AC Newman returns to The Stew with the 7th New Pornographers studio album Continue as a Guest.
The New P’s have been acclaimed since forming in Vancouver 1997.
They were dubbed a Super Group.
They weren’t so much super as stellar.
A great blend of melodies, hooks, word puzzles and fine harmonies.
Pitchfork has described the band’s sound as “peppy, gleeful, headstrong guitar pop“,[3] while Stereogum called the band’s debut album Mass Romantic as “one of the greatest and most immediate power pop albums ever rendered”
I found Carl at home in Woodstock NY. Having followed the band’s early years in Vancouver, we had lots to talk about.
“The idea of continuing as a guest felt very apropos to the times, “Feeling out of place in culture, in society—not feeling like a part of any zeitgeist, but happy to be separate and living your simple life, your long fade-out.
Find your own little nowhere, find some space to fall apart, continue as a guest.” Carl Newman
AC Newman returns to The Stew with the 7th New Pornographers studio album Continue as a Guest.
The New P’s have been acclaimed since forming in Vancouver in 1997.
They were dubbed a Super Group.
They weren’t so much super as stellar.
A great blend of melodies, hooks, word puzzles and fine harmonies.
Pitchfork has described the band’s sound as “peppy, gleeful, headstrong guitar pop“,[3] while Stereogum called the band’s debut album Mass Romantic as “one of the greatest and most immediate power pop albums ever rendered”
I found Carl at home in Woodstock NY. Having followed the band’s early years in Vancouver, we had lots to talk about.
(The complete interview can be heard on our Podcast and video on YouTube)
New Music from
Lucinda Williams
Natalie Merchant
Chicago
Madison Cunningham
Bette LaVette
Tommy Emmanuel
Natalie McMaster, Donnell Leahy
And Rhiannon Giddens.
Marc Jordan
Jesse Roper
Jason Isbell
Ron Sexsmith
Jill Barber
Classics from
Rosanne Cash
Jon Batiste
Mongo Santamaria
Stones
John Lennon
Keb Mo
Steve Miller
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.
After all the well-earned chat on Wide Cut Stew Saturday morning – it felt good to let the music flow.. Enjoy!!
“The Vivian Line is unlikely to land on anyone’s hip/hot list. Rather Sexsmith, now pushing 60, is content to churn out radiant, sublime, transcendent music that unobtrusively exists in its own delicate bubble, inviting us in to join him on his unique musical path.” American Songwriter
“Ron Sexsmith’s albums have always had a generally laid-back vibe, but in recent years this has become ever more wistful and soothing, a listening experience rather like snuggling up in a favourite blanket and letting your troubles wash away. Sign me up.” Folk Radio UK
Those already deeply appreciative of Ron’s songwriting chops include a stellar list of vocalists to have recorded Sexsmith compositions. That group includes such international stars as Rod Stewart, Emmylou Harris, Nick Lowe, plus Canadian favourites Michael Bublé, Feist and kd lang. Ron’s work has also elicited effusive praise from the likes of Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Steve Earle and Chris Martin, to name just a few. Over the course of a recording career now spanning 36 years, Ron has been nominated for 12 Juno awards, winning three times.
Now it’s time to visit The Vivian Line. Explore, linger, enjoy.”
I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Ron Sexsmith many times over the course of his 17 albums.
I like diving into deep conversations with him as much as I truly love his songs and melodies.
I also admire what he stands for. No co-writes, no writing by committee, no bending and shaping to suit the music fans who still don’t know who he is.
However, when he plays live, you know the room is filled with people who “get it” and it really does feel like a community.
So what is it he “does’?
Ron Sexsmith writes songs that you find yourself humming, and sings in an ever-developing soft voice that still resonates with character. His lyrics are thoughtful, kind and etched with very dry humour.
I loved this conversation with Ron. I hope you do as well.
His 17th album is now out – it’s called The Vivian Line.
Named after a rural road connection between his old home in Toronto to his new country home in Stratford.
FYI – There’s a reference to Richard Manual from The Band. He was born in the area and there’s a bench in his memory in the countryside that Ron will visit when he’s on his creative walks.
Discover Ron Sexsmith. Your heart will thank you many times over.
This week’s Easter Bunny is dressed up as Ron Sexsmith. His 17th studio album
is called The Vivian Line.
As always Ron is very transparent in his writing and life in general.
I think he still marvels at the life he’s lead and the career he’s hand-built.
The Vivian Line is a rural road that winds its way out of Toronto and slowly leads to his new home in Stratford. The change in his lifestyle is reflected in these songs.
What I had in mind is Ron in grade school having second thoughts about fitting it.
The oldest song is the best I think. Diamond Wave. It just took years for all the pieces to fit.
Ron says when he first started to sing When our love was new on stage he ended up crying his way through.
He channels Leonard Cohen on the final track Ever Wonder.
Lots of stories and dry humour from a country gentleman Ron Sexsmith.
Complete interview on Mulligan Stew Podcast and
Video Ron on tdm youtube channel.
A native of Vancouver but currently residing in Nashville, where he works as a solo artist, sideman, and record producer, Steve has forged an impressive career full of highlights and awards, including:
7 Juno Awards as artist/producer, 18 times nominated
3 times named “Producer Of The Year” at the Western Canadian Music Awards
4 times named “Producer Of The Year” at the Canadian Folk Music Awards
Recipient of many other awards including Maple Blues Awards, Grand Prix De Jazz De Montreal, Blues Blast Awards, and many Western Canadian Music Awards and Canadian Folk Awards as an artist and producer
Steve’s multi-faceted career has brought him to countless international festivals, working on the stage and in the studio with an extensive cast of musicians, including John Hammond, Sonny Landreth, Van Dyke Parks, David Hidalgo, Colin James, Jim Byrnes, Jill Barber, Dave Alvin, Joe Henry, Tim O’Brien, Fats Kaplin, Colin James, The McCrary Sisters, Matt Chamberlain, Del Rey, Birds of Chicago, Allison Russell, Long John Baldry, Bruce Cockburn, Kelly Joe Phelps, Linda McRae, CR Avery, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Geoff Muldaur, Scott Amendola, Danny Barnes, The Deep Dark Woods, Colin Linden, Big Dave McLean, and many others.
Steve’s studio, The Henhouse, located in Nashville (and previously in Vancouver) has hosted countless artists and been the home to over 80 releases. With a beautifully warm and organic setting to stay and record, it promises to become a destination for many more to come.
His groundbreaking work with Jesse Zubot in Zubot and Dawson kicked things off in 1998, leading to 2 albums with Toronto jazz stalwarts Andrew Downing and Kevin Turcotte in the award-winning Great Uncles of the Revolution. Steve’s solo recording output started with 2001’s award-winning acoustic “Bug Parade”, he next explored blues and Hawaiian influences in depth with “We Belong To The Gold Coast” in 2005. 2008 saw the release of 2 albums – “Telescope” which was the culmination of studies with Greg Leisz and featured music written for the pedal steel guitar, and “Waiting For The Lights To Come Up”, a collection of new songs. He followed that with 2011’s acclaimed “Nightshade”, which Acoustic Guitar magazine named to it’s Top-10 guitar albums of the year. 2014’s “Rattlesnake Cage” – was an award-winning exploration of solo acoustic and slide guitar. Dawson’s 2018 release “Lucky Hand” is a mesmerizing collection of original fingerstyle and slide guitar instrumentals, 5 of which feature Dawson reuniting with his old cohort Jesse Zubot, who arranged incredible string quartet parts to flow with the music. Recorded live off the floor it brings together the American Primitive style Steve has often explored and cutting-edge strings to create music, unlike anything you’ve heard before. Birds of Chicago, Allison Russell, Matt Anderson, etc. Steve is also host and producer of the podcast Music Makers and Soul Shakers. 135 episodes in 6 years.
amcjmdudhjrtists from all over the world, and continues to work as a side-person and freelance musician both on stage and in the studio. Steve is also the creator of the well-loved Music Makers and Soul Shakers podcast, which has been going for over 6 years and 135 episodes.
He spent the last few years pre-pandemic on the road playing guitar, steel and dobro with Allison Russell’s band Birds of Chicago, and Canadian powerhouse Matt Andersen. He has produced, engineered and mixed over 100 albums for many artists from all over the world, and continues to work as a side-person and freelance musician both on stage and in the studio. Steve is also the creator of the well-loved Music Makers and Soul Shakers podcast
In 2022/2023, Steve released 3 albums throughout the year – “Gone, Long Gone” is the first. From gentle fingerstyle folk tunes to blazing, funky Americana grooves, to Hawaiian-style slide guitar instrumentals, this album covers a lot of sonic territory.
The second album, “Phantom Threshold” came out on August 12, 2022, and is an all-instrumental sonic trip featuring the Telescope Three – Jay Bellerose on drums, Jeremy Holmes on bass, and Chris Gestrin on keyboards. All driven by the melodies and improvisations of Steve’s pedal steel guitar.
Now comes the promised third album Eyes Closed, Dreaming. It’s filled with Albertan friend Matt Patershuk co-writes and well-chosen covers. Bobby Charles Small Town Talk, Ian Tyson’s Long time to get old, Cowboy Jack Clements Guess things happen that way and the classic Singing the Blues.
Lots to talk about with long-time friend Steve Dawson.
Steve’s current tour dates
April 20 Dream Cafe Penticton
April 21 Rogue Folk Club Vancouver
April 22 Bozzini’s Chilliwack
April 28 First Church of Christ Scientist Victoria
Mulligan Stew welcomes back Steve Dawson – currently riding the CKUA top 30.
Made his name as a writer, player and producer in Vancouver.
Remember Zubot and Dawson?
He’s worked on many albums with Jim Byrnes, Sojourners etc.
A native of Vancouver but currently residing in Nashville, where he works as a solo artist, sideman, and record producer, Steve has forged an impressive career full of highlights and awards, including:
7 Juno Awards as artist/producer, 18 times nominated
3 times named “Producer Of The Year” at Western Canadian Music Awards
4 times named “Producer Of The Year” at Canadian Folk Music Awards
Recipient of many other awards including Maple Blues Awards, Grand Prix De Jazz De Montreal, Blues Blast Awards, and many Western Canadian Music Awards and Canadian Folk Awards as an artist and producer
Steve’s multi-faceted career has brought him to countless international festivals, working on the stage and in the studio with an extensive cast of musicians, including John Hammond, Sonny Landreth, Van Dyke Parks, David Hidalgo, Colin James, Jim Byrnes, Jill Barber, Dave Alvin, Joe Henry, Tim O’Brien, Fats Kaplin, , The McCrary Sisters, Matt Chamberlain, Del Rey, Birds of Chicago, Allison Russell, Long John Baldry, Bruce Cockburn, Kelly Joe Phelps, Linda McRae, CR Avery, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Geoff Muldaur, Scott Amendola, Danny Barnes, The Deep Dark Woods, Colin Linden, Big Dave McLean, and many others.
Over the past year, he released three albums.
Gone, Long Gone
Phantom Threshold
And now …
Eyes Closed, Dreaming.
H’s been co-writing songs with Matt Patershuk.
And he’s coming our way.
Tour dates include
April 20 Dream Café Penticton
April 21 – Rogue Club Vancouver
April 28 – Victoria
May 4 – Aviary Edmonton
May 5 Festival Hall
New music from
Marc Broussard
Matt Anderson
Krasno Moore Project
Also
Marvin Gaye
The Band
Jools Holland
Emmy Lou
Pink Floyd
Wm Prine/Serena Ryder
Lyle Lovett and his big band
Faces
EASTER WEEKEND – Ron Sexsmith
PLAYLIST:
Mulligan Stew – TDMulligan
Interview Guest – Steve Dawson
playlist mulligan stew dot ca
It takes a lot to laugh. it takes a train to cry
Bob Dylan & Wynton Marsalis
United we Swing
Rather drink muddy water
Marc Broussard
Sos $ – Blues for your soul
Stop and Listen
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
O Glory
Long may you run
EmmyLou Harris
Last Date
Mulligan Stew Year 27
Coming UP Beatles and new Matt Anderson
playlist mulliganstew dot ca
Tomorrow never knows
The Beatles
Revolver
Paper in Fire
Alan Doyle
Rough Side Out
So Low, Solo
Matt Anderson
The big bottle of Joy
Deane House
River Cafe – Both in Calgary
Thank you for the support
Into the Mystic
Van Morrison
Moondance
Nature Boy
Rickie Lee Jones
Pieces of Treasure
Ooh Baby Baby
Marc Jordan and Amy Sky
He Sang She Sang
Special Guest Steve Dawson
tour dates at
mulliganstew dot ca
Don’t do it (live)
The Band
The Last Waltz (Deluxe)
Coming UP Marvin Gaye and Jeff Beck
Playlist mulliganstew dot ca
Guest – Steve Dawson
Inner City Blues
Marvin Gaye
What’s Going On
Drown in my own Tears
Jools Holland and Jeff Beck
Jools Holland. More Friends Vol 2
Special Guest in Hour Two
Steve Dawson
Tour dates on mulliganstew dot ca
Time
Pink Floyd
Dark side of the Moon
Ooh La La
Faces
Best of Faces
TDMulligan
The Stew – Year 27
Guest this hour – Steve Dawson
Let the boogie woogie roll
Jools Holland and Robert Plant
Jools Holland. More friends Vol 2
River of Tears
William Prince and Serena Ryder
River of Tears
My baby don’t tolerate
Lyle Lovett and Wynton Marsalis
United We Swing
New Walkin’ Blues
Paul Butterfield’s Better Days
Paul Butterfield’s Better Days
Today’s Guest – Steve Dawson
Mulligan Stew
Next – Fever and Love the one you’re with
Fever
Krasno – Moore project
Book of Queens
Love the one you’re with (live)
Stephen Stills
Live at Berkley 1971
Coyotes Banff – We Thank You !!
206 Cariboo St
NEXT Steve Dawson
Steve Dawson Interview
3 albums in a year
Gone, Long Gone – Phantom Threshold & Eyes Closed, Dreaming.
We had already done this interview before the Couch was a thing.
And we didn’t get to talk during our Juno special because we were busy with other guests.
The focus here is Dan’s new album Being Somewhere.
This interview is more music driven than the Podcast.
Dan also openly reveals the vocal health issues he’s been dealing with.
“I managed to put all of the stress in my body, into my jaw. I’m dealing with it now. There’s a softer touch to the vocal delivery”
Complete interview on Mulligan Stew Podcast and tdm YouTube channel.
We’ll celebrate Elton John’s Birthday – with a deep track.
And we promise to lift your heart with
David Lindley, Leon Russell, Phoebe Snow and Dr John with Aaron Neville.
New music from Taj Mahal, William Prince, Ron Sexsmith, and Madeleine Roger and The Fretless.
Also in hour two new music from The Wood Bros, and a classic from John Hiatt, Aretha and the closer is all 12 minutes of Loan me a Dime from Boz Scaggs at Muscle Shoals with a young Duane Allman on guitar.
Juno Couch:a luxurious seating area where artists may gather during Juno Weekend and exchange opinions, questions and minor insults. All for the entertainment of music fans everywhere. Music can also be played from the stage conveniently located right next to the Couches.
Just for the record, the Juno Couch only happens when the awards are hosted in Alberta. It’s been co-hosted by Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo – except for this year.
Year one was in the bar lobby of the Hotel MacDonald, Year two was in a restaurant at the base of the Calgary Tower and Year Three was on the streets of Calgary.
Just over a week ago, Edmonton hosted the Junos Awards. Right across the street from the Juno home base was CKUA Radio.
A perfect home for the Juno Couch because we already had two couches and a performance area.
Jim Cuddy was playing Juno Cup hockey to raise funds for Music Counts—Canada’s music education charity.
Jim made a guest appearance from the rink via The Net.
My co-hosts this year were Tom Wilson (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings) and Dan Mangan.
Guests include
Angelique Francis
Digging Roots
Shawn Hall (The Harp and Axe)
Jon Dore
Shakura S’Aida
The Weather Station
Marc Jordan and Amy Sky
CKUA Hosts
Holger Petersen
Cam Hayden
Kate Stevens
Marek Tyler
Grant Stovel
Kerry Clarke
This podcast is an edited combination of guest comments over the two-hour show. Best exchanges on the day!
First things first – a large thank you to everyone who promoted the Couch.
The crew assembled the elements. The actual studio crew on the performance floor and up above working the video and audio.
Thanks to Grant, Dan Mangan, Tom Wilson, Vish Khanna, Jasmine Vickaryous, the hosts who joined me on The Couch, the artists who were guests and the assembled audience.
Also, Gino from Rigolettos who was fantastic and Matt Thirlwell from Vintage West arranged specialty wines for all in the green room.
And what a treat to meet and work with Alex Hall!!
OK…Here’s the deal for Saturday’s show. CHECK OUT THE PLAYLIST!!
We’ll celebrate the birthday of Wicked Wilson Pickett.
Chuck Berry. Died On March 18, 2017
NEW music from
Steven Stills, Graham Nash Norah Jones and Lucas Nelson, Matt Anderson, Rufus Wainwright and Brandi Carlile, Marc Jordan, Ron Sexsmith, The Wood Brothers, Krasno, Moore Project with Cory Henry, Jill Barber, Ryan McMann, Natalie McMaster, Donnell Leahy and Rhiannon Giddens.
Throw in classics from The Beatles, Bahamas, Dylan, Neil Young, The Blasters, Rickie Lee Jones, Tedeschi Trucks Band, John Fogerty.
The New P’s have been acclaimed since forming in Vancouver 1997.
