There are a lot of bands with a pretty familiar configuration – a couple of guitarists, a bassist, a drummer, maybe a fiddle or a steel guitar. Nothing wrong with that, but sometimes it’s refreshing to see a band exploring the possibilities of a different instrumental mix. One such is Mystery Loves Company.
Category: Reviews
Review: The Mastersons’ “Transient Lullaby”
Transient Lullaby, the most recent album by The Mastersons – singer/guitarist Chris Masterson and singer/multi-instrumentalist Eleanor Whitmore – reads as an account of the couple’s musical and personal lives.
Review: Mathew Sweet, Tommy Keene in concert
Matthew Sweet played a remarkably balanced set, with a handful of tracks from his new Tomorrow Forever album, and a generous mix of past successes.
Reissue: B.J. Thomas’ complete Columbia singles
B.J. Thomas’ concert longevity has been fueled by multiple decades of hits, as we’re reminded by the new Real Gone Music release New Looks from an Old Lover: The Complete Singles.
Review: Gurf Morlix’s “The Soul & the Heal”
On his latest CD, The Soul & the Heal, Austin-based singer-songwriter Gurf Morlix celebrates humanity in all its flawed glory.
Class reunion: The original Alice Cooper band
It’s been more than four decades, but I still remember seeing the Alice Cooper “School’s Out” tour. Complete with guillotine, they rocked Chicago Stadium. And there they were tonight, the band’s original members reuniting to deftly play “Eighteen,” “School’s Out” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy” in Nashville at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Conroe Americana Music Festival: Day One
The inaugural Conroe Americana Music Festival got off to a promising start on Friday, May 5, in the charmingly restored downtown area of the small city north of Houston.
Review – Rodney Crowell’s “Close Ties”
There’s a little looking forward, a lot of looking back, and more than a hint of unfinished business in Rodney Crowell’s latest collection, Close Ties.
Music legend B.J. Thomas at the Franklin Theater
B.J. Thomas described himself as “crabby” during his appearance Friday night at the Franklin theater just down the road from Nashville. It was an evening of awkward silences and some irritation with the lighting. But it really didn’t matter. B.J. Thomas has always had a great pop voice and he ably performed songs from throughout his career, including his first hit…
Review: Kevin and Dustin Welch in concert
Singer-songwriters Kevin and Dustin Welch (father and son, respectively) bring somewhat different approaches to the Americana table.
Review: Aaron Lee Tasjan’s “Silver Tears”
With his new album Silver Tears, Aaron Lee Tasjan nails an impressive achievement – channeling a roster of worthy influences while remaining true to his own voice and vision.
New releases: Mavericks, Dale Watson, Becky Warren
The Mavericks have had an extraordinary resurgence in recent years, emerging as top Americana music artists.
Review: “In the Dark” by Matt Harlan and Rachel Jones
“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.
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.
Review: Tim Easton’s “American Fork”
Tim Easton has some advice for you: Stop wasting time. Put down your smartphones. Talk to each other.
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.