“Heaven is right here, if you’re doing it right.” Â Those words lead the chorus of Black Grace, a song that won Melody Walker the songwriting contest last year at Merlefest. Â She and partner Jacob Groopman have just released We Made It Home that includes Black Grace and number of other treasures. Â Produced by bluegrass virtuoso […]
Ali Holder – In Preparation For Saturn’s Return
I can’t say I ever thought about going to a smoky jazz lounge and hearing something twangy. Â After listening to Ali Holder’s solo debut, In Preparation For Saturn’s Return, I can now picture that happening. Â There are certainly artists fusing jazz and country or bluegrass. Â See our coverage of Phoebe Hunt’s latest for an example, […]
Music with a Purpose: Songs for the World’s Bravest Kids
This post continues our series of posts about music that serves a higher purpose. This music reaches beyond pure listening enjoyment, raising awareness about important issues that affects countless people in their day-to-day lives. Alastair Moock had built a successful career as a folk musician when cancer struck. It didn’t strike him, but rather his […]
David Bromberg – Only Slightly Mad
Music enthusiasts at the 2013 Philadelphia Folk Festival got to see some great moments. They got to see Fairport Convention folker Richard Thompson rock out as if making a statement that he can shred with the most aggressive electric guitar slingers in the land. They also got to see a young ukelele virtuoso from Hawaii, Jake […]
The Greencards – Sweetheart Of the Sun
Listening to the latest release from The Greencards, Sweetheart Of the Sun, I just couldn’t shake the feeling that one of the band leaders, Kym Warner or Carol Young, must have inherited the reincarnated musical spirit of Nick Drake. Â Maybe another way to explain it is if Gillian and Dave borrowed some production techniques from […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July and August 2013, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Close to the Floor, by Patrick Sweany They say that great art is often the result of pain and adversity. It is a blessing and a curse. A blessing that we get to share in the work that results, a curse that the artist’s suffering lies at the root of the […]
Isbell, Shires & Fletcher at the Sinclair
Even after leaving the Drive-by Truckers, Jason Isbell has continued to wow and amaze. Â His literary songs and rockin” guitar licks accentuate catchy and heartbreaking melodies. I saw Isbell and Shires a year ago in Hartford in an acoustic setting. It fit so perfectly in the at the Wadsworth Atheneum Art Gallery that I wasn”t […]
Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2013, So Far (the Songs)
Elephant and Super 8, Jason Isbell (from the Southeastern Records release Southeastern) This list wouldn’t ordinarily include two tracks from the same artist but I’m gonna make an exception. These two tracks exemplify the range of Isbell’s songwriting talent, from the somber beauty of “Elephant” to the boisterous rock of “Super 8.” Alphabet City, Todd […]
Monday Morning Video: Ramblin’ Jack Elliott on the Johnny Cash Show
Last week’s Ramblin’ Jack Elliott video was so much fun that we’re going to bring him back again this week. This time it is a 1969 performance of “If I Was a Carpenter” from the Johnny Cash Show. You gotta love Johnny’s intro, “He’s got a song and friend for every mile behind him.”
Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2013, So Far (the Albums)
This has been a great musical year and we’ve still got several months — and some highly anticipated releases — to go before it ends. Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite releases from the first half of 2013. You’ll see that I’ve listed my favorite Boston releases as a group. Each […]