It’s been my experience that bands who do a Led Zeppelin cover in an album are walking a dangerous line. Â As Yoda says, “do or do not, there is no try”. Â Tackling an interpretation of Plant and Page requires not just sharp musical insight, but a lot of skill to then pull off the execution. […]
Deanna Bogart – Pianoland
Having won three past Blues Music Awards for her saxophone playing and a trunkful of Wammies (Washington Area Music Awards) in a fertile Washington, DC blues scene that included the likes of the Nighthawks, Tom Principato, Jimmy Thackery, Cephas & Wiggins, John Jackson, and Saffire – the Uppity Blues Women, multi-instrumentalist Deanna Bogart focuses her attention on her magical piano […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2012, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Still Wanna Fight by Mic Harrison and the High Score There is something extremely satisfying listening to some straight-forward, guitar-driven rock and roll. The best of it holds no pretense, just an energy that is genuine and invigorating. Mic Harrison and the High Score make that kind of music. The record […]
Old Crow Medicine Show – Carry Me Back
Although you might think at first listen that OCMS were a trad bluegrass band, a few more songs would tell you that they’re more of a rockin’ string band. Their old-timey instruments mask a bit of a modern sensibility. But OCMS are really at their best when they sound the oldest. And that’s where “Carry […]
The Gaslight Anthem- Handwritten
“Singing oh sha-la-la-la, oh sha-la-la-la, listen honey here comes my manâ€- “Here Comes My Man†The Gaslight Anthem is now one of those important bands. How do 4 guys from New Brunswick, NJ become ‘important’? It’s pretty simple really, you make one, and you only need one, masterpiece record. In 2008, Brian Fallon and Co. […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2012, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH O’ Be Joyful, by Shovels and Rope We’re gonna call Shovels & Rope the anti-American Idol or whatever other reality singing show you can name. It is hard to imagine music more authentic in feel, from the songwriting down to the performances, than what emanates from this husband and wife duo. […]
Please Come to Boston: A Special Boston Music Playlist
FEATURED ALBUM Riverboat, by Tim Gearan Tim Gearan has long been a mainstay on the Boston roots scene, with 2-3 weekly residencies and a tendency to show up to play at any number of other shows in a given week. His primary Friday night residency is a weekly party – there is no other way […]
Cee Cee James – Blood Red Blues
Caution: On first listen, Cee Cee James’ Blood Red Blues may blow unexpectant listeners away. James has a great voice and, at times, can channel Janis Joplin. And her accompanying band, including James’ songwriting partner and husband, Rob “Slideboy” Andrews on slide guitar, can provide the perfect vehicle for her vocals. Now based in St. Louis, James spent her […]
Kathryn Caine – When I Was His Wife
Decades ago, as part of my misspent youth, I listened to a band called the Good Rats. Â The closest thing they had to a hit was called Tasty, about a guitar player that could play fast, but he couldn’t play “tasty”. Â Let me just say that any of the musicians on Kathryn Caine’s latest release, […]
Mayer's Picks: The Best of 2012, So Far (The Songs)
Jericho, John Fullbright (from the Blue Dirt Records release From The Ground Up) Fullbright’s is a welcome new voice on the singer-songwriter scene. He writes and sings with a voice that belies his 23-odd years, as evidenced by this stirring track. Throw your arrows and your slings And your other precious things Outside your gate […]