Ronnie Earl And The Broadcasters — Maxwell Street Label: Stony Plain Records inviting provocative soothing poignant cleansing give it a listen and you’ll have your own immediate reaction (it’s music that speaks to the soul) Maxwell Street, the new album from Ronnie Earl And The Broadcasters, is a tribute to both the storied Chicago street but also … Continue reading
Category Archives: Music
Giulia Millanta — ‘Moonbeam Parade’
Giulia Millanta — Moonbeam Parade Singer/songwriter/guitarist Giulia Millanta has released Moonbeam Parade, her fifth solo album of original work. She is helped out by fellow Austin, Texas artists David Pulkingham, Michael Fracasso, Charlie Sexton, Howie Gelb, and Kimmie and Gabriel Rhodes. Sometimes there’s just nothing to write about when reviewing a new album. Such is … Continue reading
New Single: Paul Mark — ‘Heart Full Of Soul’
Paul Mark — ‘Heart Full Of Soul’ The song selection is a little surprising at first. I consider Paul Mark to be such a highly original artist that, for his latest recording project, his making the choice to cover “Heart Full of Soul” (originally a hit in 1965 for The Yardbirds) was a head-scratcher. At first. … Continue reading
New Bluegrass: Blue Highway — ‘Original Traditional’
Blue Highway — ‘Original Traditional’ Label: Rounder Records Release date: 9/9/16 Bluegrass supergroup Blue Highway—recently voted “Favorite Bluegrass Band Of All Time”’ by the readers of Bluegrass Today—is about to release its 11th studio album, Original Traditional. It’s an all-original traditional bluegrass record featuring the group’s new dobro player (Gaven Largent). He will join the rest of the … Continue reading
New Blues/Roots: Johnny Nicholas – ‘Fresh Air’
Johnny Nicholas – Fresh Air What an aptly named album. From it’s opening harmonica pushes and pulls, Johnny Nicholas’ latest, Fresh Air, is a breath of soul-sustaining sound. Fresh Air is a collection of 13 tracks; eleven originals and two covers. With the variety of styles offered, it easily seems like two dozen sublime songs. Whether … Continue reading
New Blues: Ally Venable Band — ‘No Glass Shoes’
Ally Venable Band — ‘No Glass Shoes’ She plays the guitar with authority and she sings with the voice of realistic hope. Her delivery of a song is instantly relatable—a necessity for success in playing the blues. So, if the blues are ready for an original, then it’s time to start paying attention to the … Continue reading
New Rock/Blues: Laurence Jones — ‘Take Me High’
Laurence Jones — ‘Take Me High’ Label: Ruf Records No one revels in exploring the potential of the guitar these days quite as much as two-time British Blues Award-winner Laurence Jones. His new album, Take Me High, uses the instrument as a means of brilliant communication. What he seems to be saying, above all else, is … Continue reading
New Rock: The Steepwater Band — ‘Shake Your Faith’
The Steepwater Band — ‘Shake Your Faith’ Label: Diamond Day Records This record jams. What’s more, the songs themselves are worth all of the effort. There is nothing better than a hypnotic base line, layered with an alternately gritty and smooth vocal. It is the essence of rock, and The Steepwater Band has it. Their … Continue reading
O’Connor Band (w/ Mark O’Connor) — ‘Coming Home’
O’Connor Band (w/ Mark O’Connor) — Coming Home Label: Rounder Records Coming Home, the long awaited album from the O’Connor Band, is finally here and meets the highest of expectations. The album is Mark O’Connor’s return to his bluegrass roots. It is a family affair; featuring a band centered around his family: his wife, Maggie (fiddle, … Continue reading
New Pop: Liz Longley — ‘Weightless’
Liz Longley — Weightless Label: Sugar Hill Records Every once in awhile a song comes along that cuts to the marrow of a situation and captures the emotional aftershock perfectly. Hopefully the title song on Liz Longley’s new album, Weightless, will get the exposure it deserves and thrust the singer/songwriter into a new level of … Continue reading
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