I had a tough time narrowing down my list of favorite albums to just ten. So here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2013. Blunderstone RookeryStephen Kellogg Close to the FloorPatrick Sweany Stay RecklessAustin Lucas StudebakerMando Saenz The MooringsAndrew Duhon Truth Be SoldLeeroy Stagger ElectricRichard Thompson American RideWillie Nile Small Town […]
Monday Morning Video: Rusty Belle takes on the Hollies
I featured Rusty Belle in last week’s Boston playlist. Here’s the trio taking on the Hollies’ wonderful “The Air That I Breathe” in what looks like someone’s kitchen. Damn if they don’t cook up some fine harmonies.
Still Love That Dirty Water: A Boston Playlist
FEATURED ALBUM Common Courtesy, by Rusty Belle I don’t often quote artist bios, but this was too good not to share: They were raised on the Beatles and the Band, went to high school with Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, dated Miles Davis and Tom Waits in college and keep a Lightnin’ Hopkins, Kinks or […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON Stay Reckless, by Austin Lucas Some may disagree with my classification, but this is my kind of country. It starts with Lucas’s voice, which has just the right amount of relaxed drawl. When he sings, “I don’t want to be alone in Memphis, I don’t want to be alone in New […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON The Death of the Self-Preservation Society, by Two Cow Garage Two Cow Garage have a well-earned reputation as road warriors who put on ferocious live performances. Their shows are always intense, sweaty and raucous, the way rock is meant to be enjoyed. What sets these guys apart, however, is the strength […]
Stephen Kellogg’s Song of Thanksgiving
I’m sure many are familiar with “Alice’s Restaurant,” Arlo Guthrie’s legendary Thanksgiving opus. Clocking in at nearly twenty minutes, it is a touchstone in the folk story-telling canon. Well, it is time to start a new tradition. Stephen Kellogg’s “Thanksgiving,” from his recent Blunderstone Rookery, is an uplifting reflection on life and its blessings. Acknowledging […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON Joy of Nothing, by Foy Vance Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance spent his childhood years traveling the American Midwest and South with his preacher father. He soaked in the rich American musical traditions that he encountered during these travels, which later infused his music upon his return to Ireland. This rich musical […]
Scott Law – Black Mountain
I don’t really recall when I first heard bluegrass music, but I’m certain it didn’t make much of an impression on me until the first time I saw a live show (John Hartford and The Dillards, for what it’s worth). Â At that moment, the speed/death/punk/heavy metal-head in me realized that intensity and unbounded energy in […]
The Howlin’ Brothers – The Sun Studio Session
The Howlin’ Brothers are a three piece acoustic band. I hesitate to call them a “String†band, because they don’t fit the stereotype. While they do play traditional music, their version has many facets. Beyond traditional and Bluegrass, they also employee Blues, Country and you may even hear a little Bourbon Street. Their music can […]
Monday Morning Video: Billy Joe Shaver
Here’s Billy Joe Shaver’s classic “Live Forever” to kick of your week. And, as a special bonus, below is Joe Ely’s take on this beautiful song.