Yes @slaw, Mary definitely qualifies as being out of the mainstream. One of her albums was produced by the aforementioned Buddy Miller (to whom I am at this very moment listening), another by Gurf Morlix, guitarist/harmony singer/bandleader/producer for Lucinda Williams in the 80’s and 90’s. Mary is fantastic, and didn’t start her professional music career until her late-30’s (I believe), having for years been a chef in New Orleans.
Artists out of the mainstream or currently en vogue
Some of the music that became favorites for me were much out of the mainstream/media/news. One that has brough me constant pleasure over the years has been Julia Fordham. There have been others that either fell out of favor or were beyond their prime that were better than "the public" response. Chet Baker and Paul Desmond did work for CTI that were better than their earlier work. Even though I am not much into country some of my friends feel Johnny Cash did some of his best work later in life. Speaking of which Rosanne Cash may be one of the ultimate "country" singers that should not be thought of as country.
I guess what I am searching for here is some of those less know artists that deserve more exposure than they may receive. Thanks
I guess what I am searching for here is some of those less know artists that deserve more exposure than they may receive. Thanks
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Just about all my faves are "out of the mainstream", to one degree or another. Welshman Dave Edmunds recently announced his retirement (he is now 75 years old), and was for many years my favorite Rock ’n’ Roll guitarist, and producer (Rockpile---his band with Nick Lowe, The Everly Brothers, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Carlene Carter, K.D. Lang, The Flamin’ Groovies, The Stray Cats, Jimmie Vaughan, Mason Ruffner, Foghat, many others). Thank God there is a guitarist/singer/bandleader (for Emmylou Harris)/producer who has taken Edmunds’ place: the great Buddy Miller. Whether solo, with his wife Julie, Emmylou, or other collaborators (Jim Lauderdale, for one), all fantastic music, imo amongst the very best being made today. Listen to Buddy’s recording of Tom T. Hall’s song "That’s How I got To Memphis" to hear real white soul! Is John Hiatt mainstream? How 'bout Rodney Crowell? Emmylou Harris? Patty Loveless? Marty Stuart? Richard Thompson? I KNOW Iris Dement isn't, and she's at the absolute top of my list, a list very long due to the fact that a LOT of great music is being created right now. |
Thelma Houston In particular this 1969 album of Jimmy Webb songs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshower_(album) This may be her best effort (please correct me if not). Songs by Jimmy Webb (except Jumpin Jack Flash and Save The Country - if memory serves). Apparently Thelma had creative control. What a joy it is to listen to Webb songs delivered by a voice with power. Thelma Houston - Everybody Gets To Go To The Moon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvhF855H7X8 Thelma Houston - To Make It Easier On You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WX46KUyVGU Sunshower (Album Title Track) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Rc3CKmNzoA |