From Urban Hillbillies to Native Hip-Hoppers

by Doug MacRostie

In a recent e-mail conversation with a Statewide organization, it was asked if Centerstage MN can be easily categorized into a sub-genre like folk, blues or rock... I responded that CSMN is purposefully programmed and produced to NOT fit into any category other than "music" and I've got the mondo-variety this week to prove it with the Urban Hillbilly Quartet in-studio, music from Trampled by Turtles new CD "Palomino" and Leech Lake hip-hop artist Mino Biimadiziwin. Tune in this Thursday night at 6!

Erik Brandt and the Urban Hillbilly Quartet are a St. Paul based Americana roots-rock band who just released their 7th album, "Bring in the Sails," after starting as a jam session back in 1995. Their music ranges from traditionally influenced Americana to modern rock, often blending these and other styles together for a unique and engaging, story-driven presentation. They've also been traveling with a projector and artist doing live and original art during performances - making this the first time a multi-media presentation is being performed on Centerstage MN in the air-studio.

Trampled by Turtles new CD "Palomino" is another excellent release from this Duluth based eclectic band. While still instantly identifiable as Turtles, this album once again features the band pushing the boundaries of "new-grass," lead by the intimate and passionate lyrics of Dave Simonett. Sometimes furiously fast, other times consumingly slow, always outstanding. I'm working on getting Dave on to talk about it in the near future :D

We'll also hear another song from More Than Lights' "The Electric Prescription for All Your Funky Illz," a great hybrid CD of rock/hip-hop along with a new artist to Centerstage MN, Mino Biimadiziwin (formerly known as Wah Wah Tay). I don't know much about him yet other than he's from the Leech Lake Rez and the video for his song Indigenous Holocaust is a breathtakingly powerful piece about the historical trauma on Native American people. He samples from The Dixie Chicks "Not Ready to Make Nice" (a Grammy-winning song penned by MN's own Dan Wilson). Check out the video:



Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

The Urban Hillbilly Himself on Centerstage MN

by Doug MacRostie

Did you know that there is a strong following of Americana and traditional bluegrass/folk music in Budapest, Hungary? Neither did I until I started prepping for an interview for Centerstage MN. I'll be talking with Erik Brandt of the Urban Hillbilly Quartet about his new solo CD "Sometimes," recorded during his year spent in Budapest. He performs primarily original music described as "Jayhawks-evolving country-folk" and performs both around MN and nationally/internationally. His new CD includes some of the top acoustic musicians in Hungary, and the time Erik spent there spurred a flow of new music and inspired him to finish some previous songs that he "couldn't finish in the U.S." Eric has been playing with the UHQ since forming 1995 & they've put out 8 records. With this being his 2nd solo album, it's his 10th full length record to date and I'm looking forward to talking to him about it.

Plus I've got new music from Willie Murphy's "A Shot of Love in a Time of Need" and Pat Surface and the Boundary Water Boys' "Canoe Grass Revival."

With over 30 years of writing, performing, recording and producing, Willie Murphy is one of the most solid pillars in MN music. Throughout the 70's and 80's Willie and the Bee's defined live R&B/soul music. His new CD is a double disc - the first being a collection of flying R&B tunes, the 2nd with more of a folk-flare.

Hailing from the North Woods of MN, Pat Surface and the Boundary Water Boys have been blending folk, bluegrass, swing, celtic and more for 6 albums now, and Pat will be my guest next week on Centerstage MN.

I'll also mix in Iron Range rockers The Tisdales and Aaron Kaercher from Ely.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.