By the late 60’s and early 70’s bluegrass had evolved from Bill Monroe’s radical take on old-timey music to a relatively known and expected performance and sound.  The Stanley Brothers, the Foggy Mountain Boys, The Osborne Brothers, and many of their peers followed a set framework and style with matching dress and choreographed solos.  It’s hard […]
Readers’ Pick: Hypnotic Eye by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
You picked Hypnotic Eye by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers as your favorite for the week of Jul 29, 2014. Readers’ Top Picks (last 4 weeks) Terms Of My Surrender by John Hiatt (16) Acoustic Classics by Richard Thompson (15) [7/22] Still on the Levee by Chris Smither (12) [7/22] Hypnotic Eye by Tom Petty […]
Monday Morning Video: Don’t F with the Band
We’ll stray a bit from our usual fare today. Here’s Jason Isbell and Bettye LaVette taking some obnoxious show attendees to task. It’s about the music, people.
Photos that ROCK! Green River Festival
Green River Music Festival Greenfield, MA July 13, 2014 Sunshine. Trees. The outdoors. Incredible music. The Green River Festival had it all. The lineup featured a few of my favorite bands, which is really what drew me (and my camera!). In addition, it’s always a treat for me to be able to shoot concerts outdoors. […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2014, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Common Ground: Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill Broonzy, by Dave & Phil Alvin This album is no doubt a labor of love. Sure, the Alvin brothers have a reputation for family squabbles. They are still brothers, however, who share a passion for music. […]
Haas Kowert Tice – You Got This
A few years ago I saw Casey Driessen at a music festival down in Austin. Â Of the perhaps 100 people backstage at the moment, I’d guess half of them were fiddle players. Â Every fiddle player who was performing that day was there. Â It was impressive to see all that talent make their way to see […]
Readers’ Pick: Acoustic Classics by Richard Thompson
You picked Acoustic Classics by Richard Thompson as your favorite for the week of Jul 22, 2014. Readers’ Top Picks (last 4 weeks) Counterfeit Blues by Corb Lund (82) Terms Of My Surrender by John Hiatt (16) Acoustic Classics by Richard Thompson (15) [7/22] Remedy by Old Crow Medicine Show (13) Still on the Levee […]
Monday Morning Video: The Beatles
I suppose I could try to write an introduction to this video but does this video really need one? Here are the Beatles performing “Don’t Let Me Down” on the roof of Apple Records back in 1969.
Newport Folk Festival Preview
After 55 years, the Newport Folk Festival is still relevant. Not only is it relevant, it is still bringing together disparate influences and challenging the notions of “folk” music in the same way that Bob Dylan did back in 1965 (though now the public expects it). Case in point, Son House admirer, producer, blues, folk […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2014, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Resolution Road, by Easton Stagger Phillips I don’t like to draw direct comparisons between artists but it’s hard not to do so with the latest release from Tim Easton, Leeroy Stagger and Evan Phillips. This talented trio of singer-songwriters conjure up the finer moments of Crosby, Stills and Nash. Resolution Road […]