I’ve had the pleasure to explore the music scenes of two cities this year – Boston and Dallas. Both have exceptionally vibrant music scenes. The albums below were my favorites from each city. Love it local. DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS Ronnie Fauss, Last of the True Fauss takes the listener on a short […]
Tom’s Picks: Best of 2017
CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD, Barefoot In The Head This was the year I fell in love with the Chris Robinson Brotherhood. I’m not sure what took so long as they’ve had six studio releases and several live recording leading up to this one—they are on fire. This also marks the second year in a row that I went […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2017
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2017. New MistakesTerra Lightfoot Letters Never ReadDori Freeman Other Love SongsFront Country Boy Crazy and Single(s)Lydia Loveless Transient LullabyThe Mastersons The World We BuiltThe Wild Reeds Youth DetentionLee Bains III and the Glory Fires Tomorrow ForeverMatthew Sweet Life Is FinePaul Kelly This Is My […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2017
Another year is winding down, which means that it is time for the ubiquitous best of year lists. Without further ado, here are my picks for the best albums of 2017. #10. BAND OF HEATHENS, Duende The Heathens plugged in their guitars more so than previous albums without losing any of their Texas Americana allure. […]
Monday Morning Video – Fats Domino
“Blueberry Hill” may not have been the first rock and roll song that I heard, but it certainly stands as one that left a lasting impression. Rather than the music and lyrics, it was Domino’s personality and enthusiasm that captivated my attention. The smile on his face, as infectious as it was, paled in comparison […]
Monday Morning Video: More Petty
The outpouring of tributes to the late Tom Petty has been truly astounding, although certainly not surprising given the depth and brilliance of Petty’s catalog. Artists of every generation, not to mention every genre, have paid tribute with performances of Petty classics. Among the best of them have been the inspired sing-alongs from the crowds […]
Americana 2017: Say What?!
One of my favorite things about attending music conferences and festivals are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from this year’s Americana Festival. He chooses the sing the high third part harmony and to give us the moment of our lives. I thought it was just […]
Tom Petty (1950-2017)
Americana Music Fest 2017, Shawn’s Picks
As you’ve figured out by now, this week is about our coverage of the Americana Music Festival in Nashville. Â Here’s a rundown of the best sets I saw during the week. It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll, But I Like It: Yeah it’s Nashville, and yeah it was an Americana festival, but there was no shortage […]
Americana 2017: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances […]