ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Common Ground: Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill Broonzy, by Dave & Phil Alvin This album is no doubt a labor of love. Sure, the Alvin brothers have a reputation for family squabbles. They are still brothers, however, who share a passion for music. […]
The What Happened Talk with John Murry
Ever wanted to know what life is like as a musician? Curious about how they got their start and where they find inspiration? Interviewer Teddy Goldstein gets the in-depth story from singer-songwriters on his What Happened podcast. Teddy’s guest for this edition is Oakland-based, Mississippi-raised singer-songwriter John Murry. Murry was in New York for the […]
Monday Morning Video: John Murry “Little Colored Balloons”
Here’s a wonderful live version of a song that I featured on my Best of 2013, So Far (The Songs) list: the emotionally charged “Little Colored Balloons” from Oakland by way of Mississippi songwriter John Murry.
Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2013, So Far (the Songs)
Elephant and Super 8, Jason Isbell (from the Southeastern Records release Southeastern) This list wouldn’t ordinarily include two tracks from the same artist but I’m gonna make an exception. These two tracks exemplify the range of Isbell’s songwriting talent, from the somber beauty of “Elephant” to the boisterous rock of “Super 8.” Alphabet City, Todd […]
Mayer’s Playlist for February 2013, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH On My Mind, In My Heart, by Jesse Dee Who’d have thought that a kid from Arlington Massachusetts could so brilliantly channel Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Al Green? Ladies and gentlemen, meet Jesse Dee. Over the course of 11 tracks, Dee rocks, rolls, reels and strolls as if he was […]