Brian Henneman of the Bottle Rockets reveals the first song that he ever wrote, what he does when he’s not on the road and asks for suggestions on how to eat cheap and healthy on the road.
Cold and Bitter Tears – The Songs of Ted Hawkins
Sometimes it’s the unexpected show that becomes one of the most memorable. Such was the case when I saw Ted Hawkins shortly before he passed away in 1995. Hawkins was booked to play Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall, a seemingly odd choice for an artist who was touring to promote a new album. For those who […]
Colin Linden – Rich In Love
Canadian roots rocker Colin Linden is one of those musicians’ musicians who has seemingly played with everyone during his long career, including Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Bruce Cockburn and several members of The Band. His latest album, Rich In Love, demonstrates why he is in demand as a guest musician in his adopted home of Nashville. […]
Whitney Rose on Leaving No Granola Bar Behind and Why Ignorance Is Bliss
Canadian songstress Whitney Rose reveals who in her band gets up early enough to enjoy complimentary hotel continental breakfasts and talks about singing an a cappella rendition of the Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace” when she was in kindergarten.
Americana 2015: The Sounds, Part 2
JOSH RITTER Ritter and his Royal City Band always put on energetic performances but they seemed particularly excitable as they celebrated the impending release of their new album. They won over the crowd right out of the gate by opening their set with the longtime fan favorite “Me and Jiggs.†DONNIE FRITTS Muscle Shoals legend […]
Americana 2015: The Sounds, Part 1
GLEN HANSARD Hansard delivered what was easily the best set of the week. He brought a full band, including strings and horns, to showcase songs both new and old. Josh Ritter joined for a couple of choice covers, including songs by Jason Molina (Magnolia Electric Company), Bruce Springsteen and Leonard Cohen. THE BOTTLE ROCKETS At […]
Mayer’s Playlist for September 2015
Into the Deep, Galactic (from the Provogue release Into the Deep) There’s a lesson to be learned across the eleven tracks that make up Galactic’s latest release. I can’t recall a record in recent memory that is so musically diverse yet sounds so cohesive. It is a testament to the New Orleans-based quintet’s immense musical […]
The Acoustic Blues & Roots of Duke Robillard
Duke Robillard has pretty much reached a point in his career when he knows he doesn’t have to try to impress anyone. He can play what he wants, and if you want to come along for the ride, so much the better. With the Acoustic Blues & Roots of Duke Robillard, which releases Friday, Robillard […]
Monday Morning Video – Robbie Fulks Covers Fountains of Wayne
Set aside his own impressive catalog, Robbie Fulks knows a good song when he hears one. Here’s an impressive cover of Fountains of Wayne’s brilliant power pop confection “The Girl I Can’t Forget.” A trombone and guitar solo? Fuggedaboutit. In true Fulks comedic fashion, the performance comes from a tribute night entitled “Fountains of Wayne […]
Guy Davis – Kokomo Kidd
Guy Davis is among the vanguard of musicians, including Keb’ Mo’, Eric Bibb, Otis Taylor, Alvin Youngblood Hart and Corey Harris, who have carried the blues torch lit by the post-war greats like Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and B.B. King.  His newest album, Kokomo Kidd, reminds us why Davis is a key voice in […]