United Kingdom
I write about roots music; Americana, country, blues and folk. Here is a selection of my album and live reviews as well as interviews with the artists. You can find articles in No Depression, Your Life In A Song and The Bluegrass Situation. Go to the Americana Music Show for both.
I’m fascinated by the origins of the music and how it has developed into such a myriad of styles. I aim to project my enthusiasm for music into interesting, informative and entertaining articles for newcomers and old hands alike.
This was my third I'm With Her show in a little over a year and it was the best. Not that the previous two were wanting in any respect, but this one felt the most complete. As well as their own material this time they explored their roots a bit more and the performance seemed just more relaxed.
Preview Travel Light by The South Austin Moonlighters. Travel Light is the third release from The South Austin Moonlighters who blend a broad sweep of influences into their own original smooth sound.
Few would dispute how today's relentless 24 hour news cycle can wear anyone down. Always connected, coming from all directions the babble never stops and it can be addictive. If any of that strikes a chord then Lukas Nelson has a suggestion; turn it off and take up gardening.
Artist: Roseanne Reid Hometown: Edinburgh, Scotland Latest Album: Trails Sounds like: In her authentic Americana accent: Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams. In her home-grown voice: A folky Eddi Reader Why You Should Listen: With her stripped-back style Roseanne Reid emphatically demonstrates how less is more. In a voice that evokes East Tennessee rather than her native...
Gap-closing has been a theme for Molsky across his career. Old-time music was made for performing, so preserving that live feel was essential for Closing the Gap album is a voice for this band.
Lyndon Bolton interviews Michael Supe Granda of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils and plays three tracks from Heaven 20/20 and one classic track from the band. They discuss the band's early success and how the band was able to stay true to their roots and their fans over the decades.
From some quarters there is a view that country music has become an "industry" with artists being moulded to a strict formula at the expense of those who have lived a bit. If you have ever felt that there are too many "hat acts" singing about pick-up trucks and beer who lack depth then give this astonishing story a go.
Artists taking a record they made 50 years ago out on the road today, even those as revered as Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, could be taking a risk. No matter how iconic the record, even a classic like Sweetheart of the Rodeo could come across at best as a nostalgia trip.
Preview by Amy McCarley. Q: what connects NASA and Americana music? Give up? A: Amy McCarley. The clue is in the title of her new album, MECO. This acronym, 'Main Engine Cut Off', describes the altitude at which the space shuttle engines could be switched off as the innate velocity of the universe takes over propulsion.
Both the Wandering Hearts and Ruston Kelly should feel 2018 has been a good year. Their performances at London's Islington Assembly Hall were ample evidence that each in their completely different ways should appear in several "best of 2018" lists. ...