Michigan’s The Accidentals continue to shine brightly. They have just released the Vessels, the latest in a brilliant string of releases since they began their careers while still in high school. This gem is from their early 2021 release, Time Out Session 1.
Dar Williams on Symbolism, Hotel Coffee, and Learning New Technology
Singer-songwriter Dar Williams recalls working at a gardening store, talks about going on an “apologetic charm offensive” when she breaks a guitar string, and explains why her 2013 Prius is “more of a symbolic plug-in”.
The Furious Seasons – Home All Day, Home All Night
Most musicians used the forced isolation of the pandemic for inner reflection, or going back and polishing some partially finished work. Los Angeles-based trio The Furious Seasons instead created a musical documentary of a life-changing period of time, entitled Home All Day, Home All Night. Songwriter and guitarist David Steinhart has a particular gift for […]
Martin Sexton on His Last Day Job and Finding Great Food While on Tour
Martin Sexton talks about thumpy, muted guitar tones and why he switched his solo tour vehicle from a Land Cruiser to a Suburban.
Monday Morning Video – Two Cow Garage
20 years is a long time in pretty much any context, but it’s a lifetime for a rock and roll band. Columbus, Ohio-based Two Cow Garage will be celebrating that milestone later this week – Saturday, September 4th to be exact – the date that they held their first band rehearsal 20 years ago. They […]
AJ Lee & Blue Summit – I’ll Come Back
Although not as well known as what’s happening in the Rockies or Appalachians, there’s a strong bluegrass scene in the northern California Bay Area. The most famous product of that community right now is undoubtedly Molly Tuttle. But there are several other emerging talents, notably AJ Lee and her band, Blue Summit. In fact, Lee […]
Joe Troop – Borrowed Time
After being nominated for a Grammy in early 2020 for the debut album of his group, Che Apalache, Joe Troop had plans. When the pandemic hit, though, he pivoted to work alongside the everyday heroes he writes songs about, most notably a migrant assistance program on the border with Mexico. In his spare time he […]
Bonus Monday Video – Tom T. Hall & Don Everly
We lost two giants in the past few days – Tom T. Hall and Don Everly. Let’s celebrate their legacies in video fashion. First, a 1970 Everly Brothers tv appearance. The segment is a bit hokey but it speaks to the depth of the talent that Don and his late brother Phil possessed. Then, Tom […]
I See Hawks In L.A. – On Our Way
There’s an otherworldliness that inhabits the deserts of California. It’s not just the inhospitable environment, it’s also a sense of realness that comes to the improbable. From the conspiracy theorists outside China Lake to the mystics in Joshua Tree, some of the inhabitants embrace that difference in life. With their roots in the high desert […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2021
Foregone Conclusion, Zach Schmidt (from the Boss Dawg Records release Raise a Banner) Zach Schmidt has been waiting awhile for the release of his sophomore full length album. Not Chinese Democracy long, but long enough. Schmidt recorded the album, backed by producer Sadler Vadan and the 400 Unit (yes, that one), then saw the album […]


