Soul blues is a form of blues that, as its name implies, fuses soul music with traditional blues music. It is a form of blues that was pioneered by African-American musicians in the South. Among the music form’s early champions were the late Bobby “Blue” Bland and Z.Z. HIll. Although a number of prominent blues musicians, such […]
Listen Up: Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers, Toy Soldiers and the Silks
There’s been something of a resurgence of 1970’s rock of late. The three bands highlighted below are among the finest purveyors, each adding their own distinctive stamp to the classic sound. TOY SOLDIERS When I first saw this Philadelphia-based quintet live I was tempted to put them in the indie rock category. The Maybe Boys, […]
Dr. Gasp Heralds Halloween
Still working on that creative costume for Halloween this week? To get you in the spirit, here is the mysterious Dr. Gasp performing the seasonal “Wax Museum” in the middle of The Old Burying Ground in Fall River, MA. For more tricks and treats, visit Dr. Gasp or his alter ego, Dan Blakeslee.
Monday Morning Video: Lou Reed
We lost a legend over the weekend. Lou Reed passed away on Sunday at the age of 71. From his early years with the Velvet Underground to his later solo career, Reed has inspired countless musicians and left a treasure trove of influential recordings. Here is a complete Reed performance from New York’s Bottom Line […]
Americana 2013, the Sounds, Part 2
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. LUCINDA WILLIAMS The Americana Conference instituted a new tradition this year: […]
Americana 2013: The Sounds, Part 1
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. PATRICK SWEANY Sweany delivered what was, hands down, my favorite showcase […]
Americana Music Conference 2013: The Awards Show
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Any discussion of the Americana Music Conference has to begin with […]
Monday Morning Video: Eilen Jewell
Here’s one of my favorites from Eilen Jewell, “Rain Roll In” from 2009’s Sea of Tears.
Samantha Fish – Black Wind Howlin’
Samantha Fish is a precocious young guitarist and singer with the wind – the howlin’ black wind – at her back. At 24, the Kansas City native already has a Blues Music Award under her belt for Best New Artist Debut for her 2011 album Runaway. Along with British blues-rocker Dani Wilde and Otis Taylor’s […]
Amy Black — The Muscle Shoals Session
Remember a few weeks ago when Amy Black wrote about her experience recording at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals? Well, now you can hear the results for yourself. Even better, Black is sharing the ep — for free — via her web site. Black recorded four songs in Muscle Shoals. The tracks span […]