MAYER’S TAKE: SHADES OF WOODY GUTHRIE It’s interesting how artists get influenced by their surroundings, particularly when they uproot from familiar territories and move to new locales. It usually sends their music into different directions, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. When Justin Townes Earle moved from Nashville to New York City, I’m sure […]
You Pick It: Springsteen’s “Born to Run”
Continuing our series of classic songs covered, today we survey a collection of fuel-injected takes on Bruce Springsteen’s legendary “Born to Run.” “This Is American Music” – a music collective featuring Grand Champeen, Two Cow Garage, The Drams, and Glossary – kick us off, followed by Butch Walker, the Smoking Popes, Cowboy Mouth, Melissa Etheridge, […]
The Honey Dewdrops – These Old Roots
I was instantly transported back a decade or more to a sunny meadow in summertime Colorado. Norman and Nancy Blake were performing an afternoon set at Rockygrass. It was surprising how sweet and lighthearted sounding their songs were, yet be so full of melancholy and sorrow. That’s the same experience I had with These Old […]
Monday Mornin’ Rock with David Garza
Two guitarists plus two drummers equals double the rock. Not a bad way to start the week. Learn more about Austin Texas musician David Garza here.
Peter Himmelman – The Mystery and the Hum
“Everybody loves you when you don’t give a damn.” That line, from Don’t Give A Damn off Peter Himmelman’s latest release, The Mystery and the Hum, seems to summarize the philosophy of many of the songs in the collection. Not literally that he doesn’t care about anything, but more about the exploration of what motivates […]
Mayer’s Playlist from August 2010, a Video Companion
The video companion returns with a short but potent set from August’s playlist. We kick things off with Rich Pagano and SugarCane Cups ripping it up on “Change Your Mind.” Luke Doucet takes the baton with a solo performance of “Dirty Dirty Blonde” that rivals the recorded version. Paul Thorn slows us down a bit […]
Marty Stuart-Ghost Train, The Studio B Sessions
The new Marty Stuart release, Ghost Train , The Studio B Sessions, has everything a real Country album should have. The album was recorded at the famed RCA Studio B in Nashville. The studio was designed in the 50’s by Chet Atkins and quickly became the Country Capital’s premier recording venue. In fact, It would be easier […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2010, Part 2
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Pimps and Preachers, by Paul Thorn Paul Thorn is the Mark Twain of Americana. Possessing an endearing folksy charm, he fills his songs with a potent and intelligent wit. Thorn’s lyrics are typically self-depreciating yet hopeful. A fine example is “I Hope I’m Doing This Right.” After several verses of reflection […]
The Rubber Knife Gang – Drivin’ On
It’s hard to beat a warm, sunny summer day, outside with a cold beer, some BBQ, and bluegrass in the MP3 player. It’s Labor Day as I’m writing this and I scored big in the music side of that equation as I’m reviewing the last effort from The Rubber Knife Gang, Drivin’ On. I just […]
Hans Chew – Tennessee & Other Stories…
Most people drink corn whisky for one of two reasons; to forget their troubles or to start some new ones. But there’s a third path, a fine line, where the bourbon serves to focus an artistic endeavor and provide the fuel for an emotional fire. Hans Chew’s debut album, Tennessee & Other Stories, seems to […]