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
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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
US OPEN Predictions: Tuesday, 8/30/16
US OPEN Predictions: Tuesday, 8/30/16… The predicted winner’s name is in BOLD. Nishikori v. Becker Carreno Busta v. Ivashka Chardy v. Mmoh Dimitrov v. Cervantes A. Zverev v. Brands Khachanov v. Fabbiano Evans v. Ram Goffin v. Donaldson Troicki v. Albot Wawrinka v. Verdasco Ferrer v. Dolgopolov Kohlschreiber v. Mahut Kudla v. Giannessi Querrey … Continue reading
Tennis: Taylor Fritz Impresses At His First U.S. Open
While celebrities were walking the red carpet, entering Arthur Ashe Stadium for the U.S. Open’s official opening ceremony, there were two tennis stars shining brightly on the adjacent court—Jack Sock and Taylor Fritz—the most exciting American tennis players around these days. Taylor Fritz could someday be known as the Cary Grant of tennis (if, by … Continue reading
US OPEN Predictions: Day One
Day One — Match of the Day: Jack Sock (USA) v. Taylor Fritz (USA) Taylor Fritz, the lanky 6ft 4in American teen, will make a strong first impression on fans at the US Open on Monday evening. So far this season, he has a 12-16 record (with quarter-finals in Atlanta, Acapulco and Memphis). Fritz has … 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
New Bluegrass: Kristin Scott Benson — ‘Stringworks’
Kristin Scott Benson — Stringworks Label: Mountain Home Music Company String works is a mesmerizing album showcasing Kristin Scott Benson’s abundance of musical gifts. On it, the four-time winner of the IBMA Instrumental Performer of the Year Award for Banjo offers an agreeable half instrumental, half vocal collection of twelve songs. The material chosen allows us … Continue reading
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