Remember a few weeks ago when Amy Black wrote about her experience recording at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals? Well, now you can hear the results for yourself. Even better, Black is sharing the ep — for free — via her web site. Black recorded four songs in Muscle Shoals. The tracks span […]
MonkeyJunk – All Frequencies
In those odd moments when you’re craving funk, I mean, the lost art of funk seventies style, with the rhythm and beat that make you want to groove, MonkeyJunk can fill that prescription. The Ottawa, Canada-based trio of Steve Marriner, Tony D and Matt Sobb are called blues rockers, but their latest release, All Frequencies, […]
Monday Morning Video: The Ponderosa Stomp!
Hot on the heels of our celebration of Muscle Shoals, we’ll turn our attention to another legendary music city: New Orleans. The Ponderosa Stomp music festival, to be held in New Orleans from October 3-5, bills itself as “celebrating the unsung heroes of American music.” It is an appropriate way to describe a weekend celebration […]
Monday Morning Video: Muscle Shoals, the Movie
Many would say that the “Muscle Shoals sound†began with the founding of FAME Studios. From humble beginnings above a drug store, the studio became an institution that spawned countless legendary recordings. A mind-blowing array of artists made the pilgrimage to Muscle Shoals to record at FAME and nearby Muscle Shoals Sounds. In the early […]
The Muscle Shoals Music Guide, Part 2
Twangville has teamed up with Muscle Shoals musician Jimbo Hart, known to many for his work with Jason Isbell and others, to highlight the many great artists that call Muscle Shoals home. THE POLLIESTwangville Says: With fuzzed out guitars, a touch of twang, and an unmistakable R&B swing, The Pollies sound like this generation’s great […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July and August 2013, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Close to the Floor, by Patrick Sweany They say that great art is often the result of pain and adversity. It is a blessing and a curse. A blessing that we get to share in the work that results, a curse that the artist’s suffering lies at the root of the […]
Monday Morning Video: The Black Crowes with Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks
How about a bit of Southern rhythm and blues to start the week? Here’s The Black Crowes with Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks taking on the Joe Tex classic, “Show Me.” Look for more soulful goodness on the latest Tedeschi Trucks Band release, available tomorrow. Check it out here.
Monday Morning Video: Lake Street Dive Say “I Want You Back”
Here’s a fun one for your Monday morning. Talented quartet Lake Street Dive take to a Boston sidewalk for this soulful take on the Jackson Five classic “I Want You Back.”
Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2013, So Far (the Songs)
Elephant and Super 8, Jason Isbell (from the Southeastern Records release Southeastern) This list wouldn’t ordinarily include two tracks from the same artist but I’m gonna make an exception. These two tracks exemplify the range of Isbell’s songwriting talent, from the somber beauty of “Elephant” to the boisterous rock of “Super 8.” Alphabet City, Todd […]
Mayer's Playlist for May/June 2013, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH The Low Highway, by Steve Earle The burden of Steve Earle’s legacy is mighty awesome. Since he emerged in the mid-1980’s he has established — and maintained — an incredible standard with his songwriting. His latest release continues the trend. Earle passed through Boston recently and talked about how this album […]