Not long after Kelly's first solo album was released (in 1996) she left Atlanta for Chicago, where she soon fell in with the Bloodshot Records crew. On Beneath The Country Underdog (her second solo album), she was backed by the Pine Valley Cosmonauts. A third album followed in 2001.
Kelly contributed lead and backing vocals to a variety of projects. It was the golden age of alt-country (or Americana, if you prefer), and tribute albums were also popular. Kelly appeared on tributes to Wanda Jackson, Joe South, Bob Wills, The Knitters, the Nashville soundtrack, and the recently deceased Kris Kristofferson. Kelly has collaborated with Neko Case, Carolyn Mark, Robbie Fulks, The Sadies, and others. She has sung backup with Mavis Staples, The Decemberists, Drive-By Truckers, Amy Ray, Jakob Dylan, Poi Dog Pondering and many others.
A decade passed before Kelly Hogan released another solo album, maybe because she was so dang busy. She has performed children's songs as a member of the Wee Hairy Beasties, trad. arr. with the Love Hall Tryst, and vocal pop (think the Fifth Dimension or the Free Design) with the Flat Five. Kelly can sing just about anything, but it's in country music that her full vocal and emotional range really shines: her voice can be sassy, sexy, silly or supremely sad and lonesome.
I'm not the only fan who wishes there were more Kelly Hogan solo records. You could make an entire album of Kelly's songs that have appeared on Bloodshot samplers, tribute albums, and her duets with John Wesley Harding, Nora O'Connor, Alejandro Escovedo, Scott Ligon, and Rex Hobart. That's what I've done here. Only one of the two dozen songs here is from a Kelly Hogan album, and that's only because it was impossible to resist "Wild Mountain Berries" (originally recorded by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty).
ELSEWHERE ON THE BLOG: Guest Spots from Lisa Kekaula, Hollie Cook, Cassandra Wilson, and others.
My hero, Kelly Hogan: https://tinyurl.com/KellyHoHoHogan
ReplyDeletehey there, is this a made up album of hers that was put together?...and which of her solo's are you looking for?
Delete"You could make an entire album of Kelly's songs that have appeared on Bloodshot samplers, tribute albums, and her duets... That's what I've done here."
DeleteYes, it's a made up album that I put together. As a dedicated Hoganite, I have all her solo albums. But if you have her weekly cover songs that were broadcast on WXRT, please share!
Don't forget the Flat Five and the Lamentations, too.
ReplyDeleteI did mention the Flat Five, but lamentably neglected the Lamentations. Have they recorded anything?
DeleteThat run at 'XRT would be great to add to any collection. Anyone have it?
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear those weekly cover songs she did, and to have this compilation (which features Kelly and Bill Taft under the name Kick Me):
Deletehttps://www.discogs.com/release/6581340-Various-Hidden-Tracks
Thanks Jonder, this looks pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteThanks
ReplyDeleteWow, I've heard of The Jody Grind but I'm not familiar with Ms. Hogan at all. What a resume! Sounds like this will be a great listen -- thanks Jonder!
ReplyDeleteIn the words of Freddie Prinze: "Who the hell are YOU, & how did you get into my apartment?"
ReplyDelete(At least that's what he said to me...) - Stinky
Despite being an Americana fan, I haven't heard of Kelly Hogan, and will be happy to check this out...
ReplyDeleteThose of you who haven't heard her sing are in for a treat, and I hope you enjoy these songs!
DeleteY'know, OBG, it's occurred to me as I've perused your excellent blog that there're lots of Americana-oriented gal artists (or bands prominently featuring gals) on (or previously on) Bloodshot that seem to have escaped your notice, so lemme recommend Moonshine Willy, Meat Purveyors, Sally Timms (and 90s-era Mekons), Neko Case, and Trailer Bride.
DeleteC in California