In 2021, the music industry lost one of its finest talents: singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Nanci Griffith. The Texas-born, GRAMMY Award-winning artist, who would have celebrated her 70th birthday next week, was revered for her compelling storytelling, her distinctive vocals, and her special brand of Americana (which she dubbed “folkabilly”). During her nearly 45-year career, Griffith … Continue reading
Author Archives: Greg Victor
New Blues: Monster Mike Welch — ‘Nothing But Time’
Label: Gulf Coast Records With his new album, Nothing But Time, Monster Mike Welch takes a searing, blistering stance as a contemporary blues artist to be reckoned with. From the first note, it is clear that these blues are personal. The album’s 14 tracks (two from Robert Johnson, one from Buddy Guy, and another from George … Continue reading
New Music: Bruce Cockburn — ‘O Sun O Moon’
For decades, Bruce Cockburn has delivered a pleasing blend of Folk and Rock music with lyrics that demonstrate an acute sense of who his audience is and what they want to hear. By doing so, he has developed a loyal fan base that is consistently pleased with his output. Count his latest album, O Sun O … Continue reading
New R&B: Tracy Nelson — ‘Life Don’t Miss Nobody’
Singer/songwriter Tracy Nelson recently released her latest album, Life Don’t Miss Nobody — a spirited and inspiring collection of standards, covers, and originals. It is an eclectic blend of material that emphasizes Nelson’s varied musical accomplishments over her impressive career. Co-produced with Roger Alan Nichols, the album offers Nelson in collaboration with some mighty talented … Continue reading
New Blues/Roots: David Deacon — Four
David Deacon makes music that makes you want to really listen. His new album, Four, released on Slammin Media, is a tribute to the breadth of his writing ability and his mesmerizing storytelling talent. Four spans a range of heartfelt emotions, relying on songs that require no explanation, just attentive ears and a willingness to … Continue reading
New Roots: Michael Jerome Browne — ‘Gettin’ Together’
Michael Jerome Browne — Gettin’ Together Label: Stony Plain Records When folk/roots artist Michael Jerome Browne says he’s “gettin’ together” with a few other talented folks, he means it. For his latest release, Browne has invited some of the best to come and play: Harrison Kennedy, J.J. Milteau, Eric Bibb, John Sebastian, Mary Flower, Colin … Continue reading
New Soul/Blues: Nalani Rothrock — ‘The Rock House Sessions (extended cut)
Nalani Rothrock‘s new release, titled The Rock House Sessions (Extended Cut), is a spectacular showcase for her vast vocal gifts. Producer and keyboardist Kevin McKendree has delivered an album (on the Jolani Music Group label) that rivals the best from any other label this year. Nalani Rothrock and co-writer/guitarist Joshua Lamkin create and sustain a soulful … Continue reading
New Blues: JW-Jones — ‘Everything Now’
Available now on Solid Blues Records (distributed by Stony Plain Records) Don’t let his model good looks fool you. Canadian guitarist and songwriter JW Jones is as capable of capturing the essence of the blues as the most been-through-the-ringer-looking artist you could ever imagine. He has complete control of his gifts and he has an … Continue reading
New Music: Ute Lemper — ‘Time Traveler’
Ute Lemper’s new album, Time Traveler, is a series of loosely connected refreshing contemporary jazz and pop songs that straddle a 23-year time span. It is a work that is bound to benefit from repeated listenings. Most challenging material this good is always worth the time it takes for the listener to catch up to … Continue reading
Biennale Architettura 2023 returns to Venice
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM MAY 20TH TO NOVEMBER 23RD, 2023 Curated by Lesley Lokko, Scottish architect, professor of architecture and writer with Ghanaian citizenship, the eighteenth Biennale Architettura returns to the lagoon city and will bring to the city the works of 89 participants (over half of whom from Africa or the African diaspora) who will exhibit … Continue reading