Southern Culture, Stories and Songs  Saw one of the best shows in a long time last night at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Southern Culture, Stories and Songs Show consists of Rodney Crowell and friends performing songs and poetry in a relaxed living room-like setting. Will Kimbrough has performed with Rodney in the past and was his lead guitar accompaniment as well as performing his own songs. He played blistering guitar solos on his acoustic guitar; he was so good that I purchased his latest CD, Americanitis.

Minton Sparks is a wonderful performance poet, telling tales derived mostly from her Southern family. She walked slowly to the stage in her cotton print dress and large white purse on her arm and proceeded to captivate the audience with her funny, poignant stores. Elizabeth Cook performed with her husband Tim Carroll, a decent guitarist and songwriter. Elizabeth sings in a high-pitched, wavering voice about strong women, the power of her mother's prayers, and the vagaries of love.

Rodney played too few of his own songs, but the ones he performed were left us wanting more.

Highly recommended.
posted by Bruce Wright at 9:00 AM #