Cornbread Cafe

Hear our long-awaited conversation with brilliant songwriter and spellbinding performer Sierra Ferrell — who is the. real. deal.

Episode #14 of the Cornbread Cafe features a deep-dive interview with Mike Merenda of The Mammals, tunes, and more tunes. The post Cornbread Cafe #14: The Mammals appeared first on The Greylock Glass.

Welcome brothers and sisters to episode #14 of the Cornbread Cafe. I am the mongrel, and I will be your grill master at this barbecue bonanza we’re firing up for you today. Cazh and cozy, we’re located at the five-corners of Blues, Americana, Folk, Country, and Gospel. And you can sometimes catch an express to Rock ’n’ Roll at the bus stop across the way. I hope you brought your appetite, too because we’re going to burn a full-rack of meaty American Roots tunes out on the back deck. And not only that — we’re finally going to share an interview that’s been in the smoker for a good long time. I’ve given you nibbles in different shows over the last year, but I am truly honored to present to you, in its entirely, for the first time, the conversation I had with Mike Merenda of the Mammals (first featured back in Episode 13) . If you’re a Cornbread Cafe fan, then chances are good that you already know about this Hudson Valley area band that draws from the very best in the Folk Tradition — stories grounded humbly in the Earth, yet told with a fire and a musical prowess that seems effortless. You can see and hear for yourself, too, because they’ll be gracing the barn boards at Hancock Shaker Village Saturday, July 27, in the next installment of the Shaker Barn Music series. Note that the Hancock Shaker Village is one of our 2019 season sponsors, so be sure to thank them for supporting independent local news when you go. Featured in this Episode:Todd Snider • "Talking Reality Television Blues" • Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3 The Mammals • “Make It True” • Sunshiner The Mammals • “Sunshiner” • Sunshiner The Mammals • “Fork in the Road” • Sunshiner The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow • “Every Day It’s Always Something” • Heart of the Run Anna Stine • “Eyelids” • Company of Now The Chris Robinson Brotherhood • “Come’n Round the Mountain” • Servants of the Sun Brett Allen Gregory • “Here and Gone” • Tales of the Bed Yam The core of the group has, since its inception in 2001 consisted of Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar to whom he’s also married. Other musicians have rotated in and out of the lineup, which has has infused the act with a lot unique talents and perspectives over the years. They’ve shared stages with both legendary figures in roots music as well as artists from recent generations of folk fame. Look for a link in the show notes for more details — a more impressive who’s-who list would be hard to come by. Also in the first half of the show I’ll be spinning a few tunes off the Mammals 2018 release Sunshiner, which earned a place on the Americana Music Association's “Top 100 Albums and Songs for 2018.” The MammalsSaturday, July 27, 20019, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield, Mass.TicketsPoints of Contact:Web, Patreon, Bandcamp, Archive.org Wikipedia Before we do that though, let me introduce you to the opening act for this episode, Todd Snider. I’ll admit, I didn’t know much about Snider, except that he’s irreverent and witty as hell. His publicist sent me a track that’s a lot tamer than some of the tracks I’d love to play for you, probably following standard decency rules for radio. Except that I’m a podcaster and a streamer and I’ll play whatever I want. But, until they actually send me his entire latest LP, Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3, I guess I’d better just play it safe, and play you “Talking Reality Television Blues,” which should warm up the house nicely. If you like what you hear, visit his Spotifiy for more, and if you REALLY like what you hear, you can check him out live Wednesday, July 24 at Club Helsinki in Hudson, NY. . Todd Snider Todd Todd Snider plays Club Helsinki in Hudson, New York Wednesday, July 24; photo by Cathy Mills. So, again, that was Todd Snider, with “Talking Reality Television Blues,” off the Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3. I’ll see what I can do about bringing some of his more candid tunes to you soon. But now, I am definitely in the mood for a heaping helping ...

We celebrate the first inaugural Black Bear Americana Musics Festival with potent tracks from The Mammals, Adam Ezra Group, Belle of the Fall, The Nields, Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, The Rad Trads, Violetta Zironi, NuBluzRevue, and the Honey Whiskey Trio. First ever installment of this huge event to be held at the Goshen Fairgrounds just north of Litchfield, Conn., October 4–8. Welcome! brothers and sisters to Episode #13—of the Cornbread Cafe, that new joint on the web offering tasty American Roots treats. We’re located at the five-corners of Americana, Blues, Country, Folk, and Gospel. And sometimes you can catch an express to Rock ’n’ Roll at the bus stop across the way. I am, of course, your host, the mongrel, a.k.a. Jay Vee, and it’s my distinct pleasure to serve up a show I know we’re all going to look back on some day with kind of a “Yup. I was there” satisfaction. Featured in this Episode: The Mammals • “Culture War” • SunshinerAdam Ezra Group • “Steal Your Daughter” • Hurricane Wind
Belle of the Fall • “They All Come Crashing Down” • Rise UpThe Nields • “You Don't Have That Kind Of Time” • XVII
Whiskey Treaty Roadshow • “Jimmy The Whiskey Boy” • Whiskey Treaty Roadshow EP
The Rad Trads • “The Little Pie Blues” • On TapVioletta Zironi • “Little Wound” • single
NuBluzRevue • “Think Again” • NuBluzRevueHoney Whiskey Trio • “Grim Reaper” • Rye Woman Last episode we got to hear from Jim Olsen of Signature Sounds about the inaugural Arcadia Folk Festival going on September 30, in Northampton Mass. This time around, we hear from two of the organizers of the brand new Black Bear Americana Music Festival taking place October 4 through the 8 in Northwestern Connecticut. Beth Murphy and Ian Campbell dialed in to our studio late in the evening earlier this week to talk about the whys and hows of building this exciting new gathering from the ground up. The Mammals And how cool is that? Back to back shows about back to back nascent American Roots music festivals. This type of opportunity comes around less than once in a blue moon, and I am pleased to be able to bring you the news, interviews, and sampler platters of music you can expect to hear at these top flight festivals. It’ll be another lean back and loosen yer belt kind of episode. We also continue our occasional series of music in the American Roots genre that thrives on foreign soil — “Americana Expat.” As promised, this episode we have the JUST released single, “Little Wound,” from Italian born Violetta Zironi—an artist I predict will be making her way into the festival circuit in the next year or two. Plus, we’ll hear from a couple artists new to the show, as well as making sure we end this musical feast with a sweet finish courtesy our old friends, the Honey Whiskey Trio.’ Adam Ezra Group I already know we’re going to run over our 60-minute limit with this show, so let’s get right into it with our first Black Bear set, featuring the Adam Ezra Group and particularly smokin’ track, “Steal Your Daughter” off 2017’s Hurricane Wind. We’ll hear Belle of the Fall and the blistering “They All Came Crashing Down,” off their brandy new release Rise Up, and we’ll kick it all off with The Mammals, who also have a brand new album, Sunshiner, from which we’ll enjoy “Culture War,” right here on the Cornbread Cafe. Again that was “They All Came Crashing Down,” from Belle of the Fall. The album, Rise Up, is Exhibit A for why I do this show and why we all gravitate towards American Roots. You can listen for no other reason than the satisfying overall sound, and then listen more closely and hear some real genius in the poetry, wit, and wisdom of the lyrics. Belle of the Fall You find songwriters who fall at different points along the lyrical spectrum, sometimes simultaneously, in the Americana-verse. I think this emotional complexity is one of the things that draws people from all walks of life, all over the world,

We celebrate the first inaugural Black Bear Americana Musics Festival with potent tracks from The Mammals, Adam Ezra Group, Belle of the Fall, The Nields, Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, The Rad Trads, Violetta Zironi, NuBluzRevue, and the Honey Whiskey Trio. First ever installment of this huge event to be held at the Goshen Fairgrounds just north of Litchfield, Conn., October 4–8. Welcome! brothers and sisters to Episode #13—of the Cornbread Cafe, that new joint on the web offering tasty American Roots treats.… The post Cornbread Cafe #13: The Black Bear Americana Music Festival appeared first on The Greylock Glass.

We celebrate the first inaugural Arcadia Folk Festival with mighty tunes from Laura Berman, Faint Peter, Divining Rod, Birds of Chicago, Darlingside, Heather Maloney, The Nields, and Celine Schmink. Dawn at Arcadia Wildlife Preserve; photo courtesy Mass Audubon. host, the mongrel music editor, Serafina Welcome! brothers and sisters to Episode #12—of the Cornbread Cafe, a fine place to get your fill of some of very best in American Roots music. Cazh and cozy, we’re located at the five-corners of Blues, Americana, Folk, Country, and Gospel.… The post Cornbread Cafe #12 appeared first on The Greylock Glass.

We celebrate the first inaugural Arcadia Folk Festival with mighty tunes from Laura Berman, Faint Peter, Divining Rod, Birds of Chicago, Darlingside, Heather Maloney, The Nields, and Celine Schmink. host, the mongrel music editor, Serafina Welcome! brothers and sisters to Episode #12—of the Cornbread Cafe, a fine place to get your fill of some of very best in American Roots music. Cazh and cozy, we’re located at the five-corners of Blues, Americana, Folk, Country, and Gospel. And sometimes you can catch an express to Rock ’n’ Roll at the bus stop across the way. * I am the mongrel, and it does my heart good to see you back again so soon. And it looks like you brought some friends with you. Thanks for dropping in. Always room in the Cafe for folks with great taste in music.We’re sliding back into our long format this episode to celebrate the inauguration of America’s newest American Roots fest, the Arcadia Folk Festival, taking place in Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley September 30. Not only do we have a block of great tunes from some of artists who’ll be performing there, but we speak both with Signature Sound’s Jim Olson, organizer of the event AND Jonah Keane, Sanctuary Director for Mass Audubon at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Both Jim and Jonah explain why this enchanting, verdant refuge makes for a setting that’s more than just a gorgeous backdrop. Featured in this EpisodeLaura Berman • “Come As You Are” • HomeFaint Peter • “Waiting” • RedoubtDivining Rod • “Darling Down The Row” • singleBirds of Chicago • “Farewell Tenderhearts” • American FlowersDarlingside • “Singularity” • ExtralifeHeather Maloney • “A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall” • Just Enough SunThe Nields • “Love Love Love” • XVIICeline Schmink • “Solo Rider” • Faded Wanderings If you enjoy this show, I really hope you’ll help it to grow and thrive. Become a member by following the link in the sidebar, or by pledging your support at Patreon.com/greylockglass. At the tail end of this episode, we’ll introduce a new, occasional feature of the show we’re calling “American-a Expat.” Right now, though, let’s tuck in to this musical spread by spinning a tune that landed in my inbox just this week. You know I love sharing an early taste of albums before anyone else has heard them. This track will appear on Laura Berman’s January 2019 release, Home, and I think it’s a good indication you’re going to love the whole album when it drops. Here’s “Come as You Are,” on the Cornbread Cafe. Laura Berman Laura Berman; photo courtesy laurabermanmusic.com/. "Singer and songwriter Laura Berman has reached acclaim for her soul-touching vocal and honest, lyrical poetry. She has performed alongside Rev. Michael Beckwith at the Agape International Spiritual Center, Authors Neale Donald Walsch and Marianne Williamson, and sang backup for Grammy Award Winner Enya on the David Letterman Show. Laura also is a session singer and has a featured song in the children's film and accompanying soundtrack of "Clifford's Really Big Movie." She is currently recording her fifth studio album with producer and multi-instrumentalist Roman Morykit, one half of the musical duo, Gypsy Soul, with the album release set for January 2019." Divining Rod That was “Darling Down the Row,” a new single from Divining Rod, the new project of former Rogers Sisters member, Miyuki Furtado. It’s a hypnotic song in its own right, but there’s a story attached, and I encourage you to follow the link in the show notes to Diving Rod’s website for an explanation in his own words. “What do you do after your band has toured the world several times over? Break up and head back home.” That’s just what Hawaiian born, Brooklynite Miyuki Furtado did after a show in Oslo, Norway when he exited The Rogers Sisters (Too Pure/Beggars Group), the much touted NY trio in which he sang, played bass and wrote many of their winning songs. The band had weathered a grueling decade of recording and nearly ...

This episode is like having yer biscuits with red-eye gravy AND a side of home fries AND Eggs Benny, AND maybe a little 8-oz breakfast steak, with fresh-squeezed orange juice and bottomless coffee. And maybe a hurricane glass full of bloody mary...

The Matchstick Architects, Gus McKay, Misty Blues, Toney Rocks, CATFOX, Jeb Barry and the Pawn Shop Saints, Trevor McShane, Ameraucana Kurt Fortmeyer From our interview with Gina Coleman of Misty Blues, available on Episode #66 of the Top Left Corner, releasing August 29. “So, last year we won the Capital Region Blues Network International Blues Challenge competition which sent us to the greater International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, where we competed against about 250 of the best Blues bands around the world.… The post Cornbread Cafe #11 appeared first on The Greylock Glass.

I promise you WILL have to loosen your belt when you get done with this episode — Pickxen, Grant Maloy Smith, Scott Thorn, Mikalyn Hay, The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, Parsonsfield.

I promise you WILL have to loosen your belt when you get done with this episode — Pickxen, Grant Maloy Smith, Scott Thorn, Mikalyn Hay, The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, Parsonsfield. The post Cornbread Cafe #010 appeared first on The Greylock Glass.

We’re going to get right into the music this show, because the hardcopy of the EP, Tired Old Town, by Chris Anres with Gary McDannold showed up in the mail just a couple days ago, and I have been impatient to share it with you. I couldn’t decide between the five tracks on this 2017 release, so I figured we’d go with the title track, Tired Old Town, to get things goin’.

We’re going to get right into the music this show, because the hardcopy of the EP, Tired Old Town, by Chris Anres with Gary McDannold showed up in the mail just a couple days ago, and I have been impatient to share it with you. I couldn’t decide between the five tracks on this 2017 release, so I figured we’d go with the title track, Tired Old Town, to get things goin’. The post Cornbread Cafe #009 appeared first on The Greylock Glass.

Tanya Gallagher [explicit lyrics], Kate Lush, The Suitcase Junket, Bumper Jacksons, Faint Peter, Birds of Chicago

Tanya Gallagher [explicit lyrics], Kate Lush, The Suitcase Junket, Bumper Jacksons, Faint Peter, Birds of Chicago Tanya Gallagher; photo courtesy tanyagallagher.com. "Virginia taught me love, it taught me heartache, but most importantly it taught me that a home away from home can exist. These songs represent an incredible time of personal growth." — Tanya Gallagher The post The Cornbread Cafe #8: Not a Valentine’s Day episode. Unless’n you want it to be. appeared first on The Greylock Glass.

By popular urging, the Cornbread Cafe is going to experiment with a shorter, half-hour format. But we'll still be overstuffed with great new tunes from the likes of Charlie Parr, Chrystyna Marie, and Kurt Fortmeyer!

By popular urging, the Cornbread Cafe is going to experiment with a shorter, half-hour format. But we'll still be overstuffed with great new tunes from the likes of Charlie Parr, Chrystyna Marie, and Kurt Fortmeyer! The post The Cornbread Cafe #7: Charlie Parr and a few others we’ve been keepin’ warm for ya’. appeared first on The Greylock Glass.

Janie Barnett discusses her gracefully drifting release, You See this River. Welcome! brothers and sisters to Episode #6—of the Cornbread Cafe. I am the mongrel, and I will be your waiter today. Cazh and cozy, we’re located at the five-corners of Blues, Americana, Folk, Country, and Gospel. And you can sometimes catch an express to Rock ’n’ Roll at the bus stop across the way. We hope to become your new new fave hang for the best in a sprawling menu of American Roots music. I am the mongrel, and I will be your waiter today. Cazh and cozy, we’re located at the five-corners of Blues, Americana, Folk, Country, and Gospel. And you can sometimes catch an express to Rock ’n’ Roll at the bus stop across the way. We are the Internet’s new fave hang for the best in a sprawling menu of American Roots music. Click the play button on this audio player to hear the complete interview with Janie Barnett. Artists Featured in this Episode:Janie Barnett, “You See This River,” You See this River Janie Barnett, “Better Times Are Coming,” You See this River Molly Pinto Madigan, “Seven Tears," The Cup Overflows Bees Deluxe, “Industrial (espionage),” single Gus McKay, “Married a Snake," Salt Flat Mojo Blues Heather Maloney, “Let Me Stay,” by Just Enough Sun Almond & Olive, “We Will,” Standing at the Precipice Birds of Chicago, “American Flowers,” American Flowers Janie Barnett, “Sweet Thursday,” You See this River Note: Artist links provide access directly to artists' websites or social media homepages. All album links provide access to song or album purchase options, often through our affiliate programs with Apple Music or Amazon.com. Musicians' bio info comes from the artists, their websites, or their publicists. Click on names below to visit their websites where you can get the full story, photos, and very often video. On her just released album, You See This River, Janie crafts stories dug out your family’s cedar trunks up in the attic, memories traced in carbon copy from old letters in the shoebox in the back of the closet. Her ballads are painted in emotions as fresh as eternally wet paint. Her creations are woven from Words that seem like she could have teased them out of my own brain if I were an immeasurably more talented poet. Some are Songs of stubbornly optimistic, inevitable love filtered through a self-knowledge even the most enlightened gurus would envy. Some Songs echo the lives people who are really living their lives on the back stoops, in the kitchens, in bedrooms together in vulnerable companionship or the complex internal lives we’re living alone in our hearts and minds as we travel through our labors or little luxuries. Penetrating and heartbreaking. Wise and reckless. True. Imagined. True anyway. Janie Barnett thanks for being on the show! (audio clip of our interview with Janie Barnett) Upcoming EventJanie Barnett, opening for Paula ColeSaturday December 16, 2017 at 8:00 p.m.The Center for Arts in Natickinfo & tickets Molly Pinto Madigan's 2017 release, The Cup Overflows, builds on her impressive songwriting and vocal skills with a heightened level of self-assurance that suits her musical direction. I think it’s about time that we all get a taste of the work that I know Janie can do, does do, and has done with Blue Room on this recent release “You See This River.” Before we do, though, I need to pause and explain that I had no idea just how engaging our conversation was going to be. I will confess right here and now that I was prepared to record for 20 minutes, keep the best 10, and share them with you. When I looked up at the clock and saw that a full 30 minutes had gone by, and realized that she had so many more stories and nuggets of wisdom to share, I made the decision to keep rolling tape and figure it out later. And I think I’ve got it figured out, now. I’ve edited the entire conversation, keeping almost every syllable,

We speak with singer/songwriter and educator Janie Barnett, whose release, "You See this River," plumbs the emotional depths of self, family, and national soul. The post The Cornbread Cafe #6: INTERVIEW with Janie Barnett, too many new tracks to list! appeared first on The Greylock Glass.

Welcome! brothers and sisters to Episode #5—of the Cornbread Cafe. Cazh and cozy, we’re located at the five-corners of Blues, Americana, Folk, Country, and Gospel. And you can sometimes catch an express to Rock ’n’ Roll at the bus stop across the way. We want to be your new fave hang for the best in a sprawling menu of American Roots music. In this Episode: 1.  “Double or Nothing,” Western Centuries, Weight of the World 2.  “Brick Wall,” Maggie Baugh, Catch Me 3.  … The post The Cornbread Cafe #5: Western Centuries, Dom Flemons, Oh Susanna, & MORE appeared first on The Greylock Glass.

Welcome! brothers and sisters to Episode #4—of the Cornbread Cafe. Cazh and cozy, we’re located at the five-corners of Blues, Americana, Folk, Country, and Gospel. And you can sometimes catch an express to Rock ’n’ Roll at the bus stop across the way. We are the Internet’s new fave hang for the best in a sprawling menu of American Roots music. In this Episode: Desirae Bronson, “Feel Good Song,” A Little Bit Jaded Birds of Chicago, “Estrella Goodbye,” Real Midnight Bumper Jacksons, “Many Paths,” I’ve Never Met a Stranger Christian Coleman and The Blue Zen Band, “4th Street Boogie,” Blues, Boogie, Rock and Roll Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, “Everybody Loves You,” Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams Maggie Baugh, “Catch Me,” Catch Me Codie Prevost, “Melting Into You,” All Kinds Of Crazy The Suitcase Junket, “Evangeline,” Pile Driver Comanchero, “Have You Seen Her,” Thrown Comanchero, “Alabama Moonstruck,” Dead Gringo Francesca Brown, “Collide,” Collide Honey Whiskey Trio, “Who’s Gonna Be Your Man,” Rye Woman Fantastic Negrito, “Night Has Turned to Day,” Self-titled EP Musician bio info comes from the artists, their websites, or their publicists.… The post The Cornbread Cafe #4: Desirae Bronson, Bumper Jacksons, Maggie Baugh, Comanchero & MORE appeared first on The Greylock Glass.

Welcome! brothers and sisters to Episode #3—of the Cornbread Cafe. I am the mongrel, and I will be your waiter today. Cazh and cozy, we’re located at the five-corners of Blues, Americana, Folk, Country, and Gospel. And you can sometimes catch an express to Rock ’n’ Roll at the bus stop across the way. We are the Internet’s new fave hang for the best in a sprawling menu of American Roots music.   On this Episode: Echo Sparks, “Ghost Town Girl,” Ghost Town Girl The Suitcase Junket, “What Was I Gonna Say,” Pile Driver CATFOX, “Mama Don’t Say Why,” Thank You, I Love You, I’m Sorry Long Journey, “I First Kissed You,” Fierce Folk The Hunts, “Lifting The Sea,” Those Younger Days Melika Miller, “Don’t Give Up Now,” by single Munk Duane, “Stupid Pride,” Argue with Gravity Misty Blues, “Next Time is the Last Time,” Dark and Saucy The Delta Wires, “Goin’ Away,” Anthology Gus McKay, “Extremely Voodoo,” Salt Flat Mojo Blues

Welcome! brothers and sisters to Episode #2—of the Cornbread Cafe. We’ve got Keeton Coffman, Alicia Beale, The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, and SO much more!   I am the mongrel, and I will be your waiter today. Cazh and cozy, we’re located at the five-corners of Blues, Americana, Folk, Country, and Gospel. And you can sometimes catch an express to Rock ’n’ Roll at the bus stop across the way. We are the Internet’s new hang-out for the best in a sprawling menu of American Roots music.… The post The Cornbread Cafe #2 — Keeton Coffman, Alicia Beale, Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, much more appeared first on The Greylock Glass.

Welcome, cousins to Episode #1 of the Cornbread Cafe—your new fave hang-out for the best in a sprawling menu of American Roots music. I am the mongrel, and I’ll be your waiter today. Cazh and cozy, we’re located at the five-corners of Blues, Americana, Folk, Country, and Gospel. And you can sometimes catch an express to Rock ’n’ Roll at the bus stop across the way. We are the Internet’s new hang-out for the best in a sprawling menu of American Roots music.… The post The Cornbread Cafe #001—Serving Roots for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner! appeared first on The Greylock Glass.