The Carolina Chocolate Drops, whose informal folksy jug band approach belies a talent pool that is seemingly bottomless, have added another gem to their already stellar catalogue with Leaving Eden.  The Drops, who in their live shows recreate the look and feel of a turn-of-the 20th century string band but with the anachronistic addition of human “beatbox” vocal percussionist […]
The Belleville Outfit – Live at Yoshi’s
One of the signs I look for in really good musicians is their ability to play to the audience, both the crowd that particular night as well as the nuances of a venue. The Belleville Outfit played Yoshi’s jazz club in San Francisco Monday night and became my poster child for just how to execute […]
Donna Ulisse – Walk the Mountain Down
Donne Ulisse Will be releasing a star studded Bluegrass album, Walk the Mountain Down on January 20th. The album is her second traditional Bluegrass album. She wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the album. Produced by Keith Sewell it also includes an all-star cast of players including, Andy Leftwitch, Byron House and Rob […]
Sara Lynn Single and Video to be Released to US Country Radio in early 2008
Steel Jack Music Group released Sara Lynn’s debut album Thing for You on September 30th. However, they are going to do a major US radio promotion for the album and the first single, which is the title cut, in early 2008. The Canadian Country Diva has all of the ingredients to a popular mainstream country […]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2007
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: What Is Love For, by Justin Currie Justin Currie sets the tone for his long-awaited solo debut with his opening line, “What is love for?” Over twelve intense tracks, Currie explores broken relationships with a studied but captivating eye. Lyrics filled with tinges of regret and resignation abound, often with an […]
It Burns When I Pee
As my Pa always told me, “When the goin’ gets tough, the tough get goin”. You could say that about our new favorite urinary tract inspired podcast hosted by THE MAN, Blake Clayton. That’s right, let it burn, burn, burn. If you haven’t heard the IBWIP podcast before, it covers the best in Punktry, Psychobilly, […]
Last Train Home Live at IOTA DVD release
Its been 10 years since Last Train Home first started playing at IOTA in Arlington, Virginia. They’ve since moved on to good ole East Nashville but they still haven’t forgotten the little club that gave them their start. Available now is their DVD release from a show they did back in April of this year […]
Porter Wagoner, Gone but Never Forgotten
The “Wagonmaster” left this world at age 80 to begin his new journey. Peace and love to his family, friends and fans.
Steve Earle + More, Album Previews
Steve Earle, ‘Washington Square Serenade’ (Partial CD) There’s plenty of new music to listen to this week, but the one that’s got me amped is the new Steve Earle record, Washington Square Serenade. Influenced by recent life changes including his marriage to fellow musician Allison Moorer and a residential move to New York City the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2007, A Video Companion
Another great month of music, another fine collection of videos. And speaking of videos, how about Justin Timberlake at the VMAs imploring MTV to play more videos. Rock on, Justin, rock on. Highlights this month include a dynamic duo of live Josh Ritter performance and a double shot and short documentary from new faves Stonehoney. […]