The Hold Steady took its summer three-city mini-residency, coined “Constructive Summer 2024,” to Washington, D.C. this past weekend, playing The Atlantis for one night and then the next two nights at 9:30 Club. THS are no strangers to D.C. or the 9:30 Club, but, as lead singer Craig Finn said from the stage, these were […]
Ordinary Elephant on Building a Tour Van and their Favorite Snack
Lousiana duo Ordinary Elephant – Crystal and Pete Damore – talk about meeting at an open mic, their approach to rehearsals, and why lighting is so important to them
Monday Morning Video – Julianna Riolino
I stumbled across Julianna Riolino at SXSW a few years ago. I went to see Daniel Romano and was greeted with a welcome surprise: Riolino performing a set backed by Romano and company. Great songs, high energy, and a kick you in the ass attitude. Here’s a taste from the release party for Riolino’s 2022 […]
Readers’ Pick: The Decemberists – As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again
You picked The Decemberists – As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again as your favorite new release for the week of June 14, 2024.
2024 Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival
Back in the mid-90’s I went to the Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival on a whim. I was staying nearby, didn’t have plans, and I like bluegrass. Voila. Now, thirty years later, the festival is still around and stronger than ever. So I decided to go up to Grass Valley again and see what’s special about […]
Eden Brent on Toyota Minivans and Living Room Jam Sessions
Blues artist Eden Brent talks about breaking a piano string at the British Embassy in Washington, her apprenticeship with Abie “Boogaloo” Ames, and the joy of performing live.
Monday Morning Video – Justin Townes Earle
Justin Townes Earle was taken from us at the much too young age of 38. He left behind an incredible catalog of songs striking and profound. Later this summer New West Records will release a double album of rarities that include demos, live performances, and covers. In the meantime, here’s one of my favorite Earle […]
Readers’ Pick: Bonny Light Horseman – Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free
You picked Bonny Light Horseman – Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free as your favorite new release for the week of June 7, 2024.
Oliver Wood – Fat Cat Silhouette
Every morning when he isn’t on the road, Oliver Wood starts the day in his designated writing chair with a cup of coffee. Many of the songs from “Fat Cat Silhouette”, Wood’s second solo record, began taking shape in that chair. The contemplative feeling of meditation/prayer and a morning coffee is what sets the mood […]
Cosmic Guilt – Palace of Depression
A friend of mine noted earlier this year there has developed a tiny silver lining to the Cat 5 hurricane of the pandemic. He observed that anyone still in the music business now is in it because they can’t live without it. The people who were doing it because they could, or because of peer/family […]