---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the Nanci Griffith Frequently Asked Questions file. This file should answer most of your questions about Nanci and her music. To the best of our knowledge, this information is correct and current. If you have additions, corrections, com- ments, etc., please send mail to ferg@world.std.com. Thanks! Q. What are the pertinent biographical data? A. Nanci was born July 6, 1954 in Seguin, Texas (near Austin). Her parents are Marlin "Griff" Griffith and Ruelene Strawser. He was a book publisher and singer in barbershop quartets. She was a real estate agent. They are both living, but no longer married -- they divorced when Nanci was 4. Nanci learned to play the guitar from an old PBS television series. She began writing her own songs because she found that easier than learning how to play other people's songs correctly. Her first song, written when she was about 12, was called "A New Generation." Her first professional gig was at a Red Lion hotel in Austin on a Thanksgiving holiday evening. She was fourteen. She made eleven dollars. Nanci graduated from the University of Texas with an Education degree and taught kindergarten and first grade in the Austin school system during the 1970s. She also had a five-year gig at Austin's Hole in the Wall bar during this time. Her first three recorded songs were on a sampler disc released in 1977 on the now-defunct B.F. Deal label. Nanci was married to singer-songwriter Eric Taylor from 1977 to 1982. He appears on her first two albums as well as on her live album _One Fair Summer Evening_, and she appears on his album _Shameless Love_. They lived in Houston, but she moved back to Austin after the divorce. Nanci was later engaged to singer-songwriter Tom Kimmel, but they parted before marrying. She is currently single. Nanci moved to Nashville in July of 1985, and now has a six- acre farm in nearby Franklin. She also has a flat in down- town Dublin, Ireland, where she spends part of each year. Q. What is Nanci's discography, and which are her best albums? A. Here is a list describing all Nanci's albums, plus all known recordings on which she sings one of her otherwise unrecorded songs. This does not include the many albums on which she makes guest appearances singing a live number or a cover tune. For a comprehensive list of everything on which Nanci appears, see David Grant's discography which follows the main album reviews. Note that you may disagree with some of the opinions presented here; use your own judgment! Nanci Griffith Album Reviews (by Mark Ferguson) ---------------------------------------------------------------- _B.F. Deal Sampler Vol. 1_ (B.F. Deal '77) If you can find it, you'll hear Nanci's first recorded songs on this record: "Texas Boy," "If I Were a Child," and "Double-Stan- dard Blues." The first two are mellow folk tunes that presage the sound of her first full album. The third is a rowdier honky- tonk number of the kind that Nanci has rarely done since. _There's a Light Beyond These Woods_ (Philo/Rounder '86, orig. released on B.F. Deal in '78) This is a pure folk album, with a set of quiet yet powerful and evocative songs in the West Texas tradition. Nanci's voice sounds strong, mature, and confident -- but a bit generic; the tender vocal quality that sets her apart had yet to surface. The pro- duction is rather primitive, but it's not a bad-sounding record. Overall, it's a strong debut, featuring "West Texas Sun," "Song for Remembered Heroes," "Alabama Soft Spoken Blues," and the title track, which has become something of a signature song of Nanci's. _Poet in My Window_ (Philo/Rounder '86, orig. released on Featherbed in '82) A gorgeous record; Nanci finds her unique vocal style and delivers a batch of smooth, sweet ballads. There's more of a country feel here, with tasteful pedal steel and drums on a few tracks. Her recurring theme of a solitary life on the road is exemplified in "Workin' in Corners." "You Can't Go Home Again" is one of the most beautiful songs she's ever written. The melodic bass playing of Eric Taylor (Nanci's ex-husband) gives the songs added appeal. _Once In a Very Blue Moon_ (Philo/Rounder '84) Taking a big step forward in production quality, this Jim Rooney- produced album captures Nanci's voice beautifully. Some of her finest singing is here, accompanied by a larger, more countryish cast of supporting musicians. The songs cover a wider range of styles and tempos and include Bill Staines' "Roseville Fair," Lyle Lovett's "If I Were the Woman You Wanted," and the title track from Pat Alger. Among her own numbers are "Time Alone," "Friend Out in the Madness," and "Daddy Said," each of which combines lovely melodies and lyrics. "Spin on a Red Brick Floor" is her tribute to the Anderson Fair music club in Houston. An album this good doesn't come out more often than once in a VERY blue moon. _The Last of the True Believers_ (Philo/Rounder '86) A big breakthrough here. Nanci's songwriting is at its peak on this Grammy-nominated record -- it includes "Love at the Five and Dime," "Lookin' for the Time (Workin' Girl)," "Banks of the Pontchartrain," "The Wing and the Wheel," and many other gems. Her cover of "Goin' Gone" is gorgeous. Stylewise, the album has that Texas/trad feel, with lots of fiddle, banjo, and pedal steel. Many fans consider this to be Nanci's very best record -- it's truly excellent from start to finish, despite the begin- nings of a tendency to get a bit too, um, _precious_ (there I said it). Something magical seems to happen when Nanci and Jim Rooney get together. Trivia tidbit: that's Lyle Lovett on the cover; he provides backup vocals here as he did on _Blue Moon_. _Lone Star State of Mind_ (MCA '87) With the move to the major label, Nanci gets a top Nashville producer (Tony Brown) with all the trimmings. The result is a more "mainstream" sound, but it's still rooted in traditional folk and country. This album contains the now-standard Julie Gold tune "From a Distance," which may or may not be your cup of tea. If not, there's a bunch of strong originals to make up for it, including "Ford Econoline," "Beacon Street," and "Trouble in the Fields;" plus excellent covers of "Nickel Dreams," "Let it Shine On Me," and the title tune. _Little Love Affairs_ (MCA '88) On this record, Nanci moves further into the mainstream towards a slick Nashville-pop sound, but most of the album still retains the traditional country flavor. She treads dangerously close to schmaltz at times, but doesn't quite go over the edge -- there are enough pleasures here to make the album worthwhile, such as "I Wish it Would Rain," "So Long Ago," "Outbound Plane," and "Gulf Coast Highway." The title tune is an Irish-style ballad co-written with James Hooker, Nanci's longtime keyboardist. _One Fair Summer Evening_ (MCA '88) A live acoustic recording of a performance at Anderson Fair, this album captures the essence of Nanci's charm. She delivers some of her best stuff with grace and conviction, and her power- ful rendition of Eric Taylor's "Deadwood, South Dakota" is stun- ning. The naivete/sentimentality factor may be off-putting to the jaded listener; still, this is a perfect introduction to a unique talent. Plus, as is the case with most "unplugged" re- leases, there's an accompanying video! The video is even more desirable than the record -- don't let those awful video sleeve photos scare you -- because to see Nanci perform is an utter delight. Thank _yew_! _Storms_ (MCA '89) Here Nanci goes to LA and hires Glyn Johns to produce this col- lection of mostly pop-style tunes. The familiar country-folk sound is nearly absent, and there are synths galore. But the songs are generally good, mostly about "stormy" relationships. Nanci reportedly was going through some tough times while writing the material, and it frequently shows. This isn't a record that grabs you immediately, but with repeated listenings one can get past the slick, commercial-sounding production and find the plea- sures buried in tunes like "I Don't Wanna Talk About Love," which at first sounds like generic pop, but soon reveals a meaningful lyric and an affecting melody sung with an oh-so-smooth delivery. "Listen to the Radio" is great fun, and Nanci considers "It's a Hard Life Wherever You Go" to be her most important song. _Late Night Grande Hotel_ (MCA '91) With this release, Nanci crosses the line into overproduced schlock. Her voice is buried in reverb and massive orchestration. There are some decent songs here (the title track and "Down 'N' Outer" are standouts), but they're marred by overwrought arrange- ments (those BIG drums -- ugh!). A most frustrating album, made worse by the inclusion of "Heaven," a particularly sappy Julie Gold number. Some folks may enjoy this kind of thing, but not likely those who appreciate the simpler productions. _Falling From Grace_ (Soundtrack) (Mercury '92) _Warm Front_ (Billy Joe Walker, Jr.) (Liberty '93) For completists, these two discs each contain a song by Nanci. The soundtrack to the John Mellencamp film contains Nanci's "Cra- dle of the Interstate," a very nice number indeed. Giving hope to those who despaired after the excesses of her recent studio work, her track is a stripped-down rendition of a deeply personal song about (what else?) a solitary life on the road. Her singing sounds much as it did on the early Philo records. As a bonus, the rest of the album is enjoyable, including works from Mellen- camp, John Prine, Janis Ian, Dwight Yoakam, and others. _Warm Front_ features "Moon of the Misbegotten," a song Nanci co- wrote with Walker. He's an accomplished acoustic guitarist, and most of the numbers are jazzy instrumentals. Nanci provides a lovely vocal on her track, which is much more slick than "Cradle" -- purists may not be pleased -- but her singing makes the song a must for true fans. If "Cradle" sounds like an outtake from _Poet_ or _Blue Moon_, then this number sounds like it could have come from _Little Love Affairs_. The lyrics are rather unusual for Nanci -- it's a pure love song. _Other Voices | Other Rooms_ (Elektra '93) Coming full circle, Nanci brings back producer Jim Rooney from the Philo days and covers a range of classic folk songs. Some are well-known, others are somewhat obscure, but all are songs that Nanci felt needed to be heard. The resulting production is argu- ably her best yet -- it won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. She and the all-star supporting cast are in top form, and her voice has rarely sounded better. The recording quality is clear and intimate, capturing the music perfectly. Together, the production, performances, and arrangements add up to serve each number very well. For example, it's hard to imagine how Kate Wolf's "Across the Great Divide" could be improved upon, and "Morning Song for Sally" is among the most sublime recordings she's ever done. These and the many other superb cuts make this an _essential_ album. But that's not all. The OV|OR video is a _must_ for any fan of great music. It's a concert film of her show in Austin, and features Nanci at her very best. She's definitely matured since the last live video -- not that she _looks_ older (in fact, she looks better than ever), but her speaking voice has become less girlish, she projects supreme confidence, and she's in firm com- mand of the stage. Her guest performers are in fine form, inclu- ding Emmylou Harris, Tom Paxton, Jerry Jeff Walker, Jimmie Dale Gilmore -- and Don Edwards' yodel during "Night Rider's Lament" is thrilling. The technical qualities of the film are first-rate -- the photography, the sound, the editing -- the entire produc- tion is nearly flawless. Like the album, this video is essential. _The MCA Years - A Retrospective_ (MCA '93) This compilation includes most of the best tracks from the five MCA recordings. It's a good overview, but the more serious col- lector will want to accumulate the albums separately. However, the European version of this release (entitled _The Best of Nanci Griffith_) contains a different track list and includes the LNGH outtake "Tumble and Fall" plus the a cappella number "The Road to Aberdeen," both of which have never been released in the US. _Flyer_ (Elektra '94) This album proves that Nanci hasn't yet lost her touch when it comes to writing and performing her own songs. This is probably her strongest batch of tunes since the Philo era, and it's easily a better production than most of the MCA albums. It's all over the map with regard to musical style, but the lyrics are among the most personal and heartfelt ever to come from Nanci's pen. >From the pure folk of "Fragile," which recalls her earliest work, to the funked-up rockabilly of "This Heart," Nanci covers all the bases. Peter Collins' production is very good, but the arrange- ments get pretty busy -- each member of the huge cast of big- name players had to have a turn! Peter Buck produced two tracks, including the political anthem "Time of Inconvenience." Though the album as a whole may lack a sense of musical cohesiveness and may be a bit overproduced, as a collection of memorable songs it's a success. David Grant's Comprehensive Nanci Griffith Discography ---------------------------------------------------------------- ALBUMS BY NANCI GRIFFITH: THERE'S A LIGHT BEYOND THESE WOODS (1978) B. F. Deal Records, BFD9 (1978) Featherbed Records, FB903 (1982) Philo/Rounder, PH 1097 (1986) POET IN MY WINDOW (1982) Featherbed Records, FB902 (1982) Philo/Rounder, PH 1098 (1986) ONCE IN A VERY BLUE MOON (1984) Philo/Rounder, PH 1096 LAST OF THE TRUE BELIEVERS (1986) Philo/Rounder, PH 1109 LONE STAR STATE OF MIND (1987) MCA Records, MCAD-31300 LITTLE LOVE AFFAIRS (1988) MCA Records, MCAD-42102 ONE FAIR SUMMER EVENING (1988) MCA Records, MCAD-42255 STORMS (1989) MCA Records, MCAD-6319 LATE NIGHT GRANDE HOTEL (1991) MCA Records, MCAD-10306 OTHER VOICES OTHER ROOMS (1993) Elektra, 61464-2 THE MCA YEARS: A RETROSPECTIVE (1993) MCA Records, MCAD-10914 THE BEST OF NANCI GRIFFITH (1993) MCA Records, MCD 10966 FLYER (1994) Elektra, 61681-2 SIGNIFICANT PROMOTIONAL DISCS, U.S. RELEASE: Note: There are many promotional CDs of single tracks from al- bums sent to radio stations; I have only listed the longer promo items or items with unreleased tracks "Storms"/"Wooden Heart"/"Deadwood, South Dakota (Live)"/ "There's a Light Beyond These Woods (Live)" (1989) MCA Records, CD45-18092 A PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST (1991) MCA Records, CD33-1693 PRESENT ECHOES (1993) Elektra, PRCD 8711-2 VARIOUS ARTIST COMPILATIONS WITH NON-ALBUM TRACKS BY NANCI: THE B. F. DEAL SAMPLER VOL. 1 (1977) B. F. Deal Records, BFD 5 GREAT ACOUSTICS (1985) Philo/Rounder, PH 1101 THE LAST TEMPTATION OF ELVIS (1990) New Musical Express, NME 038/039 FALLING FROM GRACE (Soundtrack) (1992) Mercury, 314 512 004-2 BEST OF MOUNTAIN STAGE, VOL. 6 (1994) Blue Plate Music, BPM-006 RED HOT + COUNTRY (1994) Mercury, 314-522 639-2 Note: Nanci also appears on a number of Limited Edition Kerr- ville Live Highlights albums, including 1978 and 1979. NANCI'S UK SINGLES AND CD SINGLES: "From a Distance"/"Sing One For Sister" "Cold Hearts Closed Minds"/"Ford Econoline"/"Lone Star State of Mind" "Outbound Plane"/"So Long Ago"/"Trouble in the Fields" "I Knew Love"/"Never Mind"/"Lone Star State of Mind" "From a Distance"/"Love Wore a Halo"/"There's A Light Beyond these Woods" "It's A Hard Life"/"Gulf Coast Highway"/"If Wishes Were Changes" "You Made This Love a Teardrop"/"More Than a Whisper"/"Little Love Affairs" "Late Night Grande Hotel"/"It's Just Another Morning Here"/ "Wooden Heart"/"From a Distance (Live)" "Heaven"/"Down 'N' Outer"/"Tumble and Fall"/"Love at the Five and Dime (Live)" "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness"/"Boots of Spanish Leather"/ "From Clare to Here" "From Clare to Here (radio edit)"/"Cradle of the Interstate"/ "De Lejos"/"From Clare to Here (full version)" "Across the Great Divide"/"This Old Town"/"Speed of the Sound of Loneliness" COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE VIDEOTAPES WITH APPEARANCES FROM NANCI: ONE FAIR SUMMER EVENING OTHER VOICES OTHER ROOMS THE CHIEFTANS: THE BELLS OF DUBLIN THE CHIEFTANS: AN IRISH EVENING THE BOB DYLAN 30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT GUEST APPEARANCES BY NANCI ON ALBUMS BY OTHER ARTISTS: Nanci sings lead vocals on the following: Billy Joe Walker, Jr. -- WARM FRONT The Chieftans -- A CHIEFTANS CELEBRATION The Chieftans -- THE BELLS OF DUBLIN (same song as CELEBRATION) The Chieftans -- AN IRISH EVENING Nanci sings backing vocals on the following: Mike Williams -- FREE MAN HAPPY MAN (1977) Mike Zigal -- B.F. DEAL SAMPLER VOL. 1 (1977) Mike Williams -- COMIN' ATCHA (1979) Eric Taylor -- SHAMELESS LOVE (1981) Robert Earl Keen, Jr. -- NO KINDA DANCER (1984) Darden Smith -- NATIVE SOIL (1986) Maura O'Connell -- JUST IN TIME (1986) Maura O'Connell -- HELPLESS HEART (1987) Darden Smith -- DARDEN SMITH (1988) Fred Koller -- WHERE THE FAST LANE ENDS (1990) Steve Wariner -- CHRISTMAS MEMORIES (1990) Pat Alger -- TRUE LOVE AND OTHER SHORT STORIES (1991) John Gorka -- TEMPORARY ROAD (1993) Dave Mallett -- THIS TOWN (1993) Cliff Eberhardt -- NOW YOU ARE MY HOME (1993) Frances Black -- TALK TO ME (1994) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Q. When is Nanci coming to my town? A. Nanci tours often, but lately she hasn't kept up the rigor- ous schedule that she's had in past years. She has expressed interest in performing less and writing more, but don't let that worry you -- as long as she continues to attract big crowds she is sure to continue performing. She tours the US and Northern Europe about once or twice a year, hitting most major cities. If you are within 100 or even 200 miles of her concert, it is well worth your while to attend. Latest concert info will be posted on the mailing list when it is available. You may also contact Nanci's US booking agent: Monterey Peninsula Artists P.O. Box 7808 Carmel, CA 93928 USA Nanci's agent for the UK and Europe is: ASGARD 125 Parkway Regents Park London NW1 7PS U.K. Q. What's this about Nanci's novels? A. Nanci has written two novels. The first, "Two of a Kind Heart," tells the story of several generations of a fictional Texas family. The second, "Love Wore a Halo," is based on the song of the same name. Neither novel has been published, so don't look for them in your local library. Q. What are the books that appear on Nanci's album covers? A. Album Book Title Author ------------------------------------------------------- Poet Look Homeward Angel Thomas Wolfe Once Delta Wedding Eudora Welty Moving On Larry McMurtry Last The Kindness of Strangers: The Life of Tennessee Williams Donald Spoto Lonesome Dove Larry McMurtry LLA Constitutional Fate: Theory of the Constitution Philip Bobbitt A Fanatic Heart Edna O'Brien Drunk with Love Ellen Gilchrist Texasville Larry McMurtry OV|OR Other Voices, Other Rooms Truman Capote Q. Is there a Nanci songbook? A. One was published in 1992 by CPP/Belwin of Miami. It's en- titled "Late Night Grande Hotel and other Nanci Griffith Classics," and includes everything on the LNGH album, plus: Ford Econoline From a Distance If Wishes Were Changes It's a Hard Life Wherever You Go Outbound Plane There's a Light Beyond These Woods Trouble in the Fields The address of the publisher is: CPP/Belwin, Inc. 15800 NW 48th Avenue Miami, FL 33014 USA Q. Who is this "John" to whom Nanci dedicated her _Flyer_ album? A. John was Nanci's first boyfriend. He is mentioned in the song "There's a Light Beyond These Woods (Mary Margaret)." He is the subject of several of the songs on _Flyer_, including "These Days in an Open Book," "On Grafton Street," and "Always Will." He also pops up in other songs such as "Last of the True Believers" and "Daddy Said." John died in a motorcycle accident when Nanci was about 17 years old, after they had been together for several years. Obviously, she's still at- tached to his memory. It's safe to say that John has had and continues to have a profound influence on Nanci's songwriting -- the yearning, wistful and lonely feel to many of her songs is most likely the result of her losing her first love. Q. Where can I write Nanci? A. Write to her at this address: Nanci Griffith c/o Vector Management P.O. Box 128037 Nashville, TN 37212 USA Q. Where can I get rare Nanci recordings? A. One good source has been: Canadian River Music 4106 Tyler St. Amarillo, TX 79110 USA Write them for a free catalog. Q. If I like Nanci's music, what other artists might I enjoy? A. Nanci has various qualities that appeal in different ways. We have arranged similar artists into groups. Folk Artists ------------------- Kate Wolf Bill Staines David Mallett Carla Sciaky Patty Larkin Joni Mitchell Ferron Betty Elders Townes Van Zandt Carolyn Hester Diane Taraz Kat Eggleston Kimberly M'Carver Barb Schloff Country-Folk Artists -------------------- Mary Chapin Carpenter Emmylou Harris Iris DeMent Cheryl Wheeler Loretta Lynn Kitty Wells Carter Family Lyle Lovett Suzy Bogguss Kathy Mattea Jimmie Dale Gilmore Tish Hinojosa Tom Russell Folk-Pop Artists ---------------- Shawn Colvin Indigo Girls Lucy Kaplansky Mary Black Frances Black Dar Williams Maria Sangiolo John Gorka John Stewart Darden Smith Bonnie Raitt Judy Collins Jackson Browne Paul Simon Kate Jacobs Folk-Bluegrass Artists ---------------------- Allison Krauss Clare Lynch Q. What other tidbits do you have? A. Here's something you may find interesting: _The Guardian_ (UK newspaper) May 1, 1993 THE QUESTIONNAIRE: NANCI GRIFFITH BY: ROSANNA GREENSTREET What is your idea of perfect happiness? Home. What is your greatest fear? Fascism. With which historical figure do you most identify? Martin Luther King, Jr. He tried to help us all create a better world for our children and overcome our failures. Which living person do you most admire? My mother. She was a beatnik in the 1950s and, though she's been pressured to change, she remains true to that idealism. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Vanity. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Elitism. What vehicles do you own? 1954 Oldsmobile Delta '88 which belonged to my grandparents, and a GMC Pickup Truck. What is your greatest extravagance? Travel. What objects do you always carry with you? Glasses. What makes you most depressed? War. What do you most dislike about your appearance? Most everything on any given day. What is your most unappealing habit? Smoking. What is your favourite smell? Cilantro. What is your favourite word? Harmony. What is your favourite building? The State Capitol building in Austin, Texas. What is your favourite journey? To see Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Everly Brothers music. Which living person do you most despise? Dan Quayle. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Ambition. On what occasions do you lie? When it saves hurt feelings. When and where were you happiest? In my twenties, when I drove myself around America playing music and writing. How do you relax? Yoga Which talent would you most like to have? The talent to inspire goodwill in others. What keeps you awake at night? Most anything. How would you like to die? Quickly. How would you like to be remembered? For my music. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Mark Ferguson wishes to thank Mary Wood Littleton, David Grant, and Victor Hwang for their great help in providing much of the info in this file.