Author: John Apice

Lauren Anderson – Love on the Rocks This review may have a few knots in the pine, but as an artist, Lauren Anderson is a viable performer. I grew up on the blues & was given in the 50s records by (Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, Blind Willie McTell, Robert Johnson, B.B. King). I bought […]

Clay Melton – Back To Blue I’ve listened several times & keep coming to the same conclusion. Clay Melton is indeed a blues-rock virtuoso on lead guitar – no denying he has talent & skill. I like his sincere raspy voice & wicked guitar approach. His material isn’t poor it’s just — standard, formula blues […]

Rodney Crowell – Triage While the first cut “Don’t Leave Me Now,” starts off rather slow for an opening it’s a nice surprise to hear the song kick into high melodic gear with its somewhat Celtic/Irish Americana old-world charm connection. This is songwriting with dynamism. The Grammy-Award winner Rodney Crowell still sounds vital, accessible & […]

Emily Duff — Razor Blade Smile Former Del-Lords guitarist & now producer Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (electric guitars/slide guitar/vocals) seems on a roll this season with some exceptional artists. Pandemic be damned. The elegantly & sophisticatedly attired Emily Duff (I’m being sarcastic) is an effective cross between Lucinda Williams, Iggy Pop & a biker chick. But […]

Laura Nyro – Tree of Ages: Laura Nyro Live in Japan Originally released in 2003 (in Japan) but not previously available in the US – this live concert approved by the Laura Nyro Trust was recorded Feb. 22, 1994, at Kintetsu Hall, Osaka & five additional songs at On Air West. Collected on Tree of […]

Steve Dawson – At The Bottom of a Canyon In the Branches of a Tree On first listen to Chicago’s Steve Dawson I felt he provided a pleasant enough voice but doesn’t suggest the gravity of a John Prine, John Hiatt, or character of Townes van Zandt & Guy Clark. However, by cut 2 “Forgiveness […]

Nic Clark – Love Your Life: Songs For the Whole Family A little different for me. This soulful 11-cut CD is upbeat, friendly & Nic Clark actually has a receptive engaging vocal. The first cut can be construed as educational. Nic introduces different artists to participate & gives examples of what they do & how […]

LMNOP – whatNOP dONW7 The CD title refers to Don W. Seven (dONW7 ), who produced this home recording & is also known as the one-man band S. Fievet (composer/performer of the songs). Somewhat a jack of all trades Roy Wood (former multi-instrumentalist with the Electric Light Orchestra) – who did it all. Fievet even […]