For me, it was Bruised Orange. The album had come out about the time I’d started a stint as a radio DJ, and everyone at the station had their favorite cut (mine was Fish And Whistle). As music fans did back then, we dug into the liner notes, and soon discovered an entire new world […]
John Prine: 1946-2020
Monday Morning Video – A Tough Week in Music
The title says it all. Covid-19 continues its deadly march, leaving death and heartbreak in its wake. The music world is not exempted as a growing list of artists are being abruptly taken from us. In the past week, we’ve lost Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne), jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis, and country singer-songwriter Joe Diffie, […]
Monday Morning Video – Kenny Rogers (1938 – 2020)
Many of us got to know Kenny Rogers through his solo hits of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, not to mention his duets with everyone from Dolly Parton to Lionel Richie. Before that, however, Rogers made some magic with the First Edition, including this classic, which came around again in 1998 when it was […]
Folk Alliance International 2020 – Shawn’s Picks
With 10 simultaneous official stages and over 80 private ones across 4 nights and 8-10 hours per night, there’s no shortage of music at FAI. There are a number of strategies you can employ, from just picking a room and letting the curator’s choices wash over you, to a mad-dash scramble after every couple of […]
Folk Alliance International 2020 Conference
One of the things I look forward to coming out of the holidays is the annual Folk Alliance conference. It’s equal parts business conference and music festival: so work and play together. This year it was held in New Orleans, where the food added a third segment that was a big part of many conversations. […]
Monday Morning Video – David Olney
I wish that I could tell you that I was well-versed in David Olney’s music. I’m certainly familiar with him, both via his songwriting reputation and his relentless touring and festival appearances. Olney passed away this weekend while performing at the 30A Music Festival. The outpouring of memories from the Americana community has been heart-wrenching. […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2019
Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2019.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2019, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2019 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Have You Seen My Girl, Todd May (from the self-released Let’s Go Get Lost) […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2019, Boston/Dallas Edition
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. LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY HOME) LULA WILES, What Will We Do What Will […]