“Based on the instruments played by the Sonoma County quartet Late for the Train — fiddle, upright bass, guitar and mandolin — you might assume it’s a traditional bluegrass band. That’s not how it sounds. In a way, the band’s music almost sounds like musical theater, with a variety of arrangements and thoughtful, literate lyrics.” -Dan Taylor, Santa Rosa Press Democrat
We are quite excited and proud to share a brand-new music video of "Bottom of the World" today! Filmed in front of a burned-out old-growth redwood, “Bottom of the World,” takes a playful look at existential questions and celebrates the universal mystery of the human experience.
The second of four music videos filmed and directed by Chad Leto, "Bottom of the World" has become one of our favorites to perform live. We hope that you find your own meaning in this simultaneously serious and silly song.
At its heart, "Henry & Robin" is a love story about the promise of a better future, told in equal parts longing and hope.
Featuring Bud Dillard on mandolin, this video was filmed live in Occidental by Chad Leto, as the day transitioned into evening and the cool redwood air held us in it's soothing arms. This song always transports us back in time when we play it - perhaps it will do the same for you.
We’re back for Week 8 of Fiddle Tune Tuesdays with another tune from North Carolina, this time with “June Apple,” popularized by the prolific Mt. Airy, North Carolina, fiddler Tommy Jarrell (1901-1985).
Over the course of his career, Tommy Jarrell recorded seven albums and toured extensively. In 1982, three years before his death, he was selected as one of fifteen master folk artists in the first National Heritage Fellowships of the National Endowment for the Arts.
After a short hiatus, Late for the Train is back for Week 7 of Fiddle Tune Tuesdays week with a tune by the contemporary songwriter, musician, and storyteller Rhiannon Giddens.
Rhiannon is originally from North Carolina, is a founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and is a true explorer of music and culture. She's been instrumental in reviving the lesser-shared (and sometimes intentionally erased) histories of black voices, instruments, and culture in folk and old-time music from the American South.
This week, we thought we'd share a recording we made a few weeks ago of a Joni Mitchell song that we made as part of Social Distance Live’s UnderCovered series.
"Both Sides Now" is a poignant reminder for us to try and put ourselves in others' shoes; there are multiple ways to look at almost anything in life. For us, the song's theme highlights the need to remain humble and open to new perspectives in any moment, especially right now amidst the global civil rights conversation.
Joni’s songs have provided a soundtrack to many moments of our lives, and we are both so grateful for the brilliant lyricism and uniqueness she brought to the world.
