Here’s a song for your shopping soundtrack courtesy of Milwaukee-based troubadour Brett Newski.
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2014, Part 1
ALBUM OF THE MONTH Chasing Beauty, by Ellis Paul Ellis Paul long ago established his credentials as a folk musician. He is an astute observer of the world around him who excels at transforming stories into song. In recent years he has shifted a bit from his folk roots, flexing more of his acoustic pop […]
Dream On — a Special Boston Playlist
Here is the latest installment in our periodic series highlighting Boston and New England artists. (View the complete series here.) 1-2-3, Amy Fairchild (from the self-released Amy Fairchild) There’s something to be said for only speaking when you have something to say. Just ask Amy Fairchild who has just released her first album since 2002. […]
Billy Strings & Don Julin – Fiddle Tune X
Fiddle Tune X is for bluegrass fans with attention deficit problems. Â The new album from Billy Strings and Don Julin nearly captures an entire bluegrass festival in 59 minutes. Â The Michigan based duo, with just a guitar, a mandolin, and their vocals, cover ground from speed-picking, self-written tunes all the way to slow gospel harmonies. […]
Lac La Belle – A Friend Too Long
As I sit here starting to write this review, I Â realize it”s somewhat appropriate that tonight is Halloween, when costumed children pretend to be someone they wish they could be and costumed adults pretend to be someone (or something) they don”t want to be. Â The latest record from Detroit-based Lac La Belle, A Friend Too […]
Monday Morning Video: Rod Picott “Where No One Knows My Name”
Nashville singer-songwriter Rod Picott passed through Boston a few weeks ago. It was a special treat to hear him perform this song, one of my favorites from his 2013 release Hang Your Hopes on a Crooked Nail.
Americana 2014: The Sounds, Part 1
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. JOE FLETCHER I couldn’t think of a better way to close […]
Photos that ROCK! Mark Erelli & "Milltowns"
Back in March, Mark Erelli contacted me and asked if I could do a photo shoot with him for his next album. He explained that it was a tribute to one of his favorite musicians (Bill Morrissey) and that the photos should include birch trees and a fall New England landscape. Not only do I […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Sept 2014, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH You’ve Got the Wrong Man, by Joe Fletcher Singer-songwriter Joe Fletcher drew inspiration for You’ve Got the Wrong Man from the field recordings of the early 20th century. The process, most notably used by John Lomax during his musical exploration of the Southern US, places particular emphasis on the raw emotion […]
Just Another Band Out of Boston: A Special Boston Playlist
Here is the latest installment in our periodic series highlighting Boston and New England artists. (View the complete series here.) Mark Erelli (from the Hillbilly Pilgrim Records release Milltowns) Erelli pays loving tribute to his hero and mentor, the late folk musician Bill Morrissey. With the help of some talented friends — including Peter Mulvey, […]