Gimme 5 songs, old or new, that have been on your radar recently. [Click on the links to listen to Robert's selections.]
‘02.02.99’ by That Mexican OT: “I came across That Mexican OT on YouTube, I have an insatiable desire for all things Southern, including Southern Rap. This guy is actually out of
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Robert Connely Farr - "Are you looking' at me?" Pic by Rustin Gudim |
‘Dylan Phase Again’ by We Found A Lovebird: “We Found A Lovebird is a band out of Vancouver and their single 'Dylan Phase Again' really stuck out to me when it was released. I downloaded it right away and been playing it daily – I love it when a song hits like that.”
‘Heritage of Arrogance’ by Adeem The Artist: “This whole album by Adeem the Artist is a real kick to the gut, in a good way in my book. I believe I originally heard of them through YouTube in one of my many wormholes looking into new artist. I really enjoy the vulnerability and spirit of conviction in this album.”
‘Outlaws’ by Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires: “Another band out of the South that I’ve immense respect for. Lee Bains is a prolific and accomplished songwriter with political views that seem very similar to my own. ‘Outlaws’ is an incredible song that speaks to an important job for those who wish for a better America and South.”
‘Burn In Hell’ by Junior Kimbrough: “Junior Kimbrough is the man. Hands down. And this live album is a great example of why. ‘Burn In Hell’ is killer, how the song comes in – eerie and abrupt – 7 minutes of juke joint hill country blues y’all. I love the “train going down the tracks and never gonna stop” vibe to this one.”
Gimme 5 artists or bands who have had a big influence on your work.
Jimmy Duck Holmes: “Hands down changed the trajectory of my music career. His teachings and mentorship brought music home for me. After a decade of searching for my sound, he showed me it was at home - quite literally in my backyard. " [Check out the Blues Enthused review of Jimmy's 2020 album Cypress Grove.]
Mac Pontiac: “A Vancouver songwriter and troubadour who passed away a few years back. His songs and public performances were breathtaking, as tragic as he was. He helped a lot of people in need, myself as well in some of my darkest moments – encouraging me to keep on keeping on.”
RL Boyce: “His smile and his energy were infectious. He recently passed away, but damn could that man play! I remember at the 2023 Bentonia Blues Festival he asked me to join his set. I
remember telling him “Ain’t no way I can hang with you RL!!!” But he pulled me on up to the stage and hollered “I’m gonna show you how”.”
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Jimmy 'Duck' Holmes plays host in his Blue Front Café |
Drive-By Truckers: “I’ve been seeing ‘em live since ’98 and I’ve been blown away by their work, convictions and live performances since. To this day, one of my favourite bands/songwriters out there.”
Gimme 5 guests you’d love to invite to your ideal long lunch.
My brother: “He makes the best Angus steaks you’ve ever had. He’s my best friend in this world and one of the best men I know. And I don’t get to see him near enough. Any time I get to spend with him – hell, just thinking about it brings a smile to my face.”
Jimmy Duck Holmes: “He’s like a grandfather to me. I love his outlook on life. We both grew up on the same stretch of the Big Black River. And some of the best fried catfish I ever ate came out of the kitchen of his juke joint the Blue Front Café.”
Jason Isbell: “I look up to that fella. His vulnerability and honesty are hard to stomach sometimes – mostly because it’s a reflection of myself. His process and perspective are very encouraging to me.”
Charles M Blow: “The author of the book The Devil You Know: A Black Manifesto, which is a hard and unflinching look the state of race relations in America. I have a deep respect and
admiration for his work.”Country singer-songwriter Margo Price: “I’m a long-time fan of hers. I appreciate her story and what she stands for. It seems like she’s always fighting the good fight – I like that.” [Margo Price was a new name to me, so here's a link to her song 'Been To The Mountain'.]
And what would be the first album you'd put on as background music?
"That would have to be Most Things Haven't Worked Out by Junior Kimbrough - a huge inspiration to me and my drummer pal Jay Bundy Johnson over recent years!"
Finally, just one track – pick one of your tracks that you’d share with a new listener to introduce your music.
“I’m going to pick ‘Getting’ Tired of Getting’ Old’. This song just came out of nowhere one day. I totally remember sitting on my couch, thinking I needed to do something productive but being tired as shit! I grabbed my 12 string Gibson and the song just fell out of that ol' thing right into my iPhone voice recorder and the rest was history. It’s a blend of the Bentonia Style that Jimmy’s been teaching me and the Hill Country style that the late RL Boyce was encouraging me to implement into my playing.”
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