Tipping The Hat: Sista Mary

Answered by: Sista Mary

Band: Curator of the Gram Parsons Project

Which act are you paying tribute to and why? The music of Gram Parsons. I fell in love with Gram and his music early on with The Byrds' Sweetheart Of The Rodeo. I knew he was doing something very special, marrying country with rock.

What was their best period musically? Gram died way too young at 26 — so everything he did is treasured. Personally I love The Gilded Palace Of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers and both his solo albums.

Your favourite song of theirs and why? A Song For You is my absolute favourite. The imagery is biblical, yet it's such a personal statement. He was a Southern boy from Georgia — the Okefenokee Swamp is 'the trembling earth.'

Which album of theirs would you give to a newbie who had no idea about them to best represent them? Probably one of the compilation albums spanning his entire career. The two solo records GP and Grievous Angel come together on one CD nowadays.

When and where is your gig giving them the nod? 10 Jul, Memorial Hall, Bello Winter Music festival.