We lost a legend last week with the passing of Lloyd Price. The Louisiana native was a rock and roll pioneer, writing and recording storied classics like “Stagger Lee”, “Lawdy Miss Clawdy”, and “Personality” (the song that inspired his nickname “Mr. Personality”). We had the chance to interview Price several years ago and it remains […]
Grace Pettis – Working Woman
As the daughter of singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis and poetry scholar Dr. Margaret Mills Harper, it is no surprise that Grace Pettis turned out to be a powerful songwriter herself. Raised in both the rural mountains of Mentone, Alabama and the suburbs of Atlanta, her music reflects both traditional roots and modern styles. Her powerful voice […]
SXSW 2021 – The Sounds
The most indelible musical memory is the ubiquitous SXSW theme music that opened every event. That aside, here are some musical favorites from SXSW 2021 Sir Woman Wild Child’s Kelsey Wilson steped out with a beautifully soulful set that highlighted tracks from her debut EP. Wilson, accompanied by two background vocalists, an electric guitarist and […]
Monday Morning Video – Vintage Jackie Wilson
Jackie Wilson has one of my favorite voices of all time. So what better way to start the week then with a 1973 min-set that features his classic (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher as well as Wilson’s energetic take on Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me”.
John Paul Keith on Leather Jackets, Telecasters, and Record Stores
Memphis artist John Paul Keith talks about a memorable ordeal in an Arizona desert, and alphabetizing records, and living in a fertile musical city.
Selwyn Birchwood – Living in a Burning House
I caught Selwyn Birchwood’s act a few years ago at the Philly Folk Festival (remember when we could go to festivals?), and I was immediately won over by the barefoot bluesman. Already an award winning guitarist, Living in a Burning House cements his credentials as one of the leading younger lights in the blues world. […]
Beth Lee – Waiting On You Tonight
I have a friend who likes to say that people need to get repotted every now and then. They get root-bound and need a new container to explore, and some new scenery. I’ve found that to be mostly true. Beth Lee seems to have also found benefit in that. After spending her early career as […]
Monday Morning Video – Solomon Burke and Aretha Franklin
It doesn’t get much better than this – Aretha Franklin and Solomon Burke lead the choir in a rousing version of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2020, Part 2
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 […]