Several years later I still remember seeing them do it. The Blind Boys Of Alabama, that night accompanied by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, doing Amazing Grace, set to the tune of House Of the Rising Sun. It was the first 20 years of gospel influence in rock boiled down to its essence in a […]
Bobby Rush Talks about a Painted-On Mustache and Why He Keeps Rehearsals Private
Legendary blues artist Bobby Rush reflects on more than 30 years of tour vans and buses, the day jobs he took in the 1950’s to support the start of his career in music and the importance of understanding artist publishing rights.
Guy Forsyth & Jeska Bailey – Conspirators
The sound crawls out of the Mississippi Delta before taking wing over the vast Texas landscape. After soaring above you it lands back in the cotton field, where sanctity and sin go hand in hand. That’s about the best way I can describe the new album from Guy Forsyth and Jeska Bailey, their first recording […]
The 40 Acre Mule – Goodnight and Good Luck
There are many paths a band can take between inception and the first album (assuming they make it that far). The 40 Acre Mule chose to follow a simple formula. First they decided to kick ass and do it loudly. Second they played anywhere and everywhere people would listen, and made it a party. Third […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2019, Part 2
All Some Kind of Dream, Josh Ritter (from the Pytheas Recordings release Fever Breaks) Josh Ritter is one of the most literate songwriters of these times, waxing poetic as easily as unleashing fiery commentary. He sets the tone early on the newly released Fever Breaks with “Ground Don’t Want Me” a somewhat jubilant melody and […]
Gary Nicholson on Avoiding Rehearsals and Not Chasing Trends
Gary Nicholson describes his early gigs playing at the legendary Ft Worth Cellar and time spent welding fins on bombs.
My Mind Must Be Back in Boston – A Special Playlist
Reckless Heart, Todd Thibaud (from the self-released Hill West) Singer-songwriter Todd Thibaud decamped to rural Vermont to craft his latest album. He returned to Boston with a collection of songs somber and introspective, no doubt reflective of the environment in which it was born. Stark but nuanced arrangements play into the pensive nature of the […]
Mitch Woods Shares Stories from More Than 40 years as a Professional Musician
Piano man Mitch Woods recalls hiding from the cops at his first gig, the car that inspired his first song and the time they filmed a movie in the studio where he had just finished a session.
Monday Morning Video – The Texas Teens
There’s a talented group of young musicians establishing themselves in Dallas. Their choice of musical genre may vary but they share a determined commitment to craft that shines bright in their music. If they are any indication, our musical future is in good hands. Have a listen to Parker Twomey, Remy Reilly, Frankie Leonie and […]
Matt Andersen on Mid-Rehearsal Naps and the Definition of Done
Canadian soul-bluesman Matt Andersen talks about a day-job working in a factory, his record for the number of strings broken in a night and the uncertain future economic value of music.