There’s much to be said for being old enough that something you loved as a kid has become cool again. In this case I’m talking about the multiple lead guitars with fiddle or pedal steel fed by a driving rhythm section that became known as Southern rock. Several new albums heavy on that style have […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022
Roll Away (Like a Stone), Butch Walker (from the Ruby Red Recordings release Butch Walker as… Glenn) Butch Walker’s latest is something of a concept album, but not in the traditional sense. It portrays an artist playing a club show, complete with an emcee introduction, a simulated bar fight, and calls for an encore. Yet […]
Drew Lawrence of The Dales on Broken Piano Keys and Committing to the Long Haul
Singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Drew Lawrence of the Dales talks about perseverance and follow-through and the band’s home studio decorations.
Cory Branan on “Jean Claude Damn Van” and What the Flatpickers Know
Singer-songwriter Cory Branan talks about lowering his standards on the definition of coffee and shares a songwriting tip .
Monday Morning Video – The Explorers Club
South Carolina-reared popsters The Explorers Club make a long overdue return to the road this fall, hitting select cities on the East Coast. If you like classic 1960’s-style pop songs that are dripping with harmonies, you’ll wanna check ’em out. Here’s a taste – “Run Run Run” from 2012’s Grand Hotel. While I generally stick […]
Readers’ Pick: Nikki Lane – Denim & Diamonds
You picked Nikki Lane – Denim & Diamonds as your favorite new release for the week of September 23, 2022. Poll Results New Releases Readers’ Tops Summer & Fall 2022 Tami Neilson – Kingmaker (28 votes) The Sadies – Colder Streams (26) Parker Twomey – All This Life (24) The Deslondes – Ways & Means […]
Americana 2022: 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 this year’s Americana Festival. I played the Tonight Show and all my mom’s friends stopped asking me what my other job was. Hayes Carll You are, by […]
Americana 2022: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Here are some of my highlights from Americana 2022. WILLIAM PRINCE A couple of songs at the Yellowstone round wasn’t enough so […]
Americana 2022: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Here are some of my highlights from Americana 2022. CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM Ingram is now in the category of “when you can […]
AmericanaFest 2022 – Todd’s Rundown
Americanafest is a beast like no other. Artists pitted against one another on stages across town. Do I go see someone out at Riverside Revival or Basement East? Molly Tuttle is playing at the same time as McMurtry? (Or is it spelled McCurty? See James’ facebook posts during Americanafest to get a good laugh.) Wait, […]