We lost a legend over the weekend. Lou Reed passed away on Sunday at the age of 71. From his early years with the Velvet Underground to his later solo career, Reed has inspired countless musicians and left a treasure trove of influential recordings. Here is a complete Reed performance from New York’s Bottom Line […]
Americana 2013: 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. Lets cut the small talk, I got a new record out. It’s already a million seller. I got a million of ’em in the cellar. Scott Miller You’re […]
Americana 2013, 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. LUCINDA WILLIAMS The Americana Conference instituted a new tradition this year: […]
Americana 2013: 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. PATRICK SWEANY Sweany delivered what was, hands down, my favorite showcase […]
Americana Music Conference 2013: The Awards Show
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. Any discussion of the Americana Music Conference has to begin with […]
Melody Walker & Jacob Groopman – We Made It Home
“Heaven is right here, if you’re doing it right.” Â Those words lead the chorus of Black Grace, a song that won Melody Walker the songwriting contest last year at Merlefest. Â She and partner Jacob Groopman have just released We Made It Home that includes Black Grace and number of other treasures. Â Produced by bluegrass virtuoso […]
Monday Morning Video: Eilen Jewell
Here’s one of my favorites from Eilen Jewell, “Rain Roll In” from 2009’s Sea of Tears.
Samantha Fish – Black Wind Howlin’
Samantha Fish is a precocious young guitarist and singer with the wind – the howlin’ black wind – at her back. At 24, the Kansas City native already has a Blues Music Award under her belt for Best New Artist Debut for her 2011 album Runaway. Along with British blues-rocker Dani Wilde and Otis Taylor’s […]
Amy Black — The Muscle Shoals Session
Remember a few weeks ago when Amy Black wrote about her experience recording at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals? Well, now you can hear the results for yourself. Even better, Black is sharing the ep — for free — via her web site. Black recorded four songs in Muscle Shoals. The tracks span […]
Dudesmash
Pawtucket, RI. Truth be told, I’d never been. But Providence’s Americana breakthrough artist Deer Tick was throwing a party and I figured I would have to stop by. When the 20 somethings of Toy Soldiers, an up-and-coming band from Philly, walked on stage I immediately thought of a poor mans Panic at the Disco! But […]