Donald Gibson

Freelance Music Journalist

United States

Donald Gibson is a freelance music journalist and the publisher of Write on Music (www.writeonmusic.com), whose experience is concentrated in writing and editing artist interviews/profiles along with various other aspects of music criticism.

His byline has appeared in such online publications as No Depression, Spinner, Blinded By Sound (blindedbysound.com), Cinema Blend, The Seattle Post Intelligencer, Something Else! Reviews (somethingelsereviews.com), and Blogcritics.org, where he was the Senior Music Editor (2011-2012) and Assistant Music Editor (2008-2011).

Portfolio

Artist Interviews & Profiles

Write on Music
08/09/2016
Interview: Onward and Upward with The Temperance Movement

When Now with a new LP, "I think we just wanted it to open out a bit," Sayer said of Write on Music caught up with the Temperance Movement last summer, the nascent British rock band was trudging through the States and Canada on what seemed like an interminable tour.

Write on Music
07/25/2016
It's a Country Tradition: An Interview with Mark Chesnutt ~ Write on Music

It's been more than a quarter century since "Too Cold at Home" introduced country music traditionalist Mark Chesnutt to the masses, and the many hits that have followed (including "Brother Jukebox," "Bubba Shot the Jukebox," and "Old Flames Have New Names") have aged as well as the veteran singer's homegrown Texas twang.

No Depression
06/05/2016
Everlasting Buzz: The Songwriting Life of Buzz Cason

Every year, typically in the first few weeks of January, Buzz Cason trades his native Nashville residence and recording studio for a condominium in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The vacation retreat, beyond offering a tropical respite from the often harsh winter conditions back home, serves as a sanctuary of sorts.

Write on Music
04/08/2016
In Memoriam: Merle Haggard - The Lost Interview ~ Write on Music

Merle Haggard never said he was immortal. Still, the country music icon, who died this week on his 79th birthday of complications from pneumonia, knew as well as anyone that his music would endure. He'd lived not only to see so many songs he'd written be appreciated as classics, but to perceive his influence on succeeding generations of artists who, frankly, owe him everything.

No Depression
02/23/2016
An Interview with John Anderson

Country music maverick John Anderson anticipated changes in the industry long before they came to pass.

Writeonmusic
An Interview with Bobby Caldwell ~ Write on Music

Ever since "What You Won't Do For Love" first catapulted him to stardom in 1978, Bobby Caldwell has cultivated a singular brand of sophisticated soul, culminating in more than a dozen studio albums that have as well embraced aspects of pop, jazz, and big band standards along the way.

Writeonmusic
An Interview with Rickie Lee Jones ~ Write on Music

In interviewing Rickie Lee Jones about her music, come up with a question that piques her interest and you'll likely end up fielding a few comparable inquiries of your own in return. That Jones should welcome or even seek out such insights from those who admittedly appreciate her music isn't all that surprising, however.

Write on Music
06/07/2015
An Interview with Van Dyke Parks

As he concluded the second show of a two-night stand billed as "The Lost Weekend: Last Piano/Vocal Performances" last month at Largo at the Coronet in Los Angeles, seventy-two-year-old Van Dyke Parks bowed and bid farewell to arguably the most conventional aspect of his otherwise unconventional, visionary career.

Write on Music
12/18/2014
An Interview with Johnny Marr

The British guitar legend and founding member of The Smiths reflects on his latest solo LP, 'Playland,' along the way yielding insights to his artistry, his musical foundation, and the abiding pursuit of his next creative move.

Write on Music
12/01/2014
An Interview with Dwight Twilley

The Tulsa pop-rocker discusses his new LP, Always, offering insight to his songwriting and recording processes, as well as how one his classic songs was almost covered by the King of Rock 'N' Roll.

Write on Music
10/24/2014
Interview: Nashville Legend Mac Wiseman Reflects on New Album and Timeless Memories

Long before it became his calling, music was Mac Wiseman's greatest passion. In fact, the 89-year-old Nashville legend, who will be inducted on Sunday night to the Country Music Hall of Fame along with Ronnie Milsap and the late Hank Cochran, was fascinated long before he ever learned to pick a guitar or carry a note in tune.

No Depression
10/06/2014
Feels So Right: An Interview with Randy Owen of Alabama

Interview/Q&A: Since the 1980 LP, My Home's in Alabama, brought Ft. Payne's favorite sons to national prominence, Alabama has racked up 43 Number One singles — 21 of them consecutively — while selling an estimated 75 million albums and winning every conceivable industry award. In 2005, the band was inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Write on Music
07/07/2014
An Interview with Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains

Interview/Q&A: For over half a century the Chieftains have served as global ambassadors of traditional Irish music. Founding member Paddy Moloney talks about how they continue their mission.

Write on Music
07/01/2014
John Illsley, Formerly of Dire Straits, Celebrates Survival with New Solo Album

Interview/Q&A: From the late '70s through to the early '90s Dire Straits reigned as British rock royalty, selling over 120 million albums, racking up a stockpile of classic hits (including "Sultans of Swing," "Money For Nothing," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Walk of Life") and forging a permanent residency on radio stations around the world. The band's bassist, John Illsley, produced a string of respectable solo works as well, including his latest LP, Testing the Water.

Write on Music
02/23/2014
An Interview with Casey Hood of Lily and the Tigers

Interview/Q&A: Casey Hood speaks of songwriting like it holds an almost transcendental mystique. "It's something that's coming out of your subconscious and is coming to light," says the lyricist, principal composer, and lead vocalist of Lily and the Tigers, who along with bassist Adam Mincey and guitarist Jared Pepper has crafted a masterpiece of folk and Americana, The Hand You Deal Yourself (due March 4), an album that is as visceral as it is inspired.

Write on Music
04/29/2014
An Interview with Wilko Johnson

Interview/Q&A: The legendary guitarist discusses his new LP with Roger Daltrey, 'Going Home,' while offering insight to his character in contending with a terminal illness.

Write on Music
03/26/2014
An Interview with Nathan East

Interview/Q&A: The renowned and ever-in-demand bassist discusses his self-titled, solo debut, along with his philosophy on music.

Write on Music
01/26/2014
Shannon LaBrie: Music is Where I Belong

Interview/Profile: It wasn't until she moved to Nashville in her early twenties that Shannon LaBrie made up her mind to pursue a career in music, but she was calling on a lifetime to that point spent learning her craft.

Write on Music
09/21/2013
An Interview with Allen Toussaint

Interview/Q&A: On the eve of the release of his new live album, Songbook, the music legend discusses matters of songwriting and performance.

Write on Music
03/07/2014
An Interview with Lydia Loveless

Interview/Q&A: The 23-year-old singer/songwriter discusses her new LP, Somewhere Else, and the craft and inspiration behind its making.

Write on Music
11/14/2013
An Interview with Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze

Interview/Q&A: As far as songwriting was concerned the way it worked in Squeeze had always suited Glenn Tilbrook just fine, namely that he'd compose the music after co-conspirator Chris Difford had penned the lyrics.

Write on Music
04/09/2014
An Interview with Scott H. Biram

Interview/Q&A: Scott H. Biram didn't set out to achieve any radical breakthroughs (musically speaking, at least) with his latest studio LP, Nothin' But Blood, but creative stability seems to suit him just fine.

Write on Music
01/02/2014
An Interview with Von Grey's Annika von Grey

Interview/Q&A: Establishing a style and sticking with it may work for emerging musicians looking to build a loyal following but it can prove stifling for the artists themselves. At least that's the belief which seems to guide Von Grey.

Write on Music
10/25/2013
An Interview with Charli XCX

Interview/Q&A: On the eve of her first North American headlining tour, the burgeoning British singer/songwriter gets candid about her debut LP, True Romance, and her musical future.

Write on Music
07/11/2013
An Interview with Delbert McClinton

Interview/Q&A: For more than five decades McClinton, 72, has patented his own brand of roadhouse blues, R&B, rockabilly, and country with a hellraiser's passion and a troubadour's introspective soul.

Write on Music
08/30/2013
Ricky Byrd: I Still Love Rock 'N' Roll

Interview/Profile: Put another dime in the jukebox, baby: The former lead guitarist for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts makes his first stand as a solo artist.

Write on Music
01/30/2014
An Interview with Zucchero

Interview/Q&A: For more than three decades Italy's own Zucchero has bridged the musical boundaries and styles of his native country with those of American blues, rock, and soul to become one of the world's most celebrated superstars.

Write on Music
03/12/2014
An Interview with Suzy Bogguss

Interview/Q&A: Bogguss discusses her latest album, Lucky, on which she covers twelve classics written by Merle Haggard.

Write on Music
05/13/2013
Crystal Bowersox: All That Means a Lot

Interview/Profile: On her current LP, the American Idol alum reflects the serenity of someone who has contended with some heavy adversity in her life, and at times still does, but has nevertheless come to appreciate her own resilience.

Write on Music
03/05/2013
An Interview with Lisa Loeb

Interview Q&A: It turns out that reality doesn't bite after all. At least it doesn't for Lisa Loeb, who on her latest album, No Fairy Tale, maintains that everyday blessings are ultimately more fulfilling than any fanciful illusions.

Blogcritics
02/23/2013
Susanna Hoffs: A Bangle Finds Balance

Interview/Profile: 30 years after the Bangles hit it big, Susanna Hoffs is making the finest music of her career as a solo artist.

Write on Music
08/15/2013
Marissa Nadler: Music Helps Me Cope

Interview/Profile: For the 32-year-old singer/songwriter, the qualities that largely inform her aesthetic are also those which reveal her at her most vulnerable.

Write on Music
11/19/2012
An Interview with Don Felder of The Eagles

Interview/Q&A: The former Eagles' lead guitarist talks about flying solo with a new album and a positive outlook on his life and legendary career.

Write on Music
01/31/2013
ZZ Ward Makes A Dynamic First Impression

Interview/Profile: With her debut LP, 'Til the Casket Drops, the singer/songwriter deftly imbues elements of blues, hip/hop, and pop with juke-joint earthiness and some serious pipes.

Write on Music
10/23/2012
An Interview with Tony Bennett

Interview/Q&A: The music legend discusses his latest album, Viva Duets, and his deep appreciation of his craft.

Write on Music
12/12/2012
Sebastian Mikael: An Artist On The Verge

Interview/Profile: Sebastian Mikael didn't write his first song until he was 18, but the now-24-year-old singer/songwriter is emerging as a versatile artist of significant talent and promise. "I still feel like I'm always learning, always developing," says Mikael, whose debut album is slated for release on Slip-N-Slide/Vested in Culture/Epic Records in the coming year.

Blogcritics
12/01/2012
An Interview with Tom Keifer

As the ‘80s were winding down Cinderella were on a heavy-metal high, but frontman Tom Keifer had no idea how prophetic the title of the band’s hit power ballad, “Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone),” would become.

No Depression
09/04/2012
Adam Cohen: The Man Comes Around

Interview/Profile: Adam Cohen comes across as having struggled less with the notion of living in Leonard Cohen’s shadow than with living up to his own artistic potential.

Write on Music
07/31/2012
An Interview with Nona Hendryx

Interview/Q&A: The funk/rock legend offers insights to her timely new album, Mutatis Mutandis, her first solo effort in 20 years.

No Depression
06/25/2012
Listen Up, It's Buddy Guy

Interview/Profile: “It’s kind of scary,” says Buddy Guy, his voice quivering with ominous unease. “Blues music is like an endangered species almost."

Blogcritics
11/15/2011
An Interview with George Thorogood

Interview/Q&A: Still bad to the bone, the blues rocker talks about his latest album, 2120 South Michigan Ave., and why he still believes in FM radio.

No Depression
09/05/2011
An Interview with Bill Frisell

Interview/Q&A: The renowned guitarist discusses his upcoming album in tribute to John Lennon as well as his ongoing explorations in music.

Write on Music
09/13/2011
An Interview with Neil Finn

Interview/Q&A: The Crowded House frontman talks about his latest project, Pajama Club, as well as offering insights on songwriting.

No Depression
07/14/2011
An Interview with Steve Cropper

Interview/Q&A: The legendary guitarist discusses his new solo album, his musical influences, and his groundbreaking achievements at Stax Records.

Blogcritics
05/04/2011
An Interview with Bruce Hornsby

Interview/Q&A: The three-time GRAMMY® winner discusses his new live album, yielding insight as to the spontaneous, intuitive nature of his concerts.

Write on Music
11/19/2010
An Interview with Stan Ridgway

Interview/Q&A: His songs are like character sketches of the human condition, and in a career spanning thirty years-first with Wall of Voodoo, the band most known for its 1982 hit, "Mexican Radio," then as a solo artist-On his latest, Stan Ridgway has produced a string of adventurous works that have endeared him to discerning critics and fans alike.

No Depression
11/10/2010
An Interview with Marty Stuart

Interview/Q&A: Stuart wasn’t about to stand idly by while witnessing what he saw as the integrity of country music's heritage being compromised.

Blogcritics
10/10/2010
An Interview with KT Tunstall

Interview/Q&A: The Scottish singer/songwriter talks about her third studio album, Tiger Suit, and of her adventures in electronica.

Blogcritics
12/21/2010
An Interview with Daniel Lanois

Interview/Q&A: The GRAMMY®-winning producer (U2, Bob Dylan) talks about working with Neil Young on his latest album, Le Noise.

Blogcritics
08/22/2010
An Interview with Katie Melua

Interview/Profile: The songstress discusses her current album, The House, and how she appreciates music.

No Depression
12/20/2010
An Interview with Jimmy Webb

Interview/Q&A: The songwriting legend discusses his craft while offering insights on The Beatles, Eminem, and what he's learned from mentors in his career.

Blogcritics
06/20/2010
An Interview with Alan Parsons

Interview/Profile: Parsons discusses his most ambitious project to date while offering insight on digital music and Dark Side of the Moon.

Blogcritics
06/04/2010
An Interview with Allison Moorer

Interview/Q&A: The singer/songwriter shares her thoughts on songwriting while yielding insight to her most recent works, Crows and Crows Acoustic.

Blogcritics
05/16/2010
An Interview with Joan Armatrading

Interview/Q&A: While her latest LP, This Charming Life, earns rave reviews, the legendary Joan Armatrading discusses her songwriting in depth.

Blogcritics
04/17/2010
An Interview with Gin Wigmore

Interview/Q&A: Straight outta Auckland, Gin Wigmore talks about the making of her debut album, Holy Smoke.

Blogcritics
04/05/2010
An Interview with Jakob Dylan

Interview/Q&A: Jakob Dylan discusses his new solo album, Women and Country, touching on its themes and how his songwriting manifested in its songs.

Blogcritics
03/18/2010
An Interview with Beth Thornley

Interview/Q&A: In a little bit over half an hour and through ten eclectic, well-crafted songs, Beth Thornley illustrates the possibilities and creative sweep of pop on her latest album, Wash U Clean.

Blogcritics
03/04/2010
An Interview with Citizen Cope

Interview/Q&A: The artist otherwise named Clarence Greenwood reveals how following his muse led him to his latest work, The Rainwater LP.

Write on Music
02/26/2010
An Interview with Dave Holland

Interview/Q&A: The jazz bassist, whose 40-year career includes projects with Miles Davis (In A Silent Way, Bitches Brew), Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter, discusses making 'Pathways' with his eponymous Octet.

Blogcritics
12/10/2009
An Interview with Melissa McClelland

Interview/Q&A: "As a songwriter," says McClelland, shedding light on her latest LP, Victoria Day, "we have all the freedom in the world. We can write fiction. We can write non-fiction. We can write about our dreams, our travels."

Blogcritics
09/27/2009
An Interview with Anna Rose

Interview/Q&A: As her promising debut EP makes clear, Anna Rose is set to break on through.

Blogcritics
05/19/2009
An Interview with Meiko

Interview/Q&A: Singer/songwriter Meiko discusses her self-titled debut album, inspirations, and ongoing evolution as an artist.

Blogcritics
03/24/2009
An Interview with Sharon Robinson

Interview/Q&A: The singer/songwriter/producer and longtime collaborator to Leonard Cohen, discusses her debut album and what she's learned from her esteemed mentor.

Blogcritics
09/17/2008
An Interview with Rachael Yamagata

Interview/Q&A: The singer/songwriter discusses her sophomore effort, Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart, a song cycle that explores emotions and instincts contemplated amid and following a personal relationship.

Author, Filmmaker, Photographer Interviews & Profiles

Concert Reviews

Write on Music
04/14/2013
Special Occasion: Smokey Robinson Live in Florida

At 73 Robinson still exudes a singular passion and, with his falsetto in fine form this past Wednesday night in St. Petersburg, he seduced a sold-out Mahaffey Theater audience for two solid hours.

Album Reviews

Writeonmusic
Album Review: Bob Dylan - Shadows in the Night ~ Write on Music

Perhaps it's ironic that Bob Dylan, who revolutionized the craft of popular songwriting in the Sixties onward and thus delineated it from that of the standards so prevalent in prior generations, should on Dylan sustains a noirish, pensive conceit from the opening strains of "I'm a Fool to Want You" to the closing crescendo of "That Lucky Old Sun," underscoring this, his thirty-sixth studio effort, like a solemn cinematic motif.

Write on Music
Review: Priscilla Ahn - This is Where We Are

Priscilla Ahn sings with such gorgeous, unaffected grace that any extravagant or otherwise cluttered production would only undermine one of the loveliest voices to emerge in the past decade.