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Five for Friday, November 15, 2019

November 2019

Our weekly recap of music and guitar world news, internet finds and surprises, just for FJ readers

Neil Young Denied Citizenship

Neil Young will remain a full-fledged Canadian for now: His U.S. citizenship application was denied due to the “good moral character” provision and his admitted marijuana use.

Just Released: Joe Henry’s The Gospel According to Water

Today, singer-songwriter/producer Joe Henry releases his 15thalbum, The Gospel According to Water. Recorded while recovering from Stage 4 prostate cancer treatment, the album is a triumph on many levels and, in our opinion, one of Henry’s finest accomplishments. Not surprisingly, the album has some incredible acoustic guitar tones. Watch the video for song “3’40” below.

Rod Stewart’s Train Habit

It turns out Neil Young isn’t the only expat train enthusiast making music: Railway Modeler initially broke the news that Rod Stewart has a massive (124′ by 23′!) model train display in his California home. More than one music lover thought this was all some sort of Onion-ish parody, but it turns out to be totally true. No word on if Stewart will eventually put out a Jimmie Rodgers tribute album.

New John Hartford

Even after his passing, John Hartford continues to inspire: A new Kickstarter campaign is underway to record some of Hartford’s numerous, unpublished fiddle tunes. If the campaign is successful, the album will feature several FJ favorites, including Tim O’Brien, Noam Pikelny, Chris Eldridge and Tristan Scroggins.

Interview: Clash Photographer Pennie Smith

The Guardian interviews Pennie Smith, who captured one of the greatest rock photos of all time when Clash bassist Paul Simonon decided to smash his Fender P-bass at the New York’s Palladium. That shot would end up famously being on the cover of London Calling, but it barely scratches the surface of her output.

ALSO… huge congratulations to fiddler Jenee Fleenor, who just became the first woman to win the CMA’s Musician of the Year. Side note: Fleenor shows up in the Fretboard Journal #45, coming soon.