Right On Time, Kevin Gordon (from the Crowville Media release Tilt And Shine) Kevin Gordon has long been one of contemporary music’s most compelling storytellers. He fills his songs with colorful characters and literary tales, all set to music that has more than a few gloriously jagged edges. Tilt And Shine steps beyond the more […]
Monday Morning Video – Aretha
We lost one of the greats last week. Here are two vintage Aretha moments. The first, her movie-stealing appearance in “The Blues Brothers”. The second a 1968 performance of “I Never Loved a Man.” Her impact on music and performance will live on forever.
Bonus Monday Video – Ted Hawkins
I previously wrote about my experience seeing Hawkins when he made a rare visit to Boston’s Faneuil Hall. There was nothing, however, like seeing him on his home turf – entertaining crowds on Venice Beach, California. Here’s a short but wonderful taste of what it was like.
Monday Morning Video – Ted Hawkins
The Ted Hawkins story is among the most unique in American music. The Biloxi Mississippi native spent years as a street busker, most notably serenading passers-by on Venice Beach, CA while perched on a milk crate. He was “discovered” several times but never found significant success. His graveled voice and insistent guitar were his calling […]
Monday Morning Video – Professor Longhair
Sometimes it’s fun to just get lost in the YouTube rabbit hole. I did so this weekend and stumbled across this incredible pair of videos featuring legendary New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair backed by the Meters (with special cameo by Dr. John). ’cause what better way to start the week with a double dose of […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2018 (So Far), the Songs
Here are some of my favorite songs this year. An eclectic lot to be sure. The Fold, Brent Cowles (from the Dine Alone Records release How To Be OK Alone) Easily my favorite song so far this year. Cowles confronts anxiety and self-doubt with a determined and uplifting anthem. Tough Folks, American Aquarium (from the […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2018 (So Far), the Albums
It’s been a good year for music so far this year (and the rest of the year is looking quite nice, too). Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite releases from the first half of 2018. HOW TO BE OK ALONE by BRENT COWLES Cowles shares a debut solo full-length that is […]
Monday Morning Video – The Soulful Side of Langhorne Slim
Langhorne Slim has firmly established himself as one of the leading, albeit criminally lesser-known, lights of roots Americana. The beauty and honesty in his songwriting is captivating; the passion of his live performances, whether solo or full band, is exhilarating. Part of what sets him apart is the soulfulness that infuses his music. Here are […]
Monday Morning Video – Billy Preston and The Band
There are very few members of the rock pantheon with whom Billy Preston hasn’t performed. Famously referred to as “The Fifth Beatle” for his contribution to “Get Back” and their final albums, he has also worked with others ranging from Sam Cooke to Eric Clapton to the Rolling Stones and even the Red Hot Chili […]
The Berkshires Seemed Dreamlike – A Special Boston Playlist (Part 1)
All Be Gone, Buffalo Tom (from the Schoolkids Records release Quiet and Peace) One of rock and roll’s great debates is whether to burn out or fade away. There’s a third option, though. Buffalo Tom make the point that it is possible for rock and roll to mature gracefully while still maintaining an edge. In […]