I heard a bar band rip into this song, the theme from the movie “Smokey and the Bandit”, a few weeks ago. Let’s just say that the crowd erupted and was quick to join in for the chorus. “East bound and down, loaded up and truckin’, we gonna do what they say can’t be done.”
Come Dancing with Dietrich Strause (A Video Premiere)
Bostonian by way of Pennsylvania singer-songwriter Dietrich Strause is back with a remarkable new album, How Cruel That Hunger Binds. Strause has a musical catalog that is filled with songs that call to mind the elegant pop standards of the 1950’s, a quality that is even more pronounced on his latest outing. How Cruel That […]
Monday Morning Video (and Audio) – Willin’
“Willin’,” by the late Lowell George, is one of those songs that many may not know by title but is immediately recognizable when it’s heard. It’s also a song to which many artists have gravitated over the years. Here is a video playlist of wonderful cover performances, starting with Uncle Tupelo and working through Tom […]
Shakin’ with Session Americana
Every once in awhile, there is an artist whose album is so anticipated by the Twangville Posse that a couple of us pile on for a team review. Session Americana, who has just released a new album called Great Shakes sits firmly in that category. MAYER’S TAKE Session Americana stretch out on their latest album. […]
Monday Morning Video – Josh Ritter Sings to the Dogs
Last year’s Sermon on the Rocks was yet another fine addition to Josh Ritter’s musical catalog. Let’s kick of the week by digging back into said catalog for this rousing rocker that kicked off 2007’s The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter.
Mayer’s Playlist for July/August 2016, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Stay Gold by Butch Walker The opening guitar riff of the lead-off track sets the tone right out of the gate: Butch Walker is ready to rock. His last album, 2015’s Afraid of Ghosts, was a somber and moving reflection on the loss of his father. After the catharsis that came […]
Monday Morning Video – Stevie Ray Vaughan
Sixteen years ago, almost to the day, we lost one of rock and roll’s guitar greats. Here are two classic Stevie Ray Vaughan performances captured at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, NJ back in 1985. First up is the blistering “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)” followed by the sweet and soulful “Live Without You.”
Mayer’s Playlist for July/August 2016, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Real by Lydia Loveless Lydia Loveless is accomplishing a feat that is all too rare in music today – markedly evolving her art while maintaining her musical identity. Give it some thought and I suspect you’ll agree that it occurs less often than one would think. Before talking about what has […]
Monday Morning Video – Doug Sahm
Summer may be coming to a close but there is still time left to enjoy some seasonal fun. There’s something about summer that always makes me think of Doug Sahm. His music is infused with a laid-back, fun-loving vibe that is guaranteed to bring a smile to my – and hopefully your – face. Here’s […]
Monday Morning Video – A Newport Folk Festival Trifecta
One of the coolest things about the Newport Folk Festival are the frequent impromptu collaborations that occur, making the festival an artists’ affair in the truest sense of the word. Here is a trifecta of highlights from this year’s event. And in honor of the Olympics currently underway, we’re going to make it a pass […]