Photo Credit: Leslie Ryan McKellarA couple of years ago, I took a drive with Dustin Welch from Cherokee Creek Music Festival to Gruene Hall for two incredible, not to be missed musical line-ups. It is a bit of a hike through the Hill Country, so we had lots of time to listen to music together. One of the folks he turned me on to was Cary Ann Hearst. I instantly fell in love with her voice. Dustin regaled me with tales of Cary Ann and Michael Trent performing together as Shovels & Rope.

Several months ago when they played outdoors at Threadgill’s, they gave me the album titled Shovels & Rope, but that they put out with their given names. Just a few weeks back, their new CD arrived. O’ Be Joyful is coming out on July 31st, under the name Shovels & Rope. Just remember that name, is all I ask. They are raw and ragged and righteous. They are a band, just the two of them, and they are making some serious waves. Most times I like to wait for the album to come out, so we can link to it, but today I ain’t waiting. Today’s tune is “Hell’s Bells,” from the van, as they cruise the country making a documentary, that I for one can’t wait to see!

- Jessie Scott