ALBUMS OF THE MONTH The Narrows by Grant-Lee Phillips Grant-Lee Phillips is, quite simply, one of the most distinctive voices in American music. His songs conjure up vivid portraits of the American experience, from the fault lines of California to the rural lands of Tennessee. The imagery in his songs, both lyrical and musical, is […]
The Bo-Keys’ Scott Bomar On The Day Jobs that Gave Him a Music Industry Education & His Views on the Industry’s Past, Present and Future
Scott Bomar of the Bo-Keys talks about the hazards of touring across middle America, why tracking down your musical income can be a full-time job and the lessons to be learned from his Memphis elders.
Monday Morning Video – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
So much has already been said about Prince and his impact that we thought it best to simply honor his legacy with this vintage performance from the 2004 Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Prince stands on the side of the stage, oft in the shadows, until it’s time for him to take a guitar […]
Old Settler’s Music Festival – 2016
Spring has officially arrived mid-April when I make my way to Camp Ben McCulloch and the Salt Lick Pavillon outside of Austin for the Old Settler’s Music Festival.  Although from now through early October there’s a big music festival every weekend somewhere in the country, the combination of being the right size, boasting a stellar line-up with […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2016, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Rangers & Valentines by Trapper Schoepp When was the last time that you heard an infectious song about mononucleosis? I can’t recall either but Trapper Schoepp demonstrates that it can be done. The lead-off track to his latest release crackles with energy, driven by an irresistible pop hook and emboldened by […]
Monday Morning Video – Eli Paperboy Reed Takes On Ray Charles
After stepping in a more modern R&B direction on his last release, soul singer Eli “Paperboy” Reed has returned to his roots (so to speak) with an old school sound. He’s got a new album — My Way Home — due out in early June. Reed previewed some of the songs at his SXSW performances […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2016, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Walking With a Stranger by Escondido It’s tempting to describe Escondido as cosmic country. Sure, that’s a core part of the duo’s sound. There’s a rock undercurrent and a musical tension, however, that pushes beyond the genre’s typical boundaries. Primary vocalist Jessica Maros has an ethereal voice but a healthy dose […]
Photos that ROCK! Barnstar! Brings Bluegrass to Cambridge
Barnstar! at Club Passim Cambridge, MA March 13, 2016 C’mon!! When I heard that Barnstar! was playing a special 3pm show at Club Passim, I knew that this would be the perfect opportunity for my 15 month old son to experience his first concert. After all, I had just found out that I was pregnant […]
Steve Dawson – Solid States & Loose Ends
Steve Dawson, whose amazing acoustic guitar picking on Rattlesnake Cage grabbed attention in 2014, has proven once again he is a great and versatile artist by moving in a completely different direction with a blues-based masterpiece, Solid States & Loose Ends. Canadian roots master Dawson, who relocated a few years ago to Nashville, is more than just a gifted musician. He won two […]
Robbie Fulks On Empurpling the Gendarmes at Rehearsal and Covering Oscar the Grouch at his First Gig
Robbie Fulks talks about what to do when you forget lyrics to a song why he can’t watch “The Office” and how the old Spanish proverb “wish your son luck and throw him into the sea” relates to the music industry.