There is something warm and soothing about live acoustic music. It allows the singer to paint a picture with his lyrics with amazing clarity and passion. When you combine well written lyrics along with vocals that float almost effortlessly with the strumming of the guitar, you have Americana music in its purest form. Drew Kennedy has given a gift to us all with his latest release “Alone, But Not Lonely.” When I say “gift,” I mean it in every sense of the word. Believe it or not, you can download this for free if you like. Here is the link: http://www.lonestarmusic.com/free_drew.asp You may also buy a limited edition version of the CD as well. There are 300 limited edition CD’s, with each hand carved linoleum block black ink on cardboard CD sleeve prints. Each one will be numbered and autographed as well. These will be first come, first served, available either at Lone Star Music, or on the road at the shows. I highly recommend you order this before they disappear. It is that good. The CD is comprised of 12 live songs, 6 songs from previously released material, plus 6 new songs which have yet to see the light of day. Kennedy has also kindly included introductions for these songs, which provides some great insight as to where these songs were derived. I must admit, after hearing some of the ideas where his songs originated, I had to shake my head in amazement. The guy is literal genius. Of the 6 songs which were previously released, 5 of them appear on his most recent studio success “An Audio Guide To Cross Country Travel.” The only song from a prior release is touching “The Last Waltz.” Kennedy provides some humorous details behind this song which he calls one of his favorites. From the opening chords of the CD, you realize just what a treat this is going to be. The live energy jumps out at you immediately as Kennedy starts out with “Cincinnati.” Mixing in the intros of the new songs with the prior material creates an atmosphere allowing the listener to be sitting among the others at the show, enjoying the night. Before you get the idea that there must be something wrong with these 6 new songs since they have not appeared on any prior releases, forget it. “Tending Bar By The Tracks At Midnight In Tupelo, Mississippi” (yes, that is one song) was co-written with fellow Texan Rodney Hayden while out on the road. The song, and great story behind it, should not be missed. In fact, all 6 new songs provide an introspective look into this great artist/writer. “AM Radio” along with “We’ve All Got Marks To Make” are just two more examples of his broad talents. The highlight for me has to be the live version of “St. Abilene,” which appears on the “An Audio Guide To Cross Country Travel” album. This is just a beautiful song, but when you strip it down to the man, the music, and a guitar…it floors you. Kennedy’s vocal strengths truly shine. One more thing….as he states in the liner notes for this release….Kennedy just turned 30 years old. He states this is sort of a “celebration” of that achievement. Honestly, how many artists out there today would provide this great music for free? Do yourself….and your friends a favor….tell them about this guy…and his music. Let them get this free download if they need convincing. There will be no disappointment….and the guy truly deserves it. Don't forget to check out my personal blog for more great music related stuff...http://americanamusichound.blogspot.com/

My first run in with Drew Kennedy was out at our 2008 showcase during SXSW.  I was vaugely familiar with his music but became a fan right before he even went on stage.  Brad (Galleywinter) introduced me to Drew shortly before he took the stage.  Drew went off about this massive wreck on I35 in which a semi truck full of Pinantas had overturned which he coined "The Pianata Massacre".  The story and subsequent performance engrained the New Braunfels, Texas songwriter into one of my favorites around these parts. In 2009, Drew released a new CD called "An Audio Guide to Cross Country Travel". This album is has a sharply different feel from his previous work.  While this CD title might take the Guiness Book of World Records for the longest title, the key is that it delivers song after song. [caption id="attachment_2158" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="An Audio Guide To Cross Country Travel"] [/caption] When I think about Americana type music, songs typically falls into one of three categories: Lovin', Drinking or Traveling.  My own personal tastes typically steer away from the "being away from home" songs as I don't always identify with non-stop life on the road. That being said,  Drew's collection of stories from the road stuck with me almost instantly.  These stories had a different feel with an upbeat love of life and travel.  It captures Drew's humor of life and unique ability to capture the little things that make life work. This CD made my own personal Top 10 of 2009 and I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy and get out to catch one of his live shows.  Drew and Austin Collins are wrapping up a tour. Drew will be playing the first annual "Merry Folking Christmas" on 12/21 in Gruene, Texas. Song Recommendations:

• Buzzing Like A Wire
• Room #27
• Rolling Around In The Bed

Bonus Video -- As I was perusing Drew Kennedy's site, I noticed he and Austin Collins (another favorite Texas songwriter of mine) produced a strange and funny video of a center off of I95 called "South of the Border".  Enjoy.. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N5NsYxTkDE[/youtube]

Just playing some good music. Music in this episode: - Something's Moving by Lee Barber (from Thief And Rescue) www.LeeBarberMusic.com - Older Guys Vol. 1 by Roger Johnson (from Stag Cotillion Vol. 1) - Two Lies by Roger Johnson (from Stag Cotillion Vol. 2) www.RogerJohnsonMusic.com - Good People AND Do You Remember/Remember (Hendrix Cover) by Jack Johnson (from En Concert) www.JackJohnsonMusic.com - Rolling Around In The Bed AND Buzzing Like A Wire by Drew Kennedy (from An Audio Guide To Cross Country Travel) www.DrewKennedyMusic.com - Broke Down On The Brazos AND Inside Outside Woman Blues #3 by Gov't Mule (from By A Thread) www.Mule.Net - Soulful AND One Sunny Day by Tinsley Ellis (from Fire It Up) www.TinsleyEllis.com - Soul Deep by Andrew Petersen (from The Universe And It's Sense Of Humor) www.Myspace.com/AndrewPetersen THE AMERICANA ROCK MIX IS NOW ON FACEBOOK! This episode is sponsored by Emusic.com and GuitarCenter.com. Visit my sponsor page for their special deals HERE. NOW BUY MERCHANDISE. Shirts, stickers, mugs, etc. CHECK IT OUT HERE! E-Mail: Von@AmericanaRoots.com Voice Mail: 314-479-3051 Blog site: www.AmericanaRockMix.com Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ARockMix

I had the chance last night to catch one of the many tour stops for the American Voices Tour. This rolling duo show is centered around the music of two very talented Texas singer/songwriters: Drew Kennedy and Rodney Hayden. The show is presented by our good friends over at The9513.com and has taken Drew & Rodney across America over the past few months. These two talented musicians provided a perfect blend of straight up country (Rodney) mixed in with some Americana (Drew). This duo has great chemistry up on stage backing each other with harmonies while providing an endless supply of back line stories for the songs which makes for a humorous and entertaining night of music. Drew Kennedy - I first caught Drew's live show two years ago out at our SXSW showcase in Austin and was blown away with is ranging voice coupled with his great stories on life. His current release "Dollar Theatre Movie" did well on the Texas charts and rumor has it he will have a new CD out in the next few months. Rodney Hayden - This was my first time to see Rodney live and was amazed with his vocal range and catchy tunes. My favorites of the night included Silverado Boys which is a dramatic story bound song as well as Huntsville. Rodney had a few good trials and tribulations type stories on his experience with Nashville (he has since moved back to Texas). In addition, I noticed on Rodney's bio that he has done quite a bit of work with some of my favorite players including Bill Whitbeck and Rich Brotherton both of which are from the Robert Earl Keen family of musicians. I would highly recommend checking out this American Voices Tour if it rolls into your town. For their upcoming dates including a tour over in Europe, you can visit the New American Voices website.