When I first heard David Ramirez’s brilliant new release Fables, I was immediately struck by a lyric in “New Way of Living,” a poignant song about escaping the morass and finding a path forward. “There’s a plumber down in Arkansas, the best writer I ever met,” he sings, “When I asked where to find his […]
Colin Linden – Rich In Love
Canadian roots rocker Colin Linden is one of those musicians’ musicians who has seemingly played with everyone during his long career, including Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Bruce Cockburn and several members of The Band. His latest album, Rich In Love, demonstrates why he is in demand as a guest musician in his adopted home of Nashville. […]
Whitney Rose on Leaving No Granola Bar Behind and Why Ignorance Is Bliss
Canadian songstress Whitney Rose reveals who in her band gets up early enough to enjoy complimentary hotel continental breakfasts and talks about singing an a cappella rendition of the Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace” when she was in kindergarten.
Monday Morning Video – Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear Cover Fleetwood Mac
Here’s one of the best covers that I’ve heard in awhile. Kansas City musicians Madisen Ward and his mother Ruth, otherwise known as the Mama Bear, turn Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” into a soulful ballad.
Americana 2015: 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. We have a tradition in Ireland that when an album comes put, we pour whisky on it. My album came out today. Glen […]
Americana 2015: The Sounds, Part 2
JOSH RITTER Ritter and his Royal City Band always put on energetic performances but they seemed particularly excitable as they celebrated the impending release of their new album. They won over the crowd right out of the gate by opening their set with the longtime fan favorite “Me and Jiggs.†DONNIE FRITTS Muscle Shoals legend […]
Americana 2015: The Sounds, Part 1
GLEN HANSARD Hansard delivered what was easily the best set of the week. He brought a full band, including strings and horns, to showcase songs both new and old. Josh Ritter joined for a couple of choice covers, including songs by Jason Molina (Magnolia Electric Company), Bruce Springsteen and Leonard Cohen. THE BOTTLE ROCKETS At […]
Monday Morning Video – “September Gurls”
It’s been a few years since we celebrated September with the Big Star classic. We’ll forgo a version featuring any of the Big Star family and instead feature two young bands paying homage to the Memphis legends. First up is NYC-based indie rockers Dum Dum Girls. They are followed by a new favorite band, UK-based […]
Mayer’s Playlist for September 2015
Into the Deep, Galactic (from the Provogue release Into the Deep) There’s a lesson to be learned across the eleven tracks that make up Galactic’s latest release. I can’t recall a record in recent memory that is so musically diverse yet sounds so cohesive. It is a testament to the New Orleans-based quintet’s immense musical […]
The Acoustic Blues & Roots of Duke Robillard
Duke Robillard has pretty much reached a point in his career when he knows he doesn’t have to try to impress anyone. He can play what he wants, and if you want to come along for the ride, so much the better. With the Acoustic Blues & Roots of Duke Robillard, which releases Friday, Robillard […]