On September 17, 2008, the legendary Levon Helm took his beloved Midnight Ramble on the road to one of America’s treasured venues, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Accompanied by such luminaries as Buddy Miller, John Hiatt, Sheryl Crow, George Receli, Sam Bush and Billy Bob Thornton, the Levon Helm Band created an unforgettable night of stage magic.

Electric Dirt (Dirt Farmer Music/Vanguard Records) is the second album in the last two years from American musical treasure Levon Helm. Its predecessor, the GRAMMY-winning Dirt Farmer, his first solo LP in a quarter century, followed Levon's near miraculous recovery from throat cancer, and as such represented a new lease on life for the legendary artist, who rose to prominence as the drummer and vocalist for Levon and the Hawks, which later became The Band. Electric Dirt again finds Levon steeped in tradition in his connection to the land and those who live by it, but this record goes deeper and wider, incorporating gospel, blues and soul elements in a bracing collection of originals and carefully chosen outside songs. As with Dirt Farmer, multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell took the reigns as producer and the album was recorded at "The Barn"- Levon Helm Studios. "Our objective here was to take the honesty, innocence and purity of the Dirt Farmer record which represents a true element of what Levon is all about, but also expand on that and explore deeper the goldmine of Levon's musical artistry" states Campbell.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Levon Helm's Dirt Farmer will be released
October 30 by Vanguard Records, his first solo, studio album in 25 years. The organic feel of the sessions hark back to his work with The Band and comes on the heels of a wave of attention for his Midnight Rambles, late night concerts held at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY.

It's a major landmark on a remarkable journey for Levon Helm. "The last few years have proven to me that we truly live in an age of miracles," writes Levon in the poignant liner notes. After arduous treatments for throat cancer that took away his singing voice and a fire that consumed over eighty percent of his recording studio, Helm was amazed to find both restored.

On Dirt Farmer, Helm's pays tribute to his family, singing traditional songs that he learned growing up in rural Arkansas. He also covers songs by Steve Earle and J.B. Lenoir; full of Dobros, mandolins and acoustic guitars, the album resonates deeply, honoring Levon's roots.

Multi-instrumentalist Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Lyle Lovett, Solomon Burke) and Levon's daughter Amy, also a member of Ollabelle, produced and shepherded the project at "The Barn," Levon Helm Studios. Levon himself plays drums, mandolin, and acoustic guitar and provides all lead vocals.

Raven presents this exceptional CD collection comprising two original albums from the legendary multi-instrumentalist / singer / songwriter and founding member of The Band - LEVON HELM: Levon Helm (1978) and Levon Helm (1982). Originally recorded for ABC and Capitol Records respectively, these two albums see Helm at the top of his game. As a mainstay of The Band, Helm was in a prime position to launch his solo career with that group's farewell in 1976. The first of his two self-titled albums was produced by Donald ?Duck? Dunn of the legendary Booker T. & the MG's. Featuring Steve Cropper and the Muscle Shoals session crew, Levon Helm (1978) presents some serious funk and soul and earthy roots rock highlighted by excellent covers of Al Green's 'Take Me to the River', Allen Toussaint's 'Play Something Sweet' and Tony Joe White's 'I Came Here to Party'. The second Levon Helm (1982) was produced by Jimmy Johnson and Barry Beckett from the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and again featured funky tracks such as Richard Supa's 'Lucrecia', Johnny Otis' 'Willie and the Hand Jive' and the highly suggestive 'Get Out Your Big Roll Daddy'. ?Helm's Arkansas drawl gives his vocals an affecting personality, the playing is solid and the songs really cook? - All Music Guide. With 75 minutes of superb quality audio, color booklet, detailed notes and bonus track (Eddie Cochran's) 'Summertime Blues'. Also available on Raven: Levon Helm and the RCO All-Stars / Ameri-can Son (RVCD272).

Second solo album from the legendary drummer and one of the most distinctive voices in rock history as a founding member of The Band. Recorded for ABC in 1978, this album has long been unavailable on CD anywhere & here has it's first ever European release. Guests include Steve Cropper. Acadia label. 2002.

Live archive release from the former Band member. On September 17, 2008, the legendary Levon Helm took his beloved Midnight Ramble on the road to one of America's treasured venues, Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium. Accompanied by such luminaries as Buddy Miller, John Hiatt, Sheryl Crow, George Receli, Sam Bush and Billy Bob Thornton, the Levon Helm Band created an unforgettable night of stage magic. Now on double 180g vinyl in gatefold packaging.