I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS Quiet Lives by Garrett Owen Gorgeous and entrancing are the […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2020
Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2020.
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2020, the Albums
What a year it has been! Thankfully there’s been some great music to help sustain us. Here are my picks for the best albums of 2020. 11. Consider the Speed by Terra Lightfoot Another rock and roll tour de force from Terra Lightfoot. Consider the Speed is brimming with fervent guitars and musical bravado, not […]
Monday Morning Video – Charley Pride
Another legend lost. Here are two Charley Pride classics to celebrate his life and contributions to country music.
Monday Morning Video – Billy Joe Shaver
Yeah, it’s cliche to share this song to honor the memory of Billy Joe Shaver. There really isn’t a more fitting tribute as the song is as much an institution as was the man. Nobody here will ever find meBut I will always be aroundJust like the songs I leave behind meI’m gonna live forever […]
Thriving Roots 2020 – Mayer’s Highlights
THE SCENE It’™s a glass half empty, glass half full kind of situation. The Americana Music Association awards and conference is an event that I eagerly await and always enjoy every year (mild understatement). A chance to catch up with friends both old and new, gain some knowledge at the panel discussions, and, of course, […]
Thriving Roots 2020 – Shawn’s Highlights
One of the highlights of my year is the annual Americana Music Association conference and awards show in Nashville in September. Needless to say, it didn’t go on this year. The AMA brain trust had enough time, and common sense pragmatism, to realize this was going to happen. So they put on an alternate, virtual […]
Monday Morning Video – Justin Townes Earle
A tremendous talent lost.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2020 (So Far), the Songs
No Time for Love Songs, The Mastersons (from the Red House Records release No Time for Love Songs) I love you so much but it’s no time for love songs We’re starting to unravel at the seams Maybe I care too much and this world is hard enough How come everybody’s gotta be so mean? […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2020 (So Far), the Albums
Self Made Man by Larkin Poe Sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell take no prisoners on this sonic rock and blues explosion. Self Made Man is a brilliant combination of fierce guitars, impassioned vocals, and rousing anthems. Key Tracks: She’s a Self Made Man, Holy Ghost Fire, Keep Diggin’, Back Down South, Tears of Blue to […]