“His music was the first music I ever listened to. ” Woody Guthrie was a legendary American folk singer-songwriter known for his powerful voice, poignant lyrics, and activism. Guthrie’s music was deeply rooted in the American experience, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of everyday people.

The Roots of Roger Harvey’s Music

Roger Harvey’s musical journey began with punk rock, a genre that emphasized energy, rebellion, and social commentary.

The Concept Behind Two Coyotes

The album’s title, Two Coyotes, is inspired by the idea that folk music is a shared experience that transcends generations and geographical boundaries. The title reflects the album’s themes of unity, connection, and the power of music to bring people together.

The Folk Music Tradition

Folk music has a rich history that spans centuries, with roots in traditional music from around the world. It is characterized by its use of acoustic instruments, storytelling, and a focus on the human experience. Folk music has played a significant role in shaping American culture, with many iconic artists contributing to its evolution. Examples of influential folk artists include Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Woody Guthrie, who helped to popularize the genre and bring it to a wider audience.

The Album’s Sound and Style

The album’s sound is deeply rooted in the folk music tradition, with a focus on acoustic instrumentation and heartfelt storytelling. The songs are characterized by their simplicity, intimacy, and emotional depth, making them relatable and accessible to listeners of all ages. The album features a mix of original compositions and traditional folk songs, showcasing Harvey’s ability to reimagine and reinterpret classic material.

The Themes and Messages

The album explores a range of themes and messages, including the importance of community, the power of music to heal and uplift, and the need for social justice.

A keen example of this enduring quality is the track “Keep on the Sunny Side.” Originally written by Ada Blenkhorn in 1899, the track became a setlist closer for Harvey in 2021. The song calls for its listener to look on the brighter side of life but also acknowledges the hardships that ordinary people face. The lyrics of Woody Guthrie make an appearance on the track “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos).” Connecting to the real life plane crash over the Mexican-American border that killed four named Americans and 28 persons labeled just as “deportees,” Guthrie turned his anger at their namelessness into music. While the inspiration for the song dates back to 1948, its meaning holds water today as America’s immigration policies and departments continue to strip individuals of their humanity. It is worrisome that a song written over 70 years ago shares thoughts that are seen as radical today.

“I love to be pushed to my limits.” This quote encapsulates the essence of the album’s recording process, which was marked by a series of unconventional and innovative approaches to capturing the sounds of folk music.

The Unconventional Recording Process

The album’s recording process was anything but conventional. The band members were encouraged to experiment with unconventional sounds and instruments, which resulted in a unique and captivating soundscape.

The Formation of a Musical Partnership

The connection between Harvey and Simon Flory was not an overnight phenomenon. It was a gradual process that began with their shared passion for music and their experiences with sobriety. As they toured together, they started to collaborate on songwriting, which eventually led to the formation of a musical partnership. The duo’s early days were marked by experimentation and exploration of different sounds and styles. They drew inspiration from traditional country and folk music, as well as contemporary artists. Through their songwriting process, they began to develop a unique sound that blended their individual styles.

The Rise of the Flory Brothers

As the Flory Brothers’ music gained popularity, they started to attract attention from fans and critics alike. Their unique sound and energetic live performances quickly made them a staple of the Texas music scene. The duo’s live shows were characterized by their tight harmonies and infectious energy. They drew inspiration from classic country and folk acts, such as the Everly Brothers and Bob Dylan.

The Recording Process

The recording process for Progress was a collaborative effort that involved a diverse group of musicians from the Texas music scene. Flory, the primary songwriter and performer, reached out to local musicians to contribute to the album. This approach not only added to the authenticity of the record but also helped to create a unique sound that reflected the spirit of Texas music. Some of the notable musicians who contributed to Progress include: + John W.