Justin Townes Earle’s Unrealized Future
Rolling Stone editor Jonathan Bernstein’s biography of Justin Townes Earle, What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome, is rooted in the quiet devastation of Saint of Lost Causes.
blues
Mike Mattison Turns the Corner at the Midnight Blues
Mike Mattison’s third release as a band leader is a concept album based upon a novella he wrote about a fictional 1930s country blues act, Ted ‘n’ Turk.
Blues Pianist Memphis Slim Had One Hell of a Debut
Gate of Horn highlights a set of new recordings of Memphis Slim’s best tunes, mostly credited to LC. Frazier, one of Slim’s several pseudonyms.
The Jewish Immigrant Song
Jewish immigrants music-saturated synagogues and rich theater, flavored with humor and lament, were a magical formula for the birth of the American Songbook.
Bob Dylan Rings in His Ears
Music theorist Steven Rings helps readers understand Bob Dylan the performer, not the lyricist or songwriter, in a welcome and indispensable addition to Dylan scholarship.
Robert Plant Is Still Enthusiastic About His Discoveries
If you were to stumble into a pub somewhere in Wales late on a rainy evening, Robert Plant’s Saving Grace is precisely what you’d want to hear.
Johnnie Johnson Was an Important Artist in Rock’s Early Years
It has been decades since these Johnnie Johnson’s recordings were made, but the music has a timeless quality. Sometimes we just need to smile and chill.
Tedeschi Trucks Band Create Blissful Blues Power
Tedeschi Trucks Band have been writing the book on how to merge music with family and blues fans have been the beneficiaries.
Luther Dickinson Asks “Who Do You Love” (premiere)
Luther Dickinson is dipping back into the well of his influences with a new solo album of classic blues songs from the Grateful Dead, out on 17 October.
Maria Muldaur Hails Queen Victoria of the Blues
Maria Muldaur’s One Hour Mama is more than just 60 minutes worth of fun; it’s an affecting tribute to a blues queen whose music transcends the limitations of time.
James Cotton Blues Documentary Is Pitch Perfect
Harmonicist blues musician James Cotton was a powerhouse performer, and Bestor Cram’s documentary Bonnie Blues captures his essence with great admiration.
JoBoxers Pull No Punches in This Retrospective Interview
British new wave/ progressive soul band JoBoxers talk with PopMatters about cracking whips at lions and tigers and pulling no punches with their new box set of lost albums.