Posts by Doug Collette

[rating=9.00] Jackson Browne’s previous two studio albums, The Naked Ride Home and Time the Conqueror, are earmarked as much by the sympathetic and authoritative accompaniment of the musicians as the literacy and passion of the compositions. Standing in the Breach follows suit in both respects, but also  elevates Browne’s well-established skills as a recording artist, […]

[rating=8.00] Garcia Live Volume Four stands as a testament to the wealth of material available for the on-going archive project. In fact, this two-disc set, from a Colorado stop on a tour with Robert Hunter, might well serve as a template for the series in terms of song selection, performance and packaging. It’s well nigh […]

In the space of just four years, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals have fine-tuned the concept of their Grand Point North Festival (not to mention streamlining operations and offering all the amenities an attendee might want or need) by placing high-profile names next to rising stars, then setting them alongside any number of names from […]

[rating=9.00] In an expression of their collective confidence, the opener of Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood’s Juice sets the tone for an album conceived of the foursome’s exploration of Latin-influenced music. The quartet slip so easily into the lightly syncopated groove of  Eddie Harris’ “Sham Time,” it’s as if they gave no forethought to what […]

[rating=9.00] Based on its selection of elemental blues and rock material, Johnny Winter’s Step Back is a logical extension of his previous record, the more literally conceived and executed Roots. The late Texan’s final studio album lives up to the broad perspective at which its title hints with diverse arrangements that illustrate his versatility. Step […]

Luther Dickinson is (almost) as fascinating to follow when he talks as when he plays guitar and for many of the same reasons. He’s full of ideas, but he’s also willing to follow his trains of thought, as he’s positive they will take him somewhere worth going and often times bring him right back to […]

[rating=8.00] Having proven their versatility, not to mention their comfort with modern technology, on their 2011 album Celebration, Florida, The Felice Brothers return to their forte of  equally cinematic, albeit far more earthy, contemporary folk music on Favorite Waitress. The quintet have not only rediscovered their niche, but, from start to finish, sound clearly overjoyed […]

[rating=7.00] On the Black Crowes’ 2013 tour, founding sibling Rich Robinson radiated an unusual air of authority in contrast to his deferential persona of years past. And on his new album The Ceaseless Light there’s a similar air of confident dignity in the photos of him on the cover, but more importantly within the music […]

[rating=7.00] On Kin, Waylon Speed opt for a polished, ultra-professional approach that’s in stark contrast to the often sprawling but earnest displays of affection for country and hard rock that populate their previous recordings. But the rambunctious glee that pervades the likes of Horseshoes and Hand Grenades as well as the Boots EP also permeates […]

Stanton Moore speaks like he drums in a confident measured delivery which makes his frequent mention of “reckless abandon” a surprising allusion in both concept and practice. And the latter exercise becomes a dominant theme in his conversation with Doug Collette as he explains his preparation for making his acoustic trio album Conversations far removed […]