Rich Hopkins and Luminarios brought a rich blend of Arizona desert rock and Texas singer-songwriter tunes to their Oct. 17 performance at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Houston.
Category: Reviews
Caroline Rose’s “I WIll Not Be Afraid”
Caroline Rose could hardly have chosen a more appropriate title for her first full-scale CD. On I Will Not Be Afraid, the Vermont-based singer-songwriter comes across as absolutely fearless.
Review: Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett in concert
The Sept. 11 gig featured Robert Earl Keen opening for friend and former college classmate Lyle Lovett, who was winding down his usual summer tour with his Large Band.
Calico shines at release party in LA
Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles was host to an album release party for the new multi-talented Americana trio, Calico the band.
Paul Thorn’s “Too Blessed to be Stressed”
Paul Thorn’s Too Blessed to Be Stressed is sort of a children’s album for adults.
Reissues: Lulu and Cass Elliott from Real Gone Music
Two Real Gone Music releases – Lulu’s Atco Sessions 1969-1972 and Cass Elliot’s Don’t Call Me Mama Anymore – document the paths of both women in the early ‘70s.
Jesse Winchester’s touching farewell
With loving production from Mac McAnally, “A Reasonable Amount of Trouble” truly celebrates Jesse Winchester’s talent.
John Hiatt’s “Terms of My Surrender”
John Hiatt’s latest album Terms of My Surrender finds the veteran singer-songwriter pretty much in “old dude looking back” mode.
Jack Clement’s “For Once and For All”
Review of Jack Clement’s final album “For Once and For All”
Reissue: Spanky & Our Gang’s “Complete Singles”
Review of Spanky and Our Gang’s “Complete Mercury Singles on Real Gone Music
Concert review: Wheatfield four decades on
Most bands that started more than 40 years ago are no longer playing together, much less still creating good new material. One happy exception is Wheatfield.
Stone Mountain Station’s “Electric Silence”
Review of Stone Mountain Station’s “Electric Silence”
Reissues: The 5th Dimension’s “Earthbound”
Just released is Earthbound, the only 5th Dimension album never to make its way to CD. It was the final album for the original quintet and marked their reunion with Jimmy Webb as songwriter and producer.
Review: The Mastersons’ “Good Luck Charm”
We first saw the Mastersons two years ago on a Cayamo cruise and were knocked out by their tight harmonies and penchant for great hooks.
Review: Chris Smither’s “Still on the Levee”
By Ken Paulson It’s going to be a good year for fans of Chris Smither, the veteran folk-blues artist from New Orleans. On July 22, his complete lyrics will be published in book form and in September, a tribute CD called Link of Chain is scheduled for release. Most intriguing though is Still on the Levee: A 50 Year Retrospective,…
Review: Matt Harlan’s “Raven Hotel”
Raven Hotel is an excellent showcase for Matt Harlan’s writing, playing, singing and production skills.
Review: Allen Toussaint in concert
Allen Toussaint’s performance at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston on June 19 was a textbook example of how to please existing fans and win new ones.
Review: Willis Alan Ramsey in Houston
Cult-favorite singer-songwriter Willis Alan Ramsey had a rocky outing on June 17 at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Houston.
Review: John Fullbright’s “Songs”
John Fullbright’s new album “Songs” is restrained and compelling.
Hank Williams: Rediscovered classics
The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 is an extraordinary treat, capturing Hank Williams in his prime in performances that have gone unheard for 64 years