Pockets Full of Sighs, Lisa Bastoni (from the self-released How We Want to Live) Some of the best albums take both artist and listener on a journey. One need look no farther than the title of Lisa Bastoni’s latest release to appreciate that this is her musical intent. How We Want to Live may speak […]
Bonus Monday Video – Ottoman Turks vs The 40 Acre Mule
The folks at State Fair Records have a good thing going. I’ve been in Dallas a few years now and have had some time to explore the local music scene. Chief among my discoveries is that there has been a steady flow of great music State Fair. The label wraps up its summer with not […]
Bobby Rush Talks about a Painted-On Mustache and Why He Keeps Rehearsals Private
Legendary blues artist Bobby Rush reflects on more than 30 years of tour vans and buses, the day jobs he took in the 1950’s to support the start of his career in music and the importance of understanding artist publishing rights.
The 40 Acre Mule – Goodnight and Good Luck
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 […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2019 (So Far), the Songs
Canyon, Joshua Ray Walker (from the State Fair Records release Wish You Were Here) Talk about making a statement on your debut album. Walker’s moving acoustic ballad is both a highly personal reflection on his father’s battle with cancer and his own desire to be a better person. Simply stunning. Full Moon Goodbye, Michael McDermott […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2019, Part 2
All Some Kind of Dream, Josh Ritter (from the Pytheas Recordings release Fever Breaks) Josh Ritter is one of the most literate songwriters of these times, waxing poetic as easily as unleashing fiery commentary. He sets the tone early on the newly released Fever Breaks with “Ground Don’t Want Me” a somewhat jubilant melody and […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2019, Part 1
Waiting For a Sign, M. Lockwood Porter (from the Black Mesa Records release Communion in the Ashes) M. Lockwood Porter is on a quest, longing to step beyond the anguish and misery he sees around him in hopes of finding a better place, personally and for everyone. The opening – and title – track freely […]
Monday Morning Video – Dr. John
It’s been a rough spring in the music world. This past week brought the news that Mac Rebennack – Dr. John – had passed. The New Orleans native captured all of the energy, flamboyance and mystery of his hometown and instilling it in his music. Here’s a trifecta from the good Doctor. The righteous funk […]
Ori Naftaly of Southern Avenue on the Importance of Having a Thick Skin and a Big Heart
Southern Avenue guitarist Ori Naftaly talks about the band’s unique zip code, driving a candy truck and the struggle to find good food on the road.
Mitch Woods Shares Stories from More Than 40 years as a Professional Musician
Piano man Mitch Woods recalls hiding from the cops at his first gig, the car that inspired his first song and the time they filmed a movie in the studio where he had just finished a session.