The first of a two-parter kicks off with minimalist performances from Gary Lightbody and Lisa Hannigan (The Cake Sale) and Dan Wilson. Chuck Prophet kicks it up a notch before ceding the floor to Marc Cohn, Levon Helm, The Avett Brothers, Sharon Jones and the Daptones and House & Parish. We finish up with additional […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November/December, part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: The Cake Sale, by The Cake Sale When Brian Crosby and Paul Noonan of Ireland’s Bell X1 were inspired to create a benefit album for Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign, they formed the collective known as The Cake Sale. Friends ranging from Nick Seymour (Crowded House) and Nina Persson (The Cardigans) […]
Soul Collection: The Groove, a Video Companion
Video selections from the second part of my two part Soul Collection playlist titled ‘The Groove‘ starting with Marc Broussard and Toby Lightman’s version of “If I Could Build My Whold World Around You” popularized by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
Soul Collection: The Groove (Part 2 of 2)
Here it is. Part 2 of the two part Soul Collection playlist series. Whereas the first soul playlist was geared toward the softer side of soul, ‘The Groove’ is meant to get you jammin’. And if it doesn’t get you movin’ you might just want to prick yourself just to make sure you’re still alive. […]
Soul Collection: The Seranade, a Video Companion
Video selections from the first part of my two part Soul Collection playlist labeled The Seranade starting with Marc Broussard’s version of “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” popularized by Donny Hathaway.
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2007
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: What Is Love For, by Justin Currie Justin Currie sets the tone for his long-awaited solo debut with his opening line, “What is love for?” Over twelve intense tracks, Currie explores broken relationships with a studied but captivating eye. Lyrics filled with tinges of regret and resignation abound, often with an […]
Soul Collection: The Seranade (Part 1 of 2)
What is soul music doing on a twang website you wonder? I am by no means a music historian nor a music scholar, but I believe that soul and twang are intrinsically connected. Both are sung from the heart. They both reach deep into the mind and soul to talk about those things that we […]
Roman Carter + More, Album Previews
Roman Carter, “Never Slow Down (Full CD) [MySpace] In a year that graced us with a new album from Bettye Lavette, now we get Roman Carter of the famed Carter Brothers (Albert, Jerry, Roman) bringing us some funked up blues. The album is a collaboration with LA producer Tom Rothrock (Beck, Elliott Smith, R.L. Burnside). […]
Ben Harper + More, Album Previews
Ben Harper, ‘Lifeline’ (Full CD) Part of me wants to call this a return to form. But I know better. Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals are always on fire. Lifeline, their latest, appears to highlight what I love best about this band, a brilliant blend of folk rock, twang and soul. Upon my first […]
Marc Broussard: An Interview
Now, needless to say, kids, Marc Broussard is “kind of a big deal around here”, to quote Ron Burgundy. The fact that he gave us an interview is quite possibly cause for doing a stupid little dance and acting rather silly. Marc is currently on tour promoting his new album, ‘Save Our Soul’, and this […]