From a stellar lineup of Austin Texas musicians, the Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet‘s new recording, Emergence, expands jazz boundaries with a feast of sound. Talk about refreshing. Someone please make a modern day film noir. The soundtrack is already ready. Emergence, overflows with atmosphere, drama, and possible storylines. Shining with an unmistakable power … Continue reading
Label: Club 88 Records (distributed by The Orchard) When you’ve got friends like Mitch Woods, why not invite a few of them over and see (or in this case, hear) what happens. Lucky for us, what happened was Friends Along the Way, a double disc of true blues joy. It’s a Deluxe edition re-release of … Continue reading
Well, if it takes attending a live concert to really feel Tim McGraw’s profound artistry, then so be it. If only Tim McGraw’s recorded sound were as thrilling as the material he sings. For some reason, the quality of his performances on his new album, Standing Room Only, simply do not match the sublime songs. … Continue reading
“Ole” is a good thing when it comes to rock. “Lonesome” is an even better thing when it comes to blues. Ole Lonesome is an exceedingly good thing when it comes to Texas-based blues/rock. Their recent new release, Tejas Motel, delivers jet propulsion-level energy to the songs they perform. There’s a swagger that these songs … Continue reading
Label: Rumblestump Records Release date: September 8, 2023 The songs on Babel, the upcoming album from Jhett Black, are as much warnings as interpretations. The gritty baritone vocals of Jhett Black’s rise from the Southern gospel/roots ashes, a smoldering foundation that offers stability to the tales and instrumental diversions that complete the musical conversation. These … Continue reading
It’s turning out to be “that year” for William Beckmann. Grand Ol’ Opry debut? Check. The release of an incredibly impressive EP? Check. Now all he needs is to read this review and believe every word in it. If you’re reading, Mr. Beckmann, take this posting to heart and use it to fortify the confidence … Continue reading
Steve Smith and Vital Information Time Flies (+ Bonus CD: A Prayer For the Generations) Label: Wounded Bird Vital Information is the jazz group led by Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame drummer Steve Smith (formerly of Journey). The group is a trio with Smith, Manuel Valera on keyboards and Janek Gwizdala on electric bass. The band has a new … Continue reading
My recommendation is to purchase the LP version of Sweet Memories, the new album from Vince Gill & Paul Franklin. Not only will the incredible wave of nostalgia for tried and true country music pail nicely with the act of placing a needle on vinyl, but it’s guaranteed that once the album is spinning on … Continue reading
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
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
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