ALBUMS OF THE MONTH The Narrows by Grant-Lee Phillips Grant-Lee Phillips is, quite simply, one of the most distinctive voices in American music. His songs conjure up vivid portraits of the American experience, from the fault lines of California to the rural lands of Tennessee. The imagery in his songs, both lyrical and musical, is […]
The Bo-Keys’ Scott Bomar On The Day Jobs that Gave Him a Music Industry Education & His Views on the Industry’s Past, Present and Future
Scott Bomar of the Bo-Keys talks about the hazards of touring across middle America, why tracking down your musical income can be a full-time job and the lessons to be learned from his Memphis elders.
Monday Morning Video – Eli Paperboy Reed Takes On Ray Charles
After stepping in a more modern R&B direction on his last release, soul singer Eli “Paperboy” Reed has returned to his roots (so to speak) with an old school sound. He’s got a new album — My Way Home — due out in early June. Reed previewed some of the songs at his SXSW performances […]
Jeff Plankenhorn – SoulSlide
Jeff Plankenhorn is a versatile lap steel guitarist, well established in the Austin, Texas music scene, who delivers a funky, crusty and soulful performance on his unique new solo album, SoulSlide. Plankenhorn, who has collaborated with artists like Joe Ely and Ray Wylie Hubbard, says he found his voice while singing in the church choir growing up in […]
Monday Morning Video – Stevie Wonder Honoring “Sir Duke”
I’ve been on a bit of a Stevie Wonder binge of late. Here’s one of my favorites, Wonder’s tribute to the legendary Duke Ellington.
Mayer’s Playlist for February 2016, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Meridian Rising by Paul Burch Paul Burch is a musician’s musician in the truest sense of the word. Admired by peers (who regularly lend their talents to his recordings), he is also ambitious with his musical exploration. Case in point – his latest release is a fictionalized take on the life […]
Monday Morning Video – Brandi Carlile and Anderson East “Bring It On Home”
How about something a little soulful to start the week? Here are Brandi Carlile and Anderson East covering the Sam Cooke classic “Bring It On Home to Me.”
Brother Nothing – All In My Mind
As Mick sings, “you can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you might find, you get what you need.” Â Turns out what I needed was Brother Nothing. Â I’ve been listening to a lot of bluegrass, old-timey, acoustic music lately. Then, a couple of weeks ago, the release from Austin-based Brother Nothing […]
Professor Louie & the Crowmatrix – Music From Hurley Mountain
Americana music encompasses many different strains of homegrown sounds. Professor Louie and the Crowmatrix have tapped into a number of those sounds on their compelling new album, Music From Hurley Mountain. Denizens of Woodstock, NY, the Crowmatrix, featuring Aaron Hurwitz – “Professor Louie” – and his songwriting partner “Miss Marie” Spinosa, grew together in the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2016
ALBUM OF THE MONTH You’re Dreaming by The Cactus Blossoms There was a time when brotherly harmonies dominated the musical airwaves. From the Everly Brothers in pop to the Louvin Brothers in country, it was a sound that was both soothing and satisfying. Despite the fact that this music was a touchstone for many artists […]