Need a powerful pick-me-up for a Monday morning? It won’t get much better than this classic set of performances from 1967. Booker T. & the MGs, Sam and Dave and a host of stars from the legendary Stax label. And did I mention Otis Redding? It doesn’t get much better than this. Performances include: Booker […]
Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys – Ionia
In small rural towns across America Friday night is high school sports night. Â Everyone collects at the field/gymnasium about 6:30 and watches the local kids take on the town-down-the-road kids. Â In autumn it’s football, winter means basketball, and spring is for track & field. Â Because the school is so small, all the kids play all […]
Folk Alliance Conference 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 Folk Alliance Conference. Playing for other musicians is not always the greatest experience. ‘I would have done that differently.’ Dan Bern No fucking songs about […]
Adam Aymor of Cheap Girls On Buying an Auction Lot Van And an Eviction Inducing First Gig
Adam Aymor, guitarist for Cheap Girls, talks about the hazards of buying a van from an auction lot and the virtue of the Johnny Ramone “power stance.” He also shares the surprising and remarkable way that he spends his time when the band isn’t touring.
Monday Morning Video – George Jones “Why Baby Why”
Sometimes you just wanna start the week with a classic, right?
Mayer’s Playlist for February 2015
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Complicated Game, by James McMurtry Six years. That’s how long it has been since we last heard new music from McMurtry. While he hasn’t been missing during this time – he could always be found on the touring circuit – many of us were anxiously awaiting some new music. Well, that […]
The Mavericks – Mono
As I noted before, The Mavericks have a kind of timeless sound to them.  Their previous album, In Time, evoked a particular moment in history when you listened to the whole thing.  Their latest release, Mono, doesn’t seem to have  quite the same thematic focus, but all the elements that make the band so ageless are […]
James McMurtry Shares His Rules for Eating While Touring and Building a Career In Music
James McMurtry talks tour van strategies, the difference between Ford and Chevy vans and the sources of artist income, yesterday and today.
Monday Morning Video – Patrick Sweany Rockin’ Some AC/DC
How about starting the week with Patrick Sweany and his band laying down an especially bluesy version of AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” I guess no one told them that they were playing the “acoustic stage.”
JJ Grey & Mofro – Ol’ Glory
Southern swamp funk-blues band JJ Grey & Mofro have a unique sound forged in the backwaters of Florida. Grey, the band’s leader, is well established as a songwriter, and the band’s recordings and live performances are among the most dependably enjoyable in the business. Grey & Mofro’s reputation grew steadily since the band recorded its first […]