The Wind’s Just Gonna Blow, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, and Jack Ingram (from the Vanner Records/RCA Nashville release The Marfa Tapes) Lambert, Randall, and Ingram. Kind of sounds like a law firm, doesn’t it? In this case it’s a trio of songwriters who have just released some intimate recordings from their writing retreats in Marfa, […]
John Paul Keith on Leather Jackets, Telecasters, and Record Stores
Memphis artist John Paul Keith talks about a memorable ordeal in an Arizona desert, and alphabetizing records, and living in a fertile musical city.
Readers’ Pick: John Paul Keith – Rhythm of the City
You picked John Paul Keith – Rhythm of the City as your favorite new release for the week of February 19, 2020. New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Winter & Spring 2021 Steve Earle […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2018, Part 3
Easy Ways, Andrew Duhon (from the self-released False River) Andrew Duhon is an old soul. One can hear it both in the warmth of his voice and the captivating charm of his songs. The New Orleans singer-songwriter bridges pop, folk and a touch of jazz into a sound that is gloriously captivating. Some of his […]
SXSW 2018 – The Sounds, Part 2
RUBY BOOTS I’d previously only seen Nashville by way of Australia songwriter Ruby Boots play acoustically. SXSW offered the perfect time to remedy that as she had band in tow. It represented a better reflection of the recently released Don’t Talk About It, which rumbles with electrified melodies and a healthy back-beat. Boots and company […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON Joy of Nothing, by Foy Vance Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance spent his childhood years traveling the American Midwest and South with his preacher father. He soaked in the rich American musical traditions that he encountered during these travels, which later infused his music upon his return to Ireland. This rich musical […]
Monday Morning Video: The V-Roys
This week we’re gonna go back a few years to enjoy a classic Farm Aid performance from 1997. The V-Roys were a rocking quartet from Knoxville, Tennessee who married a rootsy sensibility with plenty of rock and roll guitars. They were briefly signed to Steve Earle’s E-Squared label. Look closely and you’ll see Earle make […]
Mayer’s Playlist from May 2011
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive, by Steve Earle Steve Earle could perhaps be America’s most honest songwriter. When one listens to his albums there is never a doubt what he is thinking. Whether railing against George W. Bush (“Little Emperor”) or pledging his love (“Every Part of Me”) […]
Mayer’s Playlist for May 2009, a Video Companion
We’re back with another fine video playlist of nearly all live performances. We kick things off with John Paul Keith and the One Four Fives performing at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis. Other live showcases include Tim Easton (who rocks a bluesy number on his acoustic), Slaid Cleaves, Tift Merritt, These United States, John […]
Mayer’s Playlist from May 2009, Part 1
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Spills and Thrills, by John Paul Keith & the One Four Fives Last month we highlighted ex-V-Roy Scott Miller’s latest release, this month it is his former band-mate John Paul Keith’s turn. Keith’s latest is a rockabilly romp, heavy on Southern boogie and down-home fun. The party gets started with the […]