Being a sought-after sideman has its advantages. One of those is that when you do your own album, you can pull in favors to fill out the band. Ben Balmer strikes gold in that vein on his latest record, Honky-Tonk Macbeth. The instrumental additions to Balmer’s solid singer-songwriter compositions fill the room with layers of […]
Dar Williams on Symbolism, Hotel Coffee, and Learning New Technology
Singer-songwriter Dar Williams recalls working at a gardening store, talks about going on an “apologetic charm offensive” when she breaks a guitar string, and explains why her 2013 Prius is “more of a symbolic plug-in”.
Monday Morning Video – GA-20
Blues trio GA-20 came through town last week. Or more aptly, they lit the town on fire with an incendiary set of rock and blues. Guitarists Matthew Stubbs and Pat Faherty, accompanied by drummer Tim Carman, kept the talking to a minimum as they blazed through gems from their 2019 album Lonely Soul as well […]
Tony Kamel – Back Down Home
They say you can never go home. Clearly that’s more about the time than the location, but I’ve seen both be possible. Tony Kamel, front man for the Grammy-winning Wood & Wire, seems to be one of those exceptions. At the urging of iconic Texas musician and producer, Bruce Robison, Tony has just released his […]
Jeremy Pinnell on Drunken Santas and Doing Good, Honest Work
Country singer Jeremy Pinnell talks about trying to figure out the right tour diet and and working construction.
Monday Morning Video – Mavis Staples “The Weight”
Love this version of “The Weight” performed by Mavis Staples and the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. A mighty big voice + a mighty big band = one powerful performance.
Spencer Cullum on French Fries and Playing Less Notes
Pedal steel guitarist Spencer Cullum talks about the crème de la crème of touring machines, working at a blood bank, and his dogs cameo appearance on his new album.
Mike and Bob Delevante on Truck Stops and Good Intentions
The Delevantes talk about their legendary New Year’s Eve parties and playing “Foggy Mountain Breakdown”
The Furious Seasons – Home All Day, Home All Night
Most musicians used the forced isolation of the pandemic for inner reflection, or going back and polishing some partially finished work. Los Angeles-based trio The Furious Seasons instead created a musical documentary of a life-changing period of time, entitled Home All Day, Home All Night. Songwriter and guitarist David Steinhart has a particular gift for […]
Martin Sexton on His Last Day Job and Finding Great Food While on Tour
Martin Sexton talks about thumpy, muted guitar tones and why he switched his solo tour vehicle from a Land Cruiser to a Suburban.