Billboard Bits: SHeDAISY, Jammys, Alejandro Escovedo

9/24/2002

NEws on SHeDAISY, Jammys, Alejandro Escovedo

NellySibling country trio SHeDAISY was on hand to perform at last night's (Sept. 23) New York premiere party for the Touchstone film "Sweet Home Alabama." While the group struggled to hold the attention of the schmoozing stars during its five-song set, it was warmly received by a handful of attendees for its performance of "Little Good-byes," "Man Goin' Down," "I Will But...," "Mine All Mine," and "Repent."

SheDaisy covers the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic that serves as the film's title on the Hollywood Records soundtrack, due out today. The set also features the group's "Mine All Mine," the Calling's cover of the Georgia Satellites' "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" and Norah Jones' cover of Hank Williams' "Cold, Cold Heart." It also boasts songs by Avril Lavigne, Dolly Parton, Ryan Adams, and Uncle Kracker.

"Sweet Home Alabama," which stars Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Patrick Dempsey, and Candice Bergen, opens Friday in U.S. theaters. For a preview, visit the film's official Web site.

-- Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.





NellyDave Matthews Band bassist Stefan Lessard, John Scofield, Galactic drummer Stanton Moore, Black Crowes bassist Andy Hess, DJ Logic, and Scratch of the Roots have joined the performance lineup for the 2002 Jammy Awards. Set for Oct. 2 at New York's Roseland Ballroom, the event will also feature previously announced performers Ratdog, Gov't Mule, Phish's Mike Gordon & Leo Kottke, the Blind Boys Of Alabama, and Particle, among others. Tickets to the event can be purchased through Jammys.com or by calling 212-307-7171.

As previously reported, Widespread Panic leads the field with five Jammy nominations, including live performance and live album of the year nods. As a solo artist, Phish guitarist/vocalist Trey Anastasio is nominated for three awards, as is Gov't Mule. Public voting ends tomorrow (Sept. 25); fans can cast their ballots via Jammys.com, Jambands.com, and the Relix magazine Web site.

-- Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.





NellyPBS live music series "Austin City Limits" will air a performance of "By the Hand of the Father," which features music by singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo, marking the first presentation of a theatrical production in the show's 28-year history. Taped July 1 and set to premiere Oct. 12 (check listings for local airdate), the hour-long episode features Escovedo on guitar and vocals, his brother, percussionist Pete Escovedo, singer/songwriter Rosie Flores, and Los Super Seven vocalist Ruben Ramos. Playwright Rose Portillo and Kevin Sifuentes will act out the play's dramatic passages between songs.

Written by Portillo, Theresa Chavez, and Eric Gutierrez, "By the Hand of the Father" tells the stories of five Mexican-American fathers struggling to support their families while maintaining their cultural identity. Escovedo's moving soundtrack to the critically acclaimed work was released in May via the Texas Music Group.

-- Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.