“In the Dark” marks a couple of changes of direction for Houston-based singer-songwriter Matt Harlan. He’s now part of a duo with his musical partner and wife Rachel Jones.
Review: Suzy Bogguss’ “Aces Redux”
You live and learn a lot in a quarter century and this new recording reflects both the strength of “Aces”and Suzy Bogguss’ growth as an artist.
Timothy B. Schmit opens tour in Nashville
Timothy B. Schmit, veteran of both the Eagles and Poco, opened his new tour at the City Winery in Nashville tonight, following a number of guest appearances during the 2016 Americana Music Festival.
Snapshots: Americana Music Festival
The official programming at the annual Americana Music Festival is just part of the entertainment. All over town, artists perform on stages at record stores and restaurants. A sampling:
Jason Isbell tops Americana Music Awards
By Ken Paulson The annual Americana Music Awards and Honors event is always a special evening and one of the most memorable musical events in a city legendary for them. This year I had the honor of joining Joe Henry in awarding the Spirit of Americana Free Speech Award to Billy Bragg. That’s always an honor, and offers the chance…
This week: Americana Music Festival
We’re just days away from our favorite music event in Nashville and the AMericana Music Festival boasts another great line-up of performers.
Surf’s Up: Brian Wilson at the Ryman
Brian Wilson wrapped us his two-night stand at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville last night with a generous set that included the full Pet Sounds album.
Review: Craig Kinsey’s’ “The Nylon Sessions”
Craig Kinsey is an expressive singer who accompanies himself on a nylon-strung guitar (hence the title) and harmonica, plus one other player. The result is a worthy showcase for the thoughtful lyrics of the 11 originals and two covers – as well as for the skills of the supporting musicians.
WMOT launch: Jim Lauderdale, Suzy Bogguss, Will Hoge
Jim Lauderdale hosted the launch party for new Americana radio station WMOT at the Country Music Hall of Fame, drawing on the talents of Will Hoge, Suzy Bogguss, Mike Farris and an All-Star Americana band. The new station, based at Middle Tennis State University’s College of Media and Entertainment, can be accessed on mobile devices with the Roots Radio app for Apple and Android devices.
Review: Tim Easton’s “American Fork”
Tim Easton has some advice for you: Stop wasting time. Put down your smartphones. Talk to each other.
WMOT: Nashville has a new Americana radio station
WMOT-FM, Middle Tennessee State University’s public radio station, is dramatically expanding its reach and range of music to launch a new format dedicated to Americana music and a new home on the dial for its current jazz format.
New releases: Bobby Rush, Kiefer Sutherland
New releases from Bobby Rush, Kiefer Sutherland, Woodland West, Dear Country, Johnny Nicholas, Ron DiLego and John “Papa” Gros,
Review: Quirky, intense “Robert Ellis”
Thematic darkness aside, Robert Ellis is a fine artistic achievement. It’s quirky, intense and most likely exactly what Robert Ellis wanted it to be.
Re-issue: Petula Clark’s “Natural Love”
Natural Love, a new collection of songs recorded by Petula Clark captures an intriguing chapter of her career in the early ‘80s when she was signed to Scotti Brothers Records and was recording songs with a country flavor.
New Releases: The Coalmen, Chip Taylor
Coming August 19 is Pushed to the Side, the fifth album from the Nashville-based Coalmen.
Amy Black, Spooner Oldham salute Muscle Shoals
Tonight Amy Black brought a bit of Muscle Shoals to the City Winery in Nashville,
Spooner Oldham and Amy BlackSpooner Oldham and Amy Black
showcasing classic songs from her Muscle Shoals Sessions album with a horn section and a guest appearance by the legendary songwriter and keyboardist Spooner Oldham.
Review: Megan Palmer’s “What She’s Got to Give”
What She’s Got to Give marks a real step forward for East Nashville-based singer-songwriter Megan Palmer.
New releases: Sarah Jarosz, Beat Root Revival
New releases from Sarah Jarosz, Beat Root Revival, Michael McDermott, Pete Kronowitt, Chet O’Keefe, Redleg Husky
Re-issues: Survivor – The Definitive Collection
Survivor: The Definitive Collection is a rich anthology chronicling the best moments of a hard-working rock band from the ‘80s.
Review: “Dreamer” celebrates Kent Finlay
James Kent Finlay was the owner of Cheatham Street Warehouse, a small music venue in San Marcos, Texas, that helped launch the careers of many Texas musicians – including, among others, George Strait, Todd Snider, Slaid Cleaves and James McMurtry.