Back in the mid-90’s I went to the Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival on a whim. I was staying nearby, didn’t have plans, and I like bluegrass. Voila. Now, thirty years later, the festival is still around and stronger than ever. So I decided to go up to Grass Valley again and see what’s special about […]
Eden Brent on Toyota Minivans and Living Room Jam Sessions
Blues artist Eden Brent talks about breaking a piano string at the British Embassy in Washington, her apprenticeship with Abie “Boogaloo” Ames, and the joy of performing live.
Monday Morning Video – Justin Townes Earle
Justin Townes Earle was taken from us at the much too young age of 38. He left behind an incredible catalog of songs striking and profound. Later this summer New West Records will release a double album of rarities that include demos, live performances, and covers. In the meantime, here’s one of my favorite Earle […]
Readers’ Pick: Bonny Light Horseman – Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free
You picked Bonny Light Horseman – Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free as your favorite new release for the week of June 7, 2024.
Oliver Wood – Fat Cat Silhouette
Every morning when he isn’t on the road, Oliver Wood starts the day in his designated writing chair with a cup of coffee. Many of the songs from “Fat Cat Silhouette”, Wood’s second solo record, began taking shape in that chair. The contemplative feeling of meditation/prayer and a morning coffee is what sets the mood […]
Cosmic Guilt – Palace of Depression
A friend of mine noted earlier this year there has developed a tiny silver lining to the Cat 5 hurricane of the pandemic. He observed that anyone still in the music business now is in it because they can’t live without it. The people who were doing it because they could, or because of peer/family […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2024
Lay By Your Side, Christopher Paul Stelling (from the self-released Forgotten but Not Gone and Few and Far Between) I’ve never been through a divorce but, listening to Christopher Paul Stelling’s new Forgotten but Not Gone and Few and Far Between, I have greater insight into the explosion of emotions that occur. Stelling has long […]
Alisa Amador on Old Guitar Strings and Saying “No” More Than “Yes”
Singer-songwriter Alisa Amador talks about not owning a tour vehicle, being a master snack packer, and the mystery of the music business.
Monday Morning Video – Twangville in NYC on June 16th
What’s better than one Twangville NYC showcase in June? How about two! We’re back at it this coming Sunday at Berlin in NYC’s East Village. Our featured artists for this show are Ted Russell Kamp, Matt Woods, and Robert Cody Maxwell. Here’s a trio of videos to start your week and give you a preview […]
Readers’ Pick: Richard Thompson – Ship to Shore
You picked Richard Thompson – Ship to Shore as your favorite new release for the week of June 7, 2024.