Some stories write themselves. Oftentimes a writer does some research, interviews the subject, and then weaves the resulting information into a narrative. But when the subject is Asheville, North Carolina fiddler Paul Crouch, it’s best to get out of the […]
For twenty-plus years, Al Anderson was the guitarist in critics-darlings NRBQ. Though no longer a member of that band, Anderson has returned for occasional reunion projects and shows. But his focus these days is on his own band – his […]
Musically, the 1990s were an eclectic time. You had all sorts of strains of music showing up on the pop cultural landscape. One of the more outré ones (commercially speaking, at least) was the modern take on Martin Denny and […]
Country music kicks ass on humor – way harder than rock does. And here’s why: rock takes a young person’s point of view – it’s supposed to be hopeful even when it’s hurtin’ (“Help me, Rhonda, yeah, get her out […]
The Americana Music Association Conference and Festival took place September 18-22 in Nashville TN. As a first-time attendee – and as one whose tastes don’t fall neatly into the Americana category – I did my best to go with an […]
20th October 2012 I first discovered Stacie Collins in 2000 when I saw an advert for her debut album in No Depression that stated ‘The #1 Blues Harmonica Player in Tennessee’ (and she looked kinda cute too). The resulting rooting and […]
Irish Mountain Music for City Folk This album arrived in a week when I received 22 new CD’S and has very nearly got lost in dusty a pile that is in danger of taking over my office. Obviously I categorize […]
If you haven’t heard the hype, Gary Clark Jr., an Austin native and esteemed, veteran bluesman at the young age of 28, is at the front of the line as the heir to Jimi Hendrix, and he has won gushing […]
Surgeon General’s Warning: The music of Diamond Rugs is a potentially addictive substance and may be harmful to your health. Consult your doctor before listening. That warning doesn’t actually grace the packaging of Diamond Rugs’ self-titled debut, but it sure […]
I’ve been a fan of Pieta Brown since her first album and in the past year it seems as though she has just really started to spread her wings. In addition to doing a lot of touring in support of […]
