Ben Weaver - I Would Rather Be A Buffalo (2015)

Ben Weaver was born in Eugene, OR, but was raised primarily in St. Paul, MN. With music all around him growing up, Weaver knew that it would be a vital part of his life. The musician dropped out of college after one year and began traveling. This was important for Weaver, gaining the experience he would use to formulate his songs. In 1999, the singer released his debut album, El Camino Blues, on Unit Three Records. The album featured Greg Brown, as well as help from Tony Glover. Weaver then toured in support of the album, performing with Brown as well as sharing the stage with Fred Eaglesmith, Alejandro Escovedo, and the late Dave Van Ronk. The tour would result in more songs being written on the road, and his sophomore album, Living in the Ground, would soon be released on 30/30 Industries; the album was recorded in one five-hour session and featured Bo Ramsey and Dave Moore. His third album, 2002's Hollerin' at a Woodpecker, was again released on 30/30 Industries and seemed to be the proverbial charm. Critics in influential music magazines in Britain and the United States praised the album. In 2004 Weaver saw his Stories Under Nails album released on Fugawee Bird Records, his own label. The album was released internationally and Weaver toured worldwide in support of it. After its release, Weaver continued writing, and toured with many artists, including the Waifs and Kristin Hersh. Ax in the Dark appeared in 2008 from Chicago's Bloodshot Records, and was followed by Mirepoix and Smoke in 2010. ~ Jason MacNeil