Ah Tom Waits, arguably one of American music’s most idiosyncratic artists but unequivocally one of its most distinctive voices. Here’s a 1986 live performance from Italy that includes so many of his “hits” – “Jersey Girl”, “Looking for the Heart of Saturday Night” and “Tom Traubert’s Blues (Waltzing Mathilda)” to name just a few. Classics […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2018, Part 1
The Fold, Brent Cowles (from the Dine Alone Records release How To Be OK Alone) One doesn’t need to tell Brent Cowles that life is a struggle. The Denver singer-songwriter isn’t afraid to bare his soul, a fact that is evident from the fervent opening moments of “The Fold” to the quiet closing moments of […]
David Rosales – Brave Ones
The beaches in southern California are at their peak about mid-morning. Â The fog is burning off and so the sun’s just coming out. Â It’s still chilly, but the air is full of possibilities whether it’s the warmth of the upcoming day or the reliable 3-foot break. Â The rest of the world has been toiling for […]
Sarah White – “Carry Me Over” Song Premiere
 Sometimes you go to a restaurant you’ve never been to so you can order their homemade biscuits.  It’s still comfort food, but with a little variety over your normal routine.  That’s the analogy I’m going to use for the soon-to-be-released album from Virginia native Sarah White.  High Flyer has the folk and country and Americana […]
Monday Morning Video – James McMurtry “Levelland”
There’s perhaps only one thing better than hearing James McMurtry play his remarkable “Levelland” and that’s watching him perform it in a pastoral setting that is so fitting for the song.
The Berkshires Seemed Dreamlike – A Special Boston Playlist (Part 2)
Barefoot Sailors, Session Americana (from the self-released Live at the Haybarn) Session Americana in concert is more than a show, it’s an experience. The group takes their musicianship seriously yet are equally focused on delivering a relaxed, freewheeling and entertaining performance. Live at the Haybarn, recorded in Dec 2016, is a perfect snapshot for both […]
Trampled by Turtles – Life Is Good On the Open Road
I’m sure you’ve seen this before. Â The special effects people take an explosion and play it backwards, in slow motion. Â The result is a whole bunch of disparate, seemingly unrelated, pieces all come together to form the perfect whole. Â That’s the kind of experience I had with the new album from Trampled by Turtles, Life […]
The Berkshires Seemed Dreamlike – A Special Boston Playlist (Part 1)
All Be Gone, Buffalo Tom (from the Schoolkids Records release Quiet and Peace) One of rock and roll’s great debates is whether to burn out or fade away. There’s a third option, though. Buffalo Tom make the point that it is possible for rock and roll to mature gracefully while still maintaining an edge. In […]
Coco O’Connor – This Ol’ War Song Premiere
Some of the best music coming out of Nashville these days is from artists who have trouble really connecting with Nashville. Â The collection of Americana talent there is tremendous, and you can find a lot of empathetic soul mates. Â But it just never seems like home. Â That’s the situation with Santa Fe artist Coco O’Connor. […]
Mark Otis Selby – Naked Sessions
I’m a sucker for a really good cover song. Â The best ones take the same chord progressions and lyrics and convey an entirely different experience. Â Think Jimi Hendrix All Along the Watchtower compared to the original Dylan version. Â Now turn that around, where you’ve heard the second version, and now you get the original, lightly […]