NRBQ’s self-described “omni-pop” was a mix of classic rock-pop, country, rockabilly, Monk-inspired jazz and the kitchen sink. If they liked it, it was in the musical stew and they threw in some goofy humor for good measure.
Category: Reviews
Review: The art and craft of “Parker Millsap”
Oklahoma singer-songwriter Parker Millsap put together a very good debut with 2012’s Palisade. His self-titled sophomore effort, released earlier this year, is even better.
“This is the Town” celebrates Harry Nilsson
The good news is that This is the Town, A Tribute to Nilsson Vol. 1, is a charming collection of some of Harry Nilsson’s most memorable songs, largely faithful, but not too faithful.
Review: Luther Dickinson’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Blues”
Rock ‘n’ Roll Blues, the new album from Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi All-Stars, is the best kind of autobiography.
Review: Leslie Krafka’s “on.ward.”
For a testament to the respect Leslie Krafka has already earned in Texas music circles, check the credits on her second album, on•ward.
Review: “Levi Lowrey” falls a bit short
When a musician’s previous album is excellent, it makes it that much more frustrating when the follow-up doesn’t measure up. Such is the case with Levi Lowrey’s self-titled recent disc.
Live in Houston: Ray Wylie Hubbard
Ray Wylie Hubbard put on a spirited show in Houston, accompanied by his son, Lucas, on electric guitar and Kyle Schneider on drums.
Review: Rodney Crowell’s “Tarpaper Sky”
It’s been too long since Sex and Gasoline, Crowell’s outstanding and largely overlooked 2008 solo album. Tarpaper Sky is a welcome addition to his rich body of work.
Concert review: Eliza Gilkyson at St. Mark’s in Houston
Austin-based singer-songwriter Eliza Gilkyson brought a light touch to sometimes dark material in her March 26 performance at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Houston.
Concert review: Sam Baker, Chip Dolan, Tim Lorsch
For a songwriter whose material tends toward the melancholy, Sam Baker gave quite an uplifting performance in Houston on March 19.
Review: Ernest Troost’s “O Love”
Ernest Troost’s “O Love,” not surprisingly, is billed as an album of love songs, and each of its 13 tracks does in fact concern some aspect of love – some more conventionally than others.
Review: Don Williams’ warm “Reflections”
The 74-year-old Don Williams is back with Reflections, a new album on Sugar Hill. What you’ll hear is exactly what you would expect: warm, relaxed vocals, simple and inviting production from Garth Fundis and classic songs from truly great songwriters.
140 characters: Quick reviews, new releases
At Sun209, we receive many more review copies than we’re able to write about, but try to flag some of the best we don’t get to. A sampling of our recent reviews on Twitter: .@BuzzCason ‘s Troubadour Heart an engaging showcase for “Everlasting Love” writer. Plus Dan Penn and Bobby Keys! @plowboyrecords Twelve Tales by A.J. Croce : Smart, soulful songs throughout.…
Review: Irene Kelley’s “Pennsylvania Coal”
From the back cover depicting Irene Kelley’s coal-mining grandfather to “You Are Mine,” the closing track written and performed with her daughters, Pennsylvania Coal is fueled by family.
Review: Hard Working Americans
Hard Working Americans is fronted by singer-songwriter Todd Snider, sounding grittier and more subdued than he used to. His colleagues include guitarist Neal Casal of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood and Ryan Adams’ Cardinals, bassist (and co-producer) Dave Schools from the Dave Matthews Band, keyboardist Chad Staehly of Great American Taxi and drummer Duane Trucks from Col. Bruce Hampton’s School of Music.
Review: Will Kimbrough’s “Sideshow Love”
featuring some beautiful cello by engineer and co-producer David Henry.
Will Kimbrough is an excellent player, singer and producer, and his talents are on full display on “Sideshow Love.”
Review: Willie Sugarcapps
Review: Willie Sugarcapps consists of Will Kimbrough, Sugarcane Jane (Savana Lee and Anthony Crawford), Grayson Capps and Corky Hughes, an amalgam in name and spirit.
Review: The Whiskey Gentry’s “Holly Grove”
By Ken Paulson It’s that time of the year when we rush to catch up with particularly worthy albums that we never quite got around to reviewing. Case in point is the Whiskey Gentry’s Holly Grove, the second album from the Atlanta-based band. The Whiskey Gentry melds high-energy bluegrass and traditional country with some attitude, opening the album with heartbreak and…
Duane Allman’s “Skydog” issued in “encore” edition
Skydog: The Duane Allman Retrospective documents his career in impressive style, ranging from early recordings with the Escorts, Allman Joys and Hour Glass to sessions with Clarence Carter and Aretha Franklin and recordings with Eric Clapton and the Allman Brothers Band.
Review: “Woody Guthrie American Radical Patriot”
“Woody Guthrie: American Radical Patriot” is an extraordinary box set that chronicles his work for the U.S. government.