Music is a powerful vehicle. It doesn’t take much to move us to that bygone comfort zone. Anytime we feel the need, we pull out our vinyl time machine as it takes us everywhere including roads less traveled. Continue reading Eight O’Five Jive, Swing Set
Saw an amazing new country artist at Puckett‘s in Franklin. This little lady has got the pipes. Her name is Camille Rae and she recently released her debut album, I Need Me. With her band having the night off, Camille’s solo act was very entertaining. But the big surprise was at the end of the evening, Camille threw the audience a curve ball covering Alicia Key’s “Fallin.” The only word I can come up with is, incredible. I have the feeling we will be hearing more from Camille in the near future.
A great night at the Nashville City Winery with Tinsley Ellis giving the audience what they wanted, an amazing show. He and his band performed for over 90 minutes playing many songs from his new album, Tough Love. Tough Love received the 2015 Blues Blast Award for best rock/blues category. For playdates in your area, go to TinsleyEllis.com
Recently, I heard a band whose roots are in North Georgia and Chattanooga. Living in Georgia for twenty-eight years, I had to investigate. After further research, I realized the band has a great mix. At times, I listen to a little Alan Jackson, and even some George Jones. Continue reading Smith & Wesley, “Choices & Chances”
It’s always a pleasure covering English bands. It must be childhood memories of the Beatles. Recently, I stumbled on a cool eight-piece band from Norfolk, UK called The Vagaband. Releasing their newest LP, Medicine for the Soul, this British band of jazz, blues, rock and country genres caught my attention quickly. From a pedal steel guitar to flugelhorn and flute arrangements, these seasoned players are heading upward. Continue reading The Vagaband, “Medicine For The Soul”
When writing reviews pertinent to various blues bands, I often wonder how one band can surpass the preceding band. However, The Duke Robillard Band is an exemplary that accomplishes the task. Releasing his newest album, Calling All Blues, Duke Robillard has put together an album that is eclectic comprising many genres of the blues. Continue reading Album Review: The Duke Robillard Band’s “Calling All Blues”
Would you like to go to a concert and listen to the music of Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong, the singing of Billie Holiday, and the musical style of Tom Waits all wrapped up in one nicely made package? If so, this is your lucky day listening to the superb music of Davina & The Vagabonds (DATV). Continue reading Album Review: Davina & The Vagabonds’ Sunshine
Has anyone ever heard of The Emperors of Wyoming? If you haven’t, then you will very soon. This is a very unique band made up of four very talented musicians who decided to get together and record an album that was very special, very country, and very rock. This is The Emperors of Wyoming and they have produced something that many will want to hear over and over. Continue reading Album Review – The Emperors of Wyoming
Sunday, January 27th was as normal a day as any, but as most who have had anything to do with music knew, it was Grammy Award night. While watching the show, it was noted that Black Sabbath had been nominated and won a Grammy for Best Heavy Metal Performance for the song, “God is Dead?” Knowing that Black Sabbath had reorganized with the original members I really did not give it much thought except for, “I guess Black Sabbath is at it again.” Having seen them in concert in the early 70’s, the only thought that came in my head was the memory of the loudest music I had ever heard in my life, and as a young teenager, antics from the audience that I was not quite ready for. The idea of someone biting the head off a bat was not so bad compared to how uncontrollable many were in attendance. It was definitely two shows I will never forget, one being the band’s and the other the audience’s. A footnote to the bat incident, I read the bat had its day in court, biting Ozzy first, forcing him to get rabies shots. “Oh well, that’s show biz.” Continue reading Album Review: Black Sabbath’s “13”
1981, as many will remember, was a extraordinary year that Americans will never forget. ”Frankenstein” the Broadway musical, opened and closed in eight weeks, Rita Jenrette, wife of congressman John Jenrette, posed nude in Playboy magazine, and The New York Times published the longest sentence in history, 1286 words. Oh yes, there was one more event of 81. “The Swimming Qs,” the New Wave Atlanta based band, released their first full-length album, “The Deep End.” By far the release of “The Deep End” had a tremendous impact on societies, changing so many lives, tearing down the Berlin Wall, and ending Communism as we knew it. OK, maybe I’m stretching it a bit. However, The Swimming Pool Qs album, ”The Deep End” was a cool collection of New Wave Pop Rock music. In fact, Lou Reed liked the album so much he invited The Swimming Pool Qs to tour with him in 84. Seriously, that really happened. Continue reading Album Reviews – The Swimming Pool Qs, “The A&M Years”
