The concept of a “supergroup” is nothing new to pop and rock ‘n’ roll – but until recently we never considered the concept might cross over into other genres.
But once again we’re hardly surprised anymore to learn how deep our ignorance is planted.
Not only have there been several beloved country music supergroups – The Highwaymen, anyone? – but solo artists and band members already established in the bluegrass, hip hop and even classical music industries have been combing their powers for decades.
Yes, we’re referencing the Three Tenors in that last part, in case you were wondering.
Last week, one of the most exciting supergroups of the modern era announced an upcoming show in Missoula – and – surprise! – it’s a folk outfit.
I’m With Her features the otherworldly talents of singer/songwriters Sara Watkins, Aoife O’Donovan and Sarah Jarosz. So far they’ve only released a handful of singles and EPs, but that’s about to change in February with their first-full length collaboration, See You Around.
And the best part? The trio is bringing their act to Missoula for an April show at The Wilma. In fact, tickets for that show go on sale today!
So it only makes sense we touch a bit on this unique supergroup’s work for this week’s Vinally Friday segment, and Alanya will do just that with a few spins of Jarosz’s fourth studio album, Undercurrent.
Released in 2016, Undercurrent earned the Texans two Grammy Awards, including Best Folk Album and Best American Roots Performance for the track “House of Mercy.”
Also on the turntable Friday:
• Craig will kick off this week’s Vinally Friday with the second of three solo albums from Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir.
Heaven Help the Fool was recorded during some off-time for the band in 1977 – notably so that drummer Mickey Hart could recover from an auto accident – and was released in 1978, six years after Weir’s debut.
Bob would take another 38 years to put out another solo piece – 2016’s Blue Mountain.
• Robert will follow Alanya’s Jarosz tribute with the second album from English rock trio, The Police.
Though celebrated for the rough-edged, reggae-influenced sounds of their 1978 debut, Outlandos d’Amour, this follow-up – titled Regatta de Blanc, which translates to “White Reggae” – showed they were still as good, if not better, with a more polished and pop-friendly sound.
The album earned the band it’s first Grammy Award and their first two UK No. 1 hits – “Message In A Bottle” and “Walking On the Moon.”
• And finally, Tommy will venture into big band/jazz pop territory with Frank Sinatra‘s Strangers In the Night.
Released in 1966, the album came as Sinatra was seeking a career revival – and it brought him just that, shooting to No. 1 on the pop album charts and earning two Grammy Awards for the title track.
Strangers In the Night remains Sinatra’s only solo studio album to receive platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Finally, it’s Friday! It’s Vinally Friday, all day on the Trail 103.3 … Big thanks to Bayern Brewing, Broadway Bar & Grill and Ear Candy Music for sponsoring this weekly trip into the vinyl crates!
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