Way back in my youth there was a TV show called The A-Team. In it, the commander of the band of misfits exclaims, “I love it when a plan comes together,” after some hare-brained, seat-of-the-pants scheme turns out for the good. I think John R. Miller must have uttered something similar when he finished recording […]
Grey DeLisle and James Intveld On Singing Telegrams, Rick Nelson, and the Bing Crosby Plan
Grey DeLisle and James Intveld talk about a lesson in how to strum a guitar (James), a successful side hustle (Grey), and being in charge of one’s own destiny (Grey & James).
David G. Smith Song Premiere – Green Fire
There’s a long history of social activism by folk musicians dating back at least 100 years and most probably a lot longer than that. In many cases the participation is in events organized by others. With Iowan David G. Smith, however, he puts the active in activism. He schedules about 20% of his gigs in […]
Monday Morning Video – Maggie Rose
Maggie Rose recently announced her new album, Half Moon, due August 14th. Before we get there, let’s revisit the title track of her 2024 release, No One Gets Out Alive. Recorded at Tennessee’s iconic The Caverns, this is an epic performance — complete with a string section. And that voice. Powerful and beautiful, in equal […]
Now & Then: The Deslondes’ Don’t Let It Die: Vol. 1 and the reach of The Blasters’ American Music
The Deslondes’ Don’t Let It Die: Vol. 1 is a covers album with a clear purpose: to show where the band comes from and who they listen to. The record draws from country, soul, R&B, swamp pop, and roots music, with songs associated with artists including Swamp Dogg, Johnny Cash, Clifton Chenier, Shelby Lynne, Pat Reedy, and The Kernal. For a “Then” comparison, The Blasters’ 1980 debut American Music is a strong match. It is also a roots-minded record built from older American styles, balancing original songs with covers that show the band’s musical foundation.
Readers’ Pick: The Deslondes – Don’t Let It Die: Vol. 1
You picked The Deslondes – Don’t Let It Die: Vol. 1 as your favorite new release for the week of May 22, 2026.
Moonlight Mile – Northern Lights
Socrates said, “to know thyself is the beginning of wisdom”, and Ben Franklin said, “there are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.” Between them they underscore the fact that self-awareness is a difficult journey, and not one that everybody chooses to take. Kentucky-based singer/songwriter Jonathan Pennington, who goes by […]
John Gallagher Jr. On Tour Van Rentals and Social Media Content
John Gallagher Jr. Talks about why he doesn’t rent a permanent rehearsal space and the weather report for lower to mid level touring acts these days.
Monday Morning Video – Anthony da Costa
Don’t we all want our person? Anthony da Costa does, too. But “Everybody Wants Their Person” isn’t really a love song. He’s found her — he’s just not sure he’s worthy of her. The longing here isn’t for another person. It’s for a better version of himself.
Now & Then: Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen’s They Call Us The Lucky Ones and the reach of Doug Sahm and Band
Texas music has always had a loose gate policy. Country can walk in with muddy boots, blues can grab the good chair, and somebody will eventually find an accordion. Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen’s They Call Us The Lucky Onesfits the house-party tradition: a road-worn singer stepping into a band that knows when to lean hard and when to let the dust hang in the air. Its clearest ancestor is Doug Sahm’s 1973 solo debut Doug Sahm and Band, the big-hearted Atlantic Records record that treated Texas roots music like a borderless language.