Life’s a Bell, Langhorne Slim (from the Dualtone Records release The Spirit Moves) The pride (at least I think) of Langhorne, PA is back with his best album yet. He still has one foot planted in the Americana realm – a banjo plays subtly yet persistently across many of songs here – yet his sound […]
Monday Morning Video – Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
There’s been, well, a bit of buzz around Nathaniel Rateliff. His recent Boston appearance was initially booked into a small club with a 240-person capacity but was moved to a room that holds more than 1,000. Even then, the show sold out quickly. The buzz is well-deserved as Rateliff and the band put on a […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2015, Part 1
Wonderin’ Where, Joe Ely (from the Rack ‘Em Records release Panhandle Rambler) Joe Ely is a one of the great American musical storytellers. His latest album finds him in a rather reflective mood, casting a thoughtful eye on the characters and landscape of his beloved Texas. Whether he is painting a picture of the lonesome […]
Monday Morning Video – Paris and Allen Toussaint
Music is – and should be – about joy and bringing people together. Even the sad songs. Friday’s events in Paris were heartbreaking and our thoughts go out to those who were affected by the attacks at the Eagles of Death Metal concert and throughout Paris. The week began with the sad passing of the […]
Monday Morning Video – A Premiere from Ronnie Fauss
Built to Break, the 2014 release from Dallas-based artist Ronnie Fauss, is an under-appreciated gem. The album careens across eleven mostly rockin’ tracks that are all burnished with Texas red dirt. Fauss sings about characters who strive for success in love and life but who often miss the mark. He stops short of drawing conclusions; […]
Undeniably Donnie – A Tribute to Funky Donnie Fritts
Muscle Shoals musician and journeyman Donnie Fritts is perhaps most immediately recognizable from his nearly 20 years touring and performing with Kris Kristofferson and appearing in a handful of films (including a trio of director Sam Peckinpah classics). Arguably his greatest talent, however, is as a songwriter. What does it say when an writer’s work […]
Monday Morning Video – J.D. McPherson Lets the Good Times Roll
How about some good ol” rock and roll to start your week? This online casino week”s video is courtesy of J.D. McPherson.
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2015, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Didn’t He Ramble, by Glen Hansard Hansard’s latest album is a journey. Across the album’s ten tracks, Hansard takes the listener on a quest for happiness and contentment. Not surprisingly the journey is a meandering one, filled with hopes both realized and dashed. The album begins with a rather defiant tone […]
Monday Morning Video – Caleb Caudle’s “Miss You Like Crazy”
Caudle and his band put on a fine performance at the Americana Music Festival last month. The show sent me back to his outstanding 2014 release Paint Another Layer on my Heart, including this heartbreak of a song.
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2015, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH All a Man Should Do, by Lucero There’s something to be said for aging gracefully, especially when you’ve got a well-earned reputation for raucous and whiskey-fueled rock and roll. Memphis-based Lucero demonstrate how to do it right on the 12th album of their nearly 18 year career. Singer-songwriter Nichols has long […]