ROANOKE Another on my short list of new to me artists for me this year was Roanoke. They bore more than a passing resemblance to the fictional Daisy Jones and the Six in both song and spirit. A good thing in my book. JAKE BLOUNT Jake Blount is a true student of American music. So […]
SXSW 2023 – The Sounds, Part 1
SOMEBODY’S CHILD I do a fair amount of research on the artists attending SXSW in the weeks leading up to the event. Before I arrived, Ireland’s Somebody’s Child were at the top of my artists to see; when I left they were the best band that I saw. The group, the brainchild of singer-songwriter Cian […]
Monday Morning Video – Al Green
It doesn’t happen often, but on occasion a cover version can rival the original version. Here’s one of my faves in that category – Al Green laying claim to the Bee Gees’ “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”.
Touchin’ Down in New England Town – a Special Boston Playlist
By My Lonesome, GA-20 (from the album Karma Chief Records release Live in Loveland) Just Because, GA-20 (from the Karma Chief Records release Crackdown) Blues band GA-20 have emerged from the pandemic with a vengeance. Their non-stop touring aside, they are releasing their second album in seven months. Both are tremendous showcases for the group’s […]
Monday Morning Video – Robert Randolph
I saw Robert Randolph a few weeks back when he joined New Orleans greats Galactic for a handful of shows at the legendary Blue Note jazz club. It was a welcome reminder of the funk and the fury that Randolph can deliver. Here are two rousing live Randolph and the Family Band performances from 2013.
Mayer’s Playlist for Jan/Feb 2023
Missing Someone, Jaimee Harris (from the Folk N Roll Records/Thirty Tigers release Boomerang Town) Harris’ eagerly awaited sophomore release has arrived – and it’s a beauty. What makes it even compelling is that its beauty isn’t easy. Harris fills her songs with difficult topics and troubled characters, digging into them with a thoughtful perspective. The […]
Ben Ellman of Galactic on Tipitinas, McCabe’s Guitar Shop, and “The Heavy Metal Hotel”
Saxaphonist Ben Ellman of New Orleans’ Galactic talks about a highlight of every tour and time spent working as a line cook at the legendary New Orleans music club that he and the band now own.
Bonus Monday Video – Paul Weller Covers Curtis Mayfield
Here’s Paul Weller and the Jam, well, kicking out some jams with his take on Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up”.
Monday Morning Video – Curtis Mayfield “Move On Up”
Let’s kick off the week with one of the greats – the late Curtis Mayfield performing his classic “Move On Up” at a festival back in 1987. Just move on upTo a greater dayWith just a little faithIf you put your mind to it, you can surely do it
Monday Morning Video – Abraham, Martin, and John
Originally recorded by Dion in 1968, this song has taken on a life of its own. Here are some classic performances, courtesy of Ray Charles, Emmylou Harris, and Dion.