We’re fans of Eric Brace and were glad to hear the news that one of his songs inspired a NASA video and tribute to Neil Armstrong. In Eric’s words: I’m extraordinarily honored and proud that the folks at NASA heard my song “Tranquility Base” and are using it to help commemorate the first anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s death (Sunday). The…
Sun209: The Week in Tweets
The week in Tweets from Sun209: Tuned In’ review: Diversified Greencards still trump sounds with ‘Americana’ knoxville.com/news/2013/aug/… 24 hours ago Concert preview: Tim Easton’s new project is the most satisfying of his career shar.es/zGXFw via @ColumbusAlive 24 hours ago RT @RollingStone: Roger McGuinn weighs in on the chances of a Byrds reunion to mark their upcoming 50th anniversary: rol.st/1dbbOri 2…
Review: Tim Easton’s “Not Cool”
Someone once said, “Geography is destiny,” and that certainly seems true of “Not Cool,” the new CD from much-traveled singer-songwriter Tim Easton
Americana Music Awards tickets on sale
The Americana music awards show, a highlight of Nashville’s musical year, will be hosted once again by Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller will head up the always stellar house band.
Reissues: Soulful pop albums from Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis
By Ken Paulson The summer of 1967 saw the release of one of the best (and most underrated) pop albums of the decade. With Johnny Rivers producing and Jimmy Webb contributing songs, the Fifth Dimension literally soared into the charts with Up, Up and Away and the big single of the same name. Over the next eight years, the Fifth…
Reissues: Amazing Rhythm Aces’ first two albums
The Amazing Rhythm Aces’ first two albums are available again on a reissue from Real Gone Records. “Stacked Desk, ” their debut, boasted a big hit single in “Third-Rate Romance,” a genre-defying song that proved irresistible to AM radio.
Review: The Band of Heathens’ “Sunday Morning Record”
The new Band of Heathens album “Sunday Morning Record” is an eye-opener, packed with diverse sounds and reflective lyrics.
Still “Hangin’ Round:” The Monkees in Houston
The remaining members of the Monkees – Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork – gave the audience of a couple of thousand or so what they came for – well-crafted mid-’60s pop songs, many of which were big hits.
Sun209: The week in tweets
The week in tweets from Sun209: Americana Music News: Knockin’ on the Country’s Door – Bob Dylan and Wilco nyti.ms/16ckjh4 17 hours ago Pickathon: Treat Yourself to a Slice of Americana Pie eugenedailynews.com/2013/07/27/pic… via @EugeneDailyNews 7 days ago After 20 years, a new album from Van Dyke Parks. blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013… 7 days ago Premiere: Tony Joe White’s ‘The Gift’ from ‘Hoodoo’…
Review: Phoebe Hunt’s “Live at the Cactus Cafe”
Phoebe Hunt appears to be confident, and her new “Live at the Cactus Café” demonstrates that it’s well-placed.
John Fogerty tour dates announced
John Fogerty, currently #3 on the American Music Association’s airplay chart with Wrote A Song for Everyone, launches a new solo tour on Oct. 10 in Los Angeles.
Review: Jennifer Brantley’s “It’s All Good”
Jennifer Brantley’s It’s All Good is a breath of fresh air, which is a little ironic considering that a lot of it sounds like it could have been made decades ago
Americana Music Festival artists announced
There’s an impressive line-up of artists booked for the 2013 Americana Music Association Festival and Conference set for Nashville Sept. 18-23.
Re-issues: Quirky, creative classics from Mason Williams
Real Gone Music has just re-issued Williams’ first two Warner Bros. albums – The Mason Williams Phonograph Record and The Mason Williams Ear Show – and both serve as a vivid reminder of just how smart and creative Williams was.
Ben Vaughn Q&A: Many Moods, Many Talents
Ben Vaughn’s multidimensional life encompasses playing music, songwriting, producing, radio, TV and films.
Concert review: Radney Foster in Tomball, Texas
Radney Foster’s career these days is not the rocket ride of his early career, but as a writer and performer, he can still bring it
Review: Heather Lutrell’s “Possumdiva”
Luttrell’s voice really is a terrific instrument – soulful and powerful when she’s belting out gritty blues tunes like “Redemption” and “Dr. Feelgood,” sweet and low on love songs and ballads such as “More Fun to Sin” and “Any Old Way.” There’s more than an occasional echo of Janis.
Review: Buffy Ford Stewart’s “Same Old Heart”
For Buffy Ford-Stewart, Same Old Heart, is a testament to her love for her husband as an artist and soul mate. It is also about new mornings that can be found after loss.
Coming July 23: Guy Clark’s “My Favorite Picture of You”
Guy Clark’s “My Favorite Picture of You” is touching, topical and compelling.
A Beatle at Bonnaroo: McCartney’s magical evening
There’s a joy to Paul McCartney’s concerts these days, and never more evident than in his headlining show at the Bonnaroo Music Festival tonight.