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 […]
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 […]
Americana 2019: Shawn’s Picks
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual 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 […]
Americana 2019: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual 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 […]
Dori Freeman on Why She Doesn’t Set Many Concrete Goals and How She Writes Songs
Singer-songwriter Dori Freeman talks about early gigs playing with her father and why he gives her a hard time.