Allen Toussaint is an American institution. The amazingly talented musician has played a part in the careers of so many musicians. Whether arranging horns for the Band’s legendary concert The Last Waltz or producing Labelle’s classic “Lady Marmalade,” Toussaint has a magical touch. As if that weren’t enough, his songs has been performed by just […]
Macy Blackman & The Mighty Fines – I Didn’t Want To Do It
Macy Blackman’s piano playing is a treat for those who enjoy swampy, down home boogie-woogie. His new album, I Didn’t Want To Do It, takes a page from Dr. John’s playbook, featuring spirited New Orleans style boogie-woogie piano – but without the trippier side of the Dr. John experience. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Blackman did […]
The Deadfields – Often Wrong, Never In Doubt
Although by no means a required characteristic, it seems bands that have some sly humor in their songs manage to collect a fan base that sustains them over generations. Â The Austin Lounge Lizards come to mind, as does Southern Culture On the Skids. Â The legendary Little Feat even managed to soldier through the loss of […]
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.
Breting Engel – Breting Engel
Standing in a meadow at 10,000 feet, the first thing you notice is how the air is so incredibly clear. Â Objects, even distant ones, have a sharpness that doesn’t seem quite normal. Â Then there’s the vegetation; a surprising amount but it’s never lush. Â Everything has some white, whether it’s the bark of the aspen, the […]
Jonathan Warren & the Billy Goats – On This Very Evening
What if Quentin Tarantino or the Coen Brothers wrote music instead of making movies? Â I think it would sound like Jonathan Warren & the Billy Goats. Â There’s a simple story line to the music, yet the cast of characters and quirky delivery make for something unique that keeps your rapt attention. Â Their latest album, On […]
Johnny Rawls – Remembering O.V.
Soul blues is a form of blues that, as its name implies, fuses soul music with traditional blues music. It is a form of blues that was pioneered by African-American musicians in the South. Among the music form’s early champions were the late Bobby “Blue” Bland and Z.Z. HIll. Although a number of prominent blues musicians, such […]