Elevating, Genre-defying Duo, Black Violin, Urges Us to ‘Take the Stairs’ (ALBUM REVIEW)
Picture two young African-American men and focus on their band name, Black Violin. So much is said in just two words. Surely, their last album, entitled Stereotypes, puts it right on the line. Let’s face it, most would not expect this duo to be playing violin and viola, yet they are breaking down the barriers […]
SONG PREMIERE: Sara Melson Showcases Ethereal Vocal Prowess On Earnest “State of Ease”
L.A.-based indie/folk pop artist Sara Melson captivates with a unique and singular voice that cracks with vulnerability and pierces with clarity on her upcoming EP, Wild & Precious Life, due out in early 2020. Sara appeared in numerous films & TV shows, including Frasier and The Wonder Years, before turning to songwriting and releasing her first album on Nettwerk Records. She has shared the […]
Guitar Windmills, Grand Vocal Exercises & Orchestral Delights: The Who Exalt At Hollywood Bowl (SHOW REVIEW/PHOTOS)
The Who’s legacy includes historic appearances at Woodstock and Monterey Pop, selling over 100 million records, originating the “rock opera” concept album and their 1990 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After five decades of recording and touring, a band known as one of the greatest live rock acts has a lot […]
On ‘Daylight,’ Grace Potter Offers Glimpses of Pop Star, Crooner & Rocker (ALBUM REVIEW)
A lot has changed in Grace Potter’s life in the four years since her last album, Midnight, including divorcing drummer Matt Burr, marrying producer Eric Valentine, and giving birth to her first child. Not surprisingly, Potter’s music has also changed, venturing even farther away from her 13-year career with the Nocturnals. Her first album since […]
Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers Team Up For 2020 ‘A Good Look’n Tour’
Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers are teaming up in 2020 for “A Good Look’n Tour.” The tour begins February 21 in Birmingham, AL and concludes May 24 in Louisville, KY. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 8 at 10 AM local time with presales starting this Friday. Both artists have released new albums in 2020, Simpson with the […]
Tampa Impala Reveals Fourth Album ‘The Slow Rush’ Due 2/14
Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) has officially announced his fourth studio album, The Slow Rush out February 14th on Interscope. Today, Parker also releases an additional album track, “It Might Be Time,” which follows the previously released album track, “Borderline.” Parker also released a single, “Patience,” earlier this year. The Slow Rush was recorded between Los […]
Happy 50th Birthday Ben Harper (Watch Live at Apollo With Blind Boys of Alabama)
Jenny Lewis Shines Bright at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre (SHOW REVIEW/PHOTOS)
Jenny Lewis brought her acclaimed latest record, On the Line, to a sold-out gig at Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre on October 24th. Here are five things that stood out from the set: Setting the Stage Kings Theatre dates back to the late 1920s, and the venue was a perfect match for Lewis’ sense of old […]
The Mavericks Celebrate 30 Years & Honor Its Influences On ‘Play the Hits’ (ALBUM REVIEW)
This writer would be among the first to admit that The Mavericks are one of roots music’s elite live bands. Yet, there’s too often been a sameness and blandness to their songwriting, which detracts from their stellar musicianship and one of the best voices on the planet, that of leader Raul Malo. So, give this […]
Ruston Kelly Delivers His Own Brand of Dirt Emo To NYC’s Bowery Ballroom (SHOW REVIEW)
Ruston Kelly does not fit in. He isn’t making purely country music, or rock and roll, or even Americana. Instead, he has embraced genre-bending by creating one of his own: Dirt Emo. And it is the aptest description of the kind of grungy, moody, slightly twangy songs that make up his 2018 debut record Dying […]