Brandy Zdan talks about singing the Canadian National Anthem at hockey games as a teenager, hustling for gigs, and surviving as a middle class musician.
Stash – Walk the Walk
Stash is an all-star group from the West Coast roots rock scene. They will be releasing their excellent album “Walk the Walk” on November 5th. Born out of the pandemic the album should not be this much fun. Thankfully it is an eclectic Rock N’ Roll gem that I have had on repeat since getting […]
Jon Snodgrass on Washing Dishes, Listening More, and Talking Less
Jon Snodgrass talks about keeping a tour log, 4 day weekends, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
Carolyn Wonderland on Auto Mechanic Classes and Her Motto for Musical Success
Austin-based guitarist Carolyn Wonderland talks about a dumpster-shaped cloud and Cliffie, the Big Red Sprinter.
Monday Morning Video – Stevie Ray Vaughan
How about a two-fer from the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan to kick off the week. First, a searing version of “Life Without You” followed by a searing version of “Tightrope”.
Ike Reilly on Two (and Three) Drink Minimum Rehearsals and the Power of Songs
Ike Reilly talks about his victorious performing debut, taking a pay cut, and his tours in “The Patterson” and “The Pig”
Monday Morning Video – Terra Lightfoot
Don’t let the gentle beginning fool you, this song will give you a bigger jolt of energy than any caffeinated beverage drink. “Midnight Choir” is from Terra Lightfoot’s 2020 release Consider the Speed. Crank it up.
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2021
What’s the Matter, James McMurtry (from the New West Records release The Horses and the Hounds) Even in the shittiest of years – and the past two years have been beauts – new music from James McMurtry is always a bright spot. In fact, given the songwriter’s infrequent album releases – The Horses and the Hounds is […]
Vicki Loveland and Van Duren on Tour Snacks, Bruno Mars, and Flying Cars
Vicki Loveland and Van Duren talk about relationship, rather than van, breakdowns and not being able to predict the future.
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
AHI One of my AMA highlights was hearing AHI preview his forthcoming album Prospect. The setting was his producer Paul Mabury’s home studio, nestled in the mountains south of Nashville. A handful of us sat in the studio with AHI, Mabury, and several of the musicians who appeared on the album. In between listening to […]