By Paul T. Mueller If you had any lingering doubts about how performers and audiences are feeling about the recent resumption of live performances, Rodney Crowell’s July 29 show at Houston’s Heights Theater would have put those doubts firmly to rest. Crowell and his excellent four-piece band, clearly thrilled to be back on the road, put on an energetic performance…
Review: Will Kimbrough’s fine “Spring Break”
By Paul T. Mueller –“Spring break” took on some added meaning early this year, when the pandemic shut down normal life and most people had to adjust to a strange new reality. For Nashville-based singer-songwriter Will Kimbrough, Spring Break turned out to be a good title for an album recorded during a forced hiatus from touring and other activities. It’s…
Review: James McMurtry’s “Blasted from the Past”
Blasted, which James McMurtry calls “whiskey-soaked cowpunk from a bygone era,” is an interesting time capsule from an earlier phase of his career.
Review: “Kiss of the Diamondback” by Gurf Morlix
By Paul T. Mueller –Gurf Morlix made good use of the early months of the COVID crisis, producing an album titled Kiss of the Diamondback. As might be expected in a time of isolation, most of the nine songs are written from a first-person perspective, dealing with themes including love, insecurity, life’s struggles, and the search for meaning. All are…
From the archives – A conversation with Justin Townes Earle
In this January 2018 interview, the late Justin Townes Earle talked about his unique approach to songwriting and the release of what would prove to be his final album. – Ken Paulson
New – Reed Waddle’s “Time The River”
Reed Waddle has a vibrant new album, exemplified by album opener “Too Bright to Fade Away.” You’ll find engaging songs throughout. The album tracks are available now for streaming on YouTube.
John Sieger’s “The Pleasure of Your Company”
We first heard John Sieger’s songs when he headed up Semi-Twang in the late ’80s. It’s gratifying to hear that he’s still creating compelling music. From his arresting new album Modern Folk Vol. II, here’s “The Pleasure of Your Company:”
Review: Eliot Bronson’s “Empty Spaces”
Empty Spaces is one fine breakup album – written, as Eliot Bronson says, as therapy in the wake of painful breakup and a move to a new city.
Mustangs of the West: A matter of “Time”
“Getting the band back together” is a common fantasy in popular music; sometimes it works, more often it tanks.
Americana and country artists take a stand for the First Amendment
Jason Isbell, Loretta Lynn, Ketch Secor and more are supporting our core freedoms.
Show 51: Thomm Jutz and his “Two Worlds”
You may know Thomm Jutz from his work with David Olney, Mary Gauthier or Nanci Griffith. Or maybe his collaborations with Eric Brace and Peter Cooper. You may also have come across his 1861 Project, which chronicled the Civil War in three striking volumes. Or you may know his other work as a producer, with more than 70 albums to…
Review: Eliza Gilkyson’s “2020”
Eliza Gilkyson unflinchingly depicts the anger and despair many are feeling, but also channels faith, sympathy and hope.
Show 50 Songwriter Adam Wright
We remain big fans of Adam and Shannon Wright, who collectively perform as the Wrights. Adam now spends most of his time writing songs in Nashville and you’ll find his work on releases by Lee Ann Womack, Alan Jackson and Aubrie Sellers. He’s also proven to be one of the hotter songwriters in bluegrass. His collaboration with Brandy Clark –…
Just in – American Music Association Honors and Awards Nominees
Minutes ago, the Americana Music Association released its list of nominees for this year’s Honors and Awards. It’s a big year for Brandi Carlile, with her own nomination for artist of the year, her nods as a member of the Highwomen and nominations for Tanya Tucker’s “While I’m Livin’” which she co-produced with Shooter Jennings. The association’s announcement: Album of…
Review: Wheatfield’s “Some People”
Some People, the latest effort from folk-rock veterans Wheatfield, is as much a testament to enduring friendship as it is a musical document.
Show 49 Dar Williams
By Ken Paulson I try never to walk into a record store without buying something, but I was stumped one day in the mid-’90s. I felt like I had already bought everything I wanted in the pop, rock, country and R&B bins. So I walked over to the often-neglected folk section and came across an album called Mortal City by…
New release: Bill Lloyd’s “Don’t Kill the Messenger”
“Steve Goodman Live ’69:” A treasure
By Ken Paulson – I first saw John Prine onstage at Chicago’s Ravinia Festival in July of 1972. Prine was the main attraction, but the animated young man who shared the stage with him that night was a close second. You might know Steve Goodman as the writer of “City of New Orleans” or as a close friend and collaborator…
Review: Lucinda Williams’ “Good Souls Better Angels”
By Paul T. Mueller – Lucinda Williams’ latest release, Good Souls Better Angels, will probably be a big hit with fans who have embraced her late-career evolution into a kind of rock ‘n’ roll godmother. It may not prove so popular with those who fell in love with the introspective poetry of her earlier days as a folkie singer-songwriter. Williams…
RIP Little Richard: What made him the King
By Ken Paulson – If you have any questions about why Little Richard is such a pivotal figure in the history of popular music, just listen to the 23rd second of the Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There.” “I’ll never dance with another…whoo!” There it is. The “whoo!” That’s Paul McCarney singing and the Beatles shaking their heads on that…