Sometimes it’s the unexpected show that becomes one of the most memorable. Such was the case when I saw Ted Hawkins shortly before he passed away in 1995. Hawkins was booked to play Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall, a seemingly odd choice for an artist who was touring to promote a new album. For those who […]
South Carolina Roundup
At least once a year I like to do a little roundup of some of the Americana releases here in South Carolina that I think the readers would enjoy. The three that have caught my attention of late are as follows: Elonzo Wesley – To Be True, is the newest from Jeremy Davis who borrows […]
Mike & the Moonpies – Mockingbird
If you’re over a certain age, and grew up in flyover country, you undoubtedly spent a lot of time in a local establishment with pool tables, smoke-stained ceilings, mighty fine cheeseburgers, and a jukebox in the corner. Â The Blue Moon and the Downtowner were my particular favorites. Â Besides an appreciation for fresh ground, corn-fed chuck […]
Colin Linden – Rich In Love
Canadian roots rocker Colin Linden is one of those musicians’ musicians who has seemingly played with everyone during his long career, including Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Bruce Cockburn and several members of The Band. His latest album, Rich In Love, demonstrates why he is in demand as a guest musician in his adopted home of Nashville. […]
Americana 2015: The Sounds, Part 3
Mayer has given us his thoughts on favorite performances at the AMA conference and festival; time for me to weigh in with mine. The Traveling Minstrel Show – One of my two favorite surprises from the festival was central Wisconsin-based Horseshoes & Hand Grenades. They were the first band I saw outside the awards show […]
Americana 2015: The AMA Awards
The Americana Music Association officially kicks off with its annual awards show at the inspiring and beautiful Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Â The show ran a bit long this year, clocking in at over 3 hours. Â On the other hand, if you’re going to go to the church, you may as well get the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for September 2015
Into the Deep, Galactic (from the Provogue release Into the Deep) There’s a lesson to be learned across the eleven tracks that make up Galactic’s latest release. I can’t recall a record in recent memory that is so musically diverse yet sounds so cohesive. It is a testament to the New Orleans-based quintet’s immense musical […]
The Acoustic Blues & Roots of Duke Robillard
Duke Robillard has pretty much reached a point in his career when he knows he doesn’t have to try to impress anyone. He can play what he wants, and if you want to come along for the ride, so much the better. With the Acoustic Blues & Roots of Duke Robillard, which releases Friday, Robillard […]
Photos that ROCK! Dynamic Duo: Session Americana & Sarah Borges at TCAN
Session Americana & Sarah Borges The Center for the Arts Natick (MA) August 28, 2015 Excuse me? Did you say that 2 of my favorite bands would be playing out in the ‘burbs right near me? Well, this lady found a babysitter for the little guy and got the hell to that show! It was […]
Guy Davis – Kokomo Kidd
Guy Davis is among the vanguard of musicians, including Keb’ Mo’, Eric Bibb, Otis Taylor, Alvin Youngblood Hart and Corey Harris, who have carried the blues torch lit by the post-war greats like Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and B.B. King.  His newest album, Kokomo Kidd, reminds us why Davis is a key voice in […]