Ringo Starr famously sang “I get by with a little help from my friends.” Well, Ringo ain’t got nothing on Dinty Child. I’ve gotten to know Child as a longtime member of Session Americana, where he has been known to shift effortlessly from the party anthem “Beertown†to the poignant melancholy of “One Good Rainâ€. […]
Bonnie Bishop on Chevy Vans, Lemons, and Why the Journey is the Destination
Singer-songwriter Bonnie Bishop talks about her favorite day job, how a jar of pickled eggs helped her land her first gig, and why it’s important to keep it moving.
Tad Robinson – Real Street
If you’re looking for some throwback R&B to melt away the troubles of a long day, Tad Robinson’s Real Street should fit the bill. Recorded with a crack team of Memphis veterans of southern soul, Real Street captures the feel of R&B as it was in its heyday of the sixties and seventies. Robinson has […]
Bring Back the Boston Rag – A Special Boston Playlist
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.