By John W. Barry – Mention the late Levon Helm to a fan of Americana music and you’re likely to get a very strong response. The quick comeback could focus on The Band, for which Levon played drums and mandolin, and sang. And there are, of course, those iconic Band songs that Levon sang, “Up On Cripple Creek,” “Ophelia” and…
Category: Americana Music
BettySoo celebrates release of “Insomnia Waking Dream”
By Paul T. Mueller – Texas singer-songwriter BettySoo’s July 7 show at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Houston celebrated the release of Insomnia Waking Dream, a CD-only collection of 15 demos recorded over more than a decade and assembled with the help of fellow singer-songwriter Curtis McMurtry. BettySoo was the sole performer on the album, but for this show and others…
Robert Earl Keen’s joyous last go-round
By Paul T. Mueller – Robert Earl Keen, who earlier this year announced his intention to retire from touring after more than four decades, probably could have phoned in his farewell tour. His legions of fans likely would have eaten it up in any event. Instead, the beloved Texas singer-songwriter seems to be taking his last go-round very seriously, while…
Steve Forbert is “Moving Through America” with stop in Nashville
By Ken Paulson – Words never spoken after a Steve Forbert concert: “I’m just so tired of him playing the same set on every tour.” Forbert, a former Nashville resident, returned to the town’s City Winery tonight with a performance that promoted his new album Moving Through America, but seemed to be largely fueled by whim. I was just telling…