Randy Newman is an American treasure. Whether cynical or sentimental, his songs brilliantly capture the characters and moments that inhabit them. Here’s Newman, accompanied by Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, John Fogerty, and an all-star band performing his classic anthem “I Love L.A”. I wish they alternated the verses that Jackson Browne and John Fogerty sang […]
I See Hawks In L.A. – On Our Way
There’s an otherworldliness that inhabits the deserts of California. It’s not just the inhospitable environment, it’s also a sense of realness that comes to the improbable. From the conspiracy theorists outside China Lake to the mystics in Joshua Tree, some of the inhabitants embrace that difference in life. With their roots in the high desert […]
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on embracing the Blues
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram plays a mean guitar for a guy barely old enough to drink in most states. And he has a reverence for the Blues that is uncommon in an artist so young. I reached out to Ingram recently as he was preparing to go out on tour, finally, in support of his new […]
Divine Horsemen on Tour Vans, Record Labels and Self-Promotion
Chris Desjardins (a.k.a. Chris D.) and Julie Christensen of Divine Horsemen recall the time their tour van got stolen and share some of their early day jobs and gigs.
Darrin Bradbury on “Chevy Van Halen” and Why He Doesn’t Look Back
Singer-songwriter Darrin Bradbury talks about the NJ open mic scene, delivering antique furniture, and why expectations are like assumptions.
Monday Morning Video – ZZ Top
Set aside a catalog that is the envy of many a rock band, it’s hard to fathom a group that whose original line-up performed together for more than 50 years. Rest in peace, Dusty Hill. Your musical legacy is gonna keep us rockin’ for years to come.
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2021
Foregone Conclusion, Zach Schmidt (from the Boss Dawg Records release Raise a Banner) Zach Schmidt has been waiting awhile for the release of his sophomore full length album. Not Chinese Democracy long, but long enough. Schmidt recorded the album, backed by producer Sadler Vadan and the 400 Unit (yes, that one), then saw the album […]
Rodney Crowell Talks About Pawn Shop Drums and a Tour Bus Fire
Legendary singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell shares a few favorite Texas restaurants, talks about legislating music in the internet age, and declines to reveal a state secret.
Andy Velo on Building a Brand and Using Molly Hatchet’s Old Tour Bus
Country singer Andy Velo talks about roadside repairs, coaching high school football, and recalls his first song, which he describes as a “typical ‘my girl broke up with me and I’m currently emo’ type of song”.
Cashavelly Morrison – Metamorphosis
Someone once said, maybe it was Ray Wylie Hubbard, that, “good poets didn’t have good childhoods.” I don’t know about her childhood, but Cashavelly Morrison has had her share of traumatic experiences and the emotional journey of acceptance is reflected in her new album, Metamorphosis. Morrison started her professional career as a dancer, but after […]