Joni Mitchell - Free Man in Paris
A classic by any definition, it got extra cred amongst our friends when Phish whipped out this nugget on 6/25/10. Here is a favorite version performed by Joni’s band of jazz heavyweights consisting of Jaco Pastorius, Pat Metheny, and Michael Brecker.
Thao and The Get Down Stay Down - Holy Roller
With a band name that sounds like dialog from an action movie, I wasn't exactly expecting a banjo led pop-folk ditty. Glad to check out this much buzzed about band.
Cat Power - New York, Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again
The mercurial Chan Marshall has made a career of using her sultry voice to breathe new life into classic songs amid personal and medical problems. Here are her takes on classics by Frank Sinatra and Bob Dylan.
Garfunkel and Oates - Weed Card
The female equivalent of Tenacious D, these ladies make some genuinely funny music and are not above self-deprecation. Here’s their take on obtaining affordable health care.
Gillian Welch - The Way It Goes
One of the most underrated and talented folk artists out there, Gillian Welch is another female artist that Phish has showcased recently, with their cover of “The Way It Goes on 9/4/11. Here is her version performed with her musical partner David Rawlings on background vocals.
Laura Marling - Ramblin’ Man
Laura Marling is a singer whose voice has been compared to a young Joni Mitchell -- never a bad thing. We first learned about her when Ryan Adams raved about her debut album. Here is a live version of one of her more powerful tunes (not to be confused with the Allman Brothers classic).
Quantic & Alice Russell with Combo Barbaro - Keep My Light in My Window
Here's an album that has gotten a lot of play and made our 2012 Best Of List. The voice of Alice Russell is no small part of what makes this album a fantastic listen. Enjoy this documentary style video .
Susan Tedeschi - Angel From Montgomery
One of the coolest women in music today, her work both solo and with her husband Derek Trucks as a part of the Tedeschi Trucks band elevates her profile. Here is her take on the John Prine classic also made popular by Bonnie Raitt. If you don't recognize these folks, stick around for the Mrs. Trucks' band introductions to find out who's playing in the band.
Alabama Shakes - Hold On
2012 could have been be called the year of Alabama Shakes. Their debut album Boys and Girls blew up all over the place, they toured incessantly making sure their fans had no shortage of access to them. They hit Chicago for four different shows last year and have a mammoth summer outing planned this year, hopefully you get to catch them live.
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - I’m Not Gonna Cry
Another artist on this list connected to Phish, her backing vocals and the Dap Kings’ horns made their take on Exile on Main Street lent additional credibility to their choice of Halloween costumes. Here is one of their originals from SXSW.
Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside - They Told Me
This is the lead track on their just released album and I think this punky, soulful rock has hit written all over it. Might Sallie and the band follow the same trajectory as Alabama Shakes?
Patti Smith - Because The Night
Written by the Boss but handed to seventies punk queen Smith. I'd say she nails it. She's back on the road in 2013, too.
Bonnie Raitt - Something To Talk About
This article almost went to press without any Raitt, but we just couldn't let that happen, especially with so may of her proteges already on the list.
