THE GREENCARDS: Weather and Water

The Greencards

Weather and Water

© 2005 The Greencards

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The Greencards are just happy making music whether it be folk, bluegrass or other...take a listen and see for yourself.

notes

The Greencards are determined to make history, not just repeat it.

They're off to a good start. Though they're steeped in the tradition of bluegrass, The Greencards weave influences as disparate as Bob Dylan, Newgrass Revival and Patty Griffin into a compelling sound that starts in Bluegrass, but moves far beyond it. They honor the past, but refuse to live in it. That's why they continue to push at the boundaries while developing their own style of music.

Their willingness to color outside the lines has earned the band accolades from critics and fans alike. In their relatively short existence, they formed at the beginning of 2003, The Greencards have hauled in a Best New Band award at the 2004 Austin Music Awards and been nominated for Best New Emerging Talent at the 2004 Americana Music Awards. The Houston Chronicle praised their performance as one of The Top 5 Houston concerts of 2004, ranking them with luminaries such as George Jones, David Bowie and Simon & Garfunkel. They were also selected to open all 30 dates of Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson's 2005 Summer tour.

The Greencards rapid rise to the top of the acoustic scene has been as natural and organic as the music they make. It all began in Austin, Texas, when Kym Warner (mandolin) and Carol Young (bass) met Eamon McLoughlin (fiddle) in a recording studio to work on a project for another artist. The connection was immediate and based on a shared love of traditional acoustic music. The trio decided to work together after jamming around and realizing they knew an inordinately large number of songs. They joined forces to try to crack the Austin music scene and landed a regular Sunday gig playing three-hour sets of bluegrass and country cover tunes.

"You have to start with something," says Warner. "We knew all these songs and wanted to play out so that's what we did. Part of the reason we all moved to the States was because we didn't have very many opportunities to play this kind of music in Australia and England."

Ah yes, that's the ironic part of the story—one of the hottest bands in America, making distinctly American music, is comprised of two Australians (Warner and Young) and a Brit (McLoughlin).

That's also why The Greencards music is so uniquely original. They learned traditional acoustic music because they loved it. Their passion was so strong they crossed oceans and continents to chase down the driving rhythm and high harmonies of bluegrass in the land where it was born. But, because of their backgrounds, they couldn't help but infuse their brand of bluegrass with a different, more global energy. Austin Insite magazine summed up their sound by saying, "Their brand of bluegrass is a heartfelt hybrid of the purest forms of American acoustic music. In the course of one show or recording, you'll feel the festive atmosphere of a barn dance, the fog of mountain music, hear melancholy ballads, and the sounds of a good ol' campfire jam. But there's also Irish, Western European, and a Southern Hemispherian flair."

"We each have listened to so many kinds of things and that comes into the music we create," says Warner. "I listen to a lot of Tom Petty and Bob Dylan. But as a band, our sound is probably most influenced by New Grass Revival, Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss."

"When I was a kid I listened to Ricky Skaggs almost exclusively," adds McLoughlin. "I really shunned pop music. As I grew up I realized how much of an influence Irish music was. My parents are Irish and I spend a lot of time there. I try to add some of that into what we do. As I got older, especially after I moved to America, I began listening to more English music—The Beatles, Richard Thompson. Maybe I'm getting hip in my old age."

Hip is exactly what the Austin music scene thought about The Greencards. Their Sunday gig began drawing crowds and before long the band was working four and five nights a week at various bars and restaurants. They were also quickly accumulating their own songbook of original material—enough to record an album.

Their debut record, Movin' On, released in 2004 was well received and began getting radio airplay in Texas. It opened some doors and led to better gigs, but was still very much a local success. The band, not long after the record's release, headed to Australia to play a few shows and visit family. That's when something interesting began happening.

"While we were gone, the album made it onto the Americana charts," says Warner. "Then all of the sudden it jumps up 20 spots. By the time we made it back to the States we were in the Top 20. We eventually made it up to No. 5. We started realizing that maybe we could get out on a national scale."

Young adds, "We were able to get some shows with Robert Earl Keen and Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis. We started getting on some festivals like MerleFest. It all started happening pretty quickly."

Before long the band had over 200 dates under their belts and had sold close to 10,000 albums out of the back of their van and through the Internet. That's when Nashville labels started to take notice.

They eventually signed with Dualtone because of the label's willingness to let the band have creative control.

That meant The Greencards could produce their second album. They knew they wanted help engineering the record from Gary Paczosa (Alison Krauss, Nickel Creek, Dolly Parton). They just didn't know if they could get him. A chance meeting between McLoughlin and Paczosa at a dinner party opened the lines of communication that eventually led to a working relationship.

"It was a dream come true to work with him," says Warner. "He quite simply makes the best sounding acoustic records in the world. If we never do anything else, we'll always be able to say we worked with him. For that we are eternally thankful."

Fans of great acoustic music should be thankful as well. The collaboration was perfect and the results stunning.

Weather & Water is the record The Greencards were born to make. It's a seamless blend of old and new. The opening "Ghost of Who We Were," featuring Young's aching vocals is a plaintive tour de force that echoes Alison Krauss at her melodically melancholy best. "Almost Home" is a fluid instrumental that showcases the band's musical prowess. Tom Petty meets Bill Monroe on the languid, shimmering "Long Way Down." The centerpiece of the album—chronologically, musically and emotionally—is "Time." This standout track, a meditation on past experiences, mixes dreamy harmonies and a melody that rolls along like a lazy river.

The disc features track after track of a band at the top of its game and comfortable in its own skin.

"We tried to make this record more representative of us or at least who we think we are," says McLoughlin. "That takes a bit of confidence. It took that time playing together and getting feedback from audiences on our songs to get that. We feel like we know who we are now."

Young says, "It doesn't feel so far removed from the first album. It feels like a natural progression. It's The Greencards growing up and growing into ourselves."

The band says one of the best things about making their second album was being able to road test songs and get feedback from their unofficial fourth member—the audience.

"It's been great to test these songs with live audiences," says Warner. "They let you know what works."

McLoughlin, with his trademark deadpan humor, agrees on the importance of audience participation in the song selection process. "We had one tune that I thought was quite possibly the greatest instrumental of the 21st century. We played it once and barely got through it. There was a brief silence, then a smattering of applause. More as a courtesy than anything. It was a given that we would never discuss that song again."

They did, however, discuss many other songs as they pushed themselves to write and record an album that would stand the test of time. Rising to the challenge, the band wrote most of the tunes on this project. When they brought in outside material it was of the highest caliber. They corralled friend, and MCA recording star Jedd Hughes, into writing the Dylan-goes-Appalachian title track. Patty Griffin contributed "What You Are," a sparse and ethereal, but tenderly beautiful ballad.

Go ahead; take a listen to Weather & Water. Because if you listen carefully there's a distinct sound that comes through on The Greencards sophomore effort—one you don't get to hear very often. It's the sound of history in the making.

reviews

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  • Great Musicians!
    author: Alister Grimes

    I heard only half of a Greencards performance at the Woodford folk festival in 2007. Was so impressed I just had to have more of their music! I bought all 3 of their CDs. This was a little extravagant for me - but I loved them all and couldn't decide! After having them for a while, I think my favourite is Weather & Water. I especially enjoy the complexity of their music - the little excursions away from the main melody and then back again. They are very skillful musos. Kym's mandolin picking is just superb! Another thing - I was very impressed by the fact that on their web site you can listen to 1 1/2 mins of each track - so you can really know what you are buying. And the fact that it will continue to play through all the tracks without further intervention. Why can't more online music sites do this?

  • author: michelle

    i love this cd and i love the greencards! i first saw them at the walnut valley music festival 2 years ago and loved them right away. saw them again this year and i continue to be impressed. the music is great and they all seem like really great people who love what they are doing!

  • My fingers hurt just LISTENING to these people!
    author: Judy K.

    Stumbled on them playing 'Weather and Water' on GAC on cable, was so impressed I had to get the CD of the same name.Incredible string talent, clean clear vocals. Liked it so well I bought their previous CD too.

  • These guys are great! outstanding string work!
    author: Judith V.

    I saw them perform at Squaw Valley,Ca this past summer. Fantastic performance that went under appreciated by the older crowd. Hope they come back and perform in Truckee,CA. where we would love to hear them. I am sending 4 cd's to friends who play mandolin and guitar. Great Job Greencards!!!keep it up!!!

  • I'm not a bluegrass fan but love this CD!!!!!
    author: PJ Lail

    The first time I heard the song Time, I knew I had to have the CD. I had to hear more. I have never been a fan of bluegrass but I love the Greencards. Their music is fantastic! Time is my favorite of all the songs. It brings me memories of someone I loved and lost.

  • ...a great addition to our collection
    author: debbi evans

    ...let's see how they preform live...look forward to seeing them at the Mountain Music fest.in Salem Va. in oct. the cd has a good sound and my granddaughters are enjoying singing some of the songs...

  • Love it!
    author: Lois and Greg Syrek

    This is a GREAT cd! My favorite song is Time, but I just love them all. This is a great group, we've been fans since we first saw them in Bellows Falls, Vermont as part of the "new faces" during the Fred Eaglesmith weekend - can't wait to see them again!!

  • We loves your music in France too
    author: Alexandra

    What a great album!I didn't know this band before I saw them in Craponne (France),it was a revelation to me.I listen to "Weather and water" everyday.I love this album.Thanks Folks!

  • Excellent!
    author: Judy

    Great compilation, compelling tunes. Glad to have learned of this talented group!

  • Nice mix of sounds "bluerish" as I call it...
    author: B Raymond

    Great Stuff, really enjoyed the the entire CD. Will be looking for more from this group.

  • Impressive!
    author: dobrodoug

    This is the sound that a lot of groups want but so seldom achieve. The instrumental breaks are noting short of supurb. With help from Bryan Sutton, Larry Attamuick (sp), this CD has the legs to go the distance. I really like Carol's vocals (just a hint of Aussie twang). Good work - Do another! Can't wait to see you live.

  • Excellant Music. Top quality recording
    author: Danny Triplett

    Loved the cd. would buy more music from the greencards and would reccomend them to freinds of similar interest. Cd Baby was excellant. Top notch co.........

  • Had to have this CD!
    author: Sandy Dickens

    I was not familiar with the Greencards until my husband and I saw them in GA in early May. Even though there were more well known names on the schedule, these young people were "best in show" to us. We bought Movin'On and brought it home. After we played it, we decided we had to have Weather and Water, also. We love the energy, the harmonies, and of course, the way they make their instruments come alive. These CDs stay in the player, and we never tire of hearing their songs. Their songwriting is so full of emotion. Expect to see these young people for a long time to come.

  • Love the songs. Great feel and sound. Keep on keepin' on.
    author: Kendal Bates

    I was raised on 80's alternative, but will seriously consider changing teams after this album. WOW! Great songs. I love the sound and feel. I bought Movin' On as well. I love this band. I almost got in a car accident listening to Marty's Kitchen. Toe tappin' on the gas pedal while braking can be hazardous.

  • An amazing and addictive second album!
    author: Murray H

    I can't take this CD out of my player! Every song on here is just so catchy, and makes me happy. I love the instrumental tracks - as a musician, I love to see other musicians let their hair down. They all seem to be having fun on this album...I can't even pick a favourite track. I recommend this to anyone who wants a pick-me-up album of great songs.

  • love love love it
    author: kim

    I absolutely love this cd. I bought it after seeing them live (amazing) and it gets better every time. What I really love about it is its versatility...it keeps me smiling when I'm happy, cheers me up when I'm sad, and definitely calms me down when the stress gets too much. and bonus--I can even play it in my classroom and my high school students don't complain! fabulous album.

  • mello yet engaging lyrics and rhythym
    author: James

    I'm enjoying the album Weather and Water more with each listen. I highly recommend it!

  • This CD is fabulous!!!
    author: s. hatcher

    This CD is so good, it made me cry. And I'm not ashamed to say it. It made me think of my home in Tennessee, which I miss very much. But it is an album for EVERYONE! So BUY IT!!

  • I dig the Greencards and don't like Bluegrass much!
    author: Jim

    I seen you guys in Memphis with Dylan and Willie. You were great, that's why I purchased Weather & Water. I already had Movin' On. I don't even like Bluegrass much, but I just dig what you have done with it. There's a nice mix of music, slow n' fast. I just really like your sound and what you do with the tunes. And you sound just as good live as on CD. Keep on keepin' on!

  • what a pleasing find!
    author: kathleen

    i found *this* excellent cd because of an oop gift from a friend... an acoustic band that included a totally engaging fiddle player. so i looked far & wide on the 'net & found Eamon McLoughlin now in the Greencards, and this soothing/invigorating collection. thanks y'all! will head to nashville soon to listen in person.

  • My best discovery at Winfield this year
    author: Jane

    Weather and Water has been the only CD I've listened to in my car since I got it, and it sounds better every time I hear it. I can't imagine how I'd missed hearing about this wonderful group before hearing them at the Walnut Valley Music Festival in Winfield, but I became an instant fan.

  • Loved them the first time I heard them!
    author: Ali Ethridge

    First time hearing them was yesterday (9/16)in Winfield, KS. The CD is wonderful, and their attitude on life is incredible! The CD is well written, and full of energy.

  • Bluegrass for everyone!
    author: Margret

    Fabulous CD! It's been playing in my car for days! Bright, cheery, I sing-a-long like nut, talented musicians, great lyrics! What more could you want? Great for Celtic, Folk, Bluegrass fans. And, you should order it from CD Baby! The Greencards great music is even more enjoyable since it arrived faster and with a smile.

  • author: Bill King

    Rather than a review of the CD I am going to post a review of The Greencards I posted at the website of New York Radio Station WFUV the day after seeing them live. I think it says it all. It’s unusual to write a review about a opening act but The Greencards were just to good not to. I have to admit prior to tonight I was unaware of them and after hearing them I’m kicking myself in the Butt asking How could I not know about them. The Greencard consist of Kim Warner on mandolin, Eamon McLoughin on fiddle and Carol Young on Bass. There resume was pretty impressive winning the Best New Band at the 2004 Austin Music Awards and just finishing a tour opening for Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. On stage they referred to what the do as “Bluegrass Music without a Banjo” But I have to say without a banjo or drums this 3 person band jammed better and louder then any bluegrass band I have ever heard. So I would like to put them in a category that does not even exist yet alt. bluegrass. For there final number they did what was probably a 15 minute instrumental that had ever audience member sitting on the edge of our seats just waiting to explode with applaus

  • I really like the Greencards bluegrass. Excellent musicians.
    author: Ed Bulgin

    I attended the Greencards concert at Roseberry, Idaho. Their performance at the concert was excellent. I purchased this Weather and Water CD at the concert but didn't purchase their Movin' On CD. I liked this so well, that I ordered an additional copy for family and a couple of Movin' On CDs as well. They are excellent musicians as well as vocalists and if you like bluegress, I highly recommend them.

  • Not the type of music I would normally buy
    author: Mark

    Not the type of music I would normally listen to, but heard the Greencards in concert with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson and love their sound, so I had to buy their CD

  • Wonderful!!
    author: Erin

    I had never heard of them, but saw a video and decided to buy the CD - GREAT decision!! I love it!

  • amazing bluegrass--very tight group
    author: jason

    we are big bluegrass fans and we were very impressed with how tightly this group functions-not an easy trick. they are new to us but the latest proves that they are well worth searching out.

  • author: stanley j hawkins

    you guys sound better than a 1am pie from harry's

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