There are many paths a band can take between inception and the first album (assuming they make it that far). The 40 Acre Mule chose to follow a simple formula. First they decided to kick ass and do it loudly. Second they played anywhere and everywhere people would listen, and made it a party. Third […]
Bambi Lee Savage – Berlin-Nashville Express
Bambi Lee Savage started her music career on the control side of the mixing board, doing audio engineering for the likes of U2 and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. Over time, though, her creative outlet became the craft of songwriting and led her to singing and playing on the other side of the glass. […]
Monday Morning Video – Dick Dale
Another legend gone. Influential guitarist Dick Dale, an originator of the surf guitar sound, reportedly passed away over the weekend.
Mayer’s Playlist for January/February 2019, Part 2
Jingle and Go, Ryan Bingham (from the Axster Bingham Records release American Love Song) Ryan Bingham stretches out on American Love Song, offering up a roadhouse full of of songs about on love, political commentary and boisterous escapades. Opener “Jingle and Go” kicks things off playfully, recalling Little Feat with its intertwined piano and slide […]
Dale Watson on a Hand-Me-Down Tour Bus and Some Memorable Early Gigs
Eminent Honky-Tonker Dale Watson talks about rehearsing at shows, working on an assembly line and the best way to learn about music.
Monday Morning Video – Dale Watson and Big Sandy
The Ameripolitan Awards, founded six years ago by musician Dale Watson, celebrate rockabilly, western swing, outlaw and honky-tonk music. You know, authentic music. This year’s event takes place in Memphis, TN with four days of entertainment from February 22nd through the 25th. The event culminates in the annual awards show, this year hosted by Watson […]
Monday Morning Video – Los Lobos
Let’s start the week with a question. Why aren’t Los Lobos in the Rock Hall of Fame? Over their more than 45 year career, they’ve demonstrated a mastery of broad musical styles alongside a tremendous commitment to artistic creativity and craft. Their live performances bring this range to life with an infectious energy. Here are […]
Madisons – Country Music Sunday!!!
When I last was tuned into Austin’s Madisons, Dominic Solis and his band of merry-makers had just released a record full of tragic stories and ne’er-do-wells set to some lively dance music. It was a lot of fun if you didn’t listen to the lyrics too closely. Over the holidays their new EP, Country Music […]
Jeff Warren Johnston – Undiscovered Country
Everyone has their favorite suit or set of clothes. You wear them and somehow your confidence goes up a notch and invariably the day goes better. For Jeff Johnston, that apparel turned about to be his musical identity. After trying other styles for a few years he decided to embrace his heritage and upbringing in […]
SXSW 2018 – The Sounds, Part 2
RUBY BOOTS I’d previously only seen Nashville by way of Australia songwriter Ruby Boots play acoustically. SXSW offered the perfect time to remedy that as she had band in tow. It represented a better reflection of the recently released Don’t Talk About It, which rumbles with electrified melodies and a healthy back-beat. Boots and company […]