Levon Helm documentary coming to SXSW
Friday, February 5, 2010 – "Ain't In It For My Health: A Film About Levon Helm" will make its world premiere at this year's SXSW Festival.
Directed by Jacob Hatley, the movie forces him to confront the dark times that have haunted him since The Band's demise: throat cancer, bankruptcy, drug addiction and the tragic loss of band mates Richard Manuel and Rick Danko.
Schedule of show times to be announced shortly. This year's SXSW Festival runs from March 12-21 in Austin.
Helm recently won his second consecutive Grammy Award in the category of "Best Americana Album" for "Electric Dirt," his second release on Vanguard/Dirt Farmer Music.
More news for Levon Helm
CD reviews for Levon Helm
Electric Dirt
Even when he was a young man, before the years and the ailments, Levon Helm's vocals sounded like they were from a bygone era. It was a voice to make you believe that medicine shows still traveled the earth. That wonderful, weathered instrument is the rustic heart of this new record, just as Helm's ageless drumming is its heartbeat. And despite a title that suggests a more modern program than 2007's "Dirt Farmer," the songs, like their vessel, are mostly from another time. »»» |
Dirt Farmer
Levon Helm's music has always been firmly rooted in early American music well past the Carters and Stanleys. This embraces this heritage in its selections of traditional and contemporary Americana. As its title implies, "Dirt Farmer" is earthy with a raw and vital energy. It is Helm's valentine to life and the music that continues to sustain him.
Helm explains in the liner notes his interest in revisiting some traditional songs he grew up playing, including "Little »»» |
Editorial: Walking the talk –
When names like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Waylon and the Hag are invoked, you're talking hard core country. These are the touchstones of country , the guys who made country music what it was and still is (or maybe can be). When these folks would sing about being down-and-out and the rough-and-tumble, they knew of what they were singing about. Fast forward a few years to the country singers of today. »»»
Concert Review: Cherryholmes comes together –
For a bluegrass band like Cherryholmes, the setting - the courtyard of one of the grandest museums in the entire U.S. was atypical. So without a "typical" audience there to lend support, one could argue that the sextet was up against it. No matter, though, because the family band showed why it is one of the best out there.... »»»
Concert Review: Ray LaMontagne demands attention –
Ray LaMontagne should have had a lot to celebrate, but you certainly could not tell from his demeanor on this tour with British singer David Gray.
Interestingly enough, the first of two shows before full houses also marked the same day that both artists released new discs. LaMontagne is going in a different direction with "God Willin' & The... »»»
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