Busk Break

What’s not to like about upbeat tunes played on resonator guitar and kazoo? Not much, that’s what. And given how much fun Airhorn Slim is to listen to, it’s worth giving each of these tunes a few listens. Eagle-eyed viewers may recognize Airhorn Slim from other Busk Break videos, such as Balkan Death Grip’s “Men … Continue reading Airhorn Slim’s upbeat charm on resonator guitar and kazoo

Watching this video of violinist Amy Alvey and Hang drum player Blake “Blake Abyss” Larson perform together, you’d probably expect to hear that the duo had been busking together for weeks, if not years. As unusual at the pairing of the instruments is, the whole thing comes together in a way that implies the comfort … Continue reading Blake Abyss and Amy Alvey’s improv jam on Hang and violin

There are some songs that bypass every bit of cynicism, pretense and stylistic preference. They slip right through the portcullis bars of the psyche, and slide into the unguarded heart where nostalgia and memory live. For me, one of those songs is “Over The Rainbow.” Sure, the The Wizard of Oz plays a part in … Continue reading Adhi covers “Over The Rainbow”

In this video, singer/songwriter Abe Leonard is joined by keyboardist Lloyd Hill and violinist (and Busk Break alum) Erica, performing a pair of then-untitled songs. Originally recorded in 2011, these never-before-seen video was recently discovered in the Busk Break archives. Why have these never been seen before? Both are very weird songs, being deeply dissonant … Continue reading Abe, Lloyd and Erica

In this third tune from our 2012 session with guitarist/singer Jimbo Lockhart and percussionist Abby The Spoon Lady, we hear a spirited version of “Polly Wolly Doodle.” For a tune that’s been around since at least 1880, it doesn’t sound too shabby at all. For those of you who love Abby’s music, we’ll be posting … Continue reading Jimbo Lockhart and Abby The Spoon Lady perform “Polly Wolly Doodle”

In this video, Busk Break favorites Abby The Spoon Lady and Jimbo Lockhart perform that staple of old-time gatherings across the globe, “Cluck Old Hen.” This tune was recorded in 2012 as part of a three-song session in downtown Asheville, but was overlooked in that week’s updates. Only recently unearthed in the archives, this video … Continue reading Jimbo Lockhart and Abby the Spoon Lady perform “Cluck Old Hen”

Busk Break favorite Abby The Spoon Lady performs the classic tune “Old Joe Clark” with Jimbo Lockhart on the streets of Asheville, NC, in 2012. For those of you who love Abby’s music, we’ll be posting more from this session, including some unseen tunes, in future posts. In addition to being an outstanding busker, Abby … Continue reading Abby The Spoon Lady and Jimbo Lockhart perform “Old Joe Clark”

Vocalist/guitarist Mark Conti and bassist Christian Ferri — both members of the Asheville Waits Band (a Tom Waits cover band) — perform “Singapore” from the album Rain Dogs in front of the Iron sculpture.   This video was originally recorded on a very windy day in early January, 2012.     DOWNLOAD THE SONG!

Vocalist/guitarist Mark Conti and bassist Christian Ferri — both members of the Asheville Waits Band (a Tom Waits cover band) — perform “Singapore” from the album Rain Dogs in front of the Iron sculpture.   This video was originally recorded on a very windy day in early January, 2012.     DOWNLOAD THE SONG!

By their own admission, the Slaughter Brothers have been playing in Asheville for the last few months largely because they were “stranded” here after playing a birthday party. But they don’t seem too bummed about where fate has landed them, and now they’re in town “doing their thing.” Raised in Dayton, Ohio, and professionally based … Continue reading The Slaughter Brothers Band perform their untitled, bluegrass-inspired tune