I saw Robert Randolph a few weeks back when he joined New Orleans greats Galactic for a handful of shows at the legendary Blue Note jazz club. It was a welcome reminder of the funk and the fury that Randolph can deliver. Here are two rousing live Randolph and the Family Band performances from 2013.
Mayer’s Playlist for Jan/Feb 2023
Missing Someone, Jaimee Harris (from the Folk N Roll Records/Thirty Tigers release Boomerang Town) Harris’ eagerly awaited sophomore release has arrived – and it’s a beauty. What makes it even compelling is that its beauty isn’t easy. Harris fills her songs with difficult topics and troubled characters, digging into them with a thoughtful perspective. The […]
Ben Ellman of Galactic on Tipitinas, McCabe’s Guitar Shop, and “The Heavy Metal Hotel”
Saxaphonist Ben Ellman of New Orleans’ Galactic talks about a highlight of every tour and time spent working as a line cook at the legendary New Orleans music club that he and the band now own.
Bonus Monday Video – Paul Weller Covers Curtis Mayfield
Here’s Paul Weller and the Jam, well, kicking out some jams with his take on Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up”.
Monday Morning Video – Curtis Mayfield “Move On Up”
Let’s kick off the week with one of the greats – the late Curtis Mayfield performing his classic “Move On Up” at a festival back in 1987. Just move on upTo a greater dayWith just a little faithIf you put your mind to it, you can surely do it
Monday Morning Video – Abraham, Martin, and John
Originally recorded by Dion in 1968, this song has taken on a life of its own. Here are some classic performances, courtesy of Ray Charles, Emmylou Harris, and Dion.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2022, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2022 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Paranoid Heart, John Fullbright (from the Blue Dirt Records release The Liar) “Well maybe […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2022, Boston/Dallas Edition
I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY HOME) Crackdown by GA-20 Two guitars and a set […]
“Names” – a Premiere from The Commonheart
I’ve no doubt that many a sports fan has dreamed about breaking into their local arena and standing in the center of the room looking up at the seats arrayed around it. Pittsburgh-based The Commonheart live out that fantasy in their latest video, sneaking into their hometown PPG Paints Arena to perform their latest single […]
The California Honeydrops – Soft Spot
From about the time of World War 2 up through the 70’s, Oakland, CA, was as much a music hotbed as Chicago or Memphis. The West Coast style of blues and jazz featured velvety vocals, and horns instead of harmonica or slide guitar. That whole scene in West Oakland, particularly around 7th Street, is long […]