For much of the country, spring is upon us. Not just because of the date on the calendar, but the warmth of the sun on increasingly longer days, the gentle breeze bearing the scent of blooms (and pollen!), and at least where I grew up the sudden change of Mother Nature’s heart with the arrival […]
J.R. Jones on Attic Rehearsals and His Quest for the Perfect Set of Guitar Strings
J.R. Jones talks about finding a decent cup of coffee, working as a bread baker, and how the music industry is like a knife fight.
Monday Morning Video – Billy Bragg
I’ve been digging into the greatness that is the Billy Bragg catalog lately and enjoyed being re-connected with these classics: “Levi Stubb’s Tears” and “Waiting For the Great Leap Forwards”.
Gerry Beckley on Italian Truck Stops and His 50 Year Musical Journey
America co-founder Gerry Beckley on nightly “rehearsals”, covering the Ventures, and his first (and last) day job.
Anana Kaye and Irakli Gabriel on Tour Sandwiches and Ignoring Music Business Advice
Nashville-based duo Anana Kaye and Irakli Gabriel talk about the kind people of Virginia, the cat and dog in their rehearsal space, and going from zero to not being broke.
Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno
Three years ago in a cramped hotel room during Folk Alliance, at the advice of friends, I first heard a barely-out-of-high-school songstress, Vivian Leva, and her musical partner, Riley Calcagno. Leva had just released her debut album of Appalachian style folk and country songs. Belying her tender age, Leva’s soulful vocal delivery laid bare the […]
Jorma Kaukonen on Managing a Gas Station and Waiting for the Next Big Thing
Jorma Kaukonen from Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna talks about why bus drivers have to be magicians, his rehearsal space, and modern roadside America.
Monday Morning Video – Joe Pug
Joe Pug will be releasing The Diving Sun, his latest album, on 19 March 2021. As we eagerly await its arrival, here’s a favorite from the Pug catalog: “If Still It Can’t Be Found” from 2015’s Windfall.
Mayer’s Playlist for Jan/Feb 2021
Far Away In Another Town, Steve Earle & the Dukes (from the New West Records Release J.T.) Chances are you might already be aware of the story behind J.T., Steve Earle’s tribute to his late son Justin Townes Earle. The younger Earle tragically passed away from a drug overdose in August of 2020, leaving behind […]
Brazos in My Bones – a Premiere from Stefan Prigmore
There’s something special about a Texas songwriter. The stories that they share are richly colorful, filled with characters who live life by their own rules. The more outrageous the tale, the more likely that they contain some kernels of truth. Fort Worth’s Stefan Prigmore continues this tradition with pride, spinning yarns as dusty as the […]