Summer 09 Music Mix

Its time again for a mix of my favorite tunes from the past few months. There was an unusually large crop of great music this summer – and whittling it down to just 20 songs was tough.

This mix is pretty rootsy although there is some rock, jazz, and folk tossed in there. I also listened to a lot cello this summer – but somehow it just didn’t fit with the other stuff.

A theme many of these songs share is the banjo – but it is a subtle background texture not the in your face bluegrass style (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I really enjoy seeing the instrument – and in particular the old time style which I play – finding a new niche. Check out Heart of Sawdust, Wind in the Wires, Big Bird in a Small Cage, and Hey Joe (yes Hendrix) in particular.

Sarah Jarosz – an Austin teen phenom – finally released her album. A couple of weeks ago she was on A Prairie Home Companion – keep an eye on her.

Chumbwamba and Hugh Masekela make appearances from the vault. Old music can still sound new. Leela James and Ruthie Foster give it all some lift.

Perennial favorites Guy Forsyth (saw him at Gruene Hall in August), Regina Spektor, Eliza Gilkyson, Bebe, and Eels all make a showing.

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