Cutest Thing I've Ever Seen

I'm sorry, I know that this has nothing to do with the Pioneer Valley, but sometimes you have to make exceptions. This beautiful clip of the NYC PS22 students singing Coldplay's Viva La Vida has possibly made my week. I will let the clip speak for itself.

The DMV with Ellis Paul and Pioneer in the Valley

Human beings wait in line for any number of things on a daily basis, causing irritation, panic disorders, and road rage. However, none of these instances seems to duplicate the annoyance of standing in line at the DMV. So last time Boston Folk Legend and songwriting genius Ellis Paul was waiting for the motor vehicle Gods to pull his card, he decided to give Pioneer in the Valley a call. Here's what he's been up to.

PIV: What and who inspires you?

EP: I get inspired from all sorts of different sources. The story of what I am capturing for each song is generally a different inspiration each time. I also obviously love great books, great movies, photographs, and great paintings. I'm always keeping an eye out for different forms of inspiration.

PIV: What’s the writing process like for you?

EP: Nowadays I get an idea and I carry it around with me to shows, and I will edit it in the car. I usually will get an idea and then I sit down with a guitar and work with some guitar pattern and come up with the lyrics from there.

PIV: What's in your CD player right now?

EP: Right now I am listening to seventeen of my own songs trying to figure out which will make the cut for the new record. It has been really helpful for me.

PIV: When can we expect some new Ellis Paul material?

EP: It looks like Probably by summer or early fall.

PIV: What can we expect from the new album?

EP: It's interesting because I’m listening to the songs right now and they are kind of all over the place. There is some country, some folk, a little electric rock. We are going to do a hybrid record with singer songwriters and rock and roll type stuff.

PIV: Anything on the new disc that you are really excited about?

EP: Yeah, there is a song called "Hurricane Angel" that I like a lot. It's a story I wrote about a Hurricane Katrina victim. As far a story song, it’s one of my best.

PIV: Is being on the road so much still enjoyable after all of these years?

EP: Of course. I love to play, it is a huge part of the whole process. I love playing, I am not always in love with the travel and spending time away from my kids, but once I’m there I really enjoy playing in front of an audience.

PIV: Do your kids share the same passion for music so far?

EP: I think the do because it is a central part of their life. They seem to be really into it. I don’t wish upon them a life as a folk musician though.

PIV: I spoke with Vance Gilbert this past summer and he had some kind words to say about you, how can you describe that friendship?

EP: Vance has been a touchstone of my life, not only as a friend, but we have had some epic moments together. He has attended and sang at both of my weddings. And on September 11th, I ended up talking and walking with he and his girlfriend and talking about what had happened. It was one of those moments that extends beyond our musical friendship.

But we also have this great partnership where we can bounce songs and albums off each other. He is just someone that can always be a barometer for where I am at.

PIV: If you weren’t a musician what would you be doing?

EP: I wouldn’t mind being a writer or a painter. I think it would still be something in a creative field.

PIV: If you could work with another artist, who would it be?

EP: I would love to work with Neil Young some time. I think he would definitely be my first choice as a songwriter.

PIV: What’s one thing that would surprise your fans to know about Ellis Paul?

EP: I’m a big AC/DC. I was a fan when I a kid and they put out this great new album and I’ve been listening to it a lot.

So there it is. Thank you to Ellis Paul for taking his time out to keep us up to date. Ellis will be stopping by the Iron Horse on Jan. 30th for an intimate show. We will be there, so should you!

Also, check below to hear some of Ellis' UNRELEASED MATERIAL!!! That's right, he is allowing you, the Pioneer in the Valley reader, to have a sneak peek into the next album. Let us know what you think, and tune in for more about Ellis after the show.

Ellis Paul - "Hurricane Angel"



Ellis Paul - "Waking Up To You"



Ellis Paul - "Once Upon A Summertime"

Badass Lady!

The following report is from Chris' experience watching Bettye Lavette at the Iron Horse Gig. Last week.

Having seen a couple shows at the Iron horse, I was excited to see a genuine soul singer in person at such an intimate venue. We got in just in time to get a good seat upstairs as her band began to play and ramp up for the show. After a couple great blues tunes she came up from the dressing room, sparkling in a black and rhinestone outfit that hung just right on her out-of-this-world body.

Her energy was electric from the beginning. She kicked and shimmied around the stage, singing strongly and pulsing her body, using both voice and physicality as one single instrument. Her voice itself is so powerful she doesn't need a microphone and at one point she proved it, sending spine tingling vocalizations out into the hall with no microphone and no difficulty at all. Whether she was performing an up-tempo tune or a grinding, soulful lament, she was able to turn the four feet of Iron horse stage into a stadium.

It felt like a special show, especially after she shared with us that the last time she was in town a year ago, we sent her on her way into, as she phrased it, the best year of her entire life. That is certainly saying something considering her forty-seven year career that began when she was just sixteen years old. This is one of the things I love about Northampton- so many artists feel at home here.

The best part of the night came after her exit to a standing ovation, when she returned for an encore and sang a song that she had compiled the lyrics for with music from her musical director. She had already detailed earlier how in just the last six years she had been hoping for gigs that would pay even fifty dollars, and how grateful she is to have been "brought out of the crypt," as she quipped. This song, about staying strong with the other girls, singing for forty years no matter who told her she wouldn't fit in, and now, finally,after all that time, getting to watch as the money comes rolling in was definitely her best. I know I felt no shame in applauding that. She is a bad-ass lady, and a soul icon, and I'm glad she is finally getting her due.

Wow, Bettye Lavette.

You Bet, It's Bettye Lavette!

You might not know her yet, but you wish you did.

Bettye Lavette has been making music since she was 16. And now in her sixties, this gem soul Goddess is still bringing down the house all across the country. As a teenager, she was touring with some big names, including personal favorites Otis Redding and Ben E. King. In 1982, she signed with the historic Motown Records, and while her career has had its shares of ups and downs, be sure to count today as a definite up.

In 2005, Bettye released the critically acclaimed "I've Got My Own Hell to Raise" which included her brilliant reinventions of great tunes by Sinead O'Connor, Dolly Parton, and Lucinda Williams. She finally began to strike through to audiences as a pearl of soul music.

Today, Bettye looks hot and sounds hotter. Her most recent album, Scene of the Crime, is impeccable. It's as if every little vex and whisper in her tone and voice has been tucked away in a humidor somewhere. She sounds every bit of what newcoming wannabees like Amy Winehouse and Adele wish they could be.

You MUST check out her cover of the Boss' Streets of Philadelphia, or dare I say, her cover of a Neil Young classic! Yes, Lavette attempts to cover the great Neil Young classic "Heart of Gold," and I believe she knocks it out of the park.

Lucky for you last minute Valley residents, Lavette is returning to the Iron Horse tomorrow Night! She is playing a 7 p.m. show that is sure to sell out so get your tickets here now! You won't be disappointed. I can't make so let us know how it went.

Finally, check out this Bettye classic performance of her hit "Let Me Down Easy."