Bluegrass has always had a large family element to it. From sitting around picking with friends and relatives to packing the clan into the camper for a weekend festival, it’s frequently a multi-generational activity. That’s as true today as it was fifty years ago–witness the story behind Colorado duet/band, Ruby Joyful. Co-founder Dan Rubinoff lived […]
My Black Country – The Songs of Alice Randall
What do you get when Allison Russell, Rhiannon Giddens, Valerie June and others get together to sing songs by an underappreciated black songwriter on John Prine’s label? My Black Country – The Songs of Allice Randall. Alice Randall has been writing country music songs for decades. Though hers isn’t exactly a household name, she’s been […]
Jared Deck on Road Sandwiches and Working Two Jobs
Oklahoma singer-songwriter Jared Deck talks about road sandwiches, developing a business model, and the inspiration for his first band.
Monday Morning Video – Josh Ritter “Getting Ready to Get Down”
If you’ve ever seen Josh Ritter live, he’ll periodically introduce this song with a warning to other songwriters. I’ll paraphrase: always think about how you’ll perform a song live when you write one filled with rapid fire lyrics. Here’s Ritter spitting out the lyrics of “Getting Ready to Get Down”.
Jake Trevor Song Premiere – Coffee and Wine
I’ve always admired talented buskers. I can’t imagine a harder audience than a bunch of people who just view you as an obstacle to getting where they’re going. And yet, there is almost always a music fan or two who delay their plans to just stop and enjoy the song. Sometimes you see a few […]
Kyshona on touring in Vivian Van-Ross and Hosting the “Garageband Grammys”
Nashville singer-songwriter Kyshona talks about backpacking tour snacks and stretching – physically, mentally and emotionally.
Liz Brasher on “Big Sandy” and Learning the Business Side of Music
LA by way of Memphis artist Liz Brasher talks about naming her van after Big Sandy (and reveals his alternate suggestion), using her apartment as a rehearsal space, and her favorite day job.
Anders Osborne on Early Song Titles and Setting Career Intentions
New Orleans songwriter and guitarist Anders Osborne recalls his first gig – at age 9 – and the tour vans he has owned over the course of his career.
Monday Morning Video – John R. Miller
I caught John R. Miller and his band live a few weeks ago when they passed through NYC. It was my first time seeing him and he sure didn’t disappoint with a mighty fine mix of country and rock. This song – “Nobody Has to Know Your Mind” from 2023’s Heat Comes Down – was […]
Eric Bibb – Live at the Scala Theatre Stockholm
Taj Mahal … Keb’ Mo’ … Corey Harris … Guy Davis … Otis Taylor … Eric Bibb. These guys, along with a few others, are the vanguard of modern acoustic blues. With all of them, but especially with Bibb, listeners can be sure that every recording, every performance matters. Bibb’s new live album shows the […]