By Joe Ross – Everyone’s heard of Merle Haggard and Merle Travis, and now it’s time to get acquainted with Merl Johnson. Growing up in Woodbridge, Va. about 20 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., the young musician accompanied his dad to many festivals, concerts, and jams. Merl took to music early on, appearing on his first radio show at age…
Americana music chart: “Chimes of Freedom,” Gretchen Peters in Top 10
It’s an unusual week on the Americana music airplay chart, with no new entries in the top 40. The Chimes of Freedom Dylan tribute and Gretchen Peters’ Hello Cruel World are among the biggest gainers, with both breaking into the top 10. The real action is on the most-added list with Anais Mitchell’s Young Man in America, Otis Taylor’s Contraband,…
The classic roots-rock of Springfield, Missouri
By Bruce Rosenstein – If I could be magically transported to any roots-rock gig, I’d pick wherever guitarist D. Clinton (Donnie) Thompson and bassist Lou Whitney are playing, in whatever band configuration. For nearly 35 years, these Springfield, Missouri musicians have led excellent bands with a revolving cast of members under the names The Skeletons, The Morells and The Symptoms.…
Richard Thompson times 3 on Cayamo
Richard Thompson was a solo artist on Cayamo this week. And a member of a duo. And a member of a trio. And it was all good. Thompson teamed with Loudon Wainwright for a reprise of Loud and Rich, playing a few originals, but largely covers of songs ranging from Bob Dylan to Charlie Poole. He also played two…