There’s always been talk of solo female artist from the eighties and nineties exemplifying a time when country music was in a golden period. It’s not hard to see why. Just think of some of the great names who emerged in that glorious decade: Roseanne Cash, Nanci Griffith, Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Suzy Boguss, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Shania…the Chicks. (heck, feel free to add your own names in here)
I think these are all artists we’ve played regularly on the AC over the many years we’ve been on air. Some of them were also part of that ‘new country’ movement which included singers like Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, Gillian Welch and Rodney Crowell. Something ‘real’ was going on which made a connection with people like me who hadn’t paid close attention up until that point to what was coming out of Nashville.
There’s one name which I haven’t included in that long list which brings me to the very special guest joining me on this week’s show. Mary Chapin Carpenter is another artist who emerged in that creative period whose songs struck a chord in their home country but also made a mark with UK audiences who have remained smitten by the music.
Mary Chapin has turned the focus back on to her own life for her first new solo album in some years. Intriguingly it’s not the only record to be released this year with her name attached. Earlier in the year her collaboration with two greats of Scottish folk music, Karine Polwart and Julie Fowlis also came out. The three artists hooked up at Celtic Connections at some point and this led to a collaboration that has already toured these islands.
We are very excited to welcome Mary Chapin to PQ’s Studio One where we have hosted so many great sessions over the years. She will join us to sing acoustic versions of songs from the new album, Personal History as well as picking some intriguing country records for us to play. I do believe she may well also sing a cover version of a personal favourite too. All will be revealed on this week’s very special show.
We’ll also have some significant anniversaries, great new tracks and another personal Neil Young story and country selection from one of our regular listeners. Don’t forget I want to hear your own Neil country picks and share your stories. The best way to tell me is via email: rickyross@bbc.co.uk
Do join me for this very special AC night from eight P.M. on BBCSounds or BBC Radio Scotland.
I feel spoiled. First you share a stage with Martyn Joseph, and now you bring MCC to the AC! In all seriousness, when I heard you announce this week’s show last week it was a joyous moment (and, coming as it does during a period of personal tumult, that is a precious thing). A punishing personal schedule meant I couldn’t make an intimate London-based event Mary Chapin Carpenter was holding as part of her publicity tour this week and I was gutted to miss that (ditto your own recent charity event) so this—to hear my two favourite songwriters in conversation—is quite the radio event. Thank you so much!
I have been a fan of MCC for many years now. I was gifted a copy of ‘Stones in the Road’ and was hooked. I only saw her once, in that soulless barn at the SECC, but she lit up the evening with her songs and sheer charm. She had that knack of chatting to an audience as if it were one person. I’ve followed her ever since and like Ricky and the band, she helped keep me sane during lockdown with her online performances. She is a poet, a commentator on her life and times and a classy lady. Thank you MCC & Thanks Ricky. The gift of good music is one which lasts a lifetime.
Patrick, Glasgow
MCC is one heck of a songwriter. Fortunate to have seen her many times, e.g. Red Rocks, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Boulder Theatre, Chicago, and my hometown, Kansas City. Thank you, sir, for your wonderful radio show.
Great show. Can I recommend the new Taj Mahal and Keb’Mo’ album. Mostly blues but some good America tracks .