Jay Farrar and Son Volt are kicking off an extended national tour in support of Notes of Blue, their impressive new album. Inspired by, but not anchored by, the blues, it is a welcome return to a more rocking sound. The album showcases Farrar’s ability to tell vivid stories while simultaneously painting rich Americana landscapes, […]
Monday Morning Video – Rose Cousin’s “Grace”
Although she lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Rose Cousins has spent enough time in Boston to become an honorary member of the local folk family. The singer-songwriter has just released Natural Conclusion, an album both graceful and poignant. Cousins worked with producer Joe Henry who, as he had done with others, takes a restrained approach […]
Monday Morning Video – A Visit To Beer Town
Session Americana, my hometown faves, sure know how to throw a party. Here’s a clip of them bringing their revelry to Nashville last year.
Monday Morning Video – Jim Croce Live in Concert
The catalog that Jim Croce created during his short life and career is awe-inspiring. From the entertaining storytelling of “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim” to the heart-tugging beauty of “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” he demonstrated a mastery that leaves us wondering what could have been if he hadn’t died in a […]
Music With a Purpose – Revived and Revitalized
Several years back I did a series about music released with an eye towards social impact or change. Called Music With a Purpose, it was one of the more enjoyable series that I’ve written. The starting point was some great music, made all the more significant given the underlying meaning. Well, the time has come […]
Monday Morning Video – Joe Strummer covers Jimmy Cliff
My original plan was to share a version of Jimmy Cliff covering his classic “The Harder They Come.” Until I stumbled across this version of Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros rockin’ it right.
Monday Morning Video – Girls Guns and Glory “Rock and Roll”
The lead off track from Girls Guns and Glory’s latest long player (Love and Protest) seems like a fitting song to kick off the week. Are you ready to rock and roll?
Monday Morning Video – Greg Trooper
2017 is already off to a rough start with the recent passing of songwriter Greg Trooper. He was very much a songwriter’s songwriter, a storyteller who delved deep into the lives of the characters who inhabited his songs all the while connecting the listener to the universal truths in their tales.
Say What?! Fall/Winter 2016 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 fall/winter 2016. The glass breaking was perfect timing. Too bad it was in the wrong fucking key. David Ramirez, when someone dropped a glass on […]
Monday Morning Video – Al Green
What’s better than some Al Green to start the week? How about Al Green covering Sam Cooke. It doesn’t get much better.