Like Elvin Bishop and John Oates, Maria Muldaur is a musician who who had enormous popular success decades ago that allow her to explore musical expression on exactly her own terms. And, also like Bishop and Oates, she has established herself as an important figure in the blues and roots music scene. Both a blessing […]
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 […]
Selwyn Birchwood on a High Stress Sales Job and Evolving From Poetry to Music
Blues artist Selwyn Birchwood talks about why blues music is about heart and the blessing of performing for a crowd.
Chris Cain – Raisin’ Cain
You probably have not heard of Chris Cain. That’s a shame, because, if Raisin’ Cain is typical of his work, we all should know about this guy. But Cain is one of those road-tested musicians whose reputation spreads among other musicians. A long-time fixture in the California blues scene, Cain received W.C. Handy (Blues Music […]
J.R. Jones on Attic Rehearsals and His Quest for the Perfect Set of Guitar Strings
J.R. Jones talks about finding a decent cup of coffee, working as a bread baker, and how the music industry is like a knife fight.
New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers, Vol. 2
Sequels are so often disappointing, but not this time. Last October, Stony Plain released a great set of jam sessions featuring blues masters Charlie Musselwhite and Alvin Youngblood Hart, together with former Squirrel Nut Zipper Jimbo Mathus, North Mississippi Allstars brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson and their father Jim that were recorded in 2007. Now, […]
Monday Morning Video – Buddy Guy
How ’bout some vintage blues to start the week? Here’s Buddy Guy performing “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and “My Time After Awhile” back in 1969.
Jorma Kaukonen on Managing a Gas Station and Waiting for the Next Big Thing
Jorma Kaukonen from Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna talks about why bus drivers have to be magicians, his rehearsal space, and modern roadside America.
Selwyn Birchwood – Living in a Burning House
I caught Selwyn Birchwood’s act a few years ago at the Philly Folk Festival (remember when we could go to festivals?), and I was immediately won over by the barefoot bluesman. Already an award winning guitarist, Living in a Burning House cements his credentials as one of the leading younger lights in the blues world. […]
The Twangville Early 2021 Release Preview
Happily, 2021 is upon us! Here are just a few forthcoming long-players that we are eagerly anticipating in the coming months. J.T. by STEVE EARLE AND THE DUKES (4 Jan) Steve Earle pays tribute to his late son – and raises funds to support the late artist’s wife and 3-year-old daughter – by recording a […]