By Matt Harness
* In an effort to return to the town where he started his career, Andre Williams recently wrapped up the recording of his latest album, due out some time next year. From producer Matt Smith, via Metro Times, “Andre’s new material is fantastic – just a great batch of songs. And you can imagine the great stories he told me over breakfast, about working for Motown in the ’60s, spending time the early ’70s hanging out with Ike Turner and Mick Jagger and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. Elvis Presley showed up backstage at one his gigs. Just incredible stuff.”
* Justin Townes Earle rolls back in to town later this year in support of Black Keys’ guitarist/vocalist Dan Auerbach, on tour to promote his rookie solo release. Catch them both Dec. 5 at The Vic.
* Ben Kweller is party to a long list of musicians contributing to a 21-track album benefiting songwriter Mark Mulcahy due out Sept. 29. Others involved include Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, REM’s Michael Stipe and Pixies’ Frank Black.
* Bobby Bare Jr. was one of the performers at Monday’s SHELebration, a party to recognize the life and works of Chicago native Shel Silverstein. You can listen to Bare’s interview on WBEZ here.
* Ha Ha Tonka recorded live songs at Shirk Music and Sound in Chicago that are now available for download.
* The Blacks, who will reunite later this year at Bloodshot’s anniversary party at the Hideout, are featured in indie film Lefty, which is premiering July 24 at the Gene Siskel Film Center, with other showings July 28 and July 30.
* Blogger Brad has a post of Scotland Yard Gospel Choir’s “Would You Still Love Me If I Was In A Knife Fight” off I Bet You Say That to All the Boys.
* If you still aren’t convinced that Lollapalooza is worth your money ($205 for a three-day pass or $80 for a single day), maybe Neko Case can persuade you. The lone Bloodshooter at the fest plays Sunday, Aug. 9.
* For all you iPhone users out there, Bloodshot has rolled out an application just for you.
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Bloodshot Briefing appears in this space every Friday. Matt welcomes your comments.
Posted on July 17, 2009