Patty Griffin and Robert Plant (billed as “Her Driver”) played a pair of intimate shows a few weeks ago at Austin’s Continental Club. The occasion was for a pair of fundraisers. The first show for Austin musician Michael Fracasso, an Austin musician who was injured in an auto accident while on tour. The second show […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Songs of 2012
I posted a best songs list for the first half of 2012 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this the continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Love Changes Everything, Session Americana (from the self-released Love and Dirt) Session Americana wrap […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best of Boston 2012
It’s been a great year of music in Boston. I’ve been fortunate to see lots of great local favorites live, from Todd Thibaud to Old Jack to Dennis Brennan to the Rationales. It was also a great year for new Boston music, as evidenced by the fine, fine releases below. SESSION AMERICANA, Love and Dirt […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best EPs of 2012
Several of my favorite releases from this year were 5-6 song sets rather than 8-10+ song full-length releases. Here, in no particular order, are a few favorite EPs from 2012. THE VANSADERS, The Vansaders If you like your rock-and-roll raucous and whiskey-soaked, you’ll be hard-pressed to find music better than the Vansaders. I’ll take mine […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Albums of 2012
Most years there is one record that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Things were different this year as three albums vied for the top of my favorites list. I gave up trying to pick one – I’m declaring it a tie. #1 (tie). BRANDI CARLILE, Bear Creek Carlile recorded her latest release in […]
Mayer’s Playlist for December 2012
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Love and Dirt, by Session Americana A cocktail table provides the key to understanding Session Americana. It is so much a part of the band’s experience that they typically travel with it when they tour. The table is a centerpiece, of sorts, around which the musicians gather. Sitting there, they often […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2012, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH In the Dusk of Everything, by Matthew Ryan There are many artists who are ambitious. Some pursue the thrill of live performances, others strive for financial success. While I can’t say that Matthew Ryan doesn’t harbor some of those motivations, he possesses a more powerful quality – ambition for his music. […]
Monday Morning Video: American Aquarium and Chip Robinson
With the release of Steven Spielberg’s new movie “Lincoln,” it seemed only fitting to make this song a Monday Morning Video selection. The song was written by Chip Robinson and originally recorded by his then band, Raleigh, North Carolina’s The Backsliders. Fast forward a few years and American Aquarium, themselves from Raleigh, revived the song […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2012, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Little Victories, by Chris Knight This has been the season for political commentary and focused exploration of the American spirit. Lots of people will attempt to describe it, but few will come as close as Chris Knight. His songs ring out with an unparalleled authenticity, with music as well worn as […]
Monday Morning Video: The Mavericks at the Americana Music Awards
PBS will be featuring highlights from the 2012 Americana Music Awards on the Austin City Limits program this week. Look below for the performances in the episode, all recorded at the awards ceremony held September 12 at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Here’s a preview: the reunited Mavericks tearing up the Ryman with a […]