Tag: roots rock

Uncle Lucius: Live In ’25 At Gruene Hall (Boo Clap Records) – Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

There are a handful of storied concert halls that when performers play there, they know they’ve made it. You’ve got The Ryman, of course, Red Rocks, The Garden, and Gruene Hall. Yes, Gruene Hall in country music circles is the fulcrum of playing music. It’s been around since 1878 and has hosted Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt, Loretta Lynn, Asleep At The Wheel, and too many others to mention them all.1 So to play there and release an album from this storied location is a big deal and Uncle Lucius has played there numerous times. The album cover echoes the importance of this institution because the center of the cover – in a 72 bold font is “Gruene Hall” with a white background. Uncle Lucius and Live in 25 appear bottom center in a smaller font. Nothing else has to be said and no pictures are necessary. A true motion of the utmost respect for this historic musical landmark.

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Shinglers – Hit the Head album cover

Shinglers: Hit The Head! Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

A fine release from Shinglers who hail from Austin, Texas. And it’s Shinglers, no “the.” Clearly, these fellas are very well-schooled in Texas country, rock, and blues music. All the boxes are checked: great vocals, pitch-perfect harmonies, and twang out the wazoo. You can definitely hear very strong flavors of Roy Orbison and Doug Sahm, as well as other Texas music dignitaries. Additionally, there is a strong swig of Tejano music that runs through this album like a main circuit cable, giving it a rich and diverse flavor that pays homage to the region’s musical heritage.

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Jimbo Mathus – Live at the White Water Tavern Vol. 1 album cover

Jimbo Mathus: Live At The White Water Tavern Vol. 1 Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

Jimbo Mathus and company deliver a high-octane, hard-driving release that is pure, unadulterated rock and roll. This album is loud and invigorating, exuding an element of complete destruction that encapsulates the raw energy of live performance. The production quality is outstanding; in fact, without the applause at the end, the listener would never know it was a live album. This speaks volumes about the band’s ability to capture the electrifying atmosphere of their shows, allowing fans to get a taste of that energy even when listening from home.

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Love Rat – Southern Shaman album cover

Love Rat: Southern Shaman Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

Birmingham’s Love Rat delivers an album that continues the rich history of Alabama’s irreverent and raucous brand of southern rock in the tradition of The Drive By Truckers and The Dexateens. Throughout its tracks, the band deftly navigates the nuances of the human experience, tackling love, laughter, and the occasional foibles. The musicianship on Southern Shaman is on display, showcasing the individual talents of each member. Mandi Rae Trott brings her unique flavor to rhythm guitar and vocals, setting a rich foundation for the songs. Warren Amos’s lead guitar work adds a layer of emotional depth, while Jon Breland’s bass provides a steady heartbeat throughout the album. The driving force of Brant Benefield’s drums and percussion propels the music forward, creating an infectious energy that is hard to resist.

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Dry Lightning – Bathymetry album cover

Dry Lightning: Bathymetry Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

There are a few certainties in life: death, taxes, and if Patrick Storedahl is working on a musical project, it’s going to be great. Whether it’s solo work or collaborations, they are all top-notch. His latest project, Dry Lightning, is no different. I’m absolutely dumbfounded by how infectious and just flat-out beautiful this album is. Kate Masterson, the lead vocalist, has an amazing voice that is major label worthy. That’s no exaggeration. Kate wrote or co-wrote, with Patrick Storedahl, all of the songs on this release. All songs are crafted with the utmost precision. Many genres are represented on Bathymetry, from country to rock, rhythm and blues, and 90’s alternative, which creates a rich tapestry of sound.

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It may have started from a whisper but this release is so damn good I want to shout about it from the rooftop! It has been a long while since my last review so I wanted to start off with something special and something great. Check, check. This is both of those things. I don’t know a lot about Shippee but what I do know is that he is an artist from Northern Minnesota and music is only a part time endeavor. Other than that, I know very little so that is a good opportunity to just focus on the music.

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Jason Isbell Reunions album cover

Reviewed by Mae Hunt

Listening to Jason Isbell’s Reunions will inevitably leave you feeling nostalgic, but with an urge to rock out nonetheless. Backed by his band, the 400 Unit, the 10-track album mirrors Isbell’s own personal challenges while providing listeners with meticulously produced country rock music. Isbell has won four Grammys (out of four nominations!) and two UK Americana awards (out of two nominations!) – so the success of Reunions does not surprise me. Nonetheless, the Alabama singer has struck gold yet again on his seventh album. 

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