One thing was immediately clear when Austin’s Shakey Graves passed through Boston a few weeks ago — he’s come a long way from his one-man band roots. Sure, he did a couple of songs solo but he quickly invited his two bandmates to the stage (drummer and guitarist/bassist). The three proceeded to whip the crowd […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2015, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Down To Believing, by Allison Moorer Real life is often the best inspiration for art, notably when it is created in response to heartache and sorrow. Such is the case for Allison Moorer, who channels her emotions into a collection of songs that is by turns sad, angry, regretful and defiant. […]
Monday Morning Video — Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires
Bains and crew roared through Boston last week. And when I say roar, I really mean it. Bains spent about a third of the set in the audience, mostly wailing on his guitar but ocassionally bringing his mic to sing in the midst of the crowd. Meanwhile the rest of the band — guitarist Eric […]
Monday Morning Video – Joe Cocker “Darling Be Home Soon”
’cause sometimes the singer makes the song.
Monday Morning Video – Couch By Couchwest 2015
Coinciding with SXSW is the annual Couch By Couchwest Festival. What’s not to like about a festival with the tagline “where the beer is cheaper and the only hipster is you.”? (Far be it for me to quible, but some of the beer at SXSW is free. Just sayin’.) Here’s how it works. Artists — […]
Monday Morning Video – Austin Lucas “Alone In Memphis”
Nashville-based troubadour Austin Lucas has a new album on the horizon (later this spring). Here’s a favorite from his last release — 2013’s excellent Stay Reckless. Damn those harmonies sound good.
Monday Morning Video – Alejandro Escovedo and Jon Dee Graham
Austin legends Escovedo and Graham revisit their True Believers days with the classic “The Rain Won’t Help You When It’s Over.”
Monday Morning Video – The 1967 Stax Volt Soul Revue!
Need a powerful pick-me-up for a Monday morning? It won’t get much better than this classic set of performances from 1967. Booker T. & the MGs, Sam and Dave and a host of stars from the legendary Stax label. And did I mention Otis Redding? It doesn’t get much better than this. Performances include: Booker […]
Monday Morning Video – George Jones “Why Baby Why”
Sometimes you just wanna start the week with a classic, right?
Monday Morning Video – Patrick Sweany Rockin’ Some AC/DC
How about starting the week with Patrick Sweany and his band laying down an especially bluesy version of AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” I guess no one told them that they were playing the “acoustic stage.”