They say you can never go home. Clearly that’s more about the time than the location, but I’ve seen both be possible. Tony Kamel, front man for the Grammy-winning Wood & Wire, seems to be one of those exceptions. At the urging of iconic Texas musician and producer, Bruce Robison, Tony has just released his […]
AJ Lee & Blue Summit – I’ll Come Back
Although not as well known as what’s happening in the Rockies or Appalachians, there’s a strong bluegrass scene in the northern California Bay Area. The most famous product of that community right now is undoubtedly Molly Tuttle. But there are several other emerging talents, notably AJ Lee and her band, Blue Summit. In fact, Lee […]
Joe Troop – Borrowed Time
After being nominated for a Grammy in early 2020 for the debut album of his group, Che Apalache, Joe Troop had plans. When the pandemic hit, though, he pivoted to work alongside the everyday heroes he writes songs about, most notably a migrant assistance program on the border with Mexico. In his spare time he […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2021 (So Far), the Albums
J.T. by Steve Earle & The Dukes Steve Earle’s moving tribute to his late son Justin Townes Earle is an emotional gut punch. Yet beyond the tragedy of the younger Earle’s passing, the elder Earle’s performances of his son’s songs highlight their shared gift of songwriting and storytelling mastery. Be warned, though, that the closing […]
Soren Staff of Them Coulee Boys on Tortillas, Day Jobs, and a Van Named Clifford
Soren Staff talks about how the band cut their teeth trying to entertain 13-year-olds and how they funded their new record, in part, by holding a hot wing eating contest.
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2021, Part 1
Deep End, Joe Pug (from the Nation of Heat Records release The Diving Sun) What began as a collection of archival material emerges as a full-fledged album, complete with some wonderful new compositions. All flow with the grace and melodic charm that are Pug hallmarks. The Diving Sun is a mix of quiet acoustic and […]
Cole Quest on Tetris, NFTs, and Learning How to Learn
Cole Quest talks about bar buy backs at the Quays Pub in Queens, NY, racing to catch a flight home, and splitting his focus between the arts and science.
Stephen Flatt – Cumberland Bones
They say alt-country is country music played with a punk aesthetic. Stephen Flatt has a slightly different idea; it’s southern rock with a bluegrass aesthetic. On his latest album, Cumberland Bones, Flatt leads with the Southern rock stories and anthemic, pump-your-fist sound. The bluegrass comes in via him recording this record not with a longstanding […]
Eli West – Tapered Point Of Stone
For much of the country, spring is upon us. Not just because of the date on the calendar, but the warmth of the sun on increasingly longer days, the gentle breeze bearing the scent of blooms (and pollen!), and at least where I grew up the sudden change of Mother Nature’s heart with the arrival […]
Griffin Sherry (The Ghost of Paul Revere) on “Skyship Mkll” and Learning from the Lean Years
Griffen Sherry, guitarist for The Ghost of Paul Revere, talks about building custom children’s playhouses, rehearsing in public parks, and brief moments of forgiveness