Paul Masson – Paul Masson EP Judging by the cover of his record, Masson seems to be proud of his individuality. The cover shows Masson’s name in a rather generic looking backyard. The rest of the artwork shows Masson, a guitar and a dog in the same nameless field. Although Masson’s music certainly is individual, […]
Freedy Johnston – Rain on the City / Live Review
Freedy Johnston – Rain on the City/Live Review With a title like “Rain on the City,†Freedy Johnston has chosen a problematic yet perfect title. It nods to his recent albums (“Blue Days Black Nightsâ€) in such an obvious way as to perhaps shove off the tired motif. Freedy, with a few exceptions, is back […]
Jeff’s Best of 2009
Robert Francis – Before Nightfall Ben Kweller – Changing Horses Justin Townes Earle – Midnight at the Movies Peter Bradley Adams – Traces Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit – self-titled Drive-by Truckers – The Fine Print Dave Rawlings Machine – A Friend of a Friend Patterson Hood – Murdering Oscar The Avett Brothers – […]
Peter Bradley Adams – Live
To see Pete these days, you wouldn’t guess where he’s been. The unassuming, shy appearance belies a singer whose previous act (a duo with Kat Maslich) had him opening for established folk act Tracy Chapman amongst others. These days, Pete has generally shed the poppy keyboard driven songs in favor of a simpler guitar-picking approach. […]
Fran Healy – Live Acoustic
The intimacy of a small venue is really a unique experience. When you throw in a seasoned performer like lead singer of Brit-Pop band Travis, you get a true gem of a show. Healy truly made the experience an even more personal one with a slide show and storytelling to boot. The show allowed the […]
Robert Francis – Before Nightfall
E pluribus unum. It’s on our dollar bill. From the many, one. Robert Francis, at the age of 22, has seemingly melded many disparate facets of American rock/folk/country into a tasty music stew. Pedal steel, piano, guitar, and vocals (to name a few) come together in classic fashion. Francis’ hooks are like that delicious secret […]
Peter Bradley Adams – Traces
If you recognize the name, you probably think you’ve heard this one before. Heartbreaking melodies and a girl who left you blah blah blah. The same sad tone seems prevalent from the first notes of adult alternative single “You Dance†(Adams’ collaboration with Kat Maslich) to the lead single “For You†and throughout Adams’ work. But you […]
Yonder Mountain String Brand – Live Review
When I go to a bluegrass show, I often have some expectations. I expect banjo, mandolin and high harmony. I expect to feel the unmistakable rhythms of mandolin chop and banjo roll. These items are hallmarks that I have come to expect from a pickin’ party to a headlining show at a club (which is […]
Ritter and Kweller take North Adams
With its first music festival, you might think that Mass Moca (Museum of Comtemporary Art) would go for something really progressive like Deerhunter or experimental electronica Panda Bear. Something that changes the way we look at music (and thus alienating nearly every member of the audience with the exception of the Pitchfork’s uber-music geeks). But […]
The Big Surprise Show – Justin Townes Earle, The Felice Brothers, Dave Rawlings Machine, Old Crow Medicine Show
When four Americana torch-bearers come together to give a show some may call it a festival, some may call it an old-time medicine show, but I just call it a hell of a good night. For a fan of Americana music, the lineup was pretty hard to believe. Dave Rawlings and Gillian Welch rarely play […]