My word, my word. This is a conglomeration of everything that was good about 70s rock, thrown in with a little country and some punk rock attitude. Take Kiss, Cheap Trick, Rush, and Skynyrd and mix ’em all up good and throw in some Replacements and you get the idea. These guys are tight and loose all at once. They have tremendous chemistry, yet they don’t seem to be too interested in playing the same song the same way twice. Let me tell you what I know about Bohannons:
Eilen Jewell has had a great career, so far. This is Eilen’s ninth studio album (including one EP). This album is a heaping helping of the blues. While Eilen’s prior albums used to stay pretty close to the classic country and vocalist territories, this is the deepest dive into the blues for Jewell, and it is great.(more…)
This is really, really f-in’ good. Wow! If a recording gets a wow from me. That is equivalent to a five out of five stars. I hear a good bit of Creedence Clearwater Revival in the song presentation and cadence of the vocals. Solid songwriting and singing are present throughout Northern Trails. Shawn’s voice is great. Somewhere on the higher end of mid range. The sweet spot. It has plenty of grunge attitude and feeling as well. If Kurt Cobain were alive today, I could envision him releasing an album similar to this.
Another winner at Bloodshot Records. Jon Langford is a living legend. He fronts the iconic British punk band, The Mekons. The Mekons celebrate 40 years together this year. Langford still found the time to make this fine album, Jon Langford’s Four Lost Souls.
Do you ever pine for the days of old time country, rock and roll, and rockabilly but with the sound quality of today? Then pine no more because Love You To Life by Lara Hope & The Ark-Tones is what you have been waiting for. Lara’s voice is gorgeous and very versatile. She can sing both country and western. All kidding aside, Lara’s voice is strong and she can hit notes like a boxer hitting the speed bag. Her sultry voice is perfect for this genre.
Have you ever had a dream that you were in honky tonk heaven? It was not a dream, you were probably listening to the great Charley Crockett. A true student of the game, Charley and his fine, fine band cook up some seriously authentic and high quality honky tonk and foot stompin’ music. Charley makes music that is traditional, but updated with today’s playing and technology.
Sometimes the stars align just right to create magic. And tonight was one of those evenings. It was, well……..magical. I am at a loss for alternate words because magical is the best way to describe the visual and auditory sensations I experienced. Lukas Nelson And The Promise Of The Real are some damn good musicians with a stage presence rivaling the greats. (more…)
This is a list to try to put my arms around what I saw, heard, and experienced at AmericanaFest 2017. I haven’t decided if I am going to add to this list or create a part 2. Either way, there is more music to follow.
I don’t come across many artists in this genre from my hometown of Baltimore, MD. In fact, I can think of two in the past year plus that I have been doing this. This is a very nice country rock album from The Herd. The songs are an easy listen and they are all played and sung with a high level of skill. The band is fronted by songwriter Peter McKibben, who also plays guitar, harmonica, and piano. Other members include his wife Gena McKibben – (Vocals, Guitar, Slide guitar, Pedal Steel, Piano, Mandolin); Corey Zook – (Guitar); Kevin Alban – (Bass); and Lance Smith – (Drums).
Electric, dynamic, and breath taking somewhat describes the performance of Low Cut Connie this evening. Those powerful words are the closest I can get to explain the energy and mood of their performance. To get a true picture of their stage show, you MUST see them live. There are six members of this outfit (formerly five) and to say they captivate the crowd is an understatement of the highest order. They kick more ass than an MMA fighter.
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
Written by Harry Kaplan
