Athens, GA’s Chickasaw Mudd Puppies talk about the first songs that they wrote, harmonica inflation, and how the band got its name.
Marc Broussard – S.O.S. 4, Blues for Your Soul
If a tornado came through and took my home and all my possessions, and all that the wind had decided to leave me was the shirt on my back, I’d be alright. That’s the feeling I got from the sounds of Marc Broussard’s S.O.S 4, Blues For Your Soul. This album is a potpourri of […]
Touchin’ Down in New England Town – a Special Boston Playlist
By My Lonesome, GA-20 (from the album Karma Chief Records release Live in Loveland) Just Because, GA-20 (from the Karma Chief Records release Crackdown) Blues band GA-20 have emerged from the pandemic with a vengeance. Their non-stop touring aside, they are releasing their second album in seven months. Both are tremendous showcases for the group’s […]
Savoy Brown – Blues All Around
Kim Simmonds, the founder and longtime frontman for Savoy Brown, lost his battle with colon cancer on December 13, 2022. That makes Blues All Around, released in February, likely the last offering from the British blues-rock legends. The band was originally formed in 1965. Savoy Brown’s first album dates back to 1967, and albums generally regarded […]
Afton Wolfe – Twenty-Three
You certainly don’t have to be born in the south to sing the Delta blues, or raised in Appalachia to master bluegrass. If you are though, and can bring that personal touch to the genre, it’s icing on the cake. Such is the case with current Nashville resident Afton Wolfe, who can call an arc […]
Bill’s Badly Belated Blues Based Best of 2022
Ok, so it’s February. Kind of late for a year-in-review special. But, I was traveling for my day job, the one I get paid for, so that’s why I’m late. So, I’ve been doing these blues-based years in review for a few years now, and I’m not sure I ever explained the methodology I use, […]
The Twangville Early 2023 Release Preview
Out of the Heart of Darkness by L.A. Edwards (6 January) L.A. Edwards kick of the year with an often brooding but always engaging song collection. Although the group hails from California, they make a mighty fine heartland rock sound. I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying by Whitehorse (13 January) The Canadian duo of Melissa McClelland […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2022, Boston/Dallas Edition
I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY HOME) Crackdown by GA-20 Two guitars and a set […]
Dallas Got a Soft Machine – a Special Playlist
It’s been a while since I made a playlist featuring Dallas artist releases so I’ve got some catching up to do… This playlist is a mix of songs from albums released in 2021 and 2022. Panhandle Wind, Isaac Hoskins (from the self-released Bender) Denton’s Isaac Hoskins rode out Covid – no pun intended – working […]
Rory Block – Ain’t Nobody Worried
Rory Block’s acoustic guitar chops are unmatched. Her recent series of tribute albums to country blues greats continues with Ain’t Nobody Worried, but this time with a twist. Instead of dedicating the whole album to a single blues artist, she mixes it up, covering iconic songs by iconic women. And the usually faithful blues master […]