The Breadcrumbs Widget will appear here on the live site.
4/6/2024 Billy Hubbard (from the album Billy Hubbard
Billy Hubbard (from the album Billy Hubbard available on Spectra Music Group) (by Danny McCloskey)
Music is a generational wealth for Billy Hubbard. His legacy traces back to his mother and her band, Tennessee Pardners, who toured the Southland from the 1940’s through the 1950’s. Billy began songwriting in his teens and the long years of creating music come together with his recent self-titled release. The album compiles unpublished cuts from his vast catalog that stretches back forty years. A low edge rides on the rhythm wrapping around the pleas of “Take Me Back” while Billy Hubbard picks up the pace heading into Sunday morning church with faith in himself for “Got to Be Real”, tenderly whispers “When I Look Into Your Eyes”, and joins Bethany Jean Smith on a duet for “Lonesome When I’m With You”. Other friends stop by for the recording of Billy Hubbard when Charlie McCoy backs the tracks with his harmonica. Shawn Camp helps out in the reading of “Civil War Letters” where Billy Hubbard pens the story of a soldier thinking of home. A soft shuffle plays underneath Billy Hubbard when he is “Castin’ Away My Blues” on a fishing trip while Bethany Jean Smith returns to fingerpoint as Billy stacks up excuses in “Mighty Low”, dancing towards the album exit with “Goodbye Waltz”. (by Danny McCloskey) For more information, head to the Billy Hubbard website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
Tags:
0 Comments
The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
The Breadcrumbs Widget will appear here on the live site.
3/30/2024 Sierra Ferrell (from the album Trail of FlowersSierra Ferrell (from the album Trail of Flowers available on Rounder Records/Concord) (by Danny McCloskey) Sierra Ferrell spent too many days and nights busking on the streets of lower Broadway to qualify as an overnight success. She is, however, the happy recipient of a career trajectory. Like a radio dial finding its signal quiet early morning picking and a restrained rhythm “American Dreaming” opens Trail of Flowers, the latest release from Sierra Ferrell. The storyline sets the standard for the strong characters that walk the halls of Trail of Flowers where Sierra Ferrell spin tales of contemporary life over music aged by the care and nurturing of a long line of mountain musicians. The labyrinth of love keeps hearts apart in “Why Haven’t You Loved Me Yet” as the hills and hollers sway to the Americana Noir of “Chittlin’ Cooking Time in Cheatham County” and smile in the springtime air of “I’ll Come Down the Mountain”. The blend of current and past moods mixes the songs in Trail of Flowers into a heady brew. The melodies wrap the music in tradition as Sierra Ferrell modernizes songs of the south. A fast-paced rush of rhythm is the trumpet call for “Fox Hunt” as gently strummed ukelele chords and finely plucked notes soundtrack “No Letter”. A train-track beat gives a framework to the flurry of notes surrounding “Money Train” while folklore and fantasy write the story for “Rosemary” as “Lighthouse” shines brightly on the sparkle of acoustic chords and community choruses. The goings-on in the “Dollar Bill Bar” receive a warning label as Sierra Ferrell makes a threat sound oh-so-sweet for “I Could Drive You Crazy”. (by Danny McCloskey) Listen and buy the music of Sierra Ferrell from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Sierra Ferrell website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
Tags: The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
The Breadcrumbs Widget will appear here on the live site.
3/30/2024 Sam Morrow (from the album On the Ride Here
Sam Morrow (from the album On the Ride Here available on Blue Élan Records/Copaco Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
Oftentimes the artists that are the hardest to characterize are the ones that prove the most intriguing. Sam Morrow could be considered one of those. Morrow refrains from complicating matters; far from it in fact. His songs are easily engaging and fueled by rugged rhythms, much like the Grateful Dead in a more melodic mode. With five albums to his credit, he mostly manages to streamline his sound even while incorporating elements of Blues, Country, Funk and other diverse Americana elements into his musical mix. Having made his Grand Ole’ Opry debut late last year, Sam Morrow is clearly on an upward roll, a clear indication that the title On the Ride Here shares a certain significance. Produced by longtime collaborator, Copaco Records label chief and Grammy nominee Eric Corne, it receives some extra oomph from an impressive array of Left Coast talent, among them, guitarists Eli Wulfmeier and Eamon Ryland, bassists Ted Russell Kamp and Adam Arcos, keyboardist Sasha Smith, and drummers Matt Tecu and Butch Norton. Notably too, it’s the final piece of a musical trilogy that began with Concrete & Mud and continued with Gettin' By on Gettin' Down. Those two albums showcased different sides to Sam Morrow’s muse, and yet here, as before, this particular outing remains effortlessly engaging. That said, the songs themselves don’t suggest anything that’s especially auspicious, other than offering an indication of Morrow’s current mood and mantra. “By Your Side”, “Medicine Man”, and “Searching for Paradise” each provide a euphemistic view of current circumstance, as well as a sound that’s effortless and unhurried in both the presentation and perspective. Ultimately then, the meditative musings of “Straight and Narrow” more for less sum up the sentiment fostered throughout, a feeling that’s only slightly tempered by the determined drive and delivery shared in songs such as “More”, “Thunderbird Motel”, “Tighter”, “Hired Gun”, and “St. Peter” in particular. Still, any real hint of antagonism or aggression is negligible at best. As a result, On the Ride Here manages to provide its listeners with a generally agreeable journey. (by Lee Zimmerman) Listen and buy the music of Sam Morrow from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Sam Morrow website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
Tags: The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
The Breadcrumbs Widget will appear here on the live site.
3/30/2024 Matt Blake (from the album Cheaper to Fly
Matt Blake (from the album Cheaper to Fly available on JTMMUSIC) (by Lee Zimmerman)
After only one previous album, Matt Blake is making it clear that he’s already groomed for future success. With renowned producer Doug Pettibone at the helm, Blake’s sophomore set, Cheaper to Fly comes across as a mostly unassuming effort, marked by measured melodies and unfiltered emotion. A veteran group of studio stalwarts help assure that sentiment and stability — among them, Pettibone himself on guitars, mandolin, pedal steel, and background vocals, Patrick Warren on keys, David Piltch playing bass, Don Heffington on percussion, and Alice Wallace, Kim Yarborough and Gia Ciambotti supplying the backing vocals. Matt Blake establishes his own presence courtesy of his lead vocals, which, on songs such as “Hiding in Plain Sight” and “Ohio”, takes on a Dylan-like timbre, one which complements the soft shuffle of the former and the affable workingman’s reflections of the latter. Likewise, when Matt Blake proclaims the fact that ‘spring is coming soon’ as he bids a fond farewell to winter on the song simply titled “Snow” his good-natured attitude is, as always, fully at the fore. Other tracks are similarly seductive — the mellow and meditative “Whole New Thing”, the persuasive plea shared with ”Help Me”, and the quiet and contemplative title tune (the latter repeated via a demo to end the album) — turning Blake’s earnest engagement into reasons for reflection. It’s that low-key, confessional quality that characterizes the album overall, and while “Big Snow”, a somewhat sprightly “Save the World”, and the more rollicking and robust “Things We Used to Know” are the only examples of more upbeat and exuberant engagement, the honesty and integrity of Blake’s efforts serve him well in their stead. Two albums in, Matt Blake purveys a peaceful presence, and that calm and comfort, in turn, assures easy engagement. With Cheaper to Fly, Blake can certainly claim that he’s well on his way. (by Lee Zimmerman) Listen and buy the music of Matt Blake from AMAZON For more information, head to the Matt Blake website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
Tags: The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
The Breadcrumbs Widget will appear here on the live site.
3/30/2024 Cody Jinks (from the album Change the Game
Cody Jinks (from the album Change the Game available on Late August Records) (by Danny McCloskey)
Hushed acoustic strums march into Change the Game as Cody Jinks begins the song cycle for his recent release weighing his options. The confessions in album opener “Sober Thing” wonder ‘which are worse. The nightmares or the hangovers. The sleepless nights or the passing out and finally gettin’ rest’ before finally admitting ‘I’m closer to the messed up than the sober thing’. The track sets a standard for Change the Game with Cody Jinks scripting the stories of life on the edge, staging the album with tales of personal choices (“Deceiver’s Blues”), DIY guides for living life (“What You Love”), the highway call for ‘misfit daughters and prodigal sons’ (“Outlaws and Mustangs”), late night prayers (“A Few More Ghosts”), strangers falling in love (“I Would”), and longtime lovers facing troubles (“I Can’t Complain”). The soundtrack for the songs of Cody Jinks is a blast of pounding Rock’n’Roll on equal footing of Country string-bending twang. Outlaw Country took its name with Cody Jinks in mind for wearing the crown. His words describe tough luck and point out potholes in our plans without ever falling victim. Pearl Aday joins Cody Jinks in “Take This Bottle” while the Change the Game title track pens a resume for the man standing enter stage and strums a tribute to the men and women keeping the wheels greased and rolling in “The Working Man”. (by Danny McCloskey) Listen and buy the music of Cody Jinks from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Cody Jinks website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
Tags: The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
The Breadcrumbs Widget will appear here on the live site.
3/30/2024 Bruce Sudano (from the album Talkin’ Ugly Truth, Tellin’ Pretty Lies
Bruce Sudano (from the album Talkin’ Ugly Truth, Tellin’ Pretty Lies available on Purple Heart Recording Co) (by Lee Zimmerman)
Although he will be forever identified by his personal and professional relationship with the late great Donna Summer, and the hits he helped pen — “Bad Girls” in particular — his career as a singular songwriter who penned songs for such notables as Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, and Reba McEntire in particular kept his coffers overflowing and established him as a proficient artist in his own right. His early efforts as a member of the late ‘60s band Alive ‘N Kickin’, whose early hit “Tighter, Tighter” was penned by Tommy James, and, following that, his tenure with the group Brooklyn Dreams gave him a natural sequeway into the world of chart triumphs courtesy of several top ten hits and a Grammy nomination to boot. Though signed as a solo artist by RCA in the early years, he really came into his own with the advent of the new millennium and the nine solo efforts he’s released since then. His prolific prowess has found him veering away from the flashy Pop precepts that dominated his early career and moving more in the realms of a singer/songwriter style, an avenue he pursued early on prior to his later, more successful endeavors. These days, Bruce Sudano coasts along contentedly. The opening track on his expressive new album Talkin’ Ugly Truth, Tellin’ Pretty Lies certainly lives up to that claim while reflecting on the fortunes he found early on, particularly when it came to matters of romance. ‘And I don’t care what anybody says It don’t get any better than this Your daddy’s car and a stolen kiss…’ It’s certainly a wistful notion, but it doesn’t last long. By the time he arrives at the next track, “Make the World Go Away”, he’s frustrated and somewhat fried, even though the fact that the song is fueled by funk might belie that impression. Otherwise, the album finds him dwelling on simpler sentiments — the romantic entanglement of “Two Bleeding Hearts”, the rumination and reflection echoed in “How’d You Get Here”, the especially touching and tender sentiments of “Cardboard World”, and the emphatic expression that drives the soulful title track. That said, “Navigating the Unforeseen” finds him delivering a nuanced narrative with a croak-like vocal, spoken over instrumental accompaniment that’s all but inaudible. Fortunately, then, closing track “Under the Gun” restores a more melodic motif, ending the album on a satisfying note while facing the fact that on occasion, one has to slow down if, for no other reason, than for sanity’s sake. Fortunately, Bruce Sudano needn’t worry. He still manages to maintain his own momentum at a most prolific pace. (by Lee Zimmerman) Listen and buy the music of Bruce Sudano from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Bruce Sudano website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
Tags: The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
The Breadcrumbs Widget will appear here on the live site.
3/30/2024 Sultans of String (from the album Walking Through the Fire
Sultans of String (from the album Walking Through the Fire available as a self-release) (by Bryant Liggett)
On their recent release, Sultans of String dig on musical traditions as they also contemporize the past for the right now. The balance has landed them in a best of both worlds situation as they are making ‘traditional’ music of native peoples in its most original meaning, as in the sounds made by the America’s first occupants. Combine that with today’s Americana and you’ve got Walking Through the Fire, an album that is respectful nod to the past with a hearty dose of the present. “A Beautiful Darkness” is an album opener with a pulse, the experimental fiddle over the moving rhythm makes the cut ripe for the dancefloor. “The Rez” nods to home, a reminder of where you grew up and all the great things from said home that have (hopefully) had a positive shaping while “Take Off the Crown,” with its stabbing guitar and spoken word history lesson, shows Sultans of String have a worthy axe to grind as well as something to teach. “Nimhito (Dance)” is a traditional cut as the aggressive fiddle returns on “Black Winged Raven” joined by smoking guitar riffs. There’s the curve-ball cut on the album in “Sweet Alberta,” where 1970’s casual cool makes for groovy AM Gold, and the surprises don’t stop, as SOS also drop a bit of Western Europe musical history with “Tkaronto Reel” utilizing more of that Chris McKhool’s stand-out violin. Traditional Native American music is the original Americana, and the presentation of this package is set to both educate and entertain, as well as show that one can mix genres and centuries both fluently and fluidly. (by Bryant Liggett) Listen and buy the music of Sultans of String from AMAZON For more information, head to the Sultans of String website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
Tags: The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
The Breadcrumbs Widget will appear here on the live site.
3/23/2024 Armchair Boogie (from the album Hard Times & Deadlines
Armchair Boogie (from the album Hard Times & Deadlines available as a self-release) (by Brian Rock)
For some people spring means the return of baseball games, or chirping songbirds or colorful gardens. For those of us with a more musical bent, spring means the return of outdoor music festivals. One of the hottest bands on the outdoor music scene right now is Armchair Boogie. If you’re not on their bandwagon yet, their new album, Hard Times & Deadlines, might just compel you to jump on board. With two singer songwriters (guitarist Ben Majeska and banjo picker John “Augie” Dougherty) the group packs a double punch. Delivering the absolute best ‘feel good’ parts of traditional Bluegrass, they add touches of Rock, Soul, Country, and even Funk to create a high energy hybrid that’s worthy of comparison to Old Crow Medicine Show and Trampled By Turtles. “Hard Times” introduces the album and confirms the band’s Bluegrass bona fides with deft banjo picking and Oak Ridge Boys style vocal harmonies. The pounding drums and throbbing electric bass (provided by Denzel Connor and Eli Frieders respectively) add a modern spin to the hootenanny as the band addresses the challenges of modern living. Trying to cope with the demands of life, Dougherty sings ‘hard times and deadlines, push me through to the good times. I got a cheap old car and a bottle of gin’. Embracing what he does have, Dougherty makes the most of his situation until ‘someday I’m gonna wake up. I’m gonna fill up and sip on my cup’. The combination of hope for the future and simple daily pleasures is enough to not just survive, but to live with a song on his lips. The spunky rhythm perfectly complements the lyrics. Getting more musically adventurous, the band adds elements of Funk to “Livin’”. Starting off with traditional full tilt Bluegrass rhythms, the band hits the instrumental bridge with a bassline straight from Bootsie Collins. The funkified guitar and bass play like Flatt & Scruggs meets Parliament Funkadelic as the band poses the existential question ‘what’s the good in livin’ if the livin’ really isn’t that good?’. “Gone in a Day” shifts gears again, as the band incorporates Celtic rhythms. Exploring new musical vistas, the band ventures into Southern Rock on “Skippin’ Town”. The gentle, acoustic rhythms suddenly give way to explosive rock and roll guitar as the band sings about getting away from it all and finding new adventures. “Boneyard” incorporates harmonica laced Folk Rock rhythms to contemplate the temporary nature of life and how to make the most of it. Venturing further afield, the band adds a touch of Soul to “Low Down Time”. Struggling in a seemingly indifferent world, Majeska pleads, ‘it’s been a lowdown time and things have been out of line. And I just need some help getting by. Won’t you help me stay alive’. The desperation of the lyrics is offset by the uplifting horn section and the playful banjo strumming. Like life itself, the song combines peaks and valleys to create a much more interesting musical journey. Having showcased their musical diversity, Armchair Boogie dive back into traditional Bluegrass on “You’ve Been Hurt”, “Empty Pools”, “Liquor Store”, and the barn burning, “All the Same”. Whether traditional or experimental, Hard Times & Deadlines” is Bluegrass played with fury, finesse, and a touch of fun. Armchair Boogie plays the kind of music that makes you leap out of your armchair and onto the nearest dancefloor, even if that dancefloor is a grass field. (by Brian Rock) Listen and buy the music of Armchair Boogie from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Armchair Boogie website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
Tags: The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
The Breadcrumbs Widget will appear here on the live site.
3/23/2024 Alex Jordan (from the album Queen Kerosene
Alex Jordan (from the album Queen Kerosene available on Alexander James Jordan Records)
A ready and reliable sideman who’s earned his musical stripes with any number of ongoing outfits, Alex Jordan has come into his own with the fiery Queen Kerosene, an album that infuses an easy-going sound with a well-stocked variety of rootsy references. Produced by Steve Berlin (a key member of the band Los Lobos) it veers from the relentless Rock of the title track to the easy embrace of “Blue”, a song originally shared by The Jayhawks. Aided and abetted by singer Carrie Rodriguez, accordion player Josh Baca (the protege of Norteño), icon Flaco Jiménez, and horns on a few occasional cuts, it’s upbeat and infectious, as evidenced by the compelling come-on of “Welcoming Call”, the funk-fueled “Tidefall”, the casual saunter of “What’s Become of Me”, and the brass-infused “Emily”. Alex Jordan’s years of road work have clearly given him the confidence and credence needed to step out as a solo artist, given the fact that this debut effort reflects the work of a master musician who clearly has the instincts and insight to make inviting melodies effectively elevated by instantly infectious hooks. Queen Kerosene burns brightly. Listen and buy the music of Alex Jordan from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Alex Jordan website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
Tags: The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
The Breadcrumbs Widget will appear here on the live site.
3/23/2024 Dori Freeman (from the album Do You Recall
Dori Freeman (from the album Do You Recall available on Blue Hens Music) (by Lee Zimmerman)
Dori Freeman has shaped a sound synonymous with her Appalachian origins over the course of her five studio albums, sharing homespun sentiments and down-home designs flush with easy accessibility. Do You Recall doesn’t veer decidedly from that singular stance, but it does expand the template to a certain extent, sharing songs that are somewhat broader in scope and melodies that find a fit with mainstream Americana. Produced by Teddy Thompson, and given the help and support of her husband and drummer Nicholas Falk, the new album tackles subjects ranging from motherhood and marriage to life in the rural realms of modern-day Appalachia. The softer strains of her earlier music still resonate through songs such the title track and “Wrong Direction”, but given the earnest Rocker “Good Enough” (featuring Thompson on backing vocals), the solid shuffle of “Movie Screen”, the particular pulse of “River Runs”, and the seemingly unsettled “Why Do I Do This to Myself”, Freeman appears to favor a tougher and more tenacious stance. The change in tone suits her well, and even when she opts to shift and sway on the seemingly euphoric “Rid My Mind”, the uncertainty allows for a cheerful turn. Dori Freeman’s sweet and seemingly effortless vocals underscore the shimmering sounds that grace the album overall, creating a series of shared serenades that reinforce the album’s eager appeal. While Do You Recall retains that intimate approach throughout, the music Dori Freeman makes sounds richer and fuller than before, and on a song such as “They Do It Like That”, the matter-of-fact attitude provides additional cause for contemplation. So too, when she sings of everyday circumstance, as on the track titled “Laundromat” she makes it easy to find common cause. The closing number, “Gonna Be a Good Time” features cooing harmonies that effectively enhance that feeling of carefree contemplation. Lovely and lilting to a decided degree, Do You Recall is, as its title implies, a sweet and serendipitous experience. It’s hard to imagine an album more engaging or enticing. (by Lee Zimmerman) Listen and buy the music of Dori Freeman from AMAZON For more information, please visit the Dori Freeman website The Blog Tags widget will appear here on the published site.
Tags: The Recommended Posts widget will appear here on the published site.
|