Pockets Full of Sighs, Lisa Bastoni (from the self-released How We Want to Live) Some of the best albums take both artist and listener on a journey. One need look no farther than the title of Lisa Bastoni’s latest release to appreciate that this is her musical intent. How We Want to Live may speak […]
Americana 2019 – Chip’s Picks
Americanafest brings a plethora of artist and showcases together in Nashville each September to celebrate the year that was; and give a preview of the year to come. Here is my attempt to highlight but a few artists that caught my attention this year, although there are too many special performances to recount. The Vandoliers […]
Americana 2019: Shawn’s Picks
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 several days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances […]
Americana Music Awards, 2019 Edition
In what’s beginning to resemble a miniature SXSW, with over 50,000 attendees, the Americana music industry and fans gathered in Nashville recently for AmericanaFest. Although the vast majority of the event was about live music, with some business-related panels during the day, the apex of the nearly week-long musical bacchanal is still the awards show […]
Photos that ROCK! Ward Hayden & The Outliers at City Winery Boston
When you’re a mom of 2 young kids, you don’t get out often. Luckily, a neighbor stepped up to the plate to babysit (thanks Donna!) and I got to enjoy a rockin’ night of music. I’ve been going to see Ward and the boys (Cody Nilsen, Paul Dilley, and Josh Kiggans) for several years now […]
Natalie Padilla – Fireweed
I’m convinced the hardest thing to do as a producer is to extract the maximum essence of a musician in a recording session and not allow production sparkle to gloss over the natural talent. Ben Winship produced (he just released a recording of his own, Toolshed, that I recommend) the new album from Natalie Padilla, […]
Blue Moon Marquee – Bare Knuckles & Brawn
Perhaps the best way to describe Canadian “Gypsy Blues” duo Blue Moon Marque is to imagine Tom Waits doing Cab Calloway numbers. It’s an unusual style, but it works on Bare Knuckles & Brawn. The duo, which features A.W. Cardinal on vocals and guitar and Jasmine Colette on vocals and upright bass, captures a unique […]
Paul Cauthen – Room 41
On the second song of his new album, “Room 41â€, Paul Cauthen eponymously references his nickname “Big Velvetâ€. There may not be a singer who ever had a more appropriate moniker. With a voice perfectly balancing a tightrope between Waylon Jennings and Roy Orbison, Cauthen delivers a collection that has elements of Country, 70s R&B […]
Photos that ROCK! Newport Folk Festival 2019
My 4th year photographing the Newport Folk Festival did not disappoint. I was once again blown away but the sheer amount of talent and incredible music that was packed into 3 days at good old Fort Adams State Park. Here are some of my favorites from the best weekend of the year (photos of country […]
Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters – Beyond the Blue Door
Ronnie Earl has become a dependable source of exceptional music every year or so. A great guitar player with an expressive instrumental voice, Earl and his Broadcasters have, over the years, embraced styles ranging from jazz to soul blues to blues-rock. Now, with Beyond the Blue Door, Earl and company have released an album that […]