How about something a little different this week? Tracy Bonham revisits her 2000 track “Jumping Bean” with a striking new video that pairs her band and a string section with the Eugene Ballet. Filmed live at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, the reimagined performance amplifies the song’s defiant spirit, turning it into a […]
Readers’ Pick: Ward Hayden & The Outliers – Little by Little
You picked Ward Hayden & The Outliers – Little by Little as your favorite new release for the week of April 18, 2025.
Mason Via – Mason Via
They say you can’t go home again, but that’s really about the mistaken idea nothing will have changed. What I do think is true, especially as you get older, is there’s something comforting and centering about returning to your roots for a visit. After a stint with Old Crow Medicine Show and recording with the […]
Graham Sharp – How Did We Do It
Wishes do come true. Four years ago I wrote about the debut solo album from Steep Canyon Rangers’ banjoist and frequent lead singer, Graham Sharp. I finished the post expressing a hope that, as much as I like the Rangers, the record wouldn’t be his last solo effort. Well, just out is another release from […]
Southern Avenue – Family
If you’re looking for a prescription to help get by in these darkish times, perhaps some unbridled optimism to offset the rancor that is so prevalent today, then Southern Avenue’s new Family might be just what the doctor ordered. When blues guitarist Ori Naftaly left his native Israel to compete in the International Blues Challenge […]
Jon Cleary on Fixing a Broken Tine and Keeping A Diary
New Orleans singer-pianist Jon Cleary talks about his favorite employment agreement, playing freeform jazz at his first gig, and the inspiration for his first song (just don’t ask him what the song means).
Monday Morning Video – Alejandro Escovedo and the Rant Band
Alejandro Escovedo pays tribute to Ian Hunter by inviting Hunter’s band to perform a trio of legendary Mott the Hoople songs: “All the Way From Memphis”, “Drivin’ Sister”, and “I Wish I Was Your Mother”. This is some serious classic rock and roll.
Readers’ Pick: Turnpike Troubadours – Price of Admission
You picked Turnpike Troubadours – Price of Admission as your favorite new release for the week of April 11, 2025.
Marina Rocks – S.O.S. Texas
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Or in the case of Houstonian Marina Rocks; when in Texas, be a Texan. The Austin-born guitarist/singer/songwriter has long embraced the musical styles she heard around her, and in the process developed a unique sound that nonetheless ties her to the Lone Star State. So it was […]
Sierra Hull on Tour Bus Breakdowns and Always Finding New Hills to Climb
Mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull recalls the bribe that got her to take the stage for the first time and talks about taking time to stop and smell the roses.