Pockets Full of Sighs, Lisa Bastoni (from the self-released How We Want to Live) Some of the best albums take both artist and listener on a journey. One need look no farther than the title of Lisa Bastoni’s latest release to appreciate that this is her musical intent. How We Want to Live may speak […]
Mike and the Moonpies On Riding Harleys in Arizona and Taking Risks (and Being Rewarded)
Mike Harmeier of Mike & the Moonpies talks about soundcheck rehearsals and an autobiographical song about his first gig.
Shawn Colvin on Mailbox Money and a Dream Come True
Renowned singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin talks about the downside of air travel (and her desire for a private jet) and shares some details about the first song that she ever wrote.
Monday Morning Video – Ariana Gillis Covers Randy Newman
Back in 1970, Harry Nilsson helped introduce the world to Randy Newman by recording an entire album of Newman compositions, the appropriately titled Nilsson Sings Newman. In the nearly 50 years that have followed, Newman has become one of our greatest songwriters. Set aside the film scores that have garnered him 20 Academy Award nominations, […]
Che Apalache – Rearrange My Heart
So much of the early development of Americana and roots music sprung out of the mountains of Appalachia and the cotton fields of the Delta that we tend forget how popular a lot of it is across the globe. And like any musical style, once musicians learn it they start adding their own influences. Nothing […]
Americana 2019: Say What?!
One of my favorite things about attending music conferences and festivals are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from this year’s Americana Festival. I’m a fugitive from the law of averages. Delbert McClinton assessing his career I figure I got out of this week without a […]
Jason James on Charles Bukowski, Waffle House, and Comic Book Theme Songs
Texas country singer Jason James recalls a house party gone bad (except for the $50 payout), his abbreviated career in food service, and not trying.
Monica Rizzio on The Business Side of Music and a Mini-Van Named “Blue Bell”
Monica Rizzio talks about singing the national anthem at a Long Island Rangers game and Harry, a 90-pound yellow lab who provides harmony vocals when she rehearses in her home studio.
Monday Morning Video – Those Pretty Wrongs
Those Pretty Wrongs – aka Jody Stephens and Luther Russell – just returned with Zed for Zulu, their long-awaited sophomore album. Like their self-titled debut, it is full of wistful power pop. While the album arrangements elegantly surround Russell’s acoustic guitar with standard guitar/bass/drum accompaniment – not to mention the occasional strings, keyboards and even […]
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 […]