I really miss live music. In fact, it’s something of a tradition for me to ring in the new year at a live musical performance. Alas, it ain’t gonna happen this year. But I’m hopeful that sometime in 2021 you’ll be able to find me again at a show. Ideally lots of ’em. In that […]
Bonus Monday Video – Tom Waits
Tom Waits presents two holiday classics – one an original and one a cover.
Monday Morning Video – A Holiday Tradition
One of these years, I’d love to make it to Dublin for Glen Hansard’s annual Christmas eve busking session on Grafton Street. The event raises funds for The Simon Community, an organization that raises funds and runs programs to assist the homeless. This year, global pandemic and all, the event became a live broadcast on […]
Monday Morning Video – Charley Pride
Another legend lost. Here are two Charley Pride classics to celebrate his life and contributions to country music.
A Holiday Video from Emily Zuzik and Ted Russell Kamp – The Christmas Star
If you have read much of what I have written this ear you know that I have been high on Emily Zuzik’s album “Torch and Troubleâ€. (certain to appear in my year end Top 10.) The producer of that album was Ted Russell Kamp, a linchpin in the West Coast Americana scene. In the sprit […]
Monday Morning Video – Devil’s Sooty Brother
Dallas musicians Joshua Ray Walker and Nathan Mongol Wells – aka Devil’s Sooty Brother – sure do like to perform. The two originally joined forces as part of Ottoman Turks, a loud and rowdy quartet. When that wasn’t enough, they started a monthly residency as Devil’s Sooty Brother, mixing originals into sets filled with classic […]
Monday Morning Video – George Porter, Jr.
Let’s start the week with George Porter Jr. performing “Sailin’ Shoes” by Little Feat and “Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley” by Allen Toussaint on the Green Vibes stage at Gathering of the Vibes Music and Art Festival 2012.
Monday Morning Video – Allen Toussaint
Legendary New Orleans club Tipitina’s recently hosted a live stream to raise funds to help the venue survive the Covid pandemic. It was, of course, a tremendous celebration of an institution whose reputation stretches around the world. Among many highlights was footage of the late Allen Toussaint. It was a welcome reminder of Toussaint’s greatness […]
Monday Morning Video – John Prine and Marty Stuart
A little John Prine makes any week better. Here’s Prine, accompanied by Marty Stuart, singing and sharing a story about “Souvenirs” at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2020, Part 3
When You’re Gone, Lydia Loveless (from the Honey You’re Gonna Be Late Records release Daughter) Daughter isn’t an easy album. Sure, the album has some strong and engaging melodies, not to mention the wonder that is the singer’s commanding voice. Yet it is also a lyrically and musically dense album, one that finds Loveless continuing […]