Follow, Susan Cattaneo (from the Jersey Girl Music release All Is Quiet) It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that Susan Cattaneo taught songwriting at Berklee School of Music for many years. Her songs are wonderfully crafted, filled with meaning and musical grace. Her latest album may be stripped down in terms of arrangements, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2021, Part 2
Cityview, The Accidentals (from the self-released Vessels) With the addition of drummer Michael Dause the Accidentals have expanded their musical palette into full-on rock territory. Songs like opener “Count the Rings”, “Rollercoaster” and “Slow and Steady” bristle with an electric guitar and bass fueled energy. That said, the group also mine familiar acoustic cello and […]
Monday Morning Video: Julie Peel, Jim Boggia, Bleu and Michael Jackson
Just back from two weeks in Europe for the day gig. Lots of running around, but you didn’t think that would get in the way of a few shows now, did you? First up was Julie Peel playing a small club off the beaten path in Paris. Her quiet acoustic performance captivated the crowd, including […]
Mayer’s Playlist From September 2010
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Blood/Candy, by The Posies “Who’s got into that 80s radio?” ask the Posies at the start of “Licenses to Hide.” It is an appropriate question for a band whose first album dates back to that era. In a triumph of talent and perseverance over the music business vagaries, the Posies are […]
Mayer’s Best of 2009
#1. LUCERO, 1372 Overton Park (Republic/Universal) The former residents of 1372 Overton Park in Memphis let loose a potent blend of classic rock anthems and horn-infused Southern soul. Fueled by singer-songwriter Ben Nichol’s gritty vocals and filled with lyrics about whiskey-filled nights and the mornings after, this one is a barnburner. (Twangville review here and […]
Indie Hour: Bleu
This album is a testament to perseverance. Originally recorded in 2005, Bleu was dropped by his label mere weeks after he finished recording the album. For most, the story – and album – would have ended there. Bleu, however, kept after the label and finally won the rights to release A Watched Pot on his […]