Somewhere along the way, we seem to have lost an important component of American music. Â In the 70’s, as solo artists, Joni Mitchell and Carol King defined popular music every bit as much as Zeppelin or the Stones. Â Fast forward a couple of decades and Sarah McLachlan and Jewel were the flag-bearers. Â Nowadays, Shawn Colvin […]
Sam Bush – Storyman
It is fitting that Sam Bush is releasing his new album on the heels of The Telluride Bluegrass Festival. After all he has ruled the festival for most of its existence. Seeing him there was an experience that allowed me to cross at least one item off my bucket list. His new release, “Storymanâ€, has […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2016 (So Far), the Albums
It’s been a good year for music so far this year (and the rest of the year is shaping up quite nicely, too). Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite releases from the first half of 2016. WILLOW SPRINGS by MICHAEL MCDERMOTT Michael McDermott channels life’s hardships, both his own and those […]
Nick Loss-Eaton of Leland Sundries On Borrowing His Grandma’s Sedan and the Secret to Ordering at Taco Bell
Leland Sundrie’ Nick Loss-Eaton compares NYC rehearsal spaces and offers a tip for more easily memorizing song lyrics.
Monday Morning Video – Matt the Electrician Covers Rick Springfield
We’re going to keep with the covers theme this week. The video quality is a bit iffy on this one, but Matt the Electrician’s humor and personality shine on his cover of this Rick Springfield classic. “In a very real way, as well as a metaphysical way, I think Rick is inside each and every […]
Mayer’s Playlist for June 2016
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH My Way Home by Eli Paperboy Reed They say that what doesn’t kill us just makes us stronger. While not quite that extreme, Brooklyn by way of Boston singer-songwriter Eli Paperboy Reed emerges from the ashes of a major label deal gone bad with a remarkable new album. The slick production […]
A (Brand) Spankin’ New Video from Brett Newski
At one point in every musician’s career, he or she has done some D.I.Y. touring. Brett Newski has become a zen master at it. Last year he spent 3.5 months on a planes, trains and automobiles journey around the world – an itinerary that would make even the most hardened traveler wince. Somehow Newski managed […]
Charlie Faye on Necessary Journeys and Touring with “Ol’ Reliable”
Charlie Faye talks about why she calls ahead to arrange for a mini-fridge in the hotel room while touring and recalls the lyrics from her first song (and the memories that came with it).
Monday Morning Video – Dave Alvin Covers The Beach Boys
Here’s a fun cover to kick off your week. This is Dave Alvin recasting fellow Californians The Beach Boys classic “Surfer Girl” as a tender acoustic ballad.
Grant Farm – Kiss the Ground
Say “jam band” to a lot of people and they picture fans as face painted twirlers wearing tie-dye in the meadow. Â I’ve never been to a Grant Farm show, but I have to believe they have also have a contingent dressed in pearl-snap shirts and intricately stitched cowboy boots. Â They’re about the only jam band […]