It’s easy to forget that being a professional musician is about more than music. This is even more true for the independent artist who will spend the day doing everything from stuffing merch envelopes and hanging show posters to trying to coordinate tour logistics from behind the wheel of the tour van. With that as […]
The Waifs – Ironbark
Soul is the incorporeal essence of a living being, by one definition. In the case of Ironbark, the latest from Australian music stars The Waifs, it’s the incorporeal essence of 3 living beings; sisters Vikki Thorn and Donna Simpson, plus long time musical partner Josh Cunningham. The Waifs have been together 25 years now, and […]
Bill & Joel Plaskett – Solidarity
Joel Plaskett is well known to Canadian music fans; his father probably less so, but a defining character of the eastern Canada folk scene nonetheless. Â So when they decided to do an album together, the odds were stacked in their favor. Â What was targeted as a musical project they could unite on, hence the title, […]
SXSW 2017 – The Sounds, Part 2
AUSTIN LUCAS Lucas snuck into Austin to play a single afternoon solo acoustic show. To say that he attacked his guitar wouldn’t be an overstatement. He alternated between channeling Johnny Cash in his fiery moments and Blaze Foley’s mellow stylings. It was a powerful performance from start to finish. RON GALLO Gallo was a contender […]
SXSW 2017 – The Sounds, Part 1
LANGHORNE SLIM This was the best of the best, my favorite musical moment of the week. Langhorne Slim sitting in a chair on the floor, the audience arrayed cross-legged on the floor around him. A campfire festival without the campfire. His late-night performance was a freewheeling gem that included a few impromptu requests, all delivered […]
Monday Morning Video – Play Ball!
Forget the groundhog, the surest sign of spring is the arrival of a new baseball season. Sure, you may be tempted to say Spring Training is the milestone moment, but the weather will often step in to say otherwise. (Heck, there’s a reason Spring Training takes place in Florida and Arizona.) Many of you will […]
Beth Bombara – Map & No Direction
What is it about electricity that so irritates the traditional folk music crowd? Â Dylan practically caused a riot back in 1965 when he plugged in at Newport. Â The acoustic crowd wanted nothing to do with Fairport Convention or It’s A Beautiful Day when they displayed some rock and roll showmanship and musical direction. Â As late […]
Monday Morning Video – I’m With Her
How’s this for a talented of boundless talent – Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan harmonizing beautifully on “Cross Muddy Waters.”
Quiles & Cloud – Shake Me Now
Quiles and Cloud originally formed as a duo. Maria Quiles (Vocals and Guitar) and Rory Cloud (Vocals and Guitar) began playing together in the Bay Area in 2011. Since then they have added Upright Bass player Oscar Westesson. Their new album “Shake Me Now†is being released this week and will hopefully be the launching […]
John Craigie – No Rain, No Rose
There will never be another John Prine. Â But like the jam bands that came after the Grateful Dead, if you’re open to the sprouts that come up in the field they plowed, you can experience some delicious flavors that may not be the original, but they’re tasty nonetheless. Â John Craigie is one such Prine varietal. […]