Patricia Vonne is dangerous, in a good way. Â Like some kind of artistic superhero, she excels in whatever she decides to focus her efforts on. Â Modeling in New York. Â Acting in movies. Â (Check her out as Zorro Girl in Sin City, her brother Robert Rodriguez’ movie.) Songwriting with Rosie Flores, Doyle Bramhall, Alejandro Escovedo and […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July and August 2013, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Close to the Floor, by Patrick Sweany They say that great art is often the result of pain and adversity. It is a blessing and a curse. A blessing that we get to share in the work that results, a curse that the artist’s suffering lies at the root of the […]
Monday Morning Video: The Black Crowes with Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks
How about a bit of Southern rhythm and blues to start the week? Here’s The Black Crowes with Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks taking on the Joe Tex classic, “Show Me.” Look for more soulful goodness on the latest Tedeschi Trucks Band release, available tomorrow. Check it out here.
Mayer’s Playlist for July and August 2013, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH American Ride, by Willie Nile Willie Nile is on a roll. After playing the major label game twice in his nearly 35-year career, Nile quietly self-released 1999’s outstanding Beautiful Wreck of the World. Since then he has delivered three more compelling albums filled with high energy rock songs and touching ballads. […]
Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2013, So Far (the Songs)
Elephant and Super 8, Jason Isbell (from the Southeastern Records release Southeastern) This list wouldn’t ordinarily include two tracks from the same artist but I’m gonna make an exception. These two tracks exemplify the range of Isbell’s songwriting talent, from the somber beauty of “Elephant” to the boisterous rock of “Super 8.” Alphabet City, Todd […]
Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2013, So Far (the Albums)
This has been a great musical year and we’ve still got several months — and some highly anticipated releases — to go before it ends. Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite releases from the first half of 2013. You’ll see that I’ve listed my favorite Boston releases as a group. Each […]
Steve Earle: The Warner Bros Years
I ‘m usually not a fan of re-releases. My general view is that if I bought the album once, why should I buy it again? Well, I’d make an exception for Shout Factory’s new collection The Warner Bros. Years, which brings together Steve Earle’s first three releases for Warner Brothers Records. This trio of albums […]
Monday Morning Video: Paul Pena “Jet Airliner”
No doubt everyone knows Steve Miller’s take on this song. How many know songwriter Paul Pena’s original version?
Mayer’s Playlist for May/June 2013, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH American Kid, by Patty Griffin It’s hard, if not impossible, to avoid being mesmerized by Patty Griffin’s new release. Long revered for both her passionate songwriting and enchanting voice, both are in exceptional form on American Kid. Just one listen to album opener “Go Wherever You Want to Go” and you […]
Mike Zito – Gone To Texas
Mike Zito is an ambitious young blues rocker who brings a gritty yet soulful edge to his music. A member of Royal Southern Brotherhood (which also features Cyril Neville and Devon Allman), Zito is fast making a name for himself in the blues world. A St. Louis native now based in Beaumont, Texas, Zito is […]