ALBUMS OF THE MONTH And the War Came, by Shakey Graves Austin-based Alejandro Rose-Garcia — Shakey Graves — makes a mighty fine racket. His live performances, generally just him on the stage playing guitar and percussion, are captivating. And the War Came is the rare studio album that captures this energy while simultaneously showcasing the […]
Monday Morning Video: James Brown on the T.A.M.I. Show
Here’s the legendary James Brown delivering a performance for the ages.
Mayer’s Playlist for Oct 2014, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Boxers, by Matthew Ryan Boxers is an album of discontent. Life, love, work — you name it — the characters that inhabit this collection of songs are dissatisfied. There is rage, resentment and restlessness. Through it all, however, Ryan manages to find a glimmer of hope — sometimes it’s a lyrical […]
Monday Morning Video: J.P. Harris and Nikki Lane
Here are J.P. Harris and the Tough Choices with guest Nikki Lane performing a damn fine rendition of the Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty classic “After the Fire Is Gone.” Harris has just released a fine new honky-tonk album (Home Is Where the Hurt Is) and Lane released her own gem earlier this year (All […]
Monday Morning Video: Pete Donnelly “The Trench”
It can often be both refreshing and insightful to hear a stripped down version of a songs originally performed by a full band. Here’s a great example — Pete Donnelly of the Figgs offering up a solo take on one of my favorite songs from that band’s extensive catalog. The tempo is a touch slower […]
Americana 2014: Say What?!
One of my favorite things about attending music conferences and festivals are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections. FROM THE AWARDS SHOW If it wasn’t for that guy we’d be doing this at a burnt out Kmart. Jason Isbell acknowledging that the awards show was being […]
Americana 2014: The Sounds, Part 2
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. MATTHEW RYAN This was, hands-down, the highlight of the week for […]
Monday Morning Video: Rod Picott “Where No One Knows My Name”
Nashville singer-songwriter Rod Picott passed through Boston a few weeks ago. It was a special treat to hear him perform this song, one of my favorites from his 2013 release Hang Your Hopes on a Crooked Nail.
Americana 2014: The Sounds, Part 1
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. JOE FLETCHER I couldn’t think of a better way to close […]
Monday Morning Video: A Premiere from Dom Flemons
There has been some debate recently about what is and what isn’t Americana. Whether you lean towards a broad definition or one that is tightly constrained, I think we can all agree that folks like Dom Flemons are the real deal. The Carolina Chocolate Drops co-founder, now performing as a solo artist, comes across as […]