Austin Thompson of Chicago quintet The Way Down Wanderers talks about brewing coffee while on the road, their movable rehearsal space and where the most important band work happens.
SXSW 2019 – The Sounds, Part 1
BALTO I was sold on Balto as soon as I heard the blistering slide on “Black Snake, Mojave Blues”, the sample track that they shared on their SXSW profile page. Seeing them live provided an exclamation point – I caught two exceptional raucous and greasy outdoor sets in the afternoon sun. The LA-based quartet were […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January/February 2019, Part 2
Jingle and Go, Ryan Bingham (from the Axster Bingham Records release American Love Song) Ryan Bingham stretches out on American Love Song, offering up a roadhouse full of of songs about on love, political commentary and boisterous escapades. Opener “Jingle and Go” kicks things off playfully, recalling Little Feat with its intertwined piano and slide […]
The Way Down Wanderers – Illusions
There’s a fine line between disappointment and disillusionment. Â I think some of it has to do with permanence, but whatever the definition the boys in The Way Down Wanderers do a good job of staying on the fleeting side of pessimism on their latest album, Illusions. Â In general, they accomplish that with upbeat instrumental support, […]
Chip’s Top 10 of 2018
1) Brent Cobb – “Providence Canyon” There are a number of young artists carrying the Amercana torch into the future but Cobb is one of the best. 2) Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore – “Downey to Lubbock” This collaboration was at least a decade overdue. These two old friends finally got together and gave […]
Revival: The Sam Bush Story
I’ve had the good fortune to have seen Sam Bush perform a number of times over the years. Â It started with the New Grass Revival back in their heyday, then his stint with the Nash Ramblers, and finally his solo act. Â I’ve come to realize that every time I’ve seen him, it’s exceeded my expectations. […]
Jesse Langlais of Town Mountain Gets Philosophical about the Music Business and Sentimental About An Old Tour Van
Jesse Langlais of bluegrass band Town Mountain reflects on his early years, from playing bongos at his first gig and one thing he regrets from his youth.
Three EP Gems – Baiman, Lukes & Champagne
Last year I had the fortune to discover Rachel Baiman. Â I noted at the time she had a knack for subtly inserting parables in her snap-your-fingers or turn-around-the-dance-floor bluegrass numbers. Â She’s at it again with Thanksgiving, a just released EP. Â Tent City is an upbeat tune with lots of great banjo and guitar picking. Â It’s […]
The Jellyman’s Daughter – Dead Reckoning
In all my years of writing about music, I don’t believe I’ve ever used the words “twangy” and “classical” in the same sentence. Â Those are the two words, however, that describe the sound on the sophomore album from Edinburgh-based duo, The Jellyman’s Daughter. Â Dead Reckoning is a sort of a study on self-awareness in an […]
Jacob Groopman of Front Country on the Lure of Combo’s Baked Snacks and Why Music is a Full-Time Job
Front Country’s Jacob Groopman talks about yelling, crying and light wrestling at rehearsals and a future that will either be more money or hellscape.