It can often be both refreshing and insightful to hear a stripped down version of a songs originally performed by a full band. Here’s a great example — Pete Donnelly of the Figgs offering up a solo take on one of my favorite songs from that band’s extensive catalog. The tempo is a touch slower […]
The Roys – The View
As a recently inducted fan of bluegrass, I’ve come to know that the genre has the ability to turn the cheesy lyrics into an earnest and emotional tune. The Roys (brother and sister duo of Lee and Elaine) use their tight harmonies and musicianship to do just that. With a song like “Live the Life […]
Americana 2014, The Sounds, Part 3
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 my highlights among the many live performances I saw […]
Americana 2014: 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 THE AWARDS SHOW If it wasn’t for that guy we’d be doing this at a burnt out Kmart. Jason Isbell acknowledging that the awards show was being […]
Americana 2014: The Sounds, 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. MATTHEW RYAN This was, hands-down, the highlight of the week for […]
Readers’ Pick: Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone by Lucinda Williams
You picked Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone by Lucinda Williams as your favorite for the week of September 30, 2014. Readers’ Top Picks (last 4 weeks) Single Mothers by Justin Townes Earle (13) [9/9] Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone by Lucinda Williams (9) [9/30] Ryan Adams by Ryan Adams (9) [9/9] […]
Monday Morning Video: Rod Picott “Where No One Knows My Name”
Nashville singer-songwriter Rod Picott passed through Boston a few weeks ago. It was a special treat to hear him perform this song, one of my favorites from his 2013 release Hang Your Hopes on a Crooked Nail.
Americana 2014: The Sounds, Part 1
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. JOE FLETCHER I couldn’t think of a better way to close […]
2014 Americana Music Awards
On September 17th, the glitterati of the Americana Music Scene gathered at the historic Ryman Theater for their annual Awards show and presentation.  Mayer and I were lucky enough to procure a seat to the festivities.  You can get a full list of the award nominees and winners here, but these are the highlights from our […]
Readers’ Pick: Different Shades Of Blue by Joe Bonamassa
You picked Different Shades Of Blue by Joe Bonamassa as your favorite for the week of September 23, 2014. Readers’ Top Picks (last 4 weeks) Single Mothers by Justin Townes Earle (13) [9/9] Somewhere Under Wonderland by Counting Crows (10) [9/2] Ryan Adams by Ryan Adams (9) [9/9] Step Back by Johnny Winter (9) [9/2] […]