Cityview, The Accidentals (from the self-released Vessels) With the addition of drummer Michael Dause the Accidentals have expanded their musical palette into full-on rock territory. Songs like opener “Count the Rings”, “Rollercoaster” and “Slow and Steady” bristle with an electric guitar and bass fueled energy. That said, the group also mine familiar acoustic cello and […]
Monday Morning Video – Chris Knight
I took a trip down a Chris Knight rabbit hole this weekend, straight back to the beginning. Here’s “It Ain’t Easy Being Me” from his self-titled debut. Lyrics don’t come more potent than this: Why do I do the things I do?Was I born this way or am I self made fool?I shoot the lights […]
Monday Morning Video – Stephen Kellogg’s Thanksgiving
It’s been a few years since we’ve shared Stephen Kellogg’s ode to – and hopes for – Thanksgiving. This seems like a good year to share it again. Oh Thanksgiving, the harvest draws to a closeRedemption is a bugle humility composedSweet forgiveness, thawing across frozen groundCasting light eternally, carrying its sound
Monday Morning Video – Jack Ingram
Last week was long and this week is shaping up to be even longer. Jack Ingram’s “I’m Drinking Through It” may be about dealing with heartbreak but seems like a suitable anthem for the week.
Monday Morning Video – Alex Wong
I’ll admit that I’d lost touch with Alex Wong’s music for awhile. Although I recall his early days as part of the Animators, I hadn’t kept up with his solo output. I re-connected with his music with 2019’s Kivalina, a joint EP with Jesse Terry and, thanks to a chance meeting in Nashville this past […]
Monday Morning Video – Stevie Ray Vaughan
How about a two-fer from the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan to kick off the week. First, a searing version of “Life Without You” followed by a searing version of “Tightrope”.
Monday Morning Video – Terra Lightfoot
Don’t let the gentle beginning fool you, this song will give you a bigger jolt of energy than any caffeinated beverage drink. “Midnight Choir” is from Terra Lightfoot’s 2020 release Consider the Speed. Crank it up.
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2021
What’s the Matter, James McMurtry (from the New West Records release The Horses and the Hounds) Even in the shittiest of years – and the past two years have been beauts – new music from James McMurtry is always a bright spot. In fact, given the songwriter’s infrequent album releases – The Horses and the Hounds is […]
Monday Morning Video – The 2021 Americana Music Awards
UPDATE: The full show video is no longer available so we’ve added a brief highlight clip. One of the most memorable experience of the annual Americana Music Association conference is the awards show. Held at the historic Ryman Auditorium, it is a tremendous celebration of music and musicians as well as host to some memorable […]
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
AHI One of my AMA highlights was hearing AHI preview his forthcoming album Prospect. The setting was his producer Paul Mabury’s home studio, nestled in the mountains south of Nashville. A handful of us sat in the studio with AHI, Mabury, and several of the musicians who appeared on the album. In between listening to […]