Label: Mesa/Bluemoon Recordings Singer-songwriter Dulcie Taylor‘s new release, Edges of Silver, is a new five-song EP that is the follow-up to her critically-acclaimed 2021 recording, Rediscovered. It’s also an opportunity to appreciate how the usually lyrical Taylor can rock with the best of ’em. The first four tracks were produced by George Nauful, co-produced by Damon … Continue reading
Author Archives: Greg Victor
New Jazz: Kevin O’Connell Quartet — ‘Hot New York Minutes’
When I see a track titled “One For Cliff,” I skip straight to it on the album. Therefore, my first impression of the Kevin O’Connell Quartet wasn’t the first track (“Newest Blues”). Instead, track two proved to me that this combo can really bop. Credentials having been earned, I looked forward to starting again at … Continue reading
New Jazz: Noshir Mody — ‘A Love Song’
Noshir Mody’s latest album, A Love Song, is a delicate, deep exploration of the human experience, reflecting the unique blend of musical styles and influences that define his artistry. Mody fuses jazz, Indian classical music, and other genres into a beguiling and utterly convincing blend that is as refreshing as jazz at its best should … Continue reading
New Music: Meredith Moon — ‘Constellations’
Label: True North Records It’s always easy to spot a kindred spirit on an album. Especially an intimate album featuring a singer with a uniquely penetrating voice. The songs are thoughts you haven’t quite articulated yourself, and they are organized to make just enough sense to pair with music that speaks directly to your heart. … Continue reading
New Bluegrass / Americana: Daryl Mosley — ‘A Life Well Lived’
Label: Pinecastle Recordings The latest release from Daryl Mosley is A Life Well Lived, a collection of songs that will leave you feeling soothed, inspired, in touch with your inner humanity, and above all, vastly entertained. Produced by Daryl Mosley and Danny Roberts, the album singlehandedly restores one’s faith in the longtime values at the … Continue reading
Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town”
After CMT pulled his number one music video “Try That in a Small Town” from rotation, country superstar Jason Aldean defended himself. But his best defense might just be to recommend that anyone who is questioning whether Aldean is a pro-lynching racist simply listen to the lyrics and watch the video. In the song, Aldean … Continue reading
New Roots: William Lee Ellis — ‘Ghost Hymns’
Ghost Hymns, Americana/Roots guitar master William Lee Ellis’s fourth release for Memphis-based label Yellow Dog Records, is one of the most fascinating bluegrass/blues/roots/mountain/folk albums around. Until now, I was not familiar with this unique artist. The opportunity to explore his previous output is exciting. Attention must be paid to the impeccable sound quality of this album … Continue reading
New Blues: Joanna Connor — Best of Me
Blues/rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Joanna Connor recently made her Gulf Coast Records label debut with Best of Me, her latest album is a blend of blues, funk, R&B, soul and country, and a testament to her musical intensity. No doubt Connor could have released a “Best” album in any one of these genres. Along … Continue reading
Rounder Records Celebrates the Late Nanci Griffith
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
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