Self Portrait in an Outlaw Amish Barn
"Lonesome Liz is more than just Outalw Country, she's the female Robert Johnson." - Hank Hart, Southern Fried Magazine

video and song adaptation by Lonesome Liz

live in Richmond, video by Ron Thomas Smith

Coco Paco Americana Showcase - It's Almost AMA Week Y'all!


I am very excited to be part of Mary Leland Wehner's Coco Paco's showcase at the Rutledge here in Nashville Sept. 17th. (Just in time to kick off the Americana Music Conference!) The gathering of some of Americana's most gifted singer/songwriters in part echoes the genre-shaping 'Americana Tonight' performances produced by Mary Leland and her late husband, Mark Wehner. His passing was a tragic loss not only to his loved ones but to the genre and I know my fellow performers join me in striving to honor his amazing spirit during this special night.

  Mary Leland and Mark Wehner, photo by Peter Cooper, The Tennessean
 
The Artists...

Michael O'Neill


Southern Crossroads artist and former band mate of Bob Weir Michael O'Neill is not only a talented artist but also also an Americana producer and radio host. After cutting his musical teeth opening on U2's first tour, he signed with legendary manager Don Arden, (father of Joan Osbourne). Michael's weekly 'Who's Bad Now Radio Hour' broadcasts live from Seattle, Washington.

Brigitte DeMeyer


This Nashville singer-songwriter has collaborated with giants of the Americana world like drummer/producer Bradley Blade, (who she met when he was performing with Emmylou Harris' band, Spyboy). She co-produced her fifth album, 'Rose of Jerhico' which features Grammy-Award winning Newgrass pioneer Sam Bush. Her performances and albums have included Buddy Miller, Steve Earle, Ivan Neville, the Indigo Girls' Emily Sailers and many other noted artists. More about Brigitte here.

Will Kimbrough



Another great Nashville singer-songwriter, Will Kimbrough, will be performing with Brigitte. With songs recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Little Feat, Jack Ingram, Todd Snider and others, Kimbrough has additionally collaborated in the studio and on-stage with Rosanne Cash, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Mark Knopfler, Buddy Miller, John Prine, Billy Joe Shaver, Mavis Staples and others.
 
Lonesome Liz:


photo by Lonesome Liz

I'm a multi-disciplinary artist who's productions and performances have included the work and music of Drive-by Truckers artist Wes Freed and others.  Also a writer and blog host for 'Outlaw Magazine' and 'GratefulWeb.net', I was the last person to interview Americana giant Mike Seeger before his death, (you can read it here.)  I also wrote a Levon Helm retrospective soon after his passing which received praise from Bob Dylan himself, (featured here). This special performance will spotlight songs written during talks with, (and sometimes with feedback from), both Mr. Seeeger and members of Mr. Helm's remarkable band in honor of their enormous impact on not only my own music but their tremendous, genre-defining contributions to Americana from the 60s to the present day. You'll find my music here.

Lonesome Liz's Band of Lost Souls ...


Kara Clark



The grand-daughter of a guitarist for Hank Sr., Kara has been praised by not only Edwin McCain, (who called her style and talent, "...just what Country Music needs.") but also Shooter Jennings, Metallica/Alice in Chains producer Toby Wright and others. This Rusty Knuckles artist is most often seen playing guitar and singing her soulful originals with The Kara Clark Band, this showcase provides the unique opportunity to see her play both dobro and piano.

Cameron Bentley

photo by Lonesome Liz

Multi-disciplinary artist Cameron Bentley performs routinely with both Liz and fellow showcase artist Jon Taul. Both his music and visual art have been inspired by both his grand-mother, Marilyn Mellencamp and his cousin, John Cougar Mellencamp. Also a talented singer/songwriter, you'll find his  songs here: http://www.reverbnation.com/cameronbentley and his visual art here: http://www.benayr.com/cameron/arttrain.html.

Mike Cullison

  photo by Gregg Roth

Nashville singer/songwrite Mike Cullison has honed his songwriting skills with honed his songwriting skills with Johnny Neel, (the Allman Brothers) and Mike Stergis, (Crosby, Stills & Nash), and other leaders of the craft.  A story teller first and foremost, he describes his new cd, The Barstool Monologues as a 'Honky Tonk Canturbury Tales'.

Calico


Band members Snap Dragon Calico, Juniper Calico and Perry Rose Calico are bringing their brand of California Country to Nashville. Neil Portnow, President and CEO of the Grammy's, calls them "Just dropping." Join us to see why! More about their music at their website.

and Americana's rising star ...

Jon Taul


When Jon Taul isn't performing, you're likely to find him watching his corn grown, building a swing out of barn wood ... or you might not find him at all 'cause he's gone fishin'. Read more about the man and his music in The Hardin County News Enterprise.


Lonesome Liz Art Contest Prize #1 - John the Conqueror



Lonesome Liz by Logan Riley

It's time for the contest winners prizes! First up is Logan Riley, who observantly painted me with my pet demon, crow and Legba's crossroads on my shirt.  From my banjo/gun photo taken in Appalachia by Keith Garvin, Grandson of Bill Monroe's first, (and favorite) banjo player Bert.

Here's the song he inspired, "John the Conqueror". John the Conqueror is both  a Hoodoo root used to give you the kinda mojo that conquers all; just like he did. It's said just calling his name conjures his juju, and it's some strong stuff.

 Here's his story, based on traditional folktales. It's said that, like King Arthur, he never really died and will come back one day..

John the Conqueror

Oh yes, he conquered death,
did John, John the Conqueror.
Oh yes, he conquered death,
did John, John the Conqueror,
John the Conqueror John.

He fell in love with the Devil's child.
Yes he did, John the Conqueror.
Devil asked him to stay a while.
He conquered Hell, John the Conqueror.
John the Conqueror John.

High John, John the Conqueror,
John the Conqueror John.
John the Conqueror John.

Devil played all the tricks he knew
on John, John the Conqueror.
But his daughter kept him from his due.
Up jumped John, John the Conqueror
on the Devil's own horses John.

Devil didn't catch them when they ran.
Not his child, not John the Conqueror.
If the Devil can't catch you, no one can.
High John, John the Conqueror,
John the Conqueror John.

I understand he rides them still
High John, John the Conqueror
with the Devil's child and always will.
High John, John the Conqueror,
John the Conqueror John.
John the Conqueror John.

Oh yes, he conquered death.
High John, John the Conqueror.
Oh yes, he conquered death.
John the Conqueror John.

Lonesome Liz Art Contest Winners

FIRST PLACE: I'm going to write these two their very own songs on the theme of their choosing AND if I'm in their area, (and I shall likely be as they're in Nashville and NYC, they are on the guest list and I'm buyin' 'em a shot of whsikey too. Seein' as how there's not currently a show booked in aforementioned areas, however, I'm going to make videos of their songs AND send 'em a shot of whiskey in their very own mojo bottles. Logan wants a real mojo bottle so I don't suggest you drink THAT whiskey Logan. Instructions will come with it.  


Anjeanette Illustration


Draft


Logan Riley

ECOND PLACE: Again, if I'm in their area they're comin' to the show and drinkin' a shot of whiskey on me. And if not I'm sendin' 'em one in a Mojo Bottle. These two are going to get a video of the original or cover song of their choice.  


Orville Dunworth


Lana Gentry

(Now, these two created these before the contest but I'm damned if they don't deserve 2nd place anyway. Oh, wait, I already AM damned. Damn.

THIRD PLACE:  Three shots of whiskey in bottles painted by me goes to: 


Martta Rose Kelly


Tony Martinez

Honorable Mention:


Charles O'Donnovan

Lonesome Liz Art Contest Winners - Tony Martinez

 LL Fan Tony Martinez sent so many cool entries they get their own blog. Thanks so much Tony! (Who also tied for 3rd place with one of these but still gets his own blog too).









Hangin' Songs - Frankie Silver


Frankie Silver killed her husband with an axe one winter's night. Seems he was in all likelihood extremely abusive and she did it in self defense but it got pretty gruesome. She either hacked him to pieces or had her mom and brother help her do that - no one's sure which. They then hid him in various parts in various places, from the fireplace to beneath the floor. What I found most intriguing about the story is the history says they called a conjure man in to find the body. In fact, he found it and was the cause of her hanging. So, I wrote a new ballad based on him:

Sheriff Joe called Conjure Jim. 
"Bring your witchin' ball", he told him.
"Bring your hoodoo roots
and your juju juice.
No one's sure what Frankie Silver did.
Come conjure out whatever it is she hid."

Old Counjure Jim said, "Sheriff man,
I'm not really sure I can.
Snows blowin' high.
There's a darkenin' sky.
I don't care what Frankie Silver's done.
Just 'cause you call don't mean Old Jim runs."

There's chickens in the storm.
There's coyotes in the barn.
There's a murder of crows clawin at the trees.
Frakiie's cryin' alone on snowy knees.

Conjure Jim said, "Sheriff Joe,
how much will you pay me?
Let me make sure 
I won't get more
from that cryin' lady.
How much will you pay me?"

"Name your price, just show us what she hid.
No one's sure what Frankie Silver did."

There's chickens in the storm. etc.

He came and spit some whiskey on the floor.
He scratched weird patterns on the door.
He tossed his witchin' ball all too and fro.
Soon Frankie Silver's hangin on the gallows.
'Cause before too long they knew what Frankie did.
Old Conjure Jim won't let nothin' stay hid.

Blood rose up from the dirt below.
Bone shards crackled in the ember glow.
When he rolls his witchin ball across the hearth
you ain't keepin' nothin' in the dark.
Her innocence became real hard to swallow.
So, Frankie Silver's hangin' on the gallows.

There's chickens, etc.

More about Frankie Silver and a link to the original ballad: http://www.murderbygaslight.com/2010/04/ballad-of-frankie-silver.html

New Entries in the Lonesome Liz Art Contest

by Logan Riley:


and Nashville's Anjeanette Illustration, (in progress):


With Iconic Songwriter Bobby Braddock at the TN Senate

Mr. Braddock was honored by the Senate yesterday and I was invited to join them on the floor. Blog coming soon to Outlaw Magazine:


The Night and a Memory Video for Couch by Couchwest

They said my eyes turned an intern to stone so watch at your own risk:

http://couchbycouchwest.com/lonesome-liz-the-night-and-a-memory/

Written with Eric Mellencamp

New LL Art Contest Entires

by Tony Martinez

by Martta Rose Kelly

by Mike George

Wednsday is Hunch Day! Hasil Adkins and the Upcoming Documentary, 'My Blue Star'


Lonesome Liz talks about Hasil Adkins
video by Ron Thomas Smith for his upcoming documentary,
'My Blue Star' 

Related Links

My Blue Star:  http://www.facebook.com/mybluestarmovie

More Lonesome Liz video: http://www.youtube.com/lonesomeliz

Global Mojo: http://www.youtube.com/globalmojo

Lonesome Liz: http://www.facebook.com/pages/lonesomeliz

Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lonesomeliz

now, take a minute to Hunch with Hasil at the Ghoul a Go-Go 



LL Tribute Tuesday - Waylon Jennings


Lonesome, Onry and Mean
Video by Ron Thomas Smith


Waymore's Blues
Video by http://www.youtube.com/vintagequeen54
Cathy Pippen


A Spin-off of 'Don't Ya'll Think This Outlaw Business Done Got Out of Hand'
With Jesco White
Video by Ron Thomas Smith
http://www.youtube.com/globalmojo

Lonesome Liz Art Contest

Enter the LL Art Contest now through April Fools Day. EVERYONE who enters will get a signed copy of their own drawing + the winning one.

The prizes are:

FIRST PLACE: I'll write a song for you on a theme of your choosing  + come to the Lonesome Liz show of your choice and drink a shot of whiskey with me on me, (if I'm not playing in your area I'll send you a shot of whiskey + make a video of your favorite song, (original or cover).

SECOND PLACE: Come to the Lonesome Liz show of your choice and drink a shot of whiskey with me on me :) If I'm not in your area, I'll send you a shot of whiskey and make a video of your favorite song, (original or cover).

THIRD PLACE:  Three shots of whiskey in bottles painted by me. (See examples of my bottle art here: http://lonesomelizpage.blogspot.com).

Join my Facebook page if you're not already there for photos to base your work on. http://www.facebook.com/lonesomeliz Entries can be alterations of photographs, drawings, collages... anything you like!

Submit entries via Facebook or email to: elizabeth.bissette@gmail.com Winners will be announced on April Fool's Day.

LL in art: 

By Lana Gentry
As 'Faust' by Katelan Foisy
As a cartoon by James Hislope

from a photo by David Beloff

Entries so far: 

by Tony Martinez

By Orville Dunworth
by Mike George


By Charles ODonnavan

By Tony Martinez







by Tony Martinez

A Love Song For You

If I could write a love song
I'd write one for you.
I'd make it all about what went wrong
and what's right with you.

If I could compose an emotional ballad or two...
I'd sing them all and they
would be all about you.

If I believed that wishes could come true,
I'd wish I could write a love song for you.

I'm bored and mean. I'm incomplete.
I need you to step back a beat.
I feel alright. I ain't uptight.
I just never get love songs right.

But I miss you when I can't kiss you
and I need you when I don't see you
and I wish I could write a love song for you;

all about what went wrong
and what's right with you.

If I could compose an emotional ballad or two...
I'd sing them all and they would be all about you.
If I had a love song, I'd sing it for you.

The Night and A Memory

Written with Eric Mellencamp

Got lost walkin' 'cause where I was tryin' to go to
isn't really a place; it's a face. It's you.
I've worn out holes in my shoes.
It's a fright what  the night and a memory can do.

I'm lost in the night and a memory.
I'm lost in the night and a memory.
You may say I got the Devil in me
but I'm reminded of angels when I spin in your memory.

I already wasn't right when yesterday hit me.
Like a firecracker, your echo lit me.
It was like a sleepin' dog that woke up and bit me;
the idea that you'll probably soon forget me.

And you left me in the night with a memory.
I'm stranded in the night and a memory.
Wish you'd let go of the Devil in me
'cause I'm reminded of angels when I spin in your memory.

I'll wake up somewhere anyhow, I don't know.
Wish I could wake up a long time ago
before I was chasin' your shadow
but I'm always a stone's throw
from a memory.

I'm caught in the night and a memory.
I'm lost in the night and a memory.
You may say I've got the Devil in me
but I'm reminded of angels when I spin in your memory.

I've worn out holes in my shoes
it's a fright what hte night and a memory can do.
I'd go to Hell if I had a soul to lose.
It's a fright what the night and a memory can do.

I'm scared of the night and your memory.
I'm lost in the night and your memory.
I can't let go of the Devil in me
'cause I'm lost in the night and in your memory.
I'm reminded of angels in your memory.

Warnin' Label

I should have worn a warning label
so you'd understand
I can get more than a little
out of hand.

Or maybe caution tape around me
so you'd've known soon as you found me
the outlaw routine ain't all an act.
I'm kinda mean as a matter of fact.

I'm mean but I didn't mean it.
I'm sorry that you've seen it.
The way I feel is gettin' so profound
I'm havin' a hard time writin' it down.

No it ain't the very first time
I'm reminded I should've stopped at the wine.
It won't be the last one either;
last one to remind me'll be St. Peter.

But its the very last time I'll do that to you.
I wrote you this song 'cause you're really cute.
I'm gonna write you another one too;
cause I can't keep my mind off you.

I'm mean but I didn't mean it.
I'm sorry that you've seen it.
The way I feel is gettin' so profound
I'm havin' a hard time writin' it down.

I Was Drinking Beer When the Whiskey Took Over

I was drinkin' beer when the whiskey took over.
Woke up this morning' in jail in Hanover.
It's been a long time since I was sober.
I'm not sure what I did.

I ain't upset and I ain't complainin'.
There's a lot of names that I ain't naming'.
Bein' behind bars is kinda drainin'.
Wish they'd just send me home.

If I knew what I didn't do
I sure wouldn't tell you.
I wouldn't be in here
if I'd have just stuck to beer.

I was drinkin' beer when the whiskey got to me.
Sorrow rained down and the blues walked through me.
I ain't sayin' much but it ain't on me.
So the story goes...

That's what I say and I'm sticking' to it.
I may be here but I didn't do it.
I was gonna run but I figured screw it.
That's all you need to know.

If I knew what I didn't do etc

I was drinkin' beer when the whiskey hit me
then his memory and then the misery
I'm pretty sure the Devil bit me
just leave me alone.

The judge looked straight at me this mornin'
said he'd given me fair warnin'
the whole damn thing is kinda alarmin'
wish he'd have just sent me home.

I been here too long
and I ain't done no wrong
I wouldn't be here
if I'd have just stuck to beer.

I was drinkin' beer when the whiskey got to me
everyone said that's how the Devil'd do me.
I was gonna run but didn't think they'd screw me
I didn't do no wrong.

Took three bailiffs and a sheriff to hold me
when my lawyer up and told me
down the river those bastards had sold me
bottom line, my ass is gone.


You Might Be Right, But It's All Gone Wrong

Another night hearin' how hard you've tried,
hours of remindin' me that I lied.
We've been over and over it a thousand times.
Why don't you quit, leave me and it behind?

Because you might be right but it's all gone wrong
so none of this matters anymore.
I've heard it all, heard it all too long.
Every day I wake up feelin' I've been here before.
You might be right but it's all gone wrong.

I'm not tired of listenin', just tired of listenin' to you
tell me there's not a damn thing I can do
to make it better. Let's call it a draw
or better yet, don't call me at all

because you might be right etc.

I'm gonna make things simple for a change.
Why don't you forget you know my name.
I'm leavin' in the mornin', sounds like I should.
You can talk to yourself about how I'm no good

because you might be right etc.

Rainy Day Longing

Rainy day longing
for my rainy day you
sometimes in the morning
the sky and I are more blue.

Rain echoes and you haunt me
like a shadow dancin all the time.
It would be better if you didn't want me
but I can't say that I mind.

Sometimes you fall like rain in my footsteps
other times you put up a fight.
I should probably have a few regrets
and maybe some day soon I might.

Rainy day longing
for my rainy day you
you keep creeping up without warning
and the sky and I keep gettin blue.

live with the Goddamn Gallows, video by Ron Thomas Smith

with Jesco the Dancing Outlaw, video by Ron Thomas Smith

with the Richmond Blues Society, video by Ron Thomas Smith