The Ted Hawkins story is among the most unique in American music. The Biloxi Mississippi native spent years as a street busker, most notably serenading passers-by on Venice Beach, CA while perched on a milk crate. He was “discovered” several times but never found significant success. His graveled voice and insistent guitar were his calling […]
Readers’ Pick: Lucero – Among the Ghosts
You picked Among the Ghosts by alt-country band, Lucero, as your favorite new release for the week of August 3, 2018. Poll Results New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Summer & Fall 2018 WILLIE […]
Kevin Gordon – Tilt And Shine
Boredom is a cruel mistress. Â She tempts you to do things you know better than to do, and demands silence and negligence when action is needed. Â Add in the weather-driven, laconic nature of life in the lower Mississippi River basin and it’s a potent mix of attitude. Â Nobody understands that better than Kevin Gordon. Â On […]
Newport Folk Festival 2018: Stars Rising Higher
While this year’s Newport Folk Festival included lots of new acts, it also included those who are dependably brilliant artists for years. Jason Isbell is almost single-handedly elevating country/Americana music to new heights. Sturgill Simpson has brought unabashedly thoughtful country to the discerning listener. Jenny Lewis has a long history of critical acclaim including her […]
Newport Folk Fest 2018: New Arrivals
At Newport Folk Fest 2018, the lineup included both established artists and up-and-coming artists. The up-and-comers were particularly compelling this year. Brand new artists, those coming together as a new band, and those with a totally new sound. This year’s committee did a great job of finding acts coming into their own and all of […]
Monday Morning Video – Professor Longhair
Sometimes it’s fun to just get lost in the YouTube rabbit hole. I did so this weekend and stumbled across this incredible pair of videos featuring legendary New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair backed by the Meters (with special cameo by Dr. John). ’cause what better way to start the week with a double dose of […]
Readers’ Pick: Willie Nile – Children of Paradise
You picked Children of Paradise by singer-songwriter, Willie Nile, as your favorite new release for the week of July 27, 2018. Poll Results New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Summer & Fall 2018 WILLIE […]
Rebekah Rolland – Seed & Silo
Music sometimes does a really good job of building a visual image for the listener. Â On her debut solo album, Seed & Silo, Rebekah Rolland paints a number of vivid pictures inspired in part by her experience as a National Parks Artist-In-Residence. There’s the pioneering homestead from Willa Cather’s Midwest on Hole In the Earth. […]
Newport Folk Fest 2018 Feature – Artist You Should Know: Hiss Golden Messenger
Ever had that moment when you discover a musical artist and you’re just hooked? I’ve been listening to talented artists for a long time but when I come across someone new whose amazing music opens my eyes, I immediately go into a phase. When I started “studying” for Newport Folk Fest this year I found lots […]
Monday Morning Video – a Brent Best Double Play
One of the great things about spending time in Dallas has been the opportunity to see some of the local legends, not the least of which is Denton’s Brent Best. I saw him two weeks ago and he played this tremendous unreleased gem called “Footnote.” What’s not to like about a chorus that goes, “I […]