The Twins of Franklin – This Life These Minnesota ladies aren’t real twins but then The Righteous Brothers weren’t brothers. Together they prepared their 2nd CD of 8- rock tracks — there are moments of kick-ass & sweetness in equal measures to This Life (Drops May 17/Independent/33:00). Their voices wallow in harmonies but produce ample […]
Continue Reading
Dana Cooper – The Ghost of Tucumcari Dana Cooper’s been in this music-making career for 50+ years & while I always found his music captivating, interesting & absorbing I still wonder why he’s not more well known. While his name may not be as easily recognizable as Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, or Townes van Zandt […]
Continue Reading
Fox and Bones – Long Time Honey I love it when a new CD opens with snappy driving acute drums & this opening tune has it. A smart melody line, distinctive vocals & perfect morning listening. So, “All On Red,” gets off to a wonderful start & by track 2 it’s like Scotland’s The Blue […]
Continue Reading
Parker Bradley – Certain Days Parker Bradley has a new album Certain Days, which was recorded between August and November last year at The Zone Recording Studio in Dripping Springs, Texas. It was produced by Pat Manske and Parker Bradley; and engineered and mixed by Pat Manske. Everything about this album, every riff, every tone, […]
Continue Reading
Little Richard – Right Now! This is another attempt by the legendary rocker Little Richard to recapture the excitement of his ‘50s Specialty Records years in 1973. As creative as Richard Penniman (Little Richard) some of these songs sound slightly nourished in a Dr. John-Leon Russell tradition. At times with muscle & other times a […]
Continue Reading
Music & Film Reviews: Graham Parker ‘Live at Rockpalast,’ Queen’s ‘Rock Montreal,’ Little Richard’s ‘Right Now!’ and More New Releases Graham Parker Concert DVDs Reissued with a Bonus English rocker Graham Parker’s Last Chance to Learn the Twist, which came out last year, was just the latest chapter in a distinguished career that has spanned […]
Continue Reading
Ed Bruce – After Hours This set from the late Ed Bruce (1939-2021) is a touching final effort from the Arkansas-born artist/actor/songwriter. A touch of rockabilly, country & outlaw country dominated his repertoire throughout his career. Some listeners may never have heard Ed, but this is the man who wrote & recorded the classic “Mamma’s […]
Continue Reading
The Staple Singers – Africa 80 I wasn’t an entirely fan of soul music back in the ’60s. I did have my share of hits by The Four Tops, The Temptations, Otis Redding & Aretha Franklin. So, a deeper dive wasn’t evident until 1978 while enjoying The Band’s Last Waltz concert. There were many big-name […]
Continue Reading
With his latest album $10 Cowboy, the studio follow up to 2022’s equally brilliant The Man From Waco, Texas native Charley Crockett continues to add to his growing stature as one of Americana music’s most original, vibrant, and essential singer – songwriters. With a wide ranging and charismatic sound based in country, blues, soul, […]
Continue Reading
Will Kimbrough – For the Life of Me (Daphne Records) Think of Will Kimbrough as the Swiss Army Knife of roots music. He’s a great writer, exceptional singer, phenomenal guitarist and an in-demand producer and arranger. But if you needed a good starting point, know that no less than John Prine thought enough of this […]
Continue Reading