Allen Toussaint is an American institution. The amazingly talented musician has played a part in the careers of so many musicians. Whether arranging horns for the Band’s legendary concert The Last Waltz or producing Labelle’s classic “Lady Marmalade,” Toussaint has a magical touch. As if that weren’t enough, his songs has been performed by just […]
Stephen Kellogg’s Song of Thanksgiving
I’m sure many are familiar with “Alice’s Restaurant,” Arlo Guthrie’s legendary Thanksgiving opus. Clocking in at nearly twenty minutes, it is a touchstone in the folk story-telling canon. Well, it is time to start a new tradition. Stephen Kellogg’s “Thanksgiving,” from his recent Blunderstone Rookery, is an uplifting reflection on life and its blessings. Acknowledging […]
Monday Morning Video: Stevie Ray Vaughan
‘Cause sometimes you need a little Stevie Ray Vaughan to start your week off right. Here’s a vintage Vaughan mini-set from 1989, featuring classics like “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “Couldn’t Stand the Weather” and “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return).”
Monday Morning Video: Charlie Chesterman
The Boston music scene recently lost one of our favorite sons. Charlie Chesterman earned his stripes in Scruffy the Cat back in the 1980’s before settling in as a solo artist, ably backed by a band known as the Legendary Motorbikes. His songs always had a classic 1950’s vintage rock sensibility, compact three minute pop […]
The Howlin’ Brothers – The Sun Studio Session
The Howlin’ Brothers are a three piece acoustic band. I hesitate to call them a “String†band, because they don’t fit the stereotype. While they do play traditional music, their version has many facets. Beyond traditional and Bluegrass, they also employee Blues, Country and you may even hear a little Bourbon Street. Their music can […]
Monday Morning Video: Billy Joe Shaver
Here’s Billy Joe Shaver’s classic “Live Forever” to kick of your week. And, as a special bonus, below is Joe Ely’s take on this beautiful song.
Win Big: Van Morrison’s Moondance
The mere mention of Van Morrison’s name can spark a healthy debate as to which of his many albums is the most influential. Among the many that will undoubtedly be mentioned, I’m sure that Moondance would figure strongly in the discussion. Warner Brothers Records has just released a re-mastered version of the legendary album. Even […]
Monday Morning Video — a Premiere from Don DiLego
Yeah, I know that seeing a musician play in a bar is fairly commonplace. There’s something special about this video, however. NYC songwriter Don DiLego spent an afternoon sitting at an East Village bar with his guitar in hand. The feel of the room matches the melancholy of his song “Midnight Train,” taken from last […]
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.