Honky Tonk, Hymns and the Blues

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Terrible Tattoos: The Worst Folk Art?

I think a case could be made that tattoos are folk art (arguments about what is or is not "folk" music or art officially constitutes 76/87ths of my life). While the evolution of the form is a history shared by many cultures, there is certainly a particularly American or Western bent that can be found in the form as well.

And this brings me to today's blopic (so if "blog" is an acceptable contraction for web-log, you bet your sweet maple syrup that "blopic" is an acceptable tri-traction of web, log, and topic): Many, many stupid people are practicing this folk art. Exhibit A:
No Caption Necessary.

Of course, there are those well intentioned folks who hope to honor their loved ones in many small ways. If you are one of these good-natured types, let me give you a little folk wisdom: your loved one will not be honored by the bloody creation of their blue-ish mug on your arm, leg, or pec. And in ten years your sagging skin will only add to the distaste they feel for their own sagging skin, making your tattoo the perpetual reminder of physical deterioration.





And, as always with the creation of folk art, drunkenness during the time of conception is a bad idea. Is this regard, ignore Robert Zimmerman- do think twice, it's not alright.

Folk Alliance International 2010

Thanks to Louis Myers and all the good folks at Folk Alliance International I had a splendid time in Memphis, which didn't involve a mobile, being stuck, or the blues (except musically). The Folk Alliance International Conference is a annual assembly of some of the highest quality artists and music biz folks.

Music gives me life. Even after 5 days, as I was claiming to be "all folked out," I was still chatting with Dom from the Carolina Chocolate Drops and feeling psyched for the new music coming from his direction (first major label release out shortly).

Aside from CCD, there were quite a number of artists worth checking out. The Gypsy Hombres, with their high end gypsy jazz (I was met with the realization that I would never play as fast or clean as their blind, lap picking guitarist Rory Hoffman). The Good Lovelies- tight harmonies, great stage presence, and the humor to keep you rolling (quotable quote, "we love her, she makes our hearts barf"). Check out the video for "Lie Down"- I love their interactions with each other. And, of course, there is the Sweetback Sisters, the raucous honky tonk quintet that we helped present at the Philly Opry last week at Johnny Brendas.

All in all, a blast, and well worth the trip to see our Canadian friends at the Sweet Beaver Suite, presenting Morgan O'Kane ("the sound of Appalachia stuck in Brooklyn") and Nudie and the Turks (fresh, guitar-orgasmic country) among others. Check out videos of the former: