Justin Moore — Why We Drink Label: Big Machine ‘Cause this song is so good. And easy-going. And sunny. And tempting. And because it showcases Justin Moore in the best way — sounding as natural as always, and as country as you always expect him to be. Sorry, I just caught up in the catchy … Continue reading
Author Archives: Greg Victor
New Roots/Rock/Alt-Country: Red Idle Rejects — ‘Genus Americanas’
Red Idle Rejects — Genus Americanas Red Idle Rejects, Steve Bowling’s Cincinnati-based band, call themselves “a rock + roll outfit.” They are all that, and more on this, their third album. If you yearn to tune in a Johnny Cash of your own generation, then let me introduce you to Red Idle Rejects. They play … Continue reading
New Blues: Ronnie Earl — ‘Beyond the Blue Door’
Ronnie Earl — Beyond the Blue Door Award-winning blues guitar master Ronnie Earl delivers his new record, Beyond the Blue Door, on August 30th, 2019 on Stony Plain Records. The set features Earl backed by his band The Broadcasters, as well as guest appearances by Kim Wilson (harmonica and vocals), David Bromberg (acoustic guitar and … Continue reading
New Bluegrass: Billy Droze — ‘Renaissance’
Billy Droze — Renaissance Label: RBR Entertainment Straight up bluegrass, delivered with admirable clarity and impressive musicianship. What else can one hope for from one of the rising stars in today’s roots music scene? It’s all there — and more — in Renaissance, the new release from Billy Droze. Billy Droze is quickly becoming the name … Continue reading
New Blues: Paul Gabriel — ‘Man of Many Blues’
Paul Gabriel — Man of Many Blues Label: Smoke Ring Records (With Special Guests: Duke Robillard, Christine Ohlman, Sugar Ray Norcia) Man of Many Blues is the new release from Blues Music Award-nominated guitarist, singer and songwriter Paul Gabriel. It delivers thirteen original songs featuring Paul Gabriel backed by a stellar collection of musicians, including … Continue reading
Newly Found Folk/Americana Performances: Ian & Sylvia — ‘The Lost Tapes’
Ian & Sylvia — The Lost Tapes Label: Stony Plain Records (Release date: September 6, 2019. The Lost Tapes is being released prior to Ian and Sylvia’s inductions into the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. Both have previously been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.) The first thing you hear is applause. It … Continue reading
Tennis: A Mini Guide to the 2019 U.S. Open
Arrive early, stay hydrated (refill your water bottle at the drinking fountains rather than keep paying $6 for an Evian), cheer on the players you discover on the outer courts, and at lunch, try the Momofuku chicken sandwich. And bring sunscreen. Most of all, fall in love with tennis up close and personal all over … Continue reading
New Country: Vince Gill — ‘Okie’
Vince Gill — Okie Singer-songwriter Vince Gill’s new album, Okie, is more than just about his roots. It’s also about where those roots have traveled and grown. What a voice. Still. It is raw Vince Gill. No collaborative duets, no song-stealing guitar solos, no obvious “singles”… just the man and his music. Did I say … Continue reading
New Blues: Dawn Tyler Watson — ‘Mad Love’
Dawn Tyler Watson — Mad Love Canadian blues vocalist Dawn Tyler Watson‘s newest album, Mad Love, is her fifth recording, and it’s so satisfying that I’m already looking forward to her next project. Produced by “Little Frankie” Thiffault, Dawn Tyler Watson has delivered a collection that proves she can do it all, from electric blues/rock to … Continue reading
New Blues: Blue Moon Marquee — ‘Bare Knuckles & Brawn’
Every now and then, an album comes along that reminds you just how much fun the blues can be. Perhaps I was just in the right mood, or perhaps I was only hearing what I wanted to hear (not a bad way to go through life, by the way), or perhaps Bare Knuckles & Brawn … Continue reading
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