I still can’t believe that Robert Francis has managed to steer clear of the spotlight. He’s young, talented, and has an amazing voice. His songs are both accessible and devastating. He sings about lost love, drug addiction, and the road in an authentic voice. But why wasn’t he touring? Apparently, Francis left music altogether, shaved […]
Eden Brent – Jigsaw Heart
After performing continuously since 1985, Eden Brent has really come into her own as one of the shining lights of blues piano during the past five years.  Her accolades have included Blues Music Awards for acoustic artist of the year in 2009, for acoustic album of the year for Mississippi Number One that same year, and the […]
Readers’ Pick: OLD 97S, Most Messed Up
You picked OLD 97S, Most Messed Up as your favorite for the week of April 29, 2014. Readers’ Top Picks (last 4 weeks) OLD 97S, Most Messed Up (23) RODNEY CROWELL, Tarpaper Sky (16) EELS, Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett (9) CHRIS ROBINSON, Phosphorescent Harvest (8) KEB MO, Bluesamericana (8) THE WHIGS, Modern Creation […]
Monday Morning Video: Roy Orbison with Johnny Cash
How about two legends performing a rock and roll classic? Yes, please.
Keb’ Mo’ – BLUESAmericana
Over the past 20 years, Keb’ Mo’ has been among a small group of African American next generation musicians widely considered to be the future of blues music. Along with contemporaries like Corey Harris, Eric Bibb, Guy Davis, Otis Taylor and Alvin Youngblood Hart, Keb’ Mo’ has carried the torch of blues music passed on […]
Mayer’s Playlist for April 2014, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTHS Parker Millsap, by Parker Millsap What is it about Oklahoma? As if the state’s musical credibility weren’t long ago established, there’s been a surge of great young artists emerging from the state. Count Parker Millsap among ’em. Millsap blends gospel, bluegrass and folk to perfection all the while filling his songs […]
Readers’ Pick: EELS, Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett
You picked EELS, Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett as your favorite for the week of April 22, 2014. Readers’ Top Picks (last 4 weeks) RODNEY CROWELL, Tarpaper Sky (16) EELS, Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett (9) KEB MO, Bluesamericana (8) THE WHIGS, Modern Creation (8) JOAN OSBORNE, Love & Hate (8) VARIOUS ARTISTS, […]
Monday Morning Video: Lone Justice
Here’s one of those bands that shoulda been huge. Lone Justice released two great album’s of country-tinged rock that included tracks contributed by Tom Petty and Steve Van Zandt. Here are two favorites for your listening enjoyment.
Long Time . . . Seldom Scene
Isn’t it funny how a set of covers can sound so revolutionary. The Seldom Scene certainly began their career in the early 70s looking at bluegrass a bit differently. Way back when, their style was one of the first of the “progressive” style of bluegrass. Yet now, the band is on Smithsonian records and is […]
Mayer’s Playlist for April 2014, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTHS Till Midnight, by Chuck Ragan There seems to be a symbiotic relationship between punk and Americana. While punk has its raw intensity and Americana its musical sincerity, both styles are rooted in emotion and authenticity. The latest to prove the point is Chuck Ragan who takes the rock intensity that he […]