One of the great characteristics of bluegrass and Americana music festivals is the impromptu jam sessions. Backstage, in the campground, at the hotel, on the tour bus, there’s a lot more great music that gets played than ever hits the stage. Not for the first time, those informal sessions have been the impetus for new […]
New Earth Farmers – The Good Ones Got Away
When I first became aware of musical duo Paul Knowles and Nicole Sarto, they were fronting a band, Mars Arizona, centered on a mythical place in the Southwest. They soon expanded their horizons and became New American Farmers, likewise expanding their musical style. They’ve broadened further, leaning more to rock than anything twangy, and have […]
Colin Blunstone of The Zombies on the Band’s First Gig and a Long Ago Day Job
Colin Blunstone, co-founder of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group The Zombies, explains the story behind the cover of the band’s new album and talks about one of the exciting and scary aspects of the music business.
Monday Morning Video – Plains
Plains – the duo Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee) & Jess Williamson released one of my favorite 2022 albums. Here’s a stripped down acoustic performance by the duo which features a few songs from the album, including my fave of faves “Problem With It”.
Melissa Ruth – Bones
There’s no doubt writing songs can be cathartic for most musicians. Sometimes they take the form of a comment on current events, while other times they encapsulate a lifetime of emotional attachment. You can hear some of both in the latest album, Bones, from Oregonian Melissa Ruth. It features her husband (and partner in the […]
Touchin’ Down in New England Town – a Special Boston Playlist
By My Lonesome, GA-20 (from the album Karma Chief Records release Live in Loveland) Just Because, GA-20 (from the Karma Chief Records release Crackdown) Blues band GA-20 have emerged from the pandemic with a vengeance. Their non-stop touring aside, they are releasing their second album in seven months. Both are tremendous showcases for the group’s […]
The Runaway Grooms on Broken Van Transmissions and Their Inspirational Rehearsal Barn
Colorado combo The Runaway Grooms talk about indulging in local cuisine while on tour and recall early gigs at the Vail Brewing Company.
Monday Morning Video – Abby Hamilton
I saw Abby Hamilton as part of last fall’s Underwater Sunshine Festival in NYC, where she and her band were among the weekend’s highlights. A little rock, a little acoustic country, and a whole lot of goodness. Here are two videos that showcase her talent, the electrified “Change Things”, filmed at an Arts Center in […]
Say ZuZu – No Time To Lose
Thirty years ago a group of young New Hampshire musicians bonded over the burgeoning alt-country music scene. They formed a band, Say ZuZu, and met with success, putting out half a dozen albums over the next decade. But, as they say, life happens, and in 2003 the members went their own separate ways. Fast forward […]
Emily Nenni – On the Ranch
I listen to more music driving than I do just about anywhere else. That’s where the music comes alive to me. Any music. Different genres invoke a different feeling sitting behind the wheel. As far as country music goes, it’s highly visual in its telling of a story. What I see looking out of my windshield and windows becomes […]