You picked Heal by Strand of Oaks as your favorite for the week of Jun 24, 2014. Readers’ Top Picks (last 4 weeks) DAVE & PHIL ALVIN, Common Ground (12) MARY GAUTHIER, Trouble & Love (11) Heal by Strand of Oaks (10) JACK WHITE, Lazaretto (10) Good Luck Charm by The Mastersons (8) Favorite Waitress […]
Monday Morning Video: Patrick Sweany Rocks the House
We in Boston have been spoiled with the plethora of great shows that have come to town this month. Among the latest to hit town was Patrick Sweany. The Nashville-based singer-guitarist is a force of nature, serving up an incredible blend of rock, soul and blues. This video, although not from the Boston show, provides […]
Billy Joe Shaver – Long in the Tooth
Billy Joe Shaver is back at 74 with his first album in seven years. Shaver reportedly feels that “Long in the Tooth†is his best album. It is a tall claim considering his voluminous discography, but it is definitely in the upper echelon. Since his last album, Shaver has shown he is not ready to […]
Classic African American Songsters from Smithsonian Folkways
It’s often said that those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. Â The implication is this is a bad thing. Â It may be in many settings, but in music it’s more the case that those who know history love to repeat it. Â Shortly after World War II there was a concerted effort to […]
Mayer’s Playlist for June 2014, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Trouble, by The Howlin’ Brothers The Nashville-based Howlin’ Brothers expand their musical palette with their latest release. Sure, it has plenty of the traditional bluegrass upon which they’ve established their reputation. The unexpected treat, however, are the shades of reggae and pop that make an appearance. They kick things off in […]
Readers’ Pick: Good Luck Charm by The Mastersons
You picked Good Luck Charm by The Mastersons  as your favorite for the week of Jun 17, 2014. Readers’ Top Picks (last 4 weeks) JOHN FULLBRIGHT, Songs (15) KELLY WILLIS & BRUCE ROBISON, Our Year (14) DAVE & PHIL ALVIN, Common Ground (12) MARY GAUTHIER, Trouble & Love (11) JACK WHITE, Lazaretto (10) ZOE MUTH, […]
Monday Morning Video: Glen David Andrews
If you can’t make it to New Orleans, the next best thing is for New Orleans to come to you. Twangville was in the house when NOLA’s own Glen David Andrews transformed a Boston club into a sweaty Frenchman St.-style dance party. Andrews and crew even took to the streets, much to the surprise of […]
The Nighthawks – 444
DC-based blues-rockers the Nighthawks seem to be undergoing a late-career resurgence, winning their first Blues Music Award with Last Train to Bluesville (acoustic album of the year, 2011), and following that up with a solid effort on Damn Good Time! in 2012. With 444, front man Mark Wenner and the boys continue to crank out high-energy, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for June 2014, Part 1
ALBUM OF THE MONTHS Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, by Sturgill Simpson It’s easy to take pot-shots at what passes for country these days. You know what I’m talking about: the feel-good, truck-drivin’, beer-drinking music makes for great stadium concert sing-alongs. If that’s your scene, then more power to you. Some of you, like me, […]
Chatham County Line – North of the Mason Dixon
It’s not often that you get dyed in the wool bluegrass way up in Boston, let alone at the intimate Lizard Lounge in Cambridge. Some people may call that into question, but to me the sonic text of banjo, mandolin/fiddle, upright bass, and guitar is the unmistakable trademark. And of course, three finger picking of banjo […]