Long before artists like Reba and Garth took their music and turned it into a brand, there was Jimmy Buffett. If the erstwhile Nashvillian had launched his career in the last couple of decades, his combination of laid back rhythms and tales of industrious avoidance of adult responsibility would have no doubt landed him in […]
Photos that ROCK! Newport Folk Festival 2023!
For the 6th time, I was lucky enough to photograph the Newport Folk Festival! I always have to pinch myself when I’m standing in the pit, right in front of the stage, with all of the incredible photographers. Somehow, it is really happening! Here are some of my favorites from 2023. (From top to bottom: […]
Monday Morning Video – Robertson, Rodriguez, and O’Connor
It’s been a rough couple of weeks in the world of the music. The passing of Robbie Robertson, Sixto Rodriguez, and Sinead O’Connor have taken from us three artists who, each in their own way, made an indelible mark on audiences around the world. Here is a brief video playlist that features just small pieces […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2023 (So Far), the Songs
Suicide of Town, Ben de la Cour (from the Julian Records release Sweet Anhedonia) Amidst an album of dark and sobering ballads, de la Cour proves that he can rock with the best of ‘em. Simple Things, The Band of Heathens (from the BOH Records release Simple Things) Getting by on simple things, letting go […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2023 (So Far), the Albums
Stand in the Joy by William Prince Stand in the Joy is the kind of album that you can get lost in – Prince’s voice and songs are as soothing as they are poignant. Best listened to with your eyes closed. Sweet Anhedonia by Ben de la Cour Sweet Anhedonia is richly textured and darkly […]
Monday Morning Video – Tina Turner
We lost another legend with the passing of Tina Turner last week. Turner didn’t just sing songs, she owned them. Need proof?
Monday Morning Video – Roanoke
Another of my favorite SXSW discoveries this year was the band Roanoke. “If You’re Gonna Leave” – from 2022’s Wolf Motel is a particular favorite. If you’ve seen it, tell me that this shouldn’t have been the theme song of the Amazon series “Daisy Jones and the Six”.
Monday Morning Video – Annie Hamilton
Annie Hamilton was one of my favorite discoveries at this year’s SXSW. As this song illustrates, the melodic intensity of her music is captivating.
SXSW 2023 – Say What?!
One of my favorite things about SXSW (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from SXSW 2023. THE SXSW EXPERIENCE Feel that joy in the air? I’m about to fuck that up. Jon Dee Graham How about some water. That’s not water. Cian Godfrey of […]
SXSW 2023 – The Sounds, Part 4
SIR WOMAN Sir Woman celebrated their 2023 Austin Music Awards Band of the Year award by, well, playing all over town. I caught their last set – on Sunday afternoon – where singer-songwriter Kelsey Wilson led the group, including featured vocalists Spice and Roy Jr., through a wonderous and soulful performance. GOODNIGHT TEXAS Another band […]