I really wish Oklahoma singer-songwriter John Fullbright was more prolific with his recorded output because his songs can be stunning. Exhibit A? “Stars” from 2022’s The Liar.
Folk Alliance 2024 – Musical Highlights
As noted in my previous post, a big part of the Folk Alliance International annual conference are the showcases, both official and unofficial. The official performances take place from around 6pm to 10pm in hotel ballrooms, with professional sound and lighting. Depending on the size of the room attendance can go from a few dozen […]
2024 Folk Alliance International Conference
There are many organizations set up to serve the music industry, from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (the Grammy people) and their non-profit, MusiCares, to industry organizations for various segments, to local music societies. I’m certain none of them come close to the broad offerings of Folk Alliance International. FAI is a […]
Ted Russell Kamp Video Premiere – High Desert Fever
One of the things that makes California unique is the breadth of its geographic features. You can easily hit the slopes on Olympic quality runs at Lake Tahoe in the morning and then catch the late afternoon break at Steamer’s Lane in Santa Cruz. It’s barely 100 miles from the glitz and glitter of Hollywood […]
A Premiere From J. Isaiah Evans and the Boss Tweed
Another week, another great new artist to introduce. This time it’s J. Isaiah Evans & The Boss Tweed from Dallas, Texas. If Evans’ name sound familiar, it should – he’s the driving force behind The 40 Acre Mule. With that group Evans gloriously explored the intersection of R&B and rock and roll, kicking up a […]
Shane Smith on Breaking Guitar Strings and Building a Team
Texas musician Shane Smith talks about working as a part-time tennis coach during the band’s early years and not getting paid after his first gig.
Monday Morning Video – Joshua Ray Walker
We’re sending all of ours – and I’m sure yours, too – good wishes to Joshua Ray Walker, who is in the midst of a major battle with cancer. Walker has just released an acoustic collection that includes a wonderful new song, “Thank You For Listening”. In conjunction with the release, he has shared a […]
Josh Fortenbery Premiere – Bored To Death
Sometimes when you hear the origin story for a record you realize it was almost destined to sound the way it does. Such is the case with the debut album from Josh Fortenbery, No Such Thing As Forever. Although he’s called North Carolina, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Mexico home, his current domicile is Juneau, Alaska. With […]
American Aquarium’s Road Trip to Raleigh.
Upon leaving the third and last night of American Aquarium’s Road Trip to Raleigh, one conclusion was obvious. B.J. Barham really knows how to throw a party. In fact, more than a party, it is a festival. Other bands do special weekend events to be sure, but Barham to his credit goes deep into his […]
Introducing Golden Everything: A Twangville Premiere
Golden Everything give new meaning to the term passion project. The brand new group is the Nashville-based husband and wife duo of Zach Schmidt and Jackie Berkley. So it’s fitting that the group’s debut single is an unabashed – and wonderful – love song. Says Schmidt about the song: I wrote this song while Jackie […]