Sixty-six-year-old Rollo White unleashes his hardcore honky-tonk debut album with a riotous Lower East Side party
In the heart of the Lower East Side, Baker Falls played host to a vibrant and eclectic event dubbed "Rollopalooza" last week. The performance was part of a record release celebration for White's first solo album, "Highway 81 Revisited."
Rollo White, a musician with a 50-year journey spanning country, folk, and John Prine to avant-garde jazz, punk, and no-wave, took the stage at Baker Falls. His musical odyssey led him to play with the Bad Brains and record most of his debut album, "Highway 81 Revisited," in Brooklyn.
The album, a nod to a groundbreaking LP by a famous living songwriter, was recorded with session musicians who have worked with legendary artists such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and Elvis Costello.
The event featured various acts curated by White, including Girls on Grass, who closed the show with their alt-country punk. Matt Basile, Maynard and the Musties, Stephanie M. Hall, Carl Watson, Jenn Dean, and Carol Wierzbicki were among the acts that graced the stage.
Carl Watson, a longtime friend of White's and an "American original," performed a set. Carol Wierzbicki charmed the crowd with a standard accompanied by ukulele, and Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back" was a crowd pleaser.
Stephanie M. Hall surprised White with a set of original music, and Joe Maynard played his set leaning against the wall off to the side of the stage. Nick Bodor, the owner of Baker Falls, expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating it was the kind of community atmosphere he envisioned for the club.
Despite living in the East Village for a while, Rollo White still sometimes feels like "a fish out of water." There's a piece of him that's still a southern boy. However, he didn't let that stop him from delivering a captivating performance at Baker Falls.
Rollo White's music can be heard and bought at rollowhite.bandcamp.com, and his Instagram handle is @rollowhitesongs. Don't miss out on this talented musician's debut solo album, "Highway 81 Revisited."
At Baker Falls, Rollo White entertained the crowd with a performance that spanned various genres, including music styles from country to avant-garde jazz. The debut album, "Highway 81 Revisited," showcases Rollo's musical versatility, nodding to a renowned LP while being recorded with session musicians who have worked with iconic artists in the music industry.
