AXS - Review

Review: On 'Ladders and Edges,' Sugarcane Jane finds a reason to slow down

By: Chris Griffy AXS Contributor Jul 19, 2017

Roger Wheeler/YouTube

A lot is written about an artist's home and how the area they hail from influences their musical lives. But just as important as where they are from is where they've been, the road traveled, the people they meet and the styles picked up along the way. Most importantly to any artist who has been at it a while is how all of those things color how they see the place, and the people, they come back home to. Alabama Gulf Coast based husband and wife duo Sugarcane Jane explore that and more on their new album, Ladders and Edges.

Certainly Savana Lee and Anthony Crawford have plenty of miles on life's odometer to pull from. While both originally from the Gulf Coast, they met in Nashville after Anthony had spent a long career as a sideman to the likes of Neil Young, Vince Gill, and Steve Winwood and Savana had settled into life as a successful songwriter and studio head. Since forming Sugarcane Jane, they have developed a reputation as some of the most collaborative musicians in the business, sitting in with numerous artists and forming the supergroup Willie Sugarcapps with fellow Gulf Coasters Will Kimbrough, Grayson Capps, and Corky Hughes.

For Ladders and Edges, Sugarcane Jane have found a kindred spirit as producer. Colin Linden is the Canadian multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who is currently best known as the musical director for the hit soap opera Nashville. Linden has logged his own share of miles and his production philosophy blends perfectly with the band's.

While Ladders and Edges isn't a concept album, there is a general theme across its eleven songs, best laid out in the song “Slow It Down.” The acoustic rambler is a call to unplug from the 24 information feed that is 21st Century life and enjoy the things and people around you. In the same vein is “Train of Information”, with its refrain “take your seat, enjoy the ride, you're never going back” backed up by some slick electric guitar licks by Crawford.

In the album's press material, Sugarcane Jane emphasized the importance of family in shaping their current musical philosophy, saying “family is everything to us and we are trying to give our kids some guidance and advice in song, without having to necessarily tell them everything repeatedly.” Nowhere is this more clear than in the album's standout track “Never Do We Know.” A bare declaration of the need to enjoy “one last kiss” or “the last time we look into each other's eyes” because life isn't a given is hardly a new concept in song, but the gentle harmonies and endearing earnestness of the pair's harmonies elevate a time-worn trope to something worth a second listen.

If you're familiar with Sugarcane Jane, Ladders and Edges is all of the instrumental prowess, tight harmonies, and diverse gospel, country, rock, and swamp influences you'd expect, with a serious rock and roll punch up from Colin Linden. If you're new to Sugarcane Jane, Ladders and Edges is a great jumping on point.

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE ON AXS

Lagniappe Mobile - Review

by Steve Centanni

Over the years, playing together as Sugarcane Jane and as two-fourths of Willie Sugarcapps, Anthony and Savana Lee Crawford have become the “first couple” of the Mobile Bay music scene. Sugarcane Jane’s infectious music draws an enthusiastic crowd to every performance. Fans now have the chance to sample new material from their favorite band.

On June 2, the duo released their latest album, “Ladders & Edges.” Sugarcane Jane kept the recording process close to home by utilizing Anthony Crawford’s Admiral Bean Studio. This also marks the band’s first release on vinyl.

“Ladders & Edges” is marked by layer after layer of rich and lovely instrumentation with acoustic guitar in the forefront. The Crawfords also expertly weave their beautiful harmonies throughout each song. “Ladders & Edges” could not have been released at a more ideal time of year, providing the perfect complement to warm, starry evenings on the Gulf Coast.

The Southland Music Line

~The Southland Music Line (Johnny Cole)

After a long, extensive process following their successful 2015 album “Dirt Road’s End”, Sugarcane Jane delves into a more contemporary sound than some of their previous work yet stays true to every element of music that is very much their trademark Sugarcane Jane identity. They (Anthony and Savana Lee Crawford) enrich our lives with something very personal and intimate with the latest release. “Ladders and Edges” which features guest appearance by Colin Linden continues a mission of excellence that we have come to value and appreciate from the popular duo. In 2016, Anthony Crawford’s solo release “National Treasure” ranked among The Southland Music Line’s top albums. His latest with wife Savana is sure to merit that same recognition.

Sugarcane Jane has been featured in numerous articles and photo collections at The Southland Music Line. They were voted Music Artist of the Year in 2015 by the readers of The Southland Music Line and their album “Dirt Road’s End” was voted 2015’s Album of the Year by the readers too.

Some of the songs from the new album that stand out early for me are “Words”, “The Whistle Song” (you’ll catch yourself whistling along), the beautiful and moving “Never Do We Know”, “The Edge”, “New Love” and the amazing “13th Believer”.

We highly recommend “Ladders and Edges”.

The Washington Times Review

Sugarcane Jane

Dirt Road’s End
By Nancy Dunham - Special to The Washington Times - - Monday, March 23, 2015

Want some pound-on-the-dashboard tunes that are distinct from those that roll out of the Nashville hit factories? Meet Sugarcane Jane, known individually as Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee, who just released the funky, frisky, up-tempo 10-track “Dirt Road’s End.” How do two musicians pop up out of nowhere and create an album that deserves to be at the top of critics’ lists? The secret is that they may be newcomers to some listeners but not to those in the know in Nashville. The duo individually worked with dozens of household-name artists such as Steve Winwood, Neil Young, Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell and Emmylou Harris before they met by happenstance. The two Alabama-born, Nashville-based artists, who are now married, mix and match their individual styles and virtuoso musicianship into a sonic smoothie bursting with old-style banjo, bass, lap steel, guitar, harmonica, boat paddle and more around just the right mix of hillbilly-tinged vocals. Bottom line: One of the best Nashville duos since Johnny and June.

Vintage Guitar Magazine Review

Sugarcane Jane
Dirt Road's End
September 2015

There are enough examples of married-couple acts imploding or having one spouse drag the other down that there probably ought to be a warning sign, if not a law. But the debut duo album by Anthony and Savana Lee Crawford as Sugarcane Jane is enough to give romantics hope.

Multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Anthony Crawford has worked with Neil Young, Steve Winwood, Dwight Yoakam, Steve Forbert, Sonny James, Vince Gill, Rosanne Cash, Eddie Rabbitt, and Rodney Crowell - often as background vocalist, which is ironic considering his prowess on electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, piano, bass, drums, lap steel, and harmonica, all amply demonstrated here.

The opening "Ballad of Sugarcane Jane" is reminiscent in mood and texture of Steve Earle's "Copperhead Road." The next track, "The Game", falls somewhere between the Georgia Satellites and Timbuk 3. And there might be a touch of Buddy and Julie Miller here and there. But by "Home Nights", the couple's vocal harmonies and entering/disappearing instruments merge into a singular identity.

With co-producer Buzz Cason penning one and co-writing six of the 10 tunes and WIll Kimbrough guesting on banjo, this is one of the liveliest, most engaging Americana CDs you're likely to hear this or any year. - DF

Guitar World Interview | 'Dirt Road’s End': Sugarcane Jane's Anthony Crawford Talks New Album, Touring with Neil Young and More

Sugarcane Jane

Sugarcane Jane have amassed an extremely loyal following by performing what they like to call, “organic music at its finest."
Anthony Crawford and his wife, Savana Lee, are both virtuosos. Crawford is a songwriter who plays guitar and mandolin while Lee alternates between rhythm guitar, tambourine and snare drum.
Sugarcane Jane’s new album, Dirt Road’s End,provides a rich, homegrown brand of Americana that draws deep from a well of influences, including country, jazz, rock and gospel. The album was conceived and co-produced by legendary Americana/roots singer-songwriter Buzz Cason.
Dirt Road’s End, which was recorded on a classic Otari MTR-90 tape recorder, traverses a spectrum of moods and stories, including the autobiographical “Ballad of Sugarcane Jane” which features Anthony’s driving guitar work, and “Heartbreak Road," which steams with rock energy and bluegrass spirit.
I recently spoke with Crawford about Dirt Road’s End, recording “old school” and what it was like touring as a member of Steve Winwood and Neil Young’s bands.
GUITAR WORLD: To someone who might not be familiar with Sugarcane Jane, how would you describe your sound?
"Saving the planet one good vibe at a time" is our slogan. Savana and I are energy pushers and write songs that make people feel good. Although we have songs in our repertoire that have deeper meaning, the lyrical content for Dirt Road’s End is more light hearted. Savana and I are in love with each other, and that shows in our music. Ultimately, it’s energetic Americana that’s positive and light hearted.
What was the songwriting process like for Dirt Road’s End?
At one time when I was working in Nashville I was forced to write, but I quickly learned that the best songs are never written. Instead, they’re born. For this record, songs like “Ballad of Sugarcane Jane,” “San Andreas” and “Pedigree” were my lyrics and melody.
For the other seven, I wrote a melody or a piece of music and my co-writer/producer, Buzz Cason, wrote the lyrics. Buzz is such a masterful lyricist who's had a lot of success over the years. He’s always inspired. Then Savana came in and with her vocal and energy. She organized everything and brought it to life.

What made you decide to record this album "old school" style?
When you record with Pro Tools or in another digital format, manipulating the music is easily done. But when you record on analog, not only do you gather a different approach sonically but it also keeps you from the temptation of manipulating what it is you’re doing. Buzz has a studio in Nashville with a 2-inch tape machine and an old analog board and invited us in to record. We wanted to record that way because we wanted to capture exactly what we sound like live and have it be authentic.
What was it like for you working and touring as a guitarist with guys like Neil Young and Steve Winwood?
It was a fabulous time. I was in Steve’s band back when he did the Roll with It tour. I remember when I was on the road with him I was out with some serious musicians, like drummer Russ Kunkel, guys who’ve played on some really big records. We recently opened a show for Steve Winwood in Birmingham at the Alys Stephens Center, which is a beautiful venue.
But my main claim to fame as a sideman was playing with Neil Young. He’s someone who’s on maximum power at all times. For me to have been around him was an honor because not too many people get his approval. You can’t get a better gig than to play with Neil Young. He’s just amazing. He’s one of the most incredible songwriters of our time.
What excites you the most about the future and the next phase of your career?
We’re excited about having a broader audience and continuing to keep our music attached to who we are. Our secret weapon is to be ourselves, and by today’s standards it’s something that’s almost unheard of. We’re real people and want to continue to be ourselves and hopefully inspire other artists to embrace that philosophy and do the same.

Acoustic Guitar Magazine Review

July 2015 issue

Review: "Dirt Road's End" by Examiner.com

"Dirt Road's End" by Sugarcane Jane

Americana music is full of notable vocal duos, but there's something about the chemistry of a husband and wife band that gives the music a new energy. It's a large part of the success of groups like Shovels & Rope and Over the Rhine and it's an energy that saturates every second of the new album by Sugarcane Jane, "Dirt Road's End."

While Sugarcane Jane may be an unfamiliar name to many fans, its members are likely not. Multi-instrumentalist Anthony Crawford has a quarter century of experience as one of music's most in demand sideman, playing in bands with the likes of Neil Young, Steve Winwood, and Vince Gill. Savana Lee Crawford is a successful solo artist in her own right, as well as co-owner of Nashville's respected Deepfield Studio. The pair has also spent much of the last year touring as two-fifths of Gulf Coast supergroup Willie Sugarcapps alongside Will Kimbrough, Grayson Capps, and Corky Hughes.

That Gulf Coast vibe is another common factor that makes "Dirt Road's End" shine. Much has been made in recent years of the influence of Muscle Shoals to the detriment of South Alabama's musical melting pot of Delta blues and New Orleans-style jazz and soul but "Dirt Road's End" plays those influences, as well as tinges of the couple's time spent in Nashville, into a rollicking foot stomper of an album that is custom made to be blasting out of the open windows of a car driving a two-lane highway on a hot Alabama summer night.

While there is a loose "concept" in the album's lyrics tracing the couple's musical journey, complete with the origin story "Ballad of Sugarcane Jane", the clear focus of "Dirt Road's End" is the superb instrumental work and loose vocal harmonies of the Crawfords. From the album's most raucous number, "Sugar", to the closest thing it gets to a ballad, the gospel-tinged "Glory Bound", Sugarcane Jane sound like they're having the time of their lives and it's impossible not to catch that enthusiasm.

But the album's true highlight was written by the band's producer Buzz Cason. "Not Another Truck Song" is a tongue in cheek run through of every over used bro-country trope that offers the album's one laugh out loud moment.

Dirt roads end in a lot of places. Sometimes they just kind of peter out into an empty field. Sometimes the end of a dirt road offers the comforts of home and hearth. And sometimes, the end of a dirt road signals the start of a paved highway and whatever new adventures lie on the other side. Where the end of Sugarcane Jane's dirt road is lies still ahead, But "Dirt Road's End" is the kind of album that has launched many a regional act onto the interstate highway of national spotlight.

Examiner.com

The Alternate Root Interview with Anthony Crawford

Sugarcane Jane - Anthony Crawfod Interview - Sugarcane Jane start off their upcoming release, Dirt Road’s End, with a calling card aka story song about themselves. “The Ballad of Sugarcane Jane” travels the road of touring musicians: the highs become a kaleidoscope that prisms the sunshine of today. The words reflect of the music, and the sound mirrors the players…Sugarcane Jane. The tale begins at the end of the road, and the beginning, for Anthony Crawford. The ballad of the story starts at Dirt Road’s End to the sound track of ‘la-la-la’. It is the story of Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee aka Sugarcane Jane. Anthony is the guy who ‘followed the path of the crow all the way to the music row’, Savana is the ‘la-la-la’ siren that showed a way out. The message is trickier than anything the smoking caterpillar can dish out…to start on your path you must first find the Dirt Road’s End….and also ‘friends who come to the shows and they’re buying everything that we record’.

Anthony Crawford is one of the most pleasant conversations that I have ever had as a journalist, or as a human being. Anthony has a history. I thought I knew more about him, yet it turns out he knew more. Anthony has the ability to carefully weigh decisions. Probably like rolling a boulder up a hill if you are on the inside, though when Anthony shares his path, it seems obvious.

Anthony Crawford : Someone I was working with once told me that ‘you gotta love this more than life, more than god, more than family’. It was a defining moment. I wanted to co-exist. I couldn’t turn my back on those things I held so close. Thinking that is what was needed, it took a long time to admit that I am successful. You can’t pay to play with Neil Young and Paul McCartney and try to kid yourself that this is not special. I will write a book…I have had so many moments that are way above normal. I have never hit financially, and I have spent all of my time working for others.

Anthony Crawford has a resume. Born in Birmingham Alabama, Nashville became home for nearly three decades. He performed live at Opryland, toured with the Sonny James Band, and appeared on television’s Hee Haw. He performed in the studio and touring with Steve Winwood, Neil Young, Vince Gill, Rosanne Cash, and Steve Forbert. Anthony had solo success and was persuaded back into touring by Neil Young as part of the International Harvesters.

Anthony Crawford: I played Hyde Park with Neil Young and Paul McCartney and two weeks later I was playing at Lulu’s for people eating shrimp. The shrimp eaters energy is awesome. I find it more difficult to play for a small crowd. One of things I like about Sugarcane Jane if the off-the-cuff energy. It is like fresh baked bread; every show is always a little different.

Dirt Road’s End is a duo with friends as the songs catch a ride on a bass bump that navigates down “Heartbreak Road”, adds guitar jangle sweetness to the already honey-dripping vocals for “Sugar”, and sees the beauty of the “San Andreas”, sharing the gossip that ‘if god had a home, she’d be living there’. Sugarcane Jane equally sonically mirror their environment. The songs are not autobiographical though their ties to home and family dig the tracks roots directly into the earth we share under our feet.

Anthony Crawford: Our home is in Alabama. We live in 2400 acres that has been owned in the family since the 1880’s. Being a parent this late in life is great. We have two children, and our four and a half year old is starting kindergarten. I am driving kids to school. I live for those moments when I can make my kids feel better about themselves, and about their future. There is no shoving them back up there, this is it.

In addition to Sugarcane Jane as a duo, Anthony and Savana are part of the collective Willie Sugarcapps, along with Will Kimbrough and Grayson Capps.

Anthony Crawford: We have a full summer of shows. We have Willie Sugarcapps dates coming up, some Northern California dates in late June. We have a tour with Sugarcane Jane coming up in July tour with Steve Forbert. We are the opening act and as his back-up band.

It is when Sugarcane Jane sing about “Home Nights” that the road seems like a long highway in the ‘Mississippi moonlight’. Dirt Road’s End plays “The Game” over a rattle rhythm that shakes the harmonica loose to lead the way for a story of ‘this poor boy left this small town and he won’t be back no more’. Sugarcane Jane board a rumbling ‘train that runs all the way to New Orleans’ as they travel to “Louisiana” in their dreams, make sure the Country stays Folk for “Not Another Truck Song”, and shudder and shiver the groove to break free and become “Glory Bound”.

Listen and buy the music of Sugarcane Jane from AMAZON or iTunes on April 28, 2015

Tahoe OnStage Review

Sugarcane Jane,’Dirt Road’s End,’ romance and down-home music

Sugarcane Jane’s newest release, “Dirt Road’s End,” is a stripped-down romp through country and roots music that pulses with the spirit of a backcountry throwdown.

The Alabama Gulf Coast-duo is the product of the classic colleague-to-lover tale, with singer and guitarist Savana Lee meeting her multi-instrumentalist husband, Anthony, while working in Nashville. They turned their romance into a musical project in the vein of Americana husband-and-wife duos like Shovels & Rope and Gillian Welch and David Rawlings that crackles with energy and musicianship.

The album rightfully kicks off with the foot-stomping “Ballad of Sugarcane Jane,” which chronicles the duo’s journey from their Nashville beginnings to the hard-touring partners in love and music they are today. “Never in my life have I felt so free/ Like a bird on a branch of a live oak tree,” sing the duo, and it is evident in its spirited harmonies this band is the best avenue for each musician to pursue their passions. It also a great introduction to what you’ll hear on “Dirt Road’s End,” driving songs built upon guitar, sienna-tinged harmonies and passionate singing.

Anthony has been working for the last 25 year as a sideman to some of the biggest names in country and Americana, Neil Young, Dwight Yoakam, Vince Gill and Roseanne Cash to name a few, and his pedigree is apparent from the rugged “The Game,” with its rousing harmonica and electric guitar to the fiery “Louisiana.” Working with so many stars known for their songwriting ability, it is no wonder Anthony has pumped the album full of infectious melodies and engaging phrasing.

There is definitely has a down-home tone to the album due to its bare-essentials instrumentation and country-inspired songwriting, which is encapsulated perfectly on “Home Nights.” The sweet ode to home life was actually written in a tool shed by Anthony and producer Buzz Cason, and the song feels as comforting as a backyard singalong with its fiddle hook and guitar-picked rhythm. The flirtatious back-and-forth between Anthony and Savana on “Sugar” feels as natural as their own love language and the song marks one of the most unbridled and passionate performances by the duo, as if this was an impromptu recording done on any old Sunday afternoon.

The duo certainly have found its sound on this album, and though the songs all fall into a simple foot-stomping rhythm, the duo’s enthusiasm for the music keep you lockstep in the groove. It is music that is meant to be played live to crowds who can’t get enough drinking and dancing and the energy of the record radiates clearly through the speakers, even if you aren’t surrounded by happy, drunk strangers. “Dirt Road’s End” is an engaging record and you will be tapping your feet and bobbing your head almost instantly.

Sugarcane Jane
“Dirt Road’s End”
Label: ArenA Recordings
Release: April 28, 2015
Notable Tracks: “Home Nights,” “Ballad of Sugarcane Jane,” “Sugar”
Purchase: LINK

AXS - Review

Review: On 'Ladders and Edges,' Sugarcane Jane finds a reason to slow down

Lagniappe Mobile - Review

The Southland Music Line

The Washington Times Review

Vintage Guitar Magazine Review

Guitar World Interview | 'Dirt Road’s End': Sugarcane Jane's Anthony Crawford Talks New Album, Touring with Neil Young and More

Sugarcane Jane

Acoustic Guitar Magazine Review

Review: "Dirt Road's End" by Examiner.com

The Alternate Root Interview with Anthony Crawford

In addition to Sugarcane Jane as a duo, Anthony and Savana are part of the collective Willie Sugarcapps, along with Will Kimbrough and Grayson Capps.

Anthony Crawford: We have a full summer of shows. We have Willie Sugarcapps dates coming up, some Northern California dates in late June. We have a tour with Sugarcane Jane coming up in July tour with Steve Forbert. We are the opening act and as his back-up band.

Listen and buy the music of Sugarcane Jane from AMAZON or iTunes on April 28, 2015

Tahoe OnStage Review

Sugarcane Jane,’Dirt Road’s End,’ romance and down-home music

Mobile Press Register and AL.Com Review

The Southern Rambler | Sugarcane Jane Finds Identity, Energy, and Success at Dirt Road’s End

The Southland Music Line | Why We Love Sugarcane Jane As Told By The Friends and Fans Who Love Them

PopMatters review of Dirt Road's End

Boomerocity: Anthony Crawford discusses Sugarcane Jane

No Depression Interview: Singer/Songwriter and Guitarist Anthony Crawford, From Neil Young's Band to Sugarcane Jane

SongFacts Interview: ANTHONY CRAWFORD OF SUGARCANE JANE

Guitar International | Anthony Crawford of Sugarcane Jane: Inspiration is Essential

Exclusive Magazine Review

Drunken Werewolf Review

The Weekly Single Recap: May 1, 2015 - Roughstock.com

The Daily Gleaner Review of Dirt Road's End

Ricky Flake with the Sun Herald Reviews Dirt Road's End

Andy Andrews Article

Birmingham's Anthony Crawford finds the sweet spot in his music with Willie Sugarcapps

Sugarcane Jane hits its stride, branching out from Baldwin County

Sugarcane Jane making tidal waves along the Gulf Coast

Sugarcane Jane visits Callaghan’s Irish Social Club