John Mayall, OBE, died last week at 90. Often called the “Godfather of British blues,” Mayall was so much more than just a pioneer of British blues. By introducing a generation of rock fans to the blues, he arguably had a hand in saving blues as a viable commercial music form at a time in the […]
American Aquarium – Fear of Standing Still
By the time most bands have released a dozen or so albums, they are past their prime. They may still be releasing solid material, but the zenith is clearly in the rear view. Thankfully American Aquarium isn’t most bands. BJ Barham’s band is scarred, and road worn for sure. Lineups have changed and morphed over […]
Exene Cervenka of X on Quiet(ish) Rehearsals and the First Song That She Wrote
Exene Cervenka of legendary punk band X talks about the many day jobs that she’s had and what motivated her and her bandmates over the years.
Cody Dickinson on Stealing His Brother’s Guitar Strings and Avoiding Tour Buses
Cody Dickinson talks about his home studio in Mississippi, winning his kindergarten talent show, and why he memorizes music rather than using charts.
Monday Morning Video – Tom Waits
Let’s kick off the week with one of the greats singing one of the greats: Tom Waits performing “Ol’ 55”.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2024 (So Far), the Songs
Better By Now, Heather Little (from the Need to Know Music release By Now) “I’ve wasted a lot of love being wrong, I learn too late and I stay too long,” in this haunting tale of heartbreak, “I oughta be better by now but I got mixed up with you somehow.” So Glad You Made It/Go All […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2024 (So Far), the Albums
Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat by Fantastic Cat The sum is greater than the part with this collective of four singer-songwriters. Each of the four brings their own personality and songwriting style to the group, but they compliment one another beautifully. The songs crackle with intelligence and humor, all the better when the […]
The Fabulous Thunderbirds – Struck Down
The Fabulous Thunderbirds have persevered for roughly 50 years, and their new album Struck Down shows why. The origins of Kim Wilson’s band date back to 1970s Austin, Texas, and though Wilson is the constant in all those years, former members include Jimmie Vaughan, Duke Robillard and Nick Curran. Always known as lively concert performers, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2024
So Glad You Made It, Fantastic Cat (from the Missing Piece Group Records release Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat) Fantastic Cat showcase their humor by maintaining a countdown clock until they’re eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, prominently displayed at their shows. Yet, it’s not entirely a joke – if […]
Monday Morning Video – Julianna Riolino
I stumbled across Julianna Riolino at SXSW a few years ago. I went to see Daniel Romano and was greeted with a welcome surprise: Riolino performing a set backed by Romano and company. Great songs, high energy, and a kick you in the ass attitude. Here’s a taste from the release party for Riolino’s 2022 […]