January 21, 2014 proved to be one of those snowy winter days when no one could get around on the roads except for the US postal workers, and in the early afternoon the dog and I met the mailman on one of our walks. He delivered to me Speakeasy Man, Rachel Baiman’s newly released CD and the next hour was spent absorbing the new music and some hot cocoa in front of the fireplace.
This CD was one of several Kickstarter projects that Tim and I have backed, and as has been our experience with the others, we were extremely pleased with the sound of the final product. Half of the recording took place in Scotland and half in Nashville. Rachel brought together some amazing talent for the foundation of this album including Dave Goldenberg (mandolin), Andrew Small (upright bass), Matheu Watson (guitar, mandola, vocals), Dan Watkins ( guitar), Signy Jakobsdottir (percussion) and Christian Sedelmyer (fiddle).
The songs are a mixture of originals and covers; my favorite cover being the best version of Blind Lemon Jefferson’s See That My Grave is Kept Clean that I have heard. A few guest appearances on individual songs include the great Nathaniel Smith on cello (Natalie MacMaster, Jeremy Kittel, and Sarah Jarosz), Shelby Means on bass and backing vocals (Della Mae), Phil Cunningham on accordion and Brittany Haas on fiddle.
Rachel will be at Chestnut House Concerts on Friday, April 4, 2014 along with Christian Sedelmyer performing as 10 String Symphony. 10 String Symphony released their first album in November 2012, their instrumentation has expanded from 2 5-string fiddles to include the occasional clawhammer banjo and resonator mandolin, though still maintaining a stripped down, tightly woven and carefully arranged duo sound. They are on tour with Tattletale Saints from New Zealand and each band will take a set and also play a few songs as a 4 piece.
Potluck at 6 pm, Show at 7 pm. To save a seat for the show, contact Tim at tlehman9@gmail.com or call/text 717-940-9311.
