I find myself getting into music ruts sometimes. I listen to records I know I like, and even the new music that comes my way somehow reinforces what’s already in my collection. Then out of the blue something will come along that’s like a breath of fresh air after being trapped inside. Such was the […]
Melissa Carper – Ramblin’ Soul
One of the best sets I saw at this year’s AmericanaFest was the trio of Brennan Leigh, Kelly Willis, and Melissa Carper. As they told stories of their travels together in between the songs it was clear they were having as much fun off stage as on. That newfound, or perhaps refound, appreciation for touring […]
James Houlahan – Beyond the Borders
James Houlahan is a self-admitted late bloomer. He didn’t play in a band until he was 25 and didn’t make a record until he was 31. In this day and age of 13-year-old YouTube stars, I’m pretty sure that makes him an outlier. What he gained, though, was a life experience and sense of self-awareness […]
Ogden Heart – Ogden Heart
Throughout much of America, regional styles of music and the church are deeply intertwined. Whether it’s the sheer number of bluegrass interpretations of spiritual songs, or the influence of gospel music in the blues, spirit and soul are wound like a double helix. That relationship is displayed grandly in the new, self-titled album from rural […]
Old Californio – Old Californio Country
Back in the 60’s and 70’s, the northeast corner of LA county, the San Gabriel Valley, was the gateway to LA’s weekend getaway urge. From there, a short drive east and you faced a choice. Make a right and you were quickly in Palm Springs, where the Rat Pack ruled and mainstream America dreamed of […]
Marina Rocks Video Premiere – Shine
Maybe all you need to know about Marina Rocks is that when she turned 12 her mom gave her a Marshall stack instead of clothes or toys. Add to that she was brought up in Austin and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out she was going to be a musician. That passion she […]
Jake Hunsinger & the Rock Bottom – Wrapped Around the Axle
The first time I listened to the new album from Jake Hunsinger & the Rock Bottom, Wrapped Around the Axle, I was driving, so couldn’t read or search anything. I kept thinking, “do I know this song, is it a cover?” Turns out Hunsinger is a student of country music song writing, and that explained […]
Nels Johnson – Ios
In this day and age, when the concept of escaping the rat race is sometimes just not looking at social media for a couple of days, Oregonian Nels Johnson did it old school and went to the Greek island of Ios. The time he spent examining what he wanted from life, far away from the […]
The California Honeydrops – Soft Spot
From about the time of World War 2 up through the 70’s, Oakland, CA, was as much a music hotbed as Chicago or Memphis. The West Coast style of blues and jazz featured velvety vocals, and horns instead of harmonica or slide guitar. That whole scene in West Oakland, particularly around 7th Street, is long […]
Joselyn And Don – Seeds & Bones
After being raised in Montana, Joselyn Wilkinson and Don Barrozo moved to Los Angeles to immerse themselves in the music scene. She’s involved with several bands in the area, while he’s an in-demand producer (and film editor for The Simpsons). They’re also doing their own thing as duo Joselyn And Don, and have released their […]