Country

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two new collections: guitarist Rick Holmstrom's "Look Out," (Black Top) and Ronnie Dawson's "Just Rockin' & Rollin'" (Upstart).

Jazz bassist Charlie Haden. He's released his fifth album with his Quartet West, "Now is the Hour," (Verve). Haden formed the quartet to play the music of the 1940s and early 50s. He's worked with jazz musicians Art Pepper, Paul Bley, Ornette Coleman. And he's recorded with many artists including Abbey Lincoln, Bill Frisell, Joshua Redman, Rick Lee Jones, and others. Last year Haden released a much regarded album of spirituals with pianist Hank Jones, "Steal Away--Spirituals, Hymns and Folk Songs."

Country music star, George Jones. He's widely acclaimed as one of the greatest country singers, but his 40-year career has also been marked by alcohol and drug abuse. He recently published his autobiography, "I Lived to Tell it All" (Villard, New York).

Part (3) of Rock Historian Ed Ward's series on the instruments of rock 'n roll. Today he tells us about the guitar.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "I Feel Alright" (Warner Bros) the latest release by country-rock artist Steve Earle.

Rosanne Cash. The singer/lyricist has released nine albums. In 1985 she won a Grammy for "I don't Know Why You Don't Want Me." Cash is the daughter of Johnny Cash. She currently has a new album, "Ten-Song Demo" (Capitol Records) and her first work of fiction: "Bodies of Water" (Hyperion) a collection of nine short stories. One reviewer writes, "her talent as a lyricist translates beautifully into short fiction."

Rock historian Ed Ward on the burgeoning Austin, Texas music scene. The SXSW (South by Southwest Music & Media Conference) is meeting at the Austin convention Center March 13-17.

Guest film critic Steve Vineberg reviews "Georgia."

Rock critic Ken Tucker gives us his year's best.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two albums showcasing country musician Faron Young.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Emmylou Harris' new album, "Wrecking Ball." (Elektra/Asylum)

We talk with Raul Malo the lead singer for the country music band The Mavericks. The group's latest CD is "Music For All." by MCA Nashville 1995.

Ben Sandmel and Luderin Darbone are two members of the Cajun band "The Hackberry Ramblers." Darbone is a founding member of the band who is now in his 80s. The Ramblers started in 1933 in Louisiana. The Ramblers were among the first Cajun bands to abandon the accordion's dominance for the more American guitar-fiddle string band sound. In 1993, The Ramblers released their first album in 30 years titled "Cajun Boogie." prior to this album the Ramblers recorded on the Bluebird Label.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews two new bands that are spin-offs from the bands Nirvana and Uncle Tupelo.

Music Critic Ken Tucker reviews the new country music CD by Dale Watson "Cheatin' Heart Attack." Tucker says he thinks most of today's country music is soft rock "safe" Watson's first CD has a refreshing sound of traditional country music.

Country singer Charlie Rich. He died, earlier this week, of a blood clot in his lung. Known as the "Silver Fox," (because of his premature gray hair) Rich got his start working with the Sun record label in the late 50s, writing tunes for Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash. From there he began making records himself. In the 70s he reached his commercial peak with his country hits, "The Most Beautiful Girl," and "Behind Closed Doors." (REBROADCAST FROM 9/3/92).

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Jerry Lee Lewis's new album "Young Blood." The album contains songs written by Hank Williams and Bobby Darrin.

Singer/Actor Herb Jeffries. In the late 1930's he became the first and only black singing cowboy on the silver screen. Then in the late 1940's he sang with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. At 83, Jeffries has recently recorded his western songs for the first time on an album - "The Bronze Buckaroo (Rides Again)" (Warner). Included on this album are highlights from his work with Earl Hines (who discovered him) and Ellington, including "Flamingo" and the original version of "You, You Darlin."

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews country singer Dwight Yoakam's first concert album, "Dwight Live."

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews John Prine's new CD "Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings."