Darrell Scott “Modern Hymns”

Nashville, Tenn. — Darrell Scott is a successful and acclaimed songwriter, but on his new album the gifted musician turns to his heroes to find inspiration of his own. Out August 19 on Appleseed Recordings, ‘Modern Hymns’ is Scott’s honest, imaginative take on 12 songs from masters like Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen and many more. Some of Nashville’s leading lights came out to help Scott with the project, including Del McCoury, Alison Krauss, Sam Bush, David Grier, Mary Gauthier, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, and Stuart Duncan.

“’Modern Hymns’ is a collection of songs and artists/songwriters whose music shook me as a kid (with ears nearly as big as my heart). They guided the way to my own path as an artist and songwriter. These songs still inspire me and are a watermark held to the light: how an honest, open life brought to music can resonate with and move people. These songs are the truth; they are spiritual…and i do not know what more we could ask of any hymn?” Darrell Scott

Darrell Scott

Produced by Scott himself and recorded with the help of Grammy-winning engineer Gary Paczosa, the album was recorded almost entirely live in studio, giving it a pure, down home feel. At times it sounds as effortless as a group of friends over for an impromptu jam session.

A former ASCAP and NSAI songwriter of the year, Darrell Scott has written Grammy-nominated songs for the Dixie Chicks (“Long Time Gone”), and “Hank William’s Ghost” (from his 2006 album ‘The Invisible Man’) won him Song of the Year at the 2007 Americana Awards. Scott has had songs recorded by over 75 artists including: Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, Hayes Carll, Kathy Mattea, Keb Mo and Guy Clark, for whom he co-produced two albums. He’s also collaborated with an amazing variety of artists including Bill Frisell, Steve Earle, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Jim Lauderdale, Joan Baez, Orchestra Nashville and many others.

‘Modern Hymns’ tracklisting:

1. All The Lovely Ladies- (Gordon Lightfoot)
2. Urge For Going- (Joni Mitchell)
3. Out Among The Stars- (Adam Mitchell)
4. Jesus Was A Capricorn- (Kris Kristofferson)
5. The Devil- (Hoyt Axton)
6. James- (Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays)
7. Frisco Depot- (Mickey Newbury)
8. American Tune- (Paul Simon)
9. Nobody Eats At Linebaugh’s Anymore- (John Hartford)
10. Joan Of Arc- (Leonard Cohen)
11. I Don’t Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Met)- (Bob Dylan)
12. That Old Time Feeling- (Guy Clark)

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Angel Band - “With Roots & Wings” (Appleseed Recordings)

Nashville, Tenn. — The aptly named Angel Band features soaring, angelic three-part harmonies from three amazing singers—Nancy Josephson, Jen Schonwald and Kathleen Weber—each possessing a powerful, expressive voice that would make her the lead vocalist in any other band. Their sound is grounded in world-class musicianship, inventive and original songwriting and an irresistible mission to have and share a great time. That’s evident on their sophomore CD, With Roots & Wings, due out May 27 on Appleseed Recordings. Legendary producer and pedal steel player Lloyd Maines produced and played
on the album.

Angel Band first formed out of a weekly jam session headed up by Josephson’s husband, GRAMMY^® nominated folk music legend David Bromberg. As the band coalesced, they often served as openers and backup singers for Bromberg as he began touring after a long hiatus. He returned the favor, becoming the cornerstone of Angel Band’s backing musicians. Playfully named Chum, the rest of the band is Bob Taylor (bass), Bobby Tangrea (mandolin, guitar, fiddle), Nate Grower (fiddle) and Jeff Wisor (fiddle). They were joined in the studio by Richard Crooks (drums), Bukka Allen (accordion), Marc Moss (hand drums, piano), Johnny Duke Lippincott (guitar) and Terri Hendrix (handclaps and the invaluable get down).

In a chaotic and rapidly changing music industry landscape, Angel Band focuses all their energies on the things they can control and the things that they believe in—making great music and hitting the road to perform and connect with fans. With the release of With Roots & Wings, the band will continue to tour as opener for Bromberg, as well as playing an increasing number of concerts on their own.

Josephson is remarkably succinct and straightforward in detailing the band’s vision for broadening their audience. She says, “We play. The best part of Angel Band is the authenticity we bring to the music…in performance, writing, musical integrity…flexible yet uncompromising.”

Angel Band (L-R) Jen Schonwald, Kathleen Weber, and Nancy Josephson

Angel Band’s fearless and open-minded exploration of both music and theme is winning the band fans everywhere, including some high profile ones. Legendary singer Linda Ronstadt raves, “I love Angel Band’s harmonies, wonderfully strong voices, and beautiful songs!”

David Dye, host of NPR-syndicated World Café, has his finger on the pulse of the hottest things happening in the acoustic music scene. He says, “The stunning harmonies are just the beginning. Fine writing, three distinct voices, and Lloyd Maines tying it all together.”

The initial two tracks are an ear-opening declaration that Angel Band does not believe in boundaries. With Roots & Wings leads off with “Hey Papa Legba,” an Afro-world-beat a cappella tour de force that segues into the breakneck Zydeco of “I’ll Sing This Song For You.” It’s a jump that in less capable hands would not work, but Angel Band makes it a seamless transition. It is a bold move and one that pays off as it immediately gives the listener a sense of the depth and breadth of the band’s musical style. Both songs are originals, as are 12 of the album’s 13 tracks.

It all adds up to a wildly eclectic, yet tightly cohesive sound. It is a sound that leads the listener to one undisputable conclusion: Let these angels sing, let them soar.

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