One of the endearing things about bluegrass and folk music is the tradition of doing versions of songs that have been in the collective consciousness of the musical community since the 19th century, or even longer. Â No one remembers, or perhaps ever even knew, who wrote them. Â But groups take them, make them their own, […]
David Ramirez – We’re Not Going Anywhere
If you haven’t heard of David Ramirez yet, this album might be the call. If you have, this one is a step forward. Unlike the brilliant understated “Fables,” “We’re Not Going Anywhere” is fleshed out and the arrangements only accentuate the emotions. In particular, Sam Kassirer, Josh’s Ritter’s piano player, produces and plays piano. He […]
Josh Ritter – Gathering
While it seems like things have gotten a bit quieter on the Josh Ritter front for the last few years, they’re every bit as relevant and moving. With his new album “Gathering,” Ritter finds himself slowing down the tempo in many cases but uses words and melodies to bring together the emotional punch. Tunes like […]
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 […]
Readers’ Pick: Angels Hear by Action Skulls
You picked Angels Hear by, Action Skulls, as your favorite new release for the week of September 29, 2017. 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 2017 RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, Tell The Devil I’m […]
Sweetwater String Band – At Night
From the first notes of the bow bouncing on the strings of the cello, you can tell this is going to be a different take on what you probably thought of as a string band. Â The instruments Sweetwater String Band uses are 3/4 of a traditional quartet; guitar, mandolin, bass. Â But instead of the fiddle, […]
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)
Monday Morning Video: The Wild Reeds
The Wild Reeds delivered one of my favorite sets from this year’s Americana Music Conference, guitar-fueled and intense. Here they are performing “Capable” from The World We Built, their most recent album. How about the dueling guitars, accompanied by harmonium, that close out the performance? As a special bonus, you’ll also find their stellar cover […]
Readers’ Pick: Downhearted Blues by Eilen Jewell
You picked Downhearted Blues by Boise-based singer-songwriter, Eilen Jewell, as your favorite new release for the week of September 22, 2017. 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 2017 RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, Tell The […]