Burn It, Joshua Ray Walker (from the State Fair Records release Wish You Were Here) Texas has a rich tradition of extraordinary storytellers. Writers who weave exceptional stories filled with colorful characters that find themselves in situations both trying and humorous. With Wish You Were Here, his debut release, Joshua Ray Walker firmly establishes himself […]
Monday Morning Video – Carter Sampson
There are inevitably a few albums that slip by my radar each year. Carter Sampson’s 2018 release Lucky fits into that category. The album is filled with songs that sit on the cusp of folk and country, often determined solely by the arrangements. She passed through Dallas several weeks ago and treated to two shows, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January/February 2019, Part 1
Full Moon Goodbye, Michael McDermott (from the Pauper Sky Records release Orphans) Orphans is notable in that it is made up of songs that were written for but didn’t make the cut for McDermott’s recent albums. Orphans they may be, outcasts they are not. This collection of songs more than hold their own in the […]
Monday Morning Video – Dale Watson and Big Sandy
The Ameripolitan Awards, founded six years ago by musician Dale Watson, celebrate rockabilly, western swing, outlaw and honky-tonk music. You know, authentic music. This year’s event takes place in Memphis, TN with four days of entertainment from February 22nd through the 25th. The event culminates in the annual awards show, this year hosted by Watson […]
Monday Morning Video – Dobie Gray’s “Drift Away”
I’ve been revisiting some soul classics of late. High on my list is favorites is Dobie Gray’s uplifting “Drift Away”. Here’s Gray performing the song back in the 1970’s and a bonus video of Bruce Springsteen dusting it off in 2013.
Monday Morning Video – Los Lobos
Let’s start the week with a question. Why aren’t Los Lobos in the Rock Hall of Fame? Over their more than 45 year career, they’ve demonstrated a mastery of broad musical styles alongside a tremendous commitment to artistic creativity and craft. Their live performances bring this range to life with an infectious energy. Here are […]
Monday Morning Video – The Staples Singers
It’s hard to go wrong kicking off the week with the Staples Singers. Here’s the group celebrating their 1999 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with rousing performances of their classics “Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There.”
Say What?! Summer/Fall 2018 Edition
One of my favorite things about seeing live shows (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from summer/fall 2018. If this is your first time seeing me, you’ll realize that I’m an acquired taste. This next song here should weed you out. […]
Monday Morning Video – Whitey Morgan
Whitey Morgan is one of the shining lights in contemporary outlaw country. Here’s “Around Here” from last year’s Hard Times and White Lines.
Monday Morning Video – Jimmy Cliff and Friends
How about we start off the week with a classic. Jimmy Cliff is a towering voice, both as a singer and a songwriter, and “Many Rivers to Cross” is among his finest creations. Don’t believe me? Look at this list of artists who have covered the song: Bruce Springsteen, Annie Lennox, Jimmy Barnes & Crowded […]