Country music crossovers

by Gregg Shapiro

Country music artists are regularly crossing genre boundaries, some even recording covers of Stephen Sondheim musical numbers. Here are four new outstanding audibly artistic diversions.

Performed in Americana-style arrangements that the late composer probably never imagined, the 14 Stephen Sondheim tunes on “Keep A Tender Distance” (Ghostlight Deluxe) by Eleri Ward have the potential to appeal to listeners from

The fascinating trend of hipster musicians (and producers) introducing their fanbase to artists with whom they may be unfamiliar continues with no sign of abating. Artists such as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, and Bettye LaVette have Rick Rubin, Jack Black, and Joe Henry, respectively, to thank for their late-career resurgences. Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, who did something similar for Mavis Staples, has now turned his attention to Grammy-winning singersongwriter Rodney Crowell on “The Chicago Sessions” (New West).

The Crowell connection makes sense as he was at the forefront of the minded “Ready To Move On.” www.rodneycrowell.com

Over the course of her lengthy performing career (more than 40 years!), singer-songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman has written (or co-written) songs covered by an impressive array of country artists including Faith

Hill, Willie Nelson, Trisha Yearwood, Tanya Tucker, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Suzy Boggus, and Crystal Gayle, among others.

Queer listeners might be interested to know that Elton John and Bette Midler have also sung Chapman’s songs. More than a dozen years into her own life as a recording artist, she most recently released “CrazyTown” (Cooking Vinyl/BNC), featuring the politically-oriented female empowerment anthem “Put A Woman In Charge” (co-written with Keb Mo’). Other highlights include “4leafclove,” the rocking “The Universe” (featuring trans musician Cidny Bullens on backing vocals), “Pocket of My Past,” and the gorgeous “With Time.” www.bethnielsenchapman.com

“Star Eaters Delight” (Sub Pop), the third album by Virginia native Lael Neale opens with the electronic beat of “I Am The River,” which sounds as if the singer/songwriter had been listening to Le Tigre for inspiration. By the second song, “If I Had No Wings,” Neale has shifted gears, sounding like she’s singing an original hymn, paying homage to her rural roots. Neale alternates between electronic beats (“Faster Than The Medicine”) and bare-bones arrangements (“In Verona”), before settling on the latter for a brief album that delivers delight. www.laelneale.comt

Photos by Steven Underhill

Behind the Golden Curtain, a celebration of the TV series “The Golden Girls,” brought fans of the show to the Orinda Theatre May 26-28 to enjoy a drag homage show performed by The Golden Gays, plus panels with several of the show’s directors, writers, and guest stars. https://behindthegoldencurtain.com/ See plenty more photos on BARtab’s Facebook page, facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife. See more of Steven Underhill’s photos at StevenUnderhill.com.

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