ANALYSIS/OPINION:
Suzy Bogguss is at work on a new album, but she hasn’t left her interpretations of Merle Haggard’s music behind.
Her critically acclaimed 2014 tribute album to “The Hag,” “Lucky” is an exquisite testament to his legendary songs. Although the title can refer to many topics — one of Miss Bogguss’ first hits was a cover of Mr. Haggard’s “Somewhere Between,” the title track of her album — it also refers to fans that hear her gorgeous renditions of the country hit maker’s music.
“We have some new songs but are still doing the Haggard music,” said Miss Bogguss from her Nashville-area home of the live show she presents. “We feel like people still enjoy those.”
Anyone who heard Miss Bogguss’ standing-ovation-filled showcase at the Americana Music Festival in Nashville this fall knows the Illinois-born artist is one of the few who truly does justice to the catalog of Mr. Haggard, who is now recording an album with Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson.
Miss Bogguss’ new show will include some of her original songs, selections from her 2011 “American Folk Songbook” and material from the album she is recording.
“It’s like the [1975 cult classic film] ’The Rocky Horror Picture Show,’” she said with a laugh. “People who grew up with the music and haven’t heard it for years always want to hear some of the music they heard when they were growing up.”
Miss Bogguss said devising the set list is one of the most difficult parts of the tour. With a soon to be 15-album catalog that ranges from Top 10 Country hits (“Heartache,” “Drive South”), traditional folk songs (“Froggie Went-a-Courtin,” “Shady Grove”), jazz-infused originals (“The Bus Ride” and “Chain Lover”) and beyond.
Her diverse catalog may not have been possible if she hadn’t moved away from major labels.
By her own acknowledgment, the indie route better suits her tendency to mix things up night after night rather than play a preset show with strict time limits on each song and on-stage banter.
Her successful, ongoing side project with Gretchen Peters and Matraca Berg, Wine, Women & Song, is also well-suited to that tendency.
The show gained plenty of traction in London, New York and other cities before the trio put it on hiatus to return to their individual endeavors.
The downside to indie life, of course, is that word-of-mouth promotion is critical.
That is where Ms. Bogguss’ quest for musical experimentation works so well.
Although her past few records have been lean, Miss Bogguss plans bolder musical choices for her next album, which will again generate plenty of buzz.
“For the last couple records, I kept it small,” she said. “I did the 2011 folk record that was me going back to my roots. When we made the Merle record, we chose material that fit my production style and voices. Now I am hearing some bigger drums — some bigger moves overall in the new music. I think it’s time for me to let some of that out now.”
Another “lucky” break for her fans.
if you go
What: An Evening with Suzy Bogguss
When: Friday, 8:30 p.m.
Where: Tally Ho Theatre, 9 West Market St., SW, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176
Info: $30 in advance; $35 on the day of the show
TallyHoLeesburg.com; 703/777-1665
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