All This Life by Parker Twomey (15 July) Parker Twomey’s debut has a freewheeling and airy vibe, not to mention a maturity that belies his age. Lava Lamp by Jonah Tolchin (15 July) Tolchin steps away from his more restrained and often acoustic-based previous work to serve up one heck of a rock album. Nation […]
Bill’s (Belated) Blues-based Best of 2021
Well, here it is again … my inexpert, incomplete review of the best blues albums of 2021. Better late than never. 1. Selwyn Birchwood – Living in a Burning House. A mature masterwork of a young(ish) musician carrying the torch for the next generation of blues greats. 2. Eric Bibb – Dear America. Bibb takes […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2021, Boston/Dallas Edition
I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS Sunset Diner by Brandon Callies Callies chronicles a painful break-up […]
Monday Morning Video – GA-20
Blues trio GA-20 came through town last week. Or more aptly, they lit the town on fire with an incendiary set of rock and blues. Guitarists Matthew Stubbs and Pat Faherty, accompanied by drummer Tim Carman, kept the talking to a minimum as they blazed through gems from their 2019 album Lonely Soul as well […]
Matthew Stubbs of GA-20 on the “Road Condo” and How the Band Has Evolved
Guitarist Matt Stubbs of blues band GA-20 talks about bringing t-shirts to the people, selling cell phones, and rehearsing in a renovated hair salon. And he has a request of you, dear reader.
Dancing in the Streets of Hyannis – A Special Boston Playlist
Light a Candle, The Suitcase Junket (from the Renew Records / BMG release The End Is New) Matt Lorenz – aka The Suitcase Junket – has always had a penchant for great melodies, but he rachets it up a notch with a particular focus on sing-alongs with The End Is New. As notable, he continues […]
Bring Back the Boston Rag – A Special Boston Playlist
Pockets Full of Sighs, Lisa Bastoni (from the self-released How We Want to Live) Some of the best albums take both artist and listener on a journey. One need look no farther than the title of Lisa Bastoni’s latest release to appreciate that this is her musical intent. How We Want to Live may speak […]