Lovin' Louvin

this is what I had to say in Cleveland Scene magazine about Charlie Louvin's upcoming show there:
Charlie Louvin

What do you call a musician who has back-to-back Grammy nominations, released two records last year and goes from Beachland opening act to headliner in a matter of months? A hot up-and-coming star? Well, it's actually octogenarian Charlie Louvin. But this living legend has been living it up the last of couple years. For his Grammy-nominated 2007 self-titled disc, he enlisted the likes of George Jones, Elvis Costello and Jeff Tweedy. Last year, he turned out the stark Sings Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs, as well as the stirring gospel-filled Steps To Heaven (which earned another Grammy nom). Louvin's career dates back to the 1940s when he started performing with his brother Ira. The Louvin Brothers were among country music's top brother acts during the late '50s and early '60s. Following Ira's death in 1965, Charlie soldiered on and is now experiencing a career resurgence. On recent albums, Louvin sings about damnation and redemption in a worldly wise voice that might not be a strong as it once was, but it's still stirring and inspiring. Not many performers make vital music in their 80s, but Louvin has always been a rare breed. JP & the Chatfield Boys open at 8 p.m. at the Beachland Tavern (15711 Waterloo Rd., 216.383.1124). Tickets: $15. - Michael Berick

Lauderdale, Louvin, Lucinda and Kathleen Edwards too

So I got to partake in a little post-Grammy partying last night at the Americana Music Association party at the Mint. The highlight - something well worth staying up late for - was when newly minted Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale (who won in the bluegrass category) brought onto the stage his old pal Lucinda Williams and bluegrass living legend Charlie Louvin. Louvin and Lucinda first did a rendition of "When I Stop Dreaming" and then Louvin and Lauderdale teamed up for See The Big Man Cry and I Still Miss Somebody. The 80 year old Louvin was in fine voice, all things considered.
speaking of in fine voice, I started to listen to the new Kathleen Edwards disc today. I found two standouts in the first five tracks alone: the rocking The Cheapest Key and just as tart I Make the Dough, You Get The Glory (which she rhymes with onetime NHL player Marty McSorley - and makes it work). The album isn't out yet but look for it when it does.
that's all for now.