It happened in Birmingham, Alabama. And during Black History Month, no less. American exceptionalism knows no color lines. Jack Sock and John Isner, of the United States, swept Friday’s singles matches in a first-round Davis Cup tie against Switzerland. Sock, currently ranked number 20 in the world, defeated 146th-ranked Marco Chiudinellli 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 in the … Continue reading
Latest Entries
The Soul Of John Black — Early In The Moanin’
The Soul Of John Black — Early In The Moanin’ The Soul Of John Black presents a welcome new take on soul music from two highly skilled musicians: John Bigham (percussion) and Christopher Thomas (bass). Their new album, Early In The Moanin’, explores almost all possible textures of feel good blues and R&B. There is a diversity to … Continue reading
New Roots: Beth Garner — ‘Snake Farm’
Beth Garner — ‘Snake Farm’ (Release date: 2/24/17) Don’t let the title scare you away; this album is a very good time. Nashville-based roots singer/guitarist Beth Garner’s new album, Snake Farm, features mostly original songs written or co-written by Garner, with the exception of the title track, authored by Texas country legend Ray Wylie Hubbard. It’s great … Continue reading
Travis Tritt Catches ‘Falcons Fever’
Multi-award winning artist and country music hit-maker Travis Tritt celebrates the Atlanta Falcons and their recent advancement to Super Bowl LI with his energetic sports anthem “Falcons Fever,” dedicated to his home team. “Growing up in Marietta, GA, I have been a lifelong Falcons fan,” said Tritt. “Obviously, I am thrilled that my home team is going to the Super Bowl this year. I … Continue reading
THE BLUES—Why It Still Hurts So Good (by Marie B. Trout, PhD)
THE BLUES—Why It Still Hurts So Good by Marie B. Trout, PhD (Yakkabiz Publishers, 337 pages, available to order on Amazon.) Oh, the first line of the blues is always sung a second time, The first line of the blues is always sung a second time, So by the time you get to the third … Continue reading
Rounder Records To Reissue The SteelDrivers’ Grammy-Nominated 2008 Debut On Vinyl
Rounder Records, a division of Concord Bicycle Music, is proud to announce the release of critically acclaimed album The SteelDrivers on vinyl. The 2008 self-titled record marked the debut of Nashville five-piece the SteelDrivers, and firmly established the Bluegrass band as a force to be reckoned with. The vinyl LP will be released on February … Continue reading
Jack Sock to lead US against Switzerland in Davis Cup
The United States will be without the Bryan brothers, who announced their retirement from Davis Cup action… but count on Jack Sock and John Isner. Jack Sock, John Isner, Steve Johnson and Sam Querrey have been named to the U.S. Davis Cup roster that will face a Switzerland team minus Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka next … Continue reading
New Bluegrass: Blue Mafia — ‘Hanging Tree’
Blue Mafia — ‘Hanging Tree’ Label: Pinecastle Records There’s something wonderfully unpredictable about Blue Mafia’s new album, Hanging Tree. Sure, it has dynamic guitar-playing and picking, strong (yet sensitive) vocals, soothing harmonies. But it doesn’t sound like every other bluegrass album out there. The songs themselves create an atmosphere so inviting that you wish they … Continue reading
Champions Returning to River Oaks
American Teenagers Also Added to Field for April Tournament Two former champions and a pair of American teenagers have committed to play the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship at River Oaks Country Club in April. Two-time winner and defending champion Juan Monaco and 2014 victor Fernando Verdasco have committed to play … Continue reading
Grammy-Nominated Sierra Hull Announces New Dates For Winter
Sierra Hull’s Star Continues to Rise with Grammy Nomination For Best Folk Album 2016 marked a year of momentous achievement for mandolin prodigy Sierra Hull. Weighted Mind was released in January to tremendous critical acclaim. A year long headlining tour to support her album commenced, and she was tapped to co-host the International Bluegrass Music … Continue reading
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