rock tracks. At that point there wouldn’t be any final vocals or lyrics. This is the same way I’d been working with him since The Man Who Sold the World. He hasn’t really changed in his approach.” Toward the end of Bowie’s 2004 tour in Europe the singer underwent emergency heart surgery for a blocked artery. There were rumors about Bowie’s health. Visconti told the BBC “He’s a very healthy man… I couldn’t explain how I know that, but I worked with a very healthy David Bowie in the studio and a very happy David Bowie in the studio.”]

[Bowie was nominated for a Grammy Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Album.]

29. (26.) Vi Tran Band – “The Charmer”
from: American Heroine / Independent / October 4, 2013
[The Vi Tran Band is singer, songwriter, guitarist – Vi Tran, with Katie Gilchrist on vocals, percussion; Sean Hogge on guitar; Jerod Rivers on drums, vocals; and Ben Byard on bass, vocals.]

[The Vi Tran Band play KC Uncovered III – Shine A Light, A Tribute to the Music of Abigail Henderson, Saturday, December 21, at the recordBar, at 8:00pm, also featuring: Sister Mary Rotten Crotch, Not A Planet, The Clementines, and The Oil Lamps (Featuring Bill Sundahl, Mike Meyers, Mike Alexander, Steven Michael Tulipana, Scott Easterday, Howard Iceberg, John Velghe, Amy Farrand and others). These five bands perform the songs of Abigail Henderson! 100% of the proceeds go to Midwest Music Foundation, the not-for-profit organization Abigail and friends formed to support area musicians and their emergency health care needs. ALSO, Voting starts at midnight for the 10-day voting period for Boulevard Brewing Company’s KC Pils campaign to benefit Midwest Music Foundation. You can vote each day – one vote per day, per IP address! You can help support the not-for-profit, volunteer organization that supports local musicians! More info at http://www.voteformmf.com.]

30. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

sources for notes: artists websites and wikipedia.org

Show #504

Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

The 113 Best Recordings of 2013
(Part 3 of 4)


Wednesday MidDay Medley presents part-three, of our four-week special: The 113 Best Recordings of 2013. Based on the playlists of Wednesday MidDay Medley, we’ll feature representative tracks from our favorite recordings. In 2013 we’ve played over 1000 songs, and hundreds of New & Local Releases. We’ve presented dozens of LIVE in-studio performances from area performers, and we’ve interviewed over 200 local and national guests. 62% of the recordings on our “Best of” list were locally produced. It’s all good!

Tune into 90.1 FM, Wednesdays in December through the 25th. We’ll play nearly 8-hours of music that represent: The 113 of Best Recordings of 2013!

This Wednesday, we’ll count down #54 through #26 of our list, with music from: Not A Planet, Beautiful Bodies, Erik Voeks, Josh Berwanger, David Burchfield and the Great Stop, Marva Whitney, Gemini Revolution, Claire & The Crowded Stage, Hidden Pictures, Olassa, John L. Keck, La Guerre, The Conquerors, The Clementines, Summer Osborne, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, Metatone, She’s A Keeper, The Vi Tran Band, Rev Gusto, Red Kate, David Bowie, Of Montreal, Crocodiles, Arcade Fire, Cass McCombs, The Holydrug Couple, Boards of Canada, and Maria Taylor.

On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or
STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org

Show #504