Sarah Jarosz, Sara Watkins and Aoife O’Donovan met each other when Jarosz was still in her early teens, and the other two barely in their twenties. By 2014 they were singing together in no less a venue than Telluride’s bluegrass festival. In 2018 they released an album, See You Around, and received a collective Grammy […]
Monday Morning Video – Mike Peters (1959 – 2025)
There are numerous songs about having a rock and roll heart. Mike Peters didn’t need to write one – his rock and roll heart infused every song that he wrote. Peters passed away last week after a 30 – yes 30 – year battle with cancer. If that doesn’t speak to the strength of Peter’s […]
True North Duo – Time And Materials
Folk music has, I think, always had a DIY aesthetic. You strum your guitar, sing into the microphone (if available), and there you have it. Simple enough that more than a few artists have chosen to tour by bicycle. Oregon-based couple Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel have raised that quite a few notches on their […]
Graham Sharp – How Did We Do It
Wishes do come true. Four years ago I wrote about the debut solo album from Steep Canyon Rangers’ banjoist and frequent lead singer, Graham Sharp. I finished the post expressing a hope that, as much as I like the Rangers, the record wouldn’t be his last solo effort. Well, just out is another release from […]
Monday Morning Video – John Prine
Last week marked five years since John Prine left us, leaving behind a songwriting legacy that continues to inspire. Here are two Prine classics, “Lake Marie” and, accompanied by Bonnie Raitt, “Angel From Montgomery”.
Tony Kamel – We’re All Gonna Live
You’ve all heard the saying about death and taxes. Many a songwriter has written a story about someone’s journey to make the most of life given the inevitable end. Grammy-nominated Austin musician (and former front man for Wood & Wire) Tony Kamel took that a few steps further and centered his new album, We’re All […]
SXSW 2025: The Sounds, Part 3
ST. VINCENT It’s hard to beat a surprise set by St. Vincent, all the more so when it takes place at a Rivian showroom. The set was short but potent, including a few from her most recent album. And thanks, Rivian, for the limited edition vinyl of said release. WILLI CARLISLE Although he’s been on […]
SXSW 2025: The Sounds, Part 2
BABY SAID I saw sisters Veronica and Jess Pal deliver two blistering sets of rock and roll, sweetened by their catchy pop melodies and perfect sibling harmonies. Even those two times was not enough – here’s hoping they return soon for a proper tour. JOELTON MAYFIELD My favorite Americana discovery was Nashville by way of […]
SXSW 2025: The Sounds, Part 1
JOHN FOGERTY “I just got my songs back and I’m gonna play every one of them,” said Fogerty at the start of his show, celebrating the return of his song publishing rights. He wasn’t kidding. He and his band cranked through hit after hit, culminating with a bruising “Fortunate Son”. The icing on the cake? […]
Kira Annalise of The Waymores on Gas Station Pizza and Touring in Wheelie Nelson
Kira Annalise of Atlanta-based The Waymores talks about the pro and the con of how music distribution works today and shares a favorite line from the first song that she and partner Willie Heath Neal wrote together.