McCoury Music will release that much anticipated Moneyland tomorrow July 8, 2008

Reading the PR hype related to McCoury Music’s release this week of the highly touted Moneyland CD, no wiggle room exists in judging this recording to be a pretty weighty political statement against today’s government-fed, corporate pillaging of the middle class and those who live below today’s median standard of living.

One might even go so far to say America’s common class — both the middle class and the ever-growing numbers of working poor — have been Bush-whacked.

At least, those are the strong, bitter sentiments of a large segment of the American public, which is dealing with fuel and energy costs climbing out of control, food prices that are doubling and often, a corporate employer who doesn’t look an inch beyond the bottom line at the people who keep the machines and computers running.

If you’re part of that segment, Moneyland will either soothe your soul or take it to the boiling point. Moneyland is about hard times. And greed. And those who suffer at the hands of the greedy.

The record label describes the CD as “a timely multi-artist collection that offers a hard-hitting look at today’s economic injustice through a thoughtful selection of six new (or newly recorded) songs, mixed with eight neglected gems and classic favorites. Framed by excerpts from two of Franklin Roosevelt’s Depression-era ‘fireside chats,’ Moneyland revitalizes country and bluegrass music’s connections to the lives of hard-working people in ways that honor the past, look to the future and challenge listeners to act in the present.”

The artists on Moneyland make an impressive list: The Del McCoury Band, Merle Haggard, Mac Wiseman, Tim O’Brien, Marty Stuart, Patty Loveless, Emmy Lou Harris, Chris Knight, Bruce Hornsby.

Moneyland will either soothe your soul or take it to the boiling point. Moneyland is about hard times. And greed. And those who suffer at the hands of the greedy.

Their songs offer deep hues of dark blues, grays and blacks to the sad stories of tough economic times. After the opening FDR comment, Moneyland kicks off with the 1931 original recording of “Breadline Blues” by Bernard “Slim” Smith. Ironically, the final musical track on the CD is “Breadline Blues 2008,” by the McCoury clan.

I personally enjoyed the role that was entrusted to Merle Haggard with this project. Yeah, the same Haggard that’s been labeled “The Poet of the Common Man.” The Hag’s “If We Make It Through December” sounds as fresh and modern on this CD as it did when it was first released in 1973. Another Haggard song from one his more recent CDs, “What Happened,” suits Moneyland’s theme to a tee. And yet, another Haggard gem, “Momma’s Hungry Eyes,” is covered to goose-bump perfection by Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell. And The Hag gets one spin on Moneyland with his Marty Stuart duet of “Farmers Blues.”

A veritable classic, Wiseman’s “I Wonder How the Old Folks Are At Home,” part of a medley, shines as only a classic can shine in a collection such as this.

The title cut, “Moneyland,” by Del and his boys is almost beyond description. Suffice it to say, it sounds like the McCoury group might have had a ball recording this venomous ode to greed.

Del McCoury makes no bones that Moneyland is all about modern-day power politics and the social ills they have brought America.

“Moneyland has a message that people need to hear and think about,” McCoury says in a news release, “and, especially in an election year, take action on. This isn’t about party politics, it’s about doing what’s best for our country and everyone in it, not just a lucky few.”

So, will the CD sway some votes? Undoubtedly not to the point of swinging November’s presidential election.

But the CD itself stands on its own as a musical jewel that, if the listener allows, provides plenty of fodder for some deep thinking about where this country is at and where it’s headed.

Moneyland goes on sale July 8.

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The 2nd Annual Raymond Fairchild Mountain Music Jamboree, will be held on October 17 & 18, 2008. The two-day, indoor, bluegrass music festival is located at Eaglenest Entertainment in Maggie Valley, NC and is “a celebration of the musical history so deeply ingrained in our mountain heritage.”

Many nationally recognized artists will participate as featured performers, including hometown banjo player, Raymond Fairchild. Other bluegrass artists currently scheduled to appear are Grasstowne, Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad, Iron Horse, Terry Baucom, Bill Yates and The Country Gentlemen Tribute Band, Full Throttle and many more. There will also be a Banjo Clinic with Terry Baucom.

The indoor theater is elegantly decorated and offers 800+ extremely comfortable seats that promote an “up c lose and personal” atmosphere since no seat is farther than one hundred feet from the stage.

Limited camping-in-the-rough spaces are on site and limited electrical service is available for an additional fee. There is plenty of room for jam sessions on this 18-acre mountain setting that has two streams and a waterfall.

Prices range from $25.00 to $65.00 with 2-Day, Single Day and Children Passes available. Check the website, www.eaglenestnc.com, or call 828-926-9658 for more information and further artists to be announced. Email: tinao@eaglenestnc.com

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Colorado
July 10-13 — High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival - Westcliffe, CO. Bluegrass Artists scheduled include: Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands, Bradley Walker, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Dan Paisley & Southern Grass, Alecia Nugent Band, Charlie Sizemore Band, Dry Branch Fire Squad and more. Single Day tickets run from $10 - $40 and 4 day festival passes are available for $80. The Festival also has an extensive variety of workshops scheduled.

Michigan
July 9 @ 8:00 P.M. — The Infamous Stringdusters - The Ark - Ann Arbor .MI

July 10 @ 8:00 P.M. — The Duhks - The Ark - Ann Arbor .MI

Ohio
July 10-12 — Bluegrass in the Hills July Festival - Hopedale, OH. Bluegrass artists scheduled include: James King Band, Melvin Goins, Appalachian Bluegrass, Lonesome Heart, Dailey & Vincent, Bluegrass Xpress and more. Single day tickets at the gate are $10 (Thurs) and $25 (Fri Sat) or $45 for a weekend pass which includes 4 days (Wed - Sun) of primitive camping included.

Tennessee
July 10 @ 7:30 P.M. — Bluegrass Night at the Ryman - Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, IIIrd Tyme Out and Dailey & Vincent - Nashville, TN. For ticket information visit the Ryman website.

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