I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2019 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Have You Seen My Girl, Todd May (from the self-released Let’s Go Get Lost) […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2019, 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) LULA WILES, What Will We Do What Will […]
Stoney LaRue – Onward
Sometimes things sneak up on you. I’ve heard Stoney RaRue a few times over the years, but it wasn’t until I listened to his latest album, Onward, that I realized he’s been around 20 years. It was a bit of the same thing with the record, produced by Gary Nicholson who also co-wrote most of […]
Scott Walker – The Rock House Project
Back in the day I had the (mis)fortune of having to make many long drives across various parts of the south central U.S. This was before satellite radio or iPods and rental cars didn’t have tape decks. So you listened to the radio; mostly country music, and in more than a few of those DJ’s […]
Dallas Moore on the Soup of the Day and Getting Advice from Willie Nelson
Americana 2019 – Chip’s Picks
Americanafest brings a plethora of artist and showcases together in Nashville each September to celebrate the year that was; and give a preview of the year to come. Here is my attempt to highlight but a few artists that caught my attention this year, although there are too many special performances to recount. The Vandoliers […]
Americana 2019: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the Americana Music Awards and continuing through several days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances from […]
Video Premiere – King Commoner
L.A.-based musician King Commoner is also a filmmaker. I’ll explain why that matters in a minute. He recently dropped a new EP entitled Peril & Woe. The first song, Winter, is a rootsy rock piece with a serious snap-your-fingers-to-it beat. Run My Son drives a little harder and injects a more Southern rock flavor. The […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2019, Part 1
Love Is Dangerous, Dalton Domino (from the Lightning Rod Records release Songs from the Exile) Dalton Domino does more than wear his heart on his sleeve; he lays it bare. Much of his latest release finds him cycling through the various stages and emotions of heartbreak, from bitterness to self-reflection. He opens with the brooding […]
Jesse Dayton on Dick Dale’s Guitar Advice and Why Every Small Failure Is a Gift
Jesse Dayton talks about why touring in an RV has been a game-changer, how he’s build his audience one fan at a time and why songwriters should tend bar.