Not Ready Yet, Jamie McDell (from the ABC Music release Jamie McDell) I’ve been not so patiently awaiting the latest release from New Zealand’s Jamie McDell. Her 2019 EP was a tremendous introduction to her songwriting talent, especially the pull no punches “Botox” and the raw emotion of “Worst Crime”. Both songs are featured, alongside […]
The Weeping Willows on Voltaire, Tropical Cyclones, and “Coolio Iglesius”
Australian duo The Weeping Willows talk about their DIY rehearsal space and the day jobs that they envy.
Cactus Blossoms – One Day
They call it blood harmony. It is that special coherent blend that siblings can attain when they harmonize. In the case of The Cactus Blossoms, comparisons are abundant to the Everly Brothers. However, sometimes the obvious is the most apropos. The blend of their vocals seems effortless and gives each song a comfortable, smooth vibe […]
Monday Morning Video – Keepsake House “From Story to Song”
A chance encounter at the Americana Conference in Nashville last September led to me to the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural Center in NYC in October. The occasion was an event called “From Story to Song“, produced by NYC-based Keepsake House. The premise of the event was to pair a storyteller with a musical artist and […]
Natalia M. King – Woman Mind Of My Own
Brooklyn-born, Paris-resident Natalia M. King has taken a somewhat circuitous route in developing her musical style. Originally thinking she did not want to play jazz or blues, King started delving into what influenced the music of her youth. She also embarked in a physical, geographic journey to discover herself. It all came together when she […]
Birds Of Play – Murmations, Volume 2
Musical inspiration comes from many sources, but life experience surely has to rank at the top. You’d be hard-pressed to find lives lived to the degree of friends Alex Paul, Eric Shedd, and Jack Tolan. So when they decided to trade-in their outdoor, world-traveling, adventurous lifestyle for equally lucrative careers as musicians, they had some […]
Monday Morning Video – Mando Saenz
Here are acoustic versions of two songs from All My Shame, one of my top ten favorite 2021 releases, courtesy of Nashville by way of Texas songwriter Mando Saenz.
Joshua Rilko – Lost Soul/Rock & Roll
All that time with no gigs to play has resulted in some really good music being written. The latest example of that comes from Joshua Rilko, founding member of Lindsey Lou and the Flatbellies, and mandolin-about-town for the likes of Sierra Ferrell, Billy Strings, and others. He came up with 11 new songs, about half […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Feb/Mar 2022, Part 1
The Ballad of Sissy & Porter, The Whitmore Sisters (from the Red House Records release Ghost Stories) There’s a throwback quality to the Whitmore Sisters’ Ghost Stories. Sure, sisters Eleanor and Bonnie have magical familial harmonies that recall The Everly Brothers. It’s the songs and arrangements, however, that hearken back to a bygone era when […]
Yonder Mountain String Band – Get Yourself Outside
Some bands stay fresh through a process of having two or three core members and a rotating lineup of additional musicians and collaborators. Others have a more stable roster and view the infrequent change as a breath of fresh air and insurance against getting stale. Such is the case with Yonder Mountain String Band, who […]