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 […]
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.