http://yourstorywelltold.com/tmfwpodcastnet/audio/JeffriesVidoTrim2.mp4

Stream or download Episode #96 featuring Scott Jeffries: Scott Jeffries 2021

Scott Jeffries is a restless sort, and like any good songwriter, he’ll take inspiration where he can find it. Over a goodly stretch of the 2020’s pandemic-induced slowdown, Jeffries took a handful of cues from a local songwriting challenge and compiled a collection of 10 songs that blossomed into his solo debut, Bloom.

Press play to listen to Bloom on your Spotify account.

Inspired by Scott’s efforts, the podcast team reassembled via Zoom to bring you the first new episode of That Much Further West Podcast in more than a year. For Episode #96, show co-hosts Eric Kotila and Phil Favorite are joined by our show engineer Rich West Blatt and the aforementioned Mr. Jeffries, who sheds some light on the songwriting process and subsequent recording of the songs for Bloom, as well as his intention to perform the songs live in the coming weeks. Having been a guest on the podcast previously as a member of the bands Spirit Lake and Stars of Cascadia, Jeffries is all too familiar with our usual podcast hijinks (and how it’s often reflected in a bottle of brown liquor), and having Rich speak to the recording process seemed appropriate considering he played lead guitar on the entire album!Like so many of you, our daily lives shifted severely at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and though we’ve tried to bring you occasional fresh postings in the form of playlists and archived interviews during the global shutdown, our team still hasn’t quite settled on a way to progress with bonafide podcast episodes recorded in a way other than our regular, shoulder-to-shoulder style.Call us Neanderthals if you’d like, because you’ll see from the video above, it ain’t always pretty. But after a year of no shows, canceled festivals and no reasonable place to gather to meet with and interview an artist in person, taking a break just seemed to make sense. Throw in each of team’s personal protocols limiting contact, and some of our work schedules flung out of whack — you get an idea how real life suddenly impacted this podcast.But for the time being, in whatever way, shape or form, damn, it feels great to be back. So dial up the show and listen to our interview with Scott along with songs from Bloom. Here’s a list of the tunes in the order in which they appear on the show. Enjoy!Your Last Fourth of JulyBloomThoughts and PrayersBirthrightNew NormalHomewardSomeday

On Friday, April 2, Bandcamp will be waiving its hosting fees on all downloads and purchases, meaning 100 percent of money spent goes to the artist! You can download “Bloom” at Bandcamp here.In Portland, you can catch Scott Jeffries and his band performing songs from Bloom on the outdoor patio stage at Alberta Street Pub on April 29. They’ll be joined on the bill by the Colin Trio. Tickets go on sale soon. Watch the calendar here for updates.

http://yourstorywelltold.com/tmfwpodcastnet/audio/RadioReceiverINTfix.mp4

Nate Wallace of Radio Receiver joins our guy Phil Favorite for a video chat about his new project and its self-titled album.

Stream or download our interview with Nate Wallace and songs from Radio Receiver: Radio Receiver Feb ’21

Songs included on the podcast:Soldier’s BoyOne Way To Slice A PieLonesome As No Other PartDreamers Need Believers

Radio Receiver, Self-titled(2020, Deer Lodge Records)By Phil FavoriteThat Much Further West Podcast

Some of the best storytellers are those third-wheel types. That quiet guy at the end of the bar with the rabbit ears and a knack for being invited into conversation. That super-sharp gal with a keen eye for detail and razor tongue riding shotgun with her friends, keeping them laughing with non-stop colorful commentary.

Songwriter Nate Wallace tells his stories like a guy standing at a gas station who just overheard two men plotting a crime. When his story starts, you immediately know you’re in for it, and you can bet you’re gonna get some juicy details along the way.On the new self-titled record by Radio Receiver, Wallace steps away from his role as leader of the Portland-based country psych rock band Hearts of Oak to deliver a fresh batch of song cut from the same mold but left a little more open and spare.There’s a sweetness to Wallace’s voice that adds a vulnerability and authenticity to these storyteller songs, and it shines especially bright when complemented by the backing and harmony vocals on Radio Receiver.With Mark Folkrod on drums, Jason Willmon on bass and Anna Verlet on violin, the band plays it close to the vest, allowing Wallace’s acoustic guitar and voice to remain at the fore and leaving space for ace producer Ezra Meredith to sprinkle bits of sonic color all over the record.Radio Receiver has a cinematic feel to it with swells of action and dramatic pauses that allow you to catch your breath during an overall thrilling ride. It’s a fine collection of tunes by a terrific songwriter who clearly works at his craft and who always has a great story to tell.

RIYL: Songs: Ohia, Silver Jews, Hiss Golden Messenger

Stream or download Election Season Podcast Picks: Election Season Picks

“Summer in Portland, everything’s fine.” Well, we made it through what we hope is the worst of Protest Season. Now it’s Election Season, and we’ve put together this collection of songs to celebrate any and all commentary on the sorry state of our nation. MAGA? Um, no.But before we let some of our favorite alt-country authorities put in their two cents, we share a song from the great new album by our pals Wanderlodge. “River Don’t Care” from the record Cypress Mountain Drive is an example of how deftly Kris Stuart and Matt Cadenelli can take someone else’s song, make it their own, and take it to a whole new audience.Make no mistake, though — there are plenty of terrific originals on the new record. Learn all about it in the short film posted above.We also share a song from Lydia Loveless’ fantastic new album as well as cool new cuts from Otis Gibbs, Brent Cobb, Karen Jonas, Orville Peck, Matt Woods and a scorcher called “Born To Lose” by Chicago’s David Quinn, featuring the smoldering slide guitar of Laur Joamets (Drivin’ N Cryin’, Sturgill Simpson).New to our podcast ears, we present music from Victoria Bailey, Waxahatchee, Tennessee Jet and Juliet McConkey. And don’t miss the beautiful and sad video below for the song “American Tears” by Silver Lake 66.We end things on a bit of a somber note, recognizing the passing (way, way too soon) of the great Justin Townes Earle, who in recent years moved to Portland and became part of the fabric of our community. His sudden and shocking death left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. RIP, JTE.So give it all a listen, then get out there and VOTE! Here’s the songlist for our Election Season Podcast Picks:River Don’t Care, WanderlodgeThe New OK, Drive-By TruckersAmerican Tears, Silver Lake 66Down To The Well, The Long RydersAll American Singer, Zephaniah OHoraSay My Name, Lydia LovelessBorn To Lose, David QuinnNine Foot Problem, Otis GibbsSkid Row, Victoria BaileyKeep ‘Em On They Toes, Brent CobbSweet Mess, Jaime WyattLegends Never Die (with Shania Twain), Orville PeckStray Dogs, Tennessee JetCan’t Do Much, WaxahatcheeHeat, TK & The Holy Know-NothingsDisappearing Girl, Juliet McConkeyPink Leather Boots, Karen JonasSunshine, Matt WoodsI’m So Good At Absolutely Nothing, Possessed By Paul JamesLearning To Cry, Justin Townes Earle

Konrad Wert, aka, Possessed By Paul James unleashing his energetic musical maelstrom on the crowd at the Wildwood MusicFest and Campout. Photo by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

Stream or download Midsummer Podcast Picks: Midsummer ’20 Podcast Picks

Folks who follow this show know how connected our podcast team is to the Wildwood MusicFest & Campout in Sheridan, OR, USA. Our co-hosts Mike Lee and Eric Kotila serve as masters of cermonies at the annual event, and the team records interviews with the festival’s various musical acts throughout the weekend.Sadly, this year’s festival — like so many across the country — had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We deeply missed spending time with all our friends and so many of the scheduled acts who have become great friends over the years.One friend we especially missed at Wildwood this year was Konrad Wert, the guitar-strumming, fiddle-playing, foot-stompin’ singer who labels his act Possessed By Paul James. Ready to celebrate the release of his terrific 2020 album As We Go Wandering, the congenial and inspirational Mr. Wert was forced to cancel his early summer tour plans, including a trip to our neck of the woods in the Pacific Northwest.We were bummed to miss seeing PPJ in action, and that’s why we feature a song from the new record to kick off this collection of Midsummer Podcast Picks. The track “In the Dark of Morning” is part of a large batch of new music featured here, along with new songs from Courtney Marie Andrews, Great Peacock, Charley Crockett, Lydia Loveless and the indomitable Matt Woods.We also draw a few picks from some of the our favorite records from 2020 so far, including cuts from Jaime Wyatt, Hill Country, Lilly Hiatt, Margo Price and Joshua Ray Walker. The crew also did some excellent mining to find great songs from S.G. Goodman, Vincent Neil Emerson, Sarah Gayle Meech and Kaitlin Butts, who will be part of this weekend’s virtual Braun Brothers Reunion (click here to see the incredible talent lined up for that event).And speaking of virtual festivals, scroll down to watch the virtual Wildwood festival — hosted by our own lovable podcast co-host Mike Lee. It’s a fun celebration of the festival that helped salve some of the deepest wounds caused by this pandemic.But before we leave you, we had to share a couple of songs to let you know that, yes, Portland, OR, USA is still standing. The overblown descriptions of fire and destruction as portrayed by the national media and swallowed whole and parroted by conservatives across the country were nothing but another massive lie perpetrated by the current President of the United States and his “homeland security” henchmen.Donald Trump’s a true instigator, as described by the great Portland-based singer Fernando, who panders to the grievance merchants at the center of the latest incendiary classic by Mike Cooley and his band Drive-By Truckers.So, lots to digest here, folks. Better get started. Here’s the playlist for our Midsummer Podcast Picks:In the Dark of Morning, Possessed By Paul JamesIt Must Be Someone Else’s Fault, Courtney Marie AndrewsPalomino Gold, Hill CountryLove Is Not Enough, Lydia LovelessWhat Else Would You Have Me Be? LuceroI’m Looking For Blue Eyes, Jessi ColterGoodbye Queen, Jaime WyattFool Somebody Else, Charley CrockettTomorrow’s All We Have, Matt WoodsSpace And Time, S.G. GoodmanWillie Nelson’s Wall, Vincent Neil EmersonWhite River, Kaitlin ButtsAll I Ever Do, Great PeacockBrightest Star, Lilly HiattTrue Instigator, FernandoWhat Happened To Our Love? Margo PriceBoat Show Girl, Joshua Ray WalkerSomebody’s Gonna Cry,

Margo Price’s third album, “That’s How Rumors Get Started,” is due July 10. Photo by Bobbi Rich.

Stream or download June Podcast Picks: June ’20 Podcast Picks

The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked the music world in a way we may never see again in our lifetimes. Nearly every band, venue, festival and fan — not to mention the millions whose livelihoods are connected the business — has been forced to take a time out of some sort. Cancelations. Rescheduling. And for some, the bad fortune of having their record releases and related tours put on hold.Not too many can say they’ve had it with both barrels like Margo Price, the Tennessee-based alt-country singer who had planned to release her much anticipated third album, That’s How Rumors Get Started, in May. She also had a scheduled opening slot on the first leg of Chris Stapleton’s planned tour, which would have reached our corner of the world, the Pacific Northwest, this coming weekend.Not only was all put on hold, but Price suffered a scare when her husband was stricken with the virus, which took a heavy toll on his health. Now he’s recovering, and Price has been leaking songs from the new record ahead of a rescheduled release date of July 10.We kick off this month’s podcast picks with “Letting Me Down,” the most recently release track from Rumors. The new songs find Ms. Price and her rock solid band in excellent form (see the video below) and should have fans revved up and ready when she returns to touring in America later this year.We also have great new songs for summer from Hellbound Glory, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Brent Cobb, Blackberry Smoke, Ashley McBryde and more.New to our podcast ears is the talented Mickey Guyton, who shares her latest release, “Black Like Me,” among a bit of controversy. In a recent interview, the talented L.A.-based country singer said she was snubbed from participating in last year’s video for “Redesigning Women” by the Highwoman — the video featured not only members of the all-female fronted supergroup but also a number of other Nashville female singers still trying to get the recognition they deserve. Kudos to Highwoman Maren Morris for owning the mistake and expressing her regret, but maybe the talented Ms. Guyton will pick up some new fans as a result. Consider us in that mix.We also feature a few more newcomers, including veteran country rocker Carla Olson from her new album of duets, and delightful songs from Tessy Lou Williams and Zach Aaron, two rising star of country.Lots to chew on here, folks, so dig right in. Here’s the playlist for our June Podcast Picks:Letting Me Down, Margo PriceSweet Saint Me, Two Cow GarageMexicali Run, Left Arm TanBlack Like Me, Mickey GuytonDreamsicle, Jason Isbell and the 400 UnitRiver Town, The Harmed BrothersSouthern Child, Blackberry SmokeRattlesnake Girl, Jaime WyattHank Williams Lifestyle, Hellbound GloryThe World Is Ending, Brent CobbSmooth Shot of Whiskey, Mike and the MoonpiesMockingbird, Quaker City Night HawksWhy Do I Still Want You, Tessy Lou WilliamsVoodoo Doll, Ashley McBrydeProud Mary, Solomon BurkeFill Dirt Wanted, Zach AaronTimber, I’m Falling In Love, Carla Olson with Stephen McCarthyBabies In Cages, Drive-By TruckersBefore That Final Bell, Western Centuries

Portland’s Golden Promise (l to r): Erik Clampitt, Scott Pettitt, Lucas Jones, Jason Fleming and Sean Burke. Photo by Joel Gaddis

Stream or download May Podcast Picks: May ’20 Podcast PicksNew albums from several of our favorite national artists (Caleb Caudle, Jason Isbell, Western Centuries, etc.) have helped sustain us through the past few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, but nothing can replace the joy of watching our favorite local bands tear it up in our favorite local bars.The podcast’s first pandemic casualty happened nearly two months ago, when a scheduled podcast episode featuring local honky tonk band Golden Promise had to be cancelled. Talk about bad timing — Golden Promise’s debut album, Long Days, Sleepless Nights, hit the streets just as local Portland bars and businesses were closing and social distancing measures firmly put in place.

So for our May Podcast Picks, we kick it off with a handful of our favorite local bands. Batting leadoff is “I Ain’t Drunk” from Golden’s Promise’s debut. It’s designed to launch you with style into a weekend of isolation drinking.We also have great new songs from former Podcast guests Chuck Westmoreland and the Harmed Brothers, tunes from local faves Jenny Don’t & The Spurs, Roselit Bone and Richmond Fontaine as well as great new songs from Lucinda Williams, American Aquarium, Jaime Wyatt, John Baumann, Whitney Rose and John Anderson.We also share another stunner from Tanya Tucker’s award-winning record from last year, While I’m Living; we pay tribute to the late John Prine; and eventually wrap things up with a classic from the one-off album from 15 years ago by The Drams.So if you can, take The Drams advice — get “Unhinged” this weekend and crank up our May Podcast Picks! Here’s the playlist:I Ain’t Drunk, Golden PromiseThe Serpent and The Swan, Chuck WestmorelandAll The Same, The Harmed BrothersNobody’s Crying Over You, Jenny Don’t & The SpursLaughlin, NV, Roselit BoneYou Can’t Rule Me, Lucinda Williams$87 and a Guilty Conscience That Gets Worse The Longer I Go, Richmond Fontaine1000 Cities Failing (Part 1), The SadiesA Better South, American AquariumBy Your Side, Jaime WyattLightning On The Mountain, Kyle NixThis Country Doesn’t Sound The Same, John BaumannIn A Rut, Whitney RoseGhost Town, Sarah Shook & The DevilI’m Still Hanging On, John AndersonIllegal Smile, John PrineThe Wheels of Laredo, Tanya TuckerHere’s To You, The SilosUnhinged, The Drams

Sammy Brue . . . bringing it in the RV at the 2019 Wildwood MusicFest & Campout. Video by Anne Marie for Local Hero Media.

Stream or download Wildwood ’19 Sessions with Sammy Brue: Wildwood ’19 Sammy Brue

Sammy Brue was just 13 years old when he first graced the stage at the Wildwood MusicFest & Campout, the annual summertime music gathering in Sheridan, OR, USA.That was five years ago.Returning to the festival last summer with a few more road miles and most of his teenage years behind him, Sammy showed up at Wildwood ’19 with a full band a handful of great new songs that he had just recorded in Britain.Our podcast team seized an opportunity to hole up with Sammy in the festival RV to record this solo session. He debuts a few songs from his upcoming record Crash Test Kid, due out June 12 on New West Records, and also talks about recording the new record, making connections in Europe and the scene of young listeners and concert goers he’s reaching out to in his songs.Like a lot of our favorite artists, Sammy’s been sidelined by the restrictions revolving around the current global health pandemic. But stay on the look out for Sammy as the record is released and he makes his way around the world as one of the hottest young songwriters in folk and rock.Here’s a playlist of the songs included in the podcast. Enjoy!“The Catch,” from the Down With Desperation EP (2018)“Teenage Mayhem,” Live in the Podcast RV“Crash Test Kid,” Live in the Podcast RV“True Believer,” from Crash Test Kid (2020)

Sammy Brue on stage at the 2019 Wildwood MusicFest & Campout.

Jaime Wyatt leads off our Springtime Podcast Picks with her new song “Neon Cross.”

Stream or download Springtime Podcast Picks: Springtime ’20 Podcast Picks

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the springtime plans of nearly every active or traveling musician to mush. Countless festivals and tours have been canceled, and especially hard hit are those who had big-time plans built around the release of new albums in the spring months.Our Springtime Podcast Picks shine the spotlight on many of the artists from the Americana and alt-country realm who had the rug pulled out from under the tour and release plans they had for March, April, May and even June.The best way to support these artists currently is to purchase the music and merchandise they make available online and/or through their record labels. Now is a great time to pre-order some of the records with songs featured on this podcast, so if you hear something you like, be bold — take some time to learn more about what they have going on and available for purchase online.We’ll continue to share more music and news as we hunker down from our base in Portland, OR, USA, and try to stay connected with the fans of so many of the great artists we’ve come to love here at That Much Further West Podcast.In the meantime, here’s a blast of the freshest cuts from some of our favorites. These songs are here to keep you company and help you get through these strange days were living through together. Enjoy!

Neon Cross, Jaime WyattBe Afraid, Jason IsbellMonte Carlo, Caleb CaudleIf I’m Lucky, Jeff CrosbyTwinkle Twinkle, Margo PricePatrick’s Crossing, Brian Wright & The SneakupsHeart Broke Syndrome, Western CenturiesThe First Fool, Golden PromiseThe Luckier You Get, American AquariumCandy Lunch, Lilly HiattYears, John AndersonBlue-Eyed Wanderer, Matt WoodsIf You Ain’t Happy Now (You Never Will Be), Jesse DanielDamned Angel, Hellbound GloryKina Lyn, I’m So TiredI Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere, Rick MoranisToo Long In The Wasteland, James McMurtryI’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), The VandoliersTime Honored Tradition, Natalie HembyWest Texas Girl, The Panhandlers

Matt Woods — a man on a mission, bringing it to the poeple.

Stream or download Wildwood ’19 Sessions with Matt Woods: Wildwood ’19 Matt Woods

Anybody who has seen Tennessee singer-songwriter Matt Woods perform solo knows that all he needs is an acoustic guitar and his big, powerful voice to rock any house he’s in.But last year, while out promoting his latest album, he toured the U.S. and Europe with a kickass four-piece band that cranked up the awesomeness to another level. Such was the case at last summer’s Wildwood MusicFest & Campout in Sheridan, OR, USA, where our podcast crew enjoyed a “full band” set of Matt Woods music for the first time, then retreated to the podcast RV for an interview and intimate performance by the man himself. A longtime favorite and friend of the podcast and multiple time performer at Wildwood, Mr. Woods shares some tales from the road as well as a few of his greatest hits. The whiskey and laughs flow freely during this interview, so kick back and enjoy as podcast hosts Eric Kotila and Mike Lee get caught up with Matt while debriefing after the stunning Wildwood set with his band, The Natural Disasters.Here’s the playlist:Blue-Eyed WandererJailbird Song (Live In The Podcast RV)With Love From Brushy Mountain (Live In The Podcast RV)Cold Civil War

Caitlin Sherman has a new record, Death to the Damsel, coming out soon.

Stream or download February Podcast Picks: February ’20 Podcast Picks

Seattle’s Caitlin Sherman’s been on our radar for some time. We first picked up the signal when she sang backups on The Swearengens album Waiting On The Sunrise, and later found her at the center of things in the killer alt-country band Evening Bell. Gifted with a beautiful voice and a talent for songwriting and performing, she never fails to deliver the goods.That’s why it’s no surprise her breakout new solo album, Death of a Damsel, has industry folks buzzing ahead of its release. We kick off this month’s Podcast Picks with “War For You,” a rollicking romp from the new record. Sherman is just one of a bevy of our favorites who are delivering new records in the coming months, and we preview a bunch of them in this month’s picks.You’ll hear new stuff from a few of our longtime faves such as John Moreland, Caleb Caudle, Possessed By Paul James, Lucinda Williams and Reckless Kelly, and terrific songs from rising stars such as Whitney Rose, Sammy Brue, Aubrie Sellers, Kelsey Waldon and Marcus King.There’s a bit of playfulness when Lilly Hiatt name drops our hometown of Portland, OR, USA, and the usual wit and wisdom from our favorite Canadian Cowboy, Corb Lund — both have highly anticipated records coming soon. And the serious business is well handled on cuts from three of the best records of last year offered by Sturgill Simpson, Tanya Tucker and Ian Noe.So dig right in. It’s our Podcast Picks for February — here’s the playlist:

War For You, Caitlin ShermanRollin’ On, Jesse DanielP-Town, Lilly HiattRemember To Breathe, Sturgill SimpsonBelieve Me, Angela, Whitney RoseSelf-Hatred featuring Derek Trucks, Marcus KingThoughts and Prayers, Drive-By TruckersHard Luck, Tanya TuckerI Only See You With My Eyes Closes, Reckless KellyCrash Test Kid, Sammy BrueLucky Charm, Aubrie SellersBarbara’s Song, Ian NoeYou Can Have It, Kelsey WaldonWithout You, The Steel WoodsPearl Snaps, Jason Boland and the StragglersIn Times Between, John MorelandYour White Stained Dress, Possessed By Paul JamesMan Without A Soul, Lucinda Williams90 Seconds of Your Time, Corb LundBetter Hurry Up, Caleb Caudle