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London Americana Guide

FEATURE	AMERICANA FEATURE
Marah - If You Didn't Laugh You'd Cry	Giant Sand - Selections Circa 1990-2000 stands as an excellent introduction to Giant Sand and the bewildering yet beguiling compositions of their visionary frontman, Howe Gelb...
Richard Hawley - Interview and CDs...
16 Horse power - banjos...
Venues - Where to go to listen to americana music

Americana Intro

London is rapidly establishing itself as a breeding ground for 'rebel country' singer-songwriters as well as playing host to some of the big names in alt-country from across the pond.

Roots, country, hillbilly, honky-tonk and bluegrass can all be found parading under the banner of Americana or the popular term, alt-country. Its origins are rooted in US folk culture, with lyrical themes of economic depression, love and loss, religion, small-town desperation.

While the movement primarily focusses on American artists, the last few years have bore witness to a thriving London scene of Americana-influenced British singer-song-writers such as Ed Harcourt, Sheffield based Richard Hawley, Bap Kennedy, Peter Bruntnell and the gorgeous Mojave 3.

Godfathers of Americana include classic country icons as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash while harbingers of roots-based rock 'n' roll such as ('Nebraska' era) Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and maverick singer-songwriter Steve Earle fall into the category.

Modern Americana is home to multi-instrumentalists who are masters of the mandolin, pipe organs, violins, flugelhorn as well as the trusty harmonica, pedal steel guitar and banjo. Howe Gelb, frontman with Arizona trio Giant Sand is referred to as the father of modern Americana and has been a recent visitor to one of East London's best music venues, The Spitz. Philadelphia's Marah, signed to Steve Earle's label, and Denver fire 'n' Brimstone rockers 16 Horsepower are among the current crop of alt-country that check in at The Borderline.

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Americana Venues

Spitz
Old Spitafields Market, 109 Commercial St, E1 (020 7392 9032)
Aldgate East Tube
Intimate atmosphere in one of the capital's best smaller venues in recent years. Godfather of Modern Americana liked it so much he made a repeat visit.

Dingwalls
Camden Lock, Top of Camden High St, NW1
(0207 267 1577)
Camden Town Tube
One of Camden's better small venues well laid out so that you have good views no matter where you stand.

Borderline
Orange yard, Off Manette St, London W1V
(0207 734 2095)
Tottenham Court Road Tube
Laid back atmosphere in this venue/club, situated right off Charing Cross Road. Jeff Buckley played here.

12 Bar Club
Denmark Place, Denmark St, W2 (0207 916 6989)
Tottenham Court Road Tube
Intimate, good location, chilled-out vibe.

The Shepherds Bush Empire
Shepherds Bush Empire
Shepherds Bush Green, London W12 (020 7771 2000) Shepherds Bush Tube
For bands on the next rung up from the small venue circuit, SBE is a cavernous theatre with upstairs seating and bar.

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