I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2020 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. I Remember Everything, John Prine I Don’t Want This (Job Interview), Jackson Emmer (from […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2020, 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. DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS Quiet Lives by Garrett Owen Gorgeous and entrancing are the […]
Monday Morning Video – George Porter, Jr.
Let’s start the week with George Porter Jr. performing “Sailin’ Shoes” by Little Feat and “Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley” by Allen Toussaint on the Green Vibes stage at Gathering of the Vibes Music and Art Festival 2012.
Monday Morning Video – Allen Toussaint
Legendary New Orleans club Tipitina’s recently hosted a live stream to raise funds to help the venue survive the Covid pandemic. It was, of course, a tremendous celebration of an institution whose reputation stretches around the world. Among many highlights was footage of the late Allen Toussaint. It was a welcome reminder of Toussaint’s greatness […]
Monday Morning Video – Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
Here’s what happens when you turn Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings loose on one of the great American folk songs.
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2020, Part 1
Remember It, The Northern Belle (from the Die With Your Boots On Records release We Wither, We Bloom) You’d never know from their music that The Northern Belle hails from Norway. Their brand of Americana is bathed in Southern California sunshine in more ways than one. This is music warm and lavish, not to mention […]
Monday Morning Video – Sam and Dave
I fell down the YouTube rabbit hole this weekend and stumbled across this gem. Does music get more electrifying than this? Me thinks not. As a bonus, here’s a rock legend paying honoring two godfathers of R&B, with a special guest in tow. And if you watched the end of the video above, you might […]
Swamp Dogg on Jerry Lee Lewis, Day Job Adventures, and Piano Lessons
Swamp Dogg talks about how he earned a 1955 Crown Victoria and sings the first song that he wrote.
Monday Morning Video – “Sitting In Limbo”
“Sitting In Limbo” is one of the classics. The song, which was originally recorded by songwriter Jimmy Cliff with the legendary Swampers in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, has gone on to be recorded and performed by countless musicians. Here are versions of the song performed by the Neville Brothers and the Jerry Garcia Band, as well […]
Monday Morning Video – Neville Brothers
The world is simply a better place when it’s accompanied by a Neville Brothers soundtrack.