The Vespers

I recently discovered Nashville band The Vespers, and let me tell you, I am enamored!  They have that perfect blend of folk and Americana that I crave.  Unlike a lot of folk bands, however, their songs are quite uplifting.  The band consists of two sets of siblings who met at a jam session around- wait for it- a campfire.  How cool is that?  My favorite song is track 11 of their debut album, a charming tune called Eyes Wide Open about a grandfather.  While I'm not sure if it is about one of their own grandparents, it reminds me of my feelings for my Oma, with whom I was very close.  Take a listen, and if you buy a cd, get it autographed!  (It's neat that they're still indie enough to do that.)

 

Banjo Love

I have a (not quite secret) love of banjos.  There, I said it!  Those close to me know how gleeful I get when I hear pickin'.  I even own this vintage Harmony tenor banjo...

...which I'm hoping to one day get restrung so I can learn how to play it.  There's something charming about banjo music.  It's the voice of a country at work and play.  It expresses joy and sorrow with the same level of honesty.  And have you ever heard someone amazing, like Earl Scruggs or Steve Martin, go to town on one?  Well here they both are together!

Aren't they incredible?  Makes ya want to dance.  What kind of music give you that blissful feeling? 

(Photo from Etsy store Dixie's Doll Emporium)

The Civil Wars

So my gift to my sister was the Civil Wars concert in good ole Kentucky:)  

Here she is in anticipation of finally finding out what we're doing... 

And here we are before the concert started...

If you haven't heard the band, they are an amazing Americana inspired folk duo.  Their music was a great inspiration to me while performing Voice of the Prairie this past November.  It was just the two of them on stage, and the only accompaniment was a guitar and a keyboard, played by them and them alone.  Their music is passionate and they are so very charming.  Here's my favorite song, "My Father's Father", for your enjoyment...

The opening group was a fantastic new-to-the-States trio of sisters called The Staves.  I love discovering new music!  Here's a sweet song of theirs called "Winter Trees"...

I hope you enjoy all of this lovely music.

The Lovely Agnes Obel

Yesterday I posted about the fantastic Dolly Parton, an icon through the ages.  Today I want to share with you Agnes Obel, a new(er) singer/songwriter whom I adore.  Take a listen: I'd love to hear your thoughts!

I Will Always Love You

Dolly Parton's new movie, Joyful Noise, is out this week, and I must say that she looks as cheerful as ever:)  I find this woman so very talented, genuine and charming, and I wish her luck with her new flick!  Here's a look back at some lovely Dolly moments:

 

Steel Magnolia's is my favorite...what about you?