To say that Michael McDermott has been on a creative run would be a understatement. In 2016 he released not one, but two outstanding albums in a matter of months. First up was Six on the Out, a thematic piece from the Westies, his collaboration with his wife Heather Horton. That was followed several months […]
John Prine – The Tree of Forgiveness
If John Prine’s music seduced you back in the 1970s, you probably get it, and you’ll love The Tree of Forgiveness, his first album in 13 years presenting any new original music. He has released a collaboration with Mac Wiseman (Standard Songs for Average People), a couple of compilations of early music (including The Singing Mailman […]
Monday Morning Video – A Heavenly Premiere from Jeff Plankenhorn
Guitarist Jeff Plankenhorn has become something of an Austin institution, sought after by many artists to lend his musical talents to their albums and performances. Calling him a guitarist doesn’t quite do him justice, though. Sure, he’s designed his very own guitar – a custom lap steel guitar called, perhaps not surprisingly, “The Plankâ€. Give […]
Readers’ Pick: John Prine – The Tree of Forgiveness
You picked The Tree of Forgiveness by legendary country singer-songwriter, John Prine, as your favorite new release for the week of April 13, 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 Winter & Spring […]
Erica Blinn Keeps on Truckin’ (A Video Premiere)
It is perhaps not surprising that the road is a frequent topic for musicians, certainly those that spend many of their days hauling their gear from town to town. The title of this song certainly suggests that it is the focus here. The lyrics, however, veer in a different direction. As Blinn explains: “Suitcases and […]
Jeff Bryant – “Addie” Video
Austin musician Jeff Bryant is one of those guys you’ve probably seen a lot, playing keyboard for a number of high profile bands in town, but not necessarily heard. Â All his talented friends finally convinced him to do a record on his own and he released Sleeping With the Lights On earlier this year. Â It’s […]
Ryan Bingham – Wining and Dining
Sitting down to a nice meal at City Winery in Boston, my wife and I were excited about what we had coming. But even we didn’t know that Ryan Bingham was about to perform almost three hours of songs and stories. When it comes to vignettes, Ryan has more than a couple and has lived the […]
Jeff Warren Johnston – Undiscovered Country
Everyone has their favorite suit or set of clothes. Â You wear them and somehow your confidence goes up a notch and invariably the day goes better. Â For Jeff Johnston, that apparel turned about to be his musical identity. Â After trying other styles for a few years he decided to embrace his heritage and upbringing in […]
Monday Morning Video: Hannah Aldridge Will Leave No Heart Behind
Hannah Aldridge‘s 2017 album Gold Rush is still in heavy rotation among my listening selections, especially the song “Ne Heart Left Behind.” Angry electric guitars fuel the studio version; here Aldridge delivers a solo acoustic take that bristles with the same passion and urgency.
Readers’ Pick: Sarah Shook & The Disarmers – Years
You picked Years by alt-country band, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, as your favorite new release for the week of April 6, 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 Winter & Spring 2018 […]