Welcome to Peaceful Waters, a tribute compilation to the late John Prine! JP passed away last month due to complications caused by COVID-19, and his ashes were scattered along the Green River, in accordance with his wishes detailed in the lyrics of his song "Paradise". This compilation features artists, largely based in the Pacific Northwest, who count him among their most treasured influences.
Cover art by Mark Habegger
"When I was sidekick on tour with Laura Veirs as a duo, we opened for John Prine at an outdoor festival in London in a tent. Meanwhile, Bob Dylan was playing across the lawn. I think I even took a field recording in between stages of both of them soundchecking at the same time. Maybe 2005? I have a funny, short story about 'meeting' John Prine. After soundcheck, I was using the backstage men's room. I thought I was alone in the bathroom, was washing my hands when I see in the mirror Mr. Prine coming out of the stall behind me. I don't know what happened then. I freaked out and tackled him coming out of the stall in a bear hug. His reaction was the sweetest– he started laughing like Santa Claus: 'ho, ho, ho!' But I was suddenly mortified about what I had just done so I sped off, we spoke not a word to each other. That was a great lesson for me in humility. His reaction will always live in my heart." - Karl Blau
This massive Magnetic Fields tribute album benefits "No More Dysphoria," a nonprofit supporting the transgender and non-binary communities. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 3, 2019