Part listening room, part laid-back, boozy music club, Nashville’s The Basement was the perfect place for me to get to know The Contenders. Featuring two seasoned vets of the music scene–Jay Nash on guitar and Josh Day on drums–the Americana-Folk… Continue Reading
Colorado string band Trout Steak Revival, ambassadors of their home state’s progressive bluegrass scene, descended on Nashville’s City Winery recently to celebrate the unveiling of their now-released album, Spirit To the Sea. The room was configured differently on that special… Continue Reading
Someone wholly uninitiated to the Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real experience will likely have a few questions—Does he sound like Willie? What kind of music do they play? With the blood of country music royalty running through Lukas’s… Continue Reading
It’s important to know where to find great country music sounds in Nashville—and a little hint, it’s not usually on Lower Broadway where cover bands, tradeshow attendees, and bachelorettes sporting recently purchased cowboy boots dwell. Part of me even hesitates… Continue Reading
Can a three-finger bluegrass-styled guy be the perfect match for a clawhammer lady? Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn have been set on proving that their stylistic differences complement instead of clash, and have been doing a darn good job of… Continue Reading
You wouldn’t know from the warmth and comradery inside Mississippi Studios Wednesday night that outside was a typical cold, misty Portland evening. The huddled crowd took up the entire floor and balcony of this amazingly intimate concert hall, all ready… Continue Reading
Taking the Pilgrimage Festival stage by storm, Valerie June played one of the most visceral and exuberant sets of the day. Even in the ninety-plus degree heat, the crowd was moving and grooving from beginning to end with her wit… Continue Reading
Colter Wall has burst onto the Americana music scene recently with the release of his self-titled album, produced by famed Nashville producer Dave Cobb. His music is straightforward roots country and folk, drawing influence from Johnny Cash, Townes Van Zandt,… Continue Reading
Charleston, South Carolina duo Shovels & Rope graced the main stage of Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in Franklin, Tennessee recently and absolutely brought the house down. Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst have a connection and energy that can’t be… Continue Reading
“It’s just me with a guitar and a piano on this tour,” says veteran country-folkster Sean McConnell, who is currently on tour supporting his new acoustic album, Undone, out via Rounder Records. “Maybe I could sell a few more tickets… Continue Reading