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 Sunset Diner by Brandon Callies Callies chronicles a painful break-up […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2021, the Albums
10. Obviously by Lake Street Dive Glorious smooth and silken pop, a mix of songs earnest and spirited – Obviously is another gem from Lake Street Dive. Key Tracks: Hypotheticals, Hush Money, Same Old News, Nobody’s Stopping You Now, Anymore 9. Vessel by The Accidentals Sav Buist and Katie Larson shift away from their folk […]
Monday Morning Video – Michael Nesmith
Generations of kids, me included, grew up with The Monkees. Although the show only ran for two seasons in the mid-1960’s, it’s reruns endure to this day. Michael Nesmith and his wool cap were an anchor for the show, both as an actor and a musician. Nesmith passed away on Friday, shortly after completing a […]
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
AHI One of my AMA highlights was hearing AHI preview his forthcoming album Prospect. The setting was his producer Paul Mabury’s home studio, nestled in the mountains south of Nashville. A handful of us sat in the studio with AHI, Mabury, and several of the musicians who appeared on the album. In between listening to […]
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Going back through the schedule to consider the highlights is always a frustrating experience. Not only is it tough to feature just […]
2021 AmericanaFest – Shawn’s Favorites
After taking last year off for the pandemic, AmericanaFest was back in (almost) full swing again. A few artists decided not to do their show, the number of venues was scaled back, and vax requirements were in effect. However, combined with most attendees exercising common sense and respect for fellow music lovers, the overall vibe […]
2021 Americana Music Awards
It was good to be back. The annual awards show, held at the fabulous Ryman Auditorium, is always a highlight of my musical year. First, how can you not favor any show at the Ryman. The acoustics, the atmosphere, the decor, it would make any event special. Second, although showcases have starting creeping in ahead […]
Special Monday Video – Remembering Charlie Watts
We lost a giant last week with the passing of Charlie Watts. Known primarily for propelling the Rolling Stones for decades, he was also a jazz and boogie-woogie aficionado. Let’s honor his memory with this 2011 performance by Watts with The A, B, C & D of Boogie Woogie, captured at the Blue Note in […]
Bonus Monday Video – Tom T. Hall & Don Everly
We lost two giants in the past few days – Tom T. Hall and Don Everly. Let’s celebrate their legacies in video fashion. First, a 1970 Everly Brothers tv appearance. The segment is a bit hokey but it speaks to the depth of the talent that Don and his late brother Phil possessed. Then, Tom […]
Monday Morning Video – ZZ Top
Set aside a catalog that is the envy of many a rock band, it’s hard to fathom a group that whose original line-up performed together for more than 50 years. Rest in peace, Dusty Hill. Your musical legacy is gonna keep us rockin’ for years to come.