I’m not sure which is more impressive: the talent amassed on this stage or their collective admiration of Glen Campbell’s performance of “Gentle On My Mind”. You be the judge.
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2021, Part 1
Deep End, Joe Pug (from the Nation of Heat Records release The Diving Sun) What began as a collection of archival material emerges as a full-fledged album, complete with some wonderful new compositions. All flow with the grace and melodic charm that are Pug hallmarks. The Diving Sun is a mix of quiet acoustic and […]
Monday Morning Video – Glorietta
The band Glorietta was billed as a one-time collaboration among singer-songwriters Noah Gundersen, Matthew Logan Vasquez, Kelsey Wilson, David Ramirez, Adrian Quesada, Jason Robert Blum. I’m hoping that they go back on their word and re-convene for a second album. In the meantime, here’s a beauty from their self-titled first release.
Monday Morning Video – Lloyd Price
We lost a legend last week with the passing of Lloyd Price. The Louisiana native was a rock and roll pioneer, writing and recording storied classics like “Stagger Lee”, “Lawdy Miss Clawdy”, and “Personality” (the song that inspired his nickname “Mr. Personality”). We had the chance to interview Price several years ago and it remains […]
“Together Alone” – a Premiere From Jeff Plankenhorn
While we are by no means out of the woods, there is at least some semblance of hope emerging. But even as we look forward, we can’t forget what we’ve experienced over the past 15 months. That’s where our artists and musicians come into play. Jeff Plankenhorn’s “Together Alone†conjures up the sense of isolation […]
Monday Morning Video – Jimbo Mathus and Andrew Bird
Not sure how I missed this release earlier in the year, but former Squirrel Nut Zippers bandmates Andrew Bird and Jimbo Mathus reunited for the stripped down and magical These 13. Here’s “Poor Lost Souls”, their sobering reflection on homelessness. She’s just a lump of coal, but she could have been a diamondHe’s just a […]
We’ll Go Walkin’ – A Special Dallas Playlist
The City, Brandon Callies (from the Hand Drawn Records release Sunrise Diner) Sunrise Diner, born of heartbreak, is not a happy album. Nonetheless, it is immensely satisfying as Brandon Callies blends melody and melancholy into regal pop songs. Opener “The City” sets a sorrowful tone, describing the singer wandering seemingly deserted city streets trying to […]
Monday Morning Video – William Prince
I’ll admit that I’m a late-comer to William Prince’s music. While in Nashville two years ago for the Americana Conference, I arrived at a venue early in anticipation of catching a favorite artist (Terra Lightfoot, if you must know). The sounds that greeted me, courtesy of Prince, were astonishing. While I can’t recall with any […]
Monday Morning Video – Celebrating Levon Helm at the Ryman
Levon Helm is an Americana, hell, an all-around music legend who we lost nine years ago today. Here are two celebrations of the man at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The first is a Levon Helm’s Ramble show from 2009 and features the man himself, as well as John Hiatt, Sheryl Crow, Buddy Miller, Sam […]
Monday Morning Video – The Waterboys
A recent conversation with some music friends was a welcome reminder of the greatness that is The Waterboys. Here are two favorites to start the week. First is the Waterboys performing “The Whole of the Moon” in Germany back in 2007. Second is The Waterboys’ Mike Scott and Steve Wickham joining James Maddock at New […]