152: John Calvin Abney

On Episode 152, I am joined by Oklahoma songwriter and musician John Calvin Abney. Abney's long been one of Oklahoma's best for his contributions as a solo artist and a side musician working with the likes of John Moreland, Samantha Crain, and several others. His latest album, November's Familiar Ground, finds the Oklahoman delivering some of his finest work to date. It was recorded remotely with friend and fellow songwriter, the aforementioned Moreland this past Spring and early Summer. Much like recent efforts, Coyote and Safe Passage, Familiar Ground has a wonderfully rich and dreamy soundscape that's as calm and soothing as it is robust with country field folk fragrances.

During this conversation, Abney and I talk about the writing and recording of Familiar Ground after a lengthy Moreland tour was canceled in March (for Moreland's LP5), working remotely, filling time in 2020, producing a new album for fellow Oklahoma songwriter Bryon White (The Damn Quails), the survival of the music industry, our favorite video game and film scores, and (re)discovering the great soft/indie/art rock albums of the late '70s and early 80s.

This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol. In addition, this episode is sponsored by The Blue Light Live and Hot Damn Coffee.

Interview Transcript

Note: Transcripts aren’t always accurate since they are computer automated and haven’t been edited for spelling, grammar, etc.