Grass Roots Record Co. and (((folkYEAH!))) Presents have assembled an all-star line-up of contemporary indie artists such as Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Robin Pecknold (of Fleet Foxes), Brendan Benson (of The Raconteurs), Vetiver, Alela Diane, Sleepy Sun, Mariee Sioux & Greg Weeks (from Espers), Port O Brien with The Papercuts, The Moore Brothers and Graham's own daughter, Nile Nash to pay tribute to Graham Nash's seminal debut solo record Songs For Beginners. All of these contemporary artists have been greatly influenced by Nash's work. The artists put a unique spin on each song, making it his or her own while also honoring the timeless vibe of the original recordings. Some stay true to the arrangements that Graham and his Bay Area musician pals laid down in 1970, while others go for a completely fresh reinterpretation.
In an effort to educate a younger generation about Graham's influential career Grass Roots Record Co. will release weekly webisodes of a discussion between Nash historian Joel Bernstein and MOJO editor and music critic Sylvie Simmons. In these videos Simmons and Bernstein discuss the historical significance of Songs For Beginners, the importance of Graham's politically charged material and the cultural temperament of the era in which it was written. Each episode will air on Grass Roots website www.grassrootsrecordco.com and will premiere every Wednesday leading up to the release of "Be Yourself."
All of the songs on this inspired collection were recorded between May and October of 2009. A few selections from Graham's classic second solo release Wild Tales have also been recorded; Jonathan Rice Tyson Vogel (of Two Gallants), Jonathan Wilson, Dawes, Bart Davenport and Brendan Benson will all appear on "Music Gets You High," a follow up EP to be released in July.
"Be Yourself: A Tribute To Graham Nash's Songs For Beginners" will be released on May 25th and a portion of the proceeds go to Wavy Gravy's Camp Winnarainbow, www.campwinnarainbow.org. Through the use of music, acrobatics, games and production this circus and performing arts camp in the Mendocino woods of northern California teaches children and adults tools for building self-esteem, community, conflict resolution, communication and plain old merriment. A limited number 1000 editions of 180 gram vinyl will be pressed and will include a bonus 7 inch of the additional material available for pre-sale only through the Grass Roots Records website, www.grassrootsrecordco.com.
"Be Yourself: A Tribute To Graham Nash's Songs For Beginners"
Grass Roots Record Co.
May 25, 2010 release
Formats: Ltd Edition 180 Gram Vinyl, CD, Digital, Ltd. 7 inch, EP
Port O Brien/Papercuts: Military Madness
Brendan Benson: Better Days
Nile Nash: Wounded Bird
Vetiver: Used To Be A King
Robin Pecknold (Of Fleet Foxes): Be Yourself
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy: Simple Man (Hombre Sencillo)
Moore Brothers: Man In The Mirror
Alela Diane: There's Only One
Mariee Sioux (W Greg Weeks Of Espers): Sleep Song
Sleepy Sun: Chicago
Various/Nile Nash: We Can Change The World (Reprise)
Music Gets You High/Ep:
Grass Roots Record Co.
July release
Dawes: Wild Tales
Tyson Vogel (of Two Gallants): Hey You (Looking At The Moon)
Johnathan Rice: On The Line
Jonathan Wilson + special guests: And So It Goes (Music Gets You High)
Bart Davenport: Better Days
Brendan Benson: Simple Man