Music Dispatch Archives
Rare Tommy Talton Acoustic Trio Videos
The Tommy Talton Band is one of the best groups playing today. The former partner of Scott read more...
There's No Other Like ZZ Top
Sometimes I find myself taking ZZ Top for granted, and that just ain't right. I need to say more good things about that "Little Ol' Band from Texas" that has been a part of my musical landscape since the read more...
Bloodkin: Working Class Heroes
Bloodkin: Working Class Heroes 1/3/09 …
Ean Evans of Lynyrd Skynyrd Diagnosed with Cancer
We are sad to report the news that Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans has been diagnosed with cancer.. We received word today from both band members, friends and fans. While we do not read more...
Night Before The Bloodkin Show with Daniel Hutchens
Night Before The Bloodkin Show with Daniel Hutchens 1/2/09 Tomorrow night
Delaney's Funeral is Tomorrow
Our friend Delaney Bramlett will be buried tomorrow morning. The funeral will be held at Liberty Hall at Forest Lawn in Los Angeles, California (90068) on Friday morning, January 2, 2009 at 11 AM. GRITZ reporter Sonny Edwards will be attending and will post a guest read more...
Merle Haggard Beats Lung Cancer
Merle Haggard Beats Cancer & Plans Rare Tour 1/1/09 Bright news on the first day of the year... Seven weeks ago
All You Need is Love: Happy New Year from GRITZ
As we move into the new year, I am filled with HOPE and OPTIMISM that I have not felt in several years. Yes, I voted for Obama. Yes, I feel he is our best hope for positive change. And yes, I pray that I am right. With that hope tucked snugly into my heart, and a big read more...
Taking a Lesson from The Fat Man for 2009: Fats Domino and the Courage to Go On
Sunday night I watched the public television premiere of the documentary Fats Domino— Wallkin' Back to New Orleans. I found in that film a message of hope and inspiration for all of us for the coming read more...
Atlanta's Dust To Digital Earns Two Grammy Nominations
Dust To Digital Up For Two Grammy Awards 12/30/08 February’s Annual Grammy Nominations finds Lance Ledbetter’s
Bluesman Robert Ward Dead at 70
Bluesman Robert Ward RIP 12/28/08 Blues guitarist Robert Ward died on Christmas Day at his home near Macon, Georgia. Ward played with the read more...
Delaney Bramlett Dead at 69
Legendary singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer Delaney Bramlett died early Saturday morning, December 27, 2008 at 4:55 a.m. at the age of 69. Delaney passed away in a Los Angeles read more...
The Drive By Truckers Prep For A Busy 2009
The Drive By Truckers Plan For A Busy 2009 12/27/08 Athens, Georgia’s own
Delaney Bramlett: The Death of a Southern Legend
It with a heavy heart that I post the sad news of the passing of a Southern Music Legend. The great Delaney Bramlett has lost his fight against the forces of read more...
Widespread Panic's New Year's Eve Bash
Georgia Homeboys Bring 2009 Into Denver 12/26/08 Unlike previous years where they play New Year's Eve shows in Atlanta, this read more...
The Black Crowes Recording New Album At Levon Helm's Barn
The Black Crowes Recording New Album In Front of Live Audience At Helm's Barn 12/23/08
Swampland's Legends of Southern Rock
Hey gang, check out our Swampland Legends of Southern Rock Series. We are always adding new bands and updating the existing pages, which chronicle the histories of these awesome bands and link to various articles and interviews within GRITZ. Phone the neighbors, wake the read more...
On The Killing Floor With Bloodkin
On The Killing Floor With Bloodkin 12/22/08 "I stole the kisses When the bride was young With a razor blade
Alvin Ailey, Otis Redding--and Fifty Golden Years!
I recently returned from taking a very small bite out of a very big apple. I traveled to New York City this past weekend with my daughter and a longtime friend to experience Christmas in the city and to attend read more...
Cameron Crowe, The Allman Brothers and Me: A Defining Moment from 1973
It was during this week 35 years ago that Cameron Crowe had his first cover story published in Rolling Stone magazine. It was a cover story read more...
The Soul And Songs of Dennis Linde
The Soul And Songs of Dennis Linde 12/19/08 Born in Abilene, Texas in 1943, Dennis Linde ranks as one of the most insightful songwriters read more...
In Tree Sound Studios With Ike Stubblefield
In Tree Sound Studios with Ike Stubblefield 12/17/08 Monday I spent the afternoon with the great keyboard wizard
The Best Releases of 2008
We are happy to present what we feel are the very best album releases of the past year. Please let us know what you think. Buffalo
The Angelus Superlatives of 2008
THE ANGELUS SUPERLATIVES 2008 It has become a tradition. Each year, I pick the people I feel were mowt outstanding in certain areas during that wonderful event known as The Angelus Charlie Daniels Celebrity Golf & Country Concert event, kind read more...
The B-3 Sounds of Ike Stubblefield
The B-3 Sounds of Ike Stubblefield: Atlanta’s Resident Keys Expert 12/12/08 I first met
Buffalo Roaming: The Angelus Rocked
My buddy Scott Greene and I had been talking about our annual pilgrimage to The Angelus for months. he was about as excited about it as I was. after all, it is too much fun every single year. This would be Scott’s fourth trip and my eighth. We headed out in read more...
Angelus 2008 Photos: Day One
DAY ONE... Photos by Buffalo, Scott Greene, Tom Bell, Mike Proctor and The Nice Guy Who Gave Me The Disc, Please read more...
Angelus 2008 Photos: Day Two
DAY TWO...
Angelus 2008 Photos: Day Three, Part One
Photos by Buffalo, Scott Greene, Tom Bell, Mike Proctor and The Nice Guy Who Gave Me The Disc, Please send me your name! BACKSTAGE FUN read more...
Angelus 2008 Photos: Day Three, Part Two
Photos by Buffalo, Scott Greene, Tom Bell, Mike Proctor and The Nice Guy Who Gave Me The Disc, Please send me your name!
A Glimpse Into Mystery & Manners' Chuck Leavell Interview
Leavell Reveals New Website & Christmas Plans 12/10/08 Recently I interviewed Georgia tree farmer and Rolling Stones keyboardist
Excerpt #4 From Stanley Booth Interview Series Volume 1: Otis Redding
Excerpt #4 From Stanley Booth Interview Series Volume 1: Otis Redding 12/08/08 In Excerpt #4 Booth discusses his career after learning the read more...
Marc Ford's 2008 Neptune Blues Club Interview
In Through The Out Door To Marc Ford's Neptune Blues Club 12/7/08 Pearl Harbor Day...It's cold and clear here in Atlanta. Two days read more...
Buffalo Roaming: Back from The Angelus, Worn Slap Out
Well friends, I am back home. The Angelus this year was filled with emotion, saddness, happiness, spirit, soul, love and tons of great music. I am just spent. I have never been more worn out, But I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I hope to have the whole detailed read more...
PTSD--Post Thanksgiving Stress Disorder
Well, here we are. Thanksgiving has come and gone, the carcass has been picked (in more ways than one), the leftovers frozen, the hangovers have been medicated with the hair of the dog, and families continue to perpetuate the myth that
Mystery And Manners' Top 25 Releases of 2008
Mystery And Manners’ Top 25 2008 Releases 12/5/08 Here’s a list (in no specific rank or order) of Mystery And Manners’ top 25 releases of 2008. The category includes new releases, DVDs, books, re-issues and relevant CDs that read more...
Angelus Event Begins On a Somber Note; Another Friend Gone
I am deeply saddened to announce that another dear nusician friend has passed away. Our good friend Kerry Creasy, bassist for Tommy Crain and the Crosstown Allstars, passed away during the night from a heart attack. Kerry's final show was nothing short of spiritual. He, read more...
Delaney Bramlett To Undergo Intense Surgery Thursday
Hi Guys. Delaney Bramlett's wife Susan just posted this on his website. Please keep Delaney in your thoughts and prayers. From: Delaney Bramlett Date: Dec 3, 2008 12:20 AM
On The Road to Angelus; Warren Haynes Xmas Jam Anniversary Feature
The Buffalo is ready to roam once again. My friend Scott and I head out tommorow in the direction of Tampa Bay. The annual Angelus benefit begins on Thursday, and it should be a stone gas. I'll be covering every minute of it for SWAMPLAND. Please check back each day for breaking read more...
In Memory of Bear Sauls, Eric Quincy Tate
Our old friend Wayne "Bear" Sauls, guitarist for Eric Quincy Tate, passed away at 12:04 am, November 26, 2008 due to existing health complications. Bear was 60.
December's Children
Mystery And Manners Dispatch: Notes on News, December’s Children and Into 2009 11/30/08 I hope everyone enjoyed read more...
Southern Rockers Come Together To Help Others in North Carolina
Well, it's that time of year again. The time when we stop to give thanks for our lives, our health and family and friends. It's a perfect time to reflect on the recent benefit show put together by some big hearted people in North Carolina, including GRITZ friends Darlene "Ms. read more...
Excerpt 2 From Stanley Booth Interview Series Vol 1: Otis Redding
Excerpt 2 From Vol 1 of Mystery And Manners' Stanley Booth Interview Series 11/23/08 In continuation of
Buffalo Roaming: Jimmy Hall, Jonell Mosser and T. Graham Brown in Georgia
It was a beautiful day for a drive. I aimed the Honda in the general direction of Atlanta. It seems like I have to go through Atlanta to get to any destination. If I were going to New York, I’d probably still have to go through Atlanta. But why would I want to go to New York read more...
Excerpt From Stanley Booth Interview Series Vol. 1: Otis Redding
Excerpt From Mystery And Manners' Stanley Booth Interview Series Volume 1 11/22/08 Tonight I thought I'd include a small excerpt from read more...
Buffalo Roaming Again; Check Out Jimmy Herring
Greetings, sports fans. Looks like the ol' Buffalo is roaming again. Heading down to Georgia for what promises to be a stellar evening of r&b and Southern Rock with Jimmy Hall and T. Graham Brown. Meanwhile, might I suggest you check out an interview by my pal James read more...
Time to Cowboy Up
Yeeee hah! Legacy Recordings celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Finals Rodeo with an absolutely killer boxed set of cowboy songs, old and new. This one really brought back memories of my old Roy Rogers guitar, playing in the back yard with my little black read more...
The Black Crowes In Birmingham
The Black Crowes Play The Historic Alabama Theatre 11/16/08 A few notes on last night's Black Crowes show... The Alabama read more...
The Fearless Youth of Taylor Swift
Okay, I was skeptical at first. I have never really been one to jump on the band wagon of the latest "teen idol." Well, I have come close, especially if she's cute. But after due consideration and several spins of her new CD, I have found that country music's read more...
Billy Bob and The Boxmasters On The Road Again with Willie Nelson
I just got word from Billy Bob Thornton's folks that The Boxmasters will hit the road with
Silver Travis Set to Release Second Album
I am really stoked about the upcoming sophomore release by the Silver Travis Band. I have been listening to all the various takes for well over a year, and it has shaped up to be one fantastic record. The old boys from Spartanburg, SC even managed to bring two original members read more...
Stanley Booth Reports On William Eggleston Photo Show in New York City
Stanley Booth Returns From New York City 11/13/08 I spoke with Stanley Booth this read more...
It Wasn't Your Daddy's CMA Awards Show!
I could hardly wait to watch the 42nd Annual CMA Awards on the boob tube last night. Airing from Music City and hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, the three-hour extravaganza featured performances by great country artists like The Eagles, Kid Rock, The Wailers and the guy read more...
CMA Awards are Rockin'
I am watching the CMA Awards on TV, and Lady Antebellum just burned up the stage with what, by all accounts, was a blazing Southern Rock performance. I am making a lot of notes, and tomorrow I will be writing about the show, the music, and the current face of country music. Oh, read more...
Cora Mae Bryant RIP (1926-2008)
Swampland Pays Tribute To A Blues Pioneer 11/12/08 Swampland/Mystery And Manners would like to pay tribute to the great read more...
Going to the Dogs
After all the seriousness of the last few weeks, I decided a little levity was in order. I hope reading this blog does you as much good as writing it did for me. In August of this year, our fourteen year old Labrador, who had been suffering with respiratory problems for read more...
Remembering Berry Oakley
"Oakley and I were both young adults when we met, and we were both still searching for our style of playing. He had so much insight and vision. I was playing night clubs, and I was making what would be the equivalent now of about $3000 a week. Back then it was about $600 a read more...
Classic Photos: Mark Emerick and BHLT
Once upon a time there was an absolutely killer Southern Rock band called BHLT, made up of Dickey Betts, Jimmy Hall, Chuck Leavell and Butch Trucks, along with "Rook" Goldflies on bass and Danny Parks on fiddle. I have heard several boots of these guys, as well as read more...
The Mudcrutch Story
The Mudcrutch Story Airs Tonight 11/11/08 Today Tom Petty's band read more...
Australia Rocks Classic Bonnie Bramlett Collection
I am such a lucky cat. Seriously. I have been loving Delaney and Bonnie ever since Junior High, and I still find it hard to believe just how nice both of them are. I met
Buffalo Interviewed By Canadian Author
We are proud as a peacock that fellow author and journalist Ziana Bethune of Canada asked us for an exclusive interview after we met on Facebook. Ziana did a bang up job, and I wish to personally thank her for the cyber ink. She asked a lot of questuins I had not been asked read more...
Notes From A Fall Saturday Afternoon
"May this shovel Loose your trouble, Lay them far away..." read more...
Back To The Island
Swampland/Mystery And Manners Travel To St. Simons Island for Cultural Celebration 11/02/08 "Odds and ends, odds and ends,
The Best of The Allman Brothers Band
Time once again for another GRITZ List. We are happy to present our latest ,The 25 Best Songs by The Allman Brothers Band. Check out the list and by all means let us know what you think. It was really read more...
Charlie Daniels Kicks it Bluegrass Style
Today was a great day. After a few days of downright cold winter-like weather, the sun returned, we hit 72 degrees and all was well in the world. But before trhe temp went up, I decided to get up early watch the new
Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section Inducted into Hall of Fame
Huge congratulations go out to my friends in the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section who were inducted into The Musician's Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening in Nashville. Here is a link to a great read more...
Still Missing Duane Allman, 37 Years Later
We lost one of the very best guitar players of the Southern Rock era on this day (October 29th) back in 1971. Virtually every true blue Southern Rock fan knows that brother Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident just months after the release of everybody's favorite read more...
Henry Paul and The Outlaws: The GRITZ Interview
Happy Tuesday. Tonight I am very pleased to present my long awaited interview with the one amd only Henry Paul. Henry, the country fried element of The Outlaws, founder of The Henry Paul Band and read more...
Buffalo's Soap Box: The Economy, The Election and Stealing Music
I'm stepping back up onto my reinforced industrial strength Soap Box. You have been warned. Something has to be done. No matter who becomes the president in a few days, there is a huge task ahead. The economy has never been so bad, at least in my life time. It seems read more...
GRITZ Movie Reviews: Saw V, Pride & Glory, W., Max Payne
SAW V OUR STORY SO FAR: After four films, the psycho king of torture devices known as Jigsaw is dead, but he has left read more...
Our Henry Paul Interview is On The Way
This week I finally had my long awaited interview with the one and only Henry Paul. and let me just tell you guys, it was well worth the wait. At a hefty hour and a half, it includes a lot of first person stories from Henry about the beginnings of
Swampland Hosts Georgia-Florida Bash
Swampland/Mystery And Manners Hosts Pre-Georgia-Florida Football Outing 10/22/08 On October 31, Swampland/Mystery And Manners read more...
Cowboy Bassist George Clark Passes Away in Florida
Southern Rock bassist George Clark has passed away. I received word from band mate Tommy Talton this afternoon. I don't have any details yet, but apparently George was found dead this morning. read more...
Charlie Tatman is One Darn Good Rebel Rocker
Sometimes I just get crazy over a new record. Such is the case with the new album Free and Easy, by rebel rocker Charlie Tatman. Man oh man, if you dig Southern Rock and country friend rock, you must hear this guy. Check out
Thirty One Years Ago Tonight: Remembering Ronnie Van Zant and Co.
Every year at this time, my mind goes back to The Greenville Memorial Auditorium, 1977. It was 31 years ago tonight. As I type, it is 7:30 PM, and I remember it like it was yesterday. I was so excited at the age of 20 to be attending a concert by one of my favorite rock bands. I was read more...
Filmmakers in the South: Spotlight on Alabama
This week I would like to celebrate southern filmmakers, particularly those who hail from Alabama or who have made films about Alabama. One of these outstanding
Widespread Panic News
Athens, Georgia Heroes Continue To Amaze 10/15/08 Yesterday I interviewed
Leanin' Toward Bama with Funky Donnie Fritts
A couple of months ago when I was down in Huntsville, Alabama for Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters, I got to spend a little time with Muscle Shoals songwriting legend Donnie Fritts. We made plans to do a big GRITZ interview, and just as I was about to interview Donnie, I heard read more...
This Evening's Stanley Booth Call
The Latest News From Writer Stanley Booth 10/13/08 This evening I received a call from my old friend
October Skies
"All that we see
Spinning Darius Rucker's Hootie New Country Album
There was a bar here in Greenville for a number of years called Al's Pumphouse, and they always had some good music going on. Everything from Toy Caldwell to Tinsley Ellis, a 12-year old Derek Trucks and an up an coming band out of Columbia called Hootie and The Blowfish, who would read more...
One Magic Night at The Bowery with Alabama, Summer of 1975
The summer of 1975 was a good one for me. I turned 18 on June 24th. I had just finished eleventh grade, and I was ready for a great summer leading into my senior year. I remember buying a lot of great records that year,
Southern Rockers in North Carolina to Stage Big Benefit Concert
The following story was sent in by GRITZ reader and friend Darlene Fields, a Southern Rock kind of gal who works as an EMS worker on North Carolina. It's a story with a lot of heart. Check it out. -Buffalo Our Story begins with
An Evening with The Black Crowes
The Black Crowes Return To Atlanta for Hometown Show 10/06/08 The Black Crowes played to a hometown crowd last night in Atlanta's Verizon read more...
Vintage GRITZ Interviews Unearthed; Jimmy Farrar and Randall Hall
I spent a few hours today digging through the GRITZ archives. There are still quite a few interviews and articles I'd like to reintroduce via SWAMPLAND. I was happy when I ran
So Caught Up In 38 Special
I could listen to "So Caught Up in You" every single day of my life, and never get tired of it. There are just certain songs like that with me. "Layla" is another one, and so is "American Pie" and "Ramblin' Man." 38 Special have been read more...
Bob Dylan's Tell Tale Signs
Honorary Southern Artist Bob Dylan's New Bootleg Series Volume 8 10/03/08 This week
The Elusive Legend of Robert Johnson
New Curses & Clues on The Legend of Robert Johnson 10/02/08 This in-depth
The Black Crowes Return Home
The Black Crowes Return To Atlanta For A Sunday Service 10/02/08 Three weeks ago, Atlanta's own
Big & Rich Rock My Monday Night; Jimmy Farrar Health Update
As I write this little ol' blog, I am tapping my number 13's on the hard wood floor, watching Big & Rich in concert on Direct TV and they are just ripping it up. Dang I love them guys. They combine elements of country, Southern Rock, classic rock and anything else that fits into read more...
Buffalo's Lost Weekend: Toy Caldwell Still Rules
Apologies for skipping a day posting. I have been battling a nasty case of food poisoning the entire weekend, and am just now getting over it. I'll be back tomorrow. Meanwhile, enjoy this great video from my old friend Toy Caldwell. Keep it Real. Keep it read more...
Conversation with Stanley Booth
A Conversation with Southern Scribe Stanley Booth 9/27/08 When things get weird, I always call my old friend
There's Nothing Some Skynyrd Can't Cure
Hi Gang. It's been some kind of day. It all began at 345 AM when I got up and drove from Greenville to Charlotte, NC to put my wife on a plane to Hawaii, where she will be spending the next month with our daughter Hannah, whose baby is due at any moment now. (Yes, the first read more...
38 Special and Trace Adkins Join Forces
Country superstar Trace Adkins' new music video finds him live in duet with 38 Special on their classic
Touching Base with Johnny Sandlin
I had a nice phone conversation with Johnny Sandlin read more...
New Johnny Cash Recording & Documentary Set For Release
New Documentary Airs October 23 9/25/08 A new read more...
Swampland Celebrates Delaney & Bonnie & Friends
Greetings, fellow babies I have just completed our latest "Six Degrees of Swampland" page, this one dedicated to Delaney & Bonnie and Friends! It's your ultimate guide to the dynamic duo read more...
Special Edition of Magazine Features Great Southern Rock Articles
Heads up, Southern Rock fans. There’s a magazine out on the stands right now that you are going to want. It’s called Guitar Legends, and the issue is called “The Complete History
Randall Bramblett Performs Before Georgia vs. Alabama Football Game
Randall Bramblett performs Before UGA vs. UA Football Clash 9/23/08 Bruce read more...
Earl Palmer 1924-2008
Legendary Drummer Passes Away 9/23/08 Legendary New Orleans drummer Earl Palmer died yesterday at 83. Palmer played drums on sessions for Fats read more...
Elvin Bishop Week at GRITZ: The Interview, The New Album, and The FREE Music Download
I have been diggin' the music of Elvin Bishop for a lot of years, especially his records during the Capricorn era. It was quite a rush today to speak with Elvin for his first ever GRITZ interview, and relive the good ol' days and talk about his hot new album, The Blues Rolls read more...
Legendary Carolina Blues Man Nappy Brown, Dead at 78
Back during the 80's and 90's, I must have seen Nappy Brown play his show a dozen times, always backed by some of our best local musicians, many of them friends of mine. He was a hell of a performer, and I enjoyed meeting and talking with him almost as much as I enjoyed watching him read more...
Frankie Toler Hositalized, Needs Your Thoughts and Prayers
I just received word that Dave "Frankie" Toler is in the hospital in Sarasota, Florida and in need of your support and prayers. He's been fighting Hep-C for around 20 years and it's now at it's worst. He may be months away from a possible liver transplant but the doctors read more...
2008 Georgia Music Hall of Fame Evening
All-Star Cast Shines at Georgia Music Hall of Fame Ceremony 9/21/08 What an evening...
GRITZ News Items: Americana Rocks, Shaver, Hayes Carll, FAME and Skynyrd
LEVON HELM NAMED AMERICANA ARTIST OF THE YEAR The 7th Annual Americana Music Honors and Awards show took place on Thursday (Sept. 18) in Nashville at the Mother Church of Country Music, The Ryman Auditorium. Wish I could have been there. It’s read more...
T-Bone Burnett At Work
T-Bone Burnett's Latest Ongoings 9/18/08 This
Buffalo Roaming: Back Home to Spartanburg with My Buddy Tom
Monday was a Spartanburg kind of day. My friend Tom Whitten, originally of Boston, currently working out of Cleveland, flew down for a day and a half visit, and we made a serious day of it. You could say it was a “Marshall Tucker Band Day.”
Former Marshall Tucker Band Bassist and Guitarist Operate New Recording Studio
People are always asking me, have you seen Tim Lawter and Rusty Milner? Well, now I can say "Yes, and they are both doing really well." I drove over to beautiful downtown Inman, SC last week to meet with long time Marshall Tucker Band bassist Tim Lawter in the newly read more...
Chuck Leavell Praises Widespread Panic
Chuck Leavell Praises Widespread Panic 9/14/08 In my interview with the great
Amanda Martin is The Real Deal
I first heard Amanda Martin sing earlier this month when we shared a stage while appearing at the High Lonesome Saloon in Rome, Georgia, and I knew then that she is a star in the making. She is bursting read more...
Another MuzikMafia Star is About to Go Supernova - James Otto
James Otto is the bomb. He's Donnie and he's Marie. He's a read more...
Phil White RIP
Phil White RIP 9/10/08 I'd like to take this time to put up an obituary Frank Gutch wrote. Frank contributes periodically to Swampland, and read more...
Rebel Plays "In Your Face" Southern Rock
I have just heard the future of Heavy Southern Rock, and it goes by the name Rebel. This four-man band, based in and around Anderson, SC, read more...
A Conversation with Chuck Leavell
Upcoming Interview with Chuck Leavell 9/9/08 A couple of hours ago, I conducted an interview with the legendary
Bo Bice is Proud to Be Called a Southern Rocker: The GRITZ Interview
Back in 2005, I had developed a somewhat passing interest in the American Idol TV show. It was a guilty pleasure to be sure. I blame it on Kelly Clarkson who had won me over in the first season, so I kind of continued to watch here and there. At the same time the new season read more...
Buffalo Roaming: In Rome with Tommy Talton, Tommy Crain and More
DATELINE: September 6, 2008 We set sail for Rome, Georgia on a beautiful Carolina day, with the iPod pumping some good tunes to help make the drive to Atlanta more palatable. The haul down I-85 was cool, and Jill and I were rocking out the read more...
Buffalo Set To Roam to Rome: Random Notes on College Football and Sugarland
Well, tomorrow will find the Buffalo roaming once again. This time Jill and I are heading back tio The High Lonesone Saloon in Rome, Georgia, where I will once again be wearing two hats. Not only will I read more...
New Candy Coburn Video Pays Tribute to George McCorkle
Up and coming country music sensation Candy Coburn has released a new music video of her version of "Fire On The Mountain," and the great thing about it is that it is a duet with the late
Marc Ford and the Neptune Blues Club
Another Transmission From The Great Marc Ford 9/3/08 We've missed each other's messages for the past couple of days, but I finally spoke with read more...
Memories of Jerry Reed
Sadly, we have lost another old friend of GRITZ. Country music star, songwriter and actor Jerry Reed died on August 31, 2008 at the age of 71 of complications from emphysema. I first discovered Reed as a teenager when I was dreaming of being the next superstar disc read more...
Jerry Reed RIP 1937-2008
Georgia Legend Dies At 71 9/2/08 Legendary Georgia musician Jerry Reed passed away over the Labor Day weekend. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Reed read more...
Rhythm Pigs Pass Through Town
My Labor Day weekend kicked off with a bang. I got a call from my old buddy Timmy Fodrey telling me that his band The Rhythm Pigs would be playing in my town of Greenville, SC on Friday night. Now normally, I end up seeing or read more...
Another Day In Pursuit of the Story
Another Day In Pursuit of the Story 8/27/08 Yesterday proved interesting.
Randall Bramblett Week Continues: The GRITZ Interview
It is a special day here at Swampland.com. I finally got the Randall Bramblett interview I have wanted to get for several years now, and just in time to promote his excellent new read more...
Volunteer Jam Tour 2008 Wraps Up With Surprise Appearance By The Outlaws
The 2008 Volunteer Jam tour wrapped up on August 15th in Alpharetta, Georgia. This year's dates featured hosts The Charlie Daniels Band, along with 38 Special, Shooter Jennings, and a special appearance by The Outlaws at the final show. The Volunteer Jam started in read more...
Back from the Blue Ridge
Just a quick note to say that I have been "on the road" for the past five days, and I have lots of exciting adventures and observations to share in the coming weeks. Although I have traveled extensively in the continental US and in Central America and abroad, this was my read more...
Paul Hemphill's Fall Tour
Atlanta Writer Paul Hemphill's New Book Tour 8/26/08
Randall Bramblett Week Kicks Off at Swampland.com
Hi guys. I hope you will check out my review of the new CD from Randall Bramblett, Now It's Time. It is a cooker. Randall recently had a big
Billy Bob Thornton and Chris Robinson Jammed with Levon Helm Last Night in Woodstock
I just heard from Billy Bob Thornton's folks that BBT had a great time in Woodstock last night (August 23, 2008), playing with The Boxmasters and jamming with
Diggin' The Fiddleworms
Sometimes I just love my job. Especially when I get to hear music that is so fresh it makes me run to the bathroom and splash cold water on my face just to make sure I ain't dreaming. Dick Cooper sent me the newest masterwork by Muscle Shoals band The Fiddleworms, and boy read more...
The Tao of Willie
The Tao of Willie 8/23/08 "He's a carved-in-granite-samurai warrior Gypsy guitar-pickin' wild man with a heart as big as Texas and the read more...
The Very Best of The Marshall Tucker Band
I will never forget the first time I heard the music of The Marshall Tucker Band. Not only were they a blend of every kind of music I loved, from blues to country rock to jazz, they were from my read more...
GRITZ Movie Reviews: Tropic Thunder, Mirrors and Clone Wars
TROPIC THUNDER Ben Stiller has delivered his most creative, funniest film ever. I laughed so hard I thought my head would blow off. read more...
Southern Rock's Defining Moments: The Sweet 16
Well, we are down to the final sixteen entries in the 100 Defining Moments in the History of Southern Rock. Please be sure to add a comment and let me know if you agree or not, and how many of you guessed read more...
Dick Cooper Remembers His Friend Jerry Wexler
We at GRITZ are extremely honored to present our second guest blog from Alabama writer/photographer/music mogul Dick Cooper. This time, it is personal, as Cooper writes from the heart about the late Jerry read more...
Video: Jerry Wexler On Bob Dylan
In our continuing salute to legendary record producer
Alabama Rules: From Blue-Eyed Soul to Soulful Blues
My friend Deryle Perryman, native of Florence and resident of Albuquerque, recently returned from the Porretta Soul Festival in
From Athens, Georgia To Jerry Wexler
From Athens, Georgia To Jerry Wexler: A Feast of Friends… 8/16/08 There’s not much time to write this read more...
Southern Music's Best Friend, Jerry Wexler Has Died at 91
Jerry Wexler was rock and roll. He was also rhythm and blues. Oh, and Southern rock. Oh, yeah, Wex was a huge fan of Southern music of all sorts, and of the key architects in the history of music over the past 50 years. He was instrumental in helping Phil Walden read more...
Friday Afternoon with Edwin McCain
August 15, 2008 The Bohemian Cafe in Greenville, SC is just a couple of miles from my house. It is in the same building with Horizon Records, and they are always having good music in there. read more...
The Adam MacDougall Interview
Mystery And Manners Interview with Black Crowes Keyboardist 8/13/08 I'd like to direct your attention to my interview with The Black Crowes' read more...
The Kids are Alright
It has been a summer to remember, to be sure. Lots of good music, movies and fun. But the most important thing that took place this summer in my life involved my two children, Ben and Hannah. Well, technically, they are my step-children, but since I have been a part of their lives read more...
More Southern Rock History, From "Stompin Room Only" to "Highway Call"
You asked for it, you got it! The next ten entries in our ongoing series, The 100 Defining Moments in Southern Rock History,
Barbeque is Not a Verb: A Musical Tribute To Southern BBQ
There's nothing us Southerners like more than barbeque. Football comes close, as does Southern Rock, NASCAR, professional wrestling and cold beer, but when all is said and done, the pork will always rise to the top. Well, some guys from read more...
RIP Isaac Hayes
Soul Legend Passes Away Today 8/10/08 Soul legend Isaac Hayes died today at 65. Hayes played a vital role in the
Check Out Chuck Leavell in Mystery & Manners
Just a note to anyone who has not yet discovered to full scope of SWAMPLAND.COM. James Calemine writes some mighty groovy articles in his Mystery & Manners section of the Swamp, and I just had to point you all to a great new piece on our buddy Chuck Leavell. read more...
The 80 Miles Between Athens & Atlanta
Mystery And Manners Highlights Athens and Atlanta, Georgia 8/9/08 Once again, I’d like to shine a read more...
Random Notes: Beijing, Bernie Mac and New Music
Well the Summer Olympics are underway in Beijing, and I watched a good bit of the opening ceremony last night on the boob tube. While some of it bored me to tears, I must admit that the show was filled with grandeur and color, especially during the march of the nations, with various read more...
Swampland's Billy Bob Index Page Updated with New Videos
Hi guys. Our Six Degrees of Swampland: Billy Bob Thornton page has been heavily updated with the new music video from The Boxmasters (#17 on the Americana Charts this week) "The Poor House," read more...
Buffalo Roaming: Alabama Trip Wrap Up and Linkage
This past week was a real blast for me. Every time i visit Alabama I feel surrounded by friends, and its a great feeling. From the visit to Penne’s river home on Thursday and seeing Billy C. Farlow, to the two days with Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters and the awesome read more...
Widespread Congratulations To Our Own James Calemine
I'd like to personally congratulate my friend and fellow Swampland writer James Calemine. Widespread Panic read more...
Widespread Induction & Where The Buffalo Roam
Mystery And Manners’ Newsworthy Stories of The Day 8/6/08 …Widespread Induction & Where The Buffalo Roam…
Dick Cooper's Photos From Cooperpalooza
I am still reeling from the long weekend and the great party at Dick Cooper's on Sunday. I thought we'd share some of Cooper's photos, as he is a true pro with a camera. Check 'em out.
Buffalo Roaming: Day Four, Cooper's Party
What a great weekend. Sunday morning, I woke up and went downstairs for one of those great made to order omelets at the Hilton. The lady there is one helluva cook, and my grits were damn near perfect too. I sucked back four cups of coffee. It wasn’t
The Dog Star Rages and Leos Roar
It is August and the dog days of summer are upon us. The ancient Romans noticed that the hottest days of the year, late July and early August, coincided with the appearance of
Buffalo Roaming: Day Three with Billy Bob and Me
As a part of my “no sleeping allowed” policy, I got up at 8:30, after sitting up talking to my buddy Sonny Edwards until late - thirty. Let me see, I went to bed at 3:30, so that was my five hours. Not my usual quota.
Buffalo Roaming: Day Two, Billy Bob and The Boys in Huntsville
Penne woke me up at 5 a.m. Apparently, people on the river are early birds. I mumbled and grumbled and she made a pot of Boxmasters coffee, then cooked some good Southern breakfast, eggs and bacon, grain toast and fresh fruit, the blueberries were awesome.
Buffalo Roaming: Day One, Down By The Lazy River in Bamalama
Well, after seven hours of driving, two torrential storms and one near death experience, I find myself in the comfort of a beautiful two story home on the Elk River (which feeds into the Tennessee River down the road a ways as a matter of fact), sitting comfotably read more...
Buffalo Roaming to Alabama
Well, the Buffalomobile is all gassed up (only $49 at Wal-Mart) and I am ready to head out on my big Alabama adventure tomorrow morning. It's going to be a long hot drive, to be sure, but I am sure it will be a large time. Tomorrow I get to meet fellow Swamplander read more...
Ten More Defining Moments in Southern Rock History
Did any of you see Gregg Allman in the movie Rush? He played a drug dealing king pin, and a pretty spooky character. That movie disturbed me more that ten Stephen King flicks, because it was so real. That's why Gregg's role in the movie made our list of
Friends of New Orleans Performances
Friends of New Orleans Presents Tipitina’s Foundation Five Year Anniversary 7/29/08 An All-Star lineup will perform two read more...
Southern Musicians Under California Skies
Southern Musicians Under Southern Skies and Other News 7/26/08 News about
Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend, Mickie Wofford
I just received some sad news. An old friend and former band mate of mine, Michael "Mickie" Wofford, died on July 24th.. Mickie, who lived in Landrum, SC, was 44. I have nothing but happy memories of Mickie. When I met him, he was playing in a local read more...
Still More of The Defining Moments in Southern Rock History
Hi guys. My apologies for the two days of down time. We experienced a problem with our DSL internet service that virtually crippled the GRITZ offices for almost two days. We are happy to come back kicking with the
Jimmie Van Zant Delivers His Best Album Yet
Somebody say Hell Yeah! I have just finished reviewing a straight up redneck rock and roll masterpiece. A Southern Rock opus. An infectious, hard driving, down south jukin,' 100 proof Dixie fried winner. And it was recorded by a VanZant. Imagine that. My Name is read more...
An Ongoing Journey To the Heart of Southern Culture
A Sunday Service On Southern Culture 7/20/08 “The artist penetrates the concrete world in order to find at read more...
Montgomery Gentry (Southern) Rock The Country
When it comes to injecting country with a big ol' dose of Southern Rock, nobody does it better than Montgomery Gentry. Case in point, their newest album, Back When I Knew it All, which may read more...
An Afternoon with Old Friends
An Afternoon with Old Friends 7/18/08 Yesterday afternoon I visited the married writers
Listen to The GRITZ Radio Hour Online This Weekend
A couple of weeks ago, we announced the debut of The GRITZ Radio Hour on the Mighty Field of Vision Internet Radio Station. Unfortunately, there were some major problems with the server and the broadcast was not fully aired. The good news is, it is all repaired now, and our read more...
GRITZ Presents Exclusive Billy Bob Thornton/Boxmasters Videos Courtesy The Dell Lounge
Thanks to the fine folks at The Dell Lounge, along with Billy Bob Thortnton, The Boxmasters, and Lisa Roy, we are happy to add several new videos to our Six Degrees of Swampland: Billy Bob Thornton read more...
Dave Muse Leaves Marshall Tucker, New Horn Man Hired
I spoke to Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band today (and in a true "Two-fer Tuesday, I also spoke with
"Free Bird" Factoids
There’s a reason why “Free Bird” was named as GRITZ best loved Southern Rock song in history. Actually, there are a lot of reasons. Every 15 seconds, someone, read more...
Widespread Panic Set For Induction To Georgia Music Hall of Fame
Widespread Panic Will Be Inducted To Georgia Music Hall of Fame In September 7/13/08 The Athens, Georgia, band
Alabama in July
The Fourth of July is over and along with it Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July picnic near San Antonio featuring Merle read more...
Jimmy Farrar Hospitalized Following Stroke
I just learned this morning that our friend Jimmy Farrar is in the hospital, following stroke last week. I spoke with Jimmy this morning an he sounds great. He told me that he has limited control over his left side and arm, but with a lot of work, they expect a full read more...
A Forgotten Hero: Chips Moman
A Forgotten Hitmaker Chips Moman 7/13/08 "She's not just a plaything, She expects love just like a man."
Bonnie Bramlett's Favorite Southern Rock Albums
Just a quick heads up. We have added Bonnie Bramlett's Top Ten Southern Rock albums to the list of favorites of the stars. Check out Bonnie's list and let us know what you think. Buffalo
More of The Defining Moments in Southern Rock History
Here we go again, folks. It's the second installment in our 100 Defining Moments in Southern Rock History. From The Allman Brothers' first cover story in Rolling Stone, to the deaths of Tommy Caldwell, read more...
Steve Cropper Remembers First Meeting with Otis Redding
Steve Cropper Remembers His First Meeting with Soul Legend Otis Redding 7/11/08 From coastal Georgia, near the Florida line, I'm enjoying the read more...
Buffalo Interviewed for Carolina Magazine
Last week I found myself with the tables turned, as I was interviewed by a new magazine out of South Carolina called Carolina Faces. SInce they don't yet have their website up, and since the editor was kind enough to send me a file of the finished piece, I thought I'd read more...
Bill Ector RIP
Mystery And Manners Flag Flies At Half Mast 7/9/08 After a six hour drive from Atlanta to South Georgia today I logged on and found this email read more...
Hittin' The Note's Bill Ector Has Passed Away
I just recieved word that our friend Bill Ector, publisher of Hittin' The Note Magazine, passed away this afternoon. He was a great talent and a great man. A very sad day. Our own James Calemine was a good friend of Bill's.
...Southbound...
Altered Plans...Poets...Old Friends...And A Southbound Road... 7/8/08 “I can’t worry about it Yesterday’s read more...
Southern Rock's Most Defining Moments
You've all heard of "going the extra mile" for your art, right? Well, fellow babies, The Buffalo has been doing that for a few days now, assembling a list of The 100 Defining Moments in Southern read more...
Rare Bonnie Bramlett Video
Every Bonnie Bramlett fan knows that Bonnie was a regular on the old Roseanne TV show during the eighties, but how read more...
Cool Bootleg Video from Friday's Performance by Tommy Talton Band and Jimmy Hall
Hi Guys. It's Monday night, and I just got an e-mail from Tommy Talton, telling me someone shot a personal video of one of the songs he and Jimmy Hall performed for the movie Friday night. Although the video is shakey, you can still hear why these guys are the very best, read more...
Hanging with Jimmy Hall and Tommy Talton On The Movie Set
I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend. We sure did. Saturday we made our way down to Georgia to watch a day of filming on a new Southern movie called Dixie Times. The really cool thing about it was that our friends Jimmy Hall and Tommy Talton were read more...
GRITZ Radio Hour Premieres Online
Hey guys. As an experiment of sorts, we are presenting a pilot episode of The GRITZ Radio Hour, a two hour program of music hosted by yours truly, and airing over the Mighty Field of Vision internet radio station, now read more...
Words From Charlie
Charlie Musselwhite On Muddy Waters 7/5/08 ...I hope everyone enjoyed their Independence Day... I wanted to send a few lines read more...
Alabama: A Place in the Sun
It is July in Alabama and the corn is literally as high as an elephant’s eye. Jungles of lush green flank the country roads. Where formerly one could see for miles, one can barely see the road directly ahead.
The Beautiful Bonnie Bramlett: The GRITZ Interview
We are proud to present an all new interview with Southern Soul Sister Number One, the only ever "Allman Sister," the magnificent Bonnie Bramlett, our first interview with her in over eight years. Bonnie talks about her great new album Beautiful, as well as read more...
Booker T & The MGs, The Memphis Horns and The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section Inducted Into Musicians Hall of Fame
Musicians Hall of Fame Announces 2008 Inductees 7/2/08 Yesterday I interviewed the great
Billy Bob Thornton Gets Roasted
A few weeks back I told y'all about Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters new coffee. Today I received my very own parcel via US Mail filled with both whole bean and ground
An American Hero: Steve Cropper
Mystery And Manners Interview with The Great Steve Cropper 7/1/08 "I left my home in Georgia Headed read more...
Jackson Crossing Album Update
The following item was sent in by my friend Tom Clarke over at Hittin' The Note regarding some of our friends down the road in Spartanburg, SC. -Buff ••• The debut album by Jackson Crossing, the band that read more...
CD Giveaway Winners Announced
We are happy to announce the winners in our two latest CD Giveaways. Winners of our autographed Gator Country CDs include: Paul Oyler of Mercer, PA Robert Creamer of Winchester, read more...
Edwin McCain Digs Deep into His Soul On New Release
Edwin McCain is back with a new album, and it may well be his finest work yet. There's a good reason for that. He has wanted to do an r&b record his whole life.
Midnight Shakedown
Midnight Shakedown: Renaldo & Clara, Marc Ford & Widespread Panic...And Beyond 6/28/08 "Odds and Ends Odds and read more...
Tom Coerver CD Release Saturday in Baton Rouge
Tom Coerver and Goin’ South will have a CD release party for their new CD From The Mud… To The Sky at
Col. Bruce Hampton is in Macon to Gig, Talk About "Slingblade"
Col. Bruce Hampton is in Macon, Georgia all weekend long, headlining a show on Saturday at Cox Capitol Theatre. On Sunday, Bruce will return to the theatre for a question and answer session about the read more...
...A Dog Day Afternoon...
Georgia Falls In College World Series...Random Notes... 6/25/08 The Fresno State Bulldogs beat The Georgia Bulldogs tonight 6-1 in the read more...
Coming Soon to GRITZ
Just a quick note to tell y'all what we're working on for you here at GRITZ. Coming soon, CD reviews of new releases from Montgomery Gentry, Edwin McCain, Emory Joseph, Jewel, Mikal Evans, Sugarland, Lefty Williams, Watermelon Slim, Rob Roy Parnell, Hayshaker and many read more...
KISS My GRITZ
Happy birthday to me...Happy birthday to me. Yes, I made it another year, and I am as happy as a clam. Because it is my birthday today, I am going to do something different. I am going to write about a band that is as far removed from Southern Rock as Willie Nelson is from read more...
Female Soul Opens the Summer
A Cast of Female Artists Bloom In Summer 6/23/08 "One day I woke up to find Right in the bed next to mine Some woman broke me read more...
Winters Brothers Band Summer Jam : A Photo Retrospective
Well, judging from all reports, it was another extra special Winters Brothers Band Southern Summer Jam up in Tennessee last weekend. Everyone had a great time. I sure wish I could have been there, but I plan on being at next year's big 30th Anniversary Jam to be sure. Donnie read more...
Remembering George Carlin
I am pretty sad today, having just learned that comedian George Carlin has died. Carlin, who had a history of heart trouble, died of heart failure Sunday, June read more...
Sonny Landreth Smokes the Strings On New Album
Sonny Landreth is a simply amazing guitarist. I have had the good fortune of seeing him perform both at The Handlebar here in Greenville, SC, and at The Americana Music Conference in Nashville, and read more...
The Cities That Gave Us Southern Rock
I find it interesting just how many of our greatest Southern Rockers come from the same cities. Especially our number one city for Southern Rock, Jacksonville, Florida. Check out our list of the Top Ten read more...
The Great Charlie Musselwhite
An Interview with The "Greatest Living Harp Player" 6/19/08 He would never admit to it, but many legendary musicians have referred to read more...
GAC Contest, Vote for The Southern Boys Band
Greetings from South Carolina. I just heard about this contest that our friend
New Documentary Project Will Present the Definitive History of Country Music
I just got the word that Shout! Factory Records and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are planning to produce a multi-part original series of specials on the history of country music for television and DVD. The partners will seek worldwide broadcast read more...
Mystery And Manners Honorary Southern Artist Volume Seven: Neil Young
Mystery And Manners Honorary Southern Artist: Volume Seven—Neil Young 6/18/08 “I’m a vampire Sucking blood from the read more...
Chuck Berry & Sly Stone Headline Long Beach Blues Festival
Chuck Berry, Sly Stone, Booker T. Jones, Charlie Musselwhite and others Perform 29th Annual Long Beach Blues Festival 6/17/08 In Long read more...
Justin The Nick of Time... The 2nd Generation of Marshall Tucker McCorkle
I am happier than a redneck on a fishing bank with a cooler full of beer and a ten pound catfish on the end of my line to present an interview with Justin McCorkle, son of my friend, the late George read more...
Tift Merritt Mystery And Manners Interview
Tift Merritt: A Poetric Songbird Chirps To Mystery And Manners 6/16/08 I'd like to say it was great fun to interview the soulful North read more...
Video Blog: Jakson Spires and Blackfoot
I was speaking with Sherry Spires yesterday, the wife of the late Jakson Spires, my good friend and spiritual brother. We had a great conversation and a few laughs recalling the good ol' days of The read more...
Owsley "Bear" Stanley's Sonic Journal: Gram Parsons Liner Notes
Owsley "Bear" Stanley's New 'Sonic Journal' Notes on Gram Parsons Recordings 6/13/08 "This old town's filled with sin It'll swallow you in If you've come some money to burn, Take it home right away You got three years to read more...
Win The New Tom Coerver CD from GRITZ
Louisiana guitar slinger Tom Coerver has a new one out, and it rocks. Don't believe me? Listen to it for yourself. How, you ask? Well, we just happen to have ten copies to give away. read more...
Bingham, Merritt and Emmylou In Today's Camera Eye
Bingham's Nomination & Harris-Merritt Television Appearance 6/12/08 In Nashville today Ryan Bingham received a nomination for the New read more...
Bonnie, Delaney Back On Top Individually This Summer
During the sixties and early seventies Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett changed the face of popular music forever with their read more...
Watch and Listen: Ten Great DVD's for Southern Rockers
Man oh man do I love movies. I guess movies are my second favorite entertainment besides music. Well, truth be told, books rank right up at the top of that list as well. But when you combine music and movies, look out, you have my attention. For my new list, I wanted to read more...
FONO Announces the Capitol Hill Bayou Bash!
This Tuesday, June 17, anyone in or near the DC area should come out to the American Legion as Friends of New Orleans (FONO) continues its efforts of bringing New Orleans and Louisiana culture around our read more...
Friends of New Orleans and Swampland.com Join Together!
Swampland.com is proud to announce that we have joined Friends of New Orleans (FONO) as an official cultural partner for this worthy charity. Here is the mission statement of FONO direct from the official read more...
...A Transmission From Marc Ford...
Mystery And Manners Honorary Southern Artist Marc Ford Sends Word 6/9/08 "You'll find out just what a friend can be..." "Wake Up and Walk Away"
It's All About The Song: The Greatest Songwriters of The Southern Rock Era
I am probably going to get some other opinions on this one. We're happy to present our list of The Ten Best Songwriters of The Southern Rock Era. Check out the list and let us know what you read more...
...A Conversation with Tift Merritt...
Tift Merritt Talks About Her Musical Journey 6/8/08 "All these miles I've come All of these dreams I've chased in my mind,
Sonny Edwards Reports from BamaJam; Hot Weather, Hotter Music
Bamajam wraps up tonight in Enterprise, Alabama. Our Alabama correspondent Sonny Edwards is smack dab in the middle of all the 95 degree heat and all the action. Sonny has been on the scene all three days, snappig photos and read more...
Southern Remedy On The River: The Black Crowes In Chattanooga, Tennessee
Southern Remedy On The River: The Black Crowes Perform Chattanooga, Tennessee 6/7/08 "Windswept stars blink and read more...
Wash Boards and Chicken Coups: The Ten Best Instrumentalists of Southern Rock
Let me begin by wishing everybody a GREAT weekend. Only one week until the big annual Winters Brothers Band Summer Jam. See you there! Our latest Top Ten list runs down the
John Galvin of Molly Hatchet Turns in a GRITZ Guest Blog
John Galvin of Molly Hatchet is one of my favorite keyboard players. He is also someone I am proud to call a friend. Over the years, I have discovered his vast diversity in music, which closely mirrors read more...
Phil Walden to Be Honored in Macon Thursday
Senator Robert Brown of Georgia has announced thet Phil Walden will be honored this Thursday, June 5th at 12 Noon in Macon, Georgia. A ceremony will name the I-16 / Martin
Bo Diddley RIP (1928-2008)
Bo Diddley RIP (1928-2008) Born Ellas McDaniel on December 30, 1928, in McComb, Mississippi, Bo Diddley became one of the architects of read more...
Random Notes: Bo Diddley, MTV Awards, Boxmasters, Winters Jam
Well, summer has made it to South Carolina, and it's hotter than Angelina Jolie in a sweat lodge. But I ain't complainin’ none. I am pretty tired of the cold.
Free Gator Country Live CDs
No, you're not dreaming. We do indeed have a fist full of the hot new live and kickin' CD from Gator Country to give away, and to make it even sweeter, the liner notes book is signed by all the read more...
Billy Bob's Best Movies Ever
And now for something completely different. I thought it might be cool to add some different stuff to our ongoing Southern Rock Lists. Things that might appeal to other old Southern Rockers like read more...
Amy LaVere & The North Mississippi All-Stars Storm Atlanta
Amy LaVere & The North Mississippi All-Stars Storm Atlanta: Notes From A Soundcheck 5/31/08
Henry Paul's Marshall Tucker Band Memories: GRITZ Guest Blog
We are very pleased to bring you the latest in our continuing series of Guest Blogs, this one written by The Outlaws own Henry Paul. Henry recalls his early love of The Marshall Tucker Band and the men behind the group. Check out
Winters Brothers Annual Jam is On The Way
It’s almost time again for one of our favorite events of the year. The Winters Brothers Band will host their 29th Annual Southern Summer Jam on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at the family's farm in read more...
A Trip to The Keys: Southern Rock's Greatest Keyboard Players
And the lists just keep on coming... This time we run down the Greatest Keyboard Players of the Southern Rock Era. They're all here, the Hammond B-3, the piano - from Chuck Leavell to Taz read more...
Non-Southern Pick of The Week: Steve Miller Band Live in Chicago
Steve Miller has been making hit records for quite a long time. Maybe that’s why I found myself grinning from ear to ear and singing along the whole time this outstanding live
Four Strings and An Attitude: Southern Rock's Best Bass Players
How about another Southern Rock List? This time we run down the Ten Greatest Bass Guitar Players of The Southern Rock read more...
New Tommy Talton Album is a Real Treat
I am very excited about the new Tommy Talton release. I have been listening to many of the songs in various states of completion for over a year, and the final album is simply read more...
Birthday Greetings To Bob Dylan & Rich Robinson
Birthday Wishes To Bob Dylan & The Black Crowes' Rich Robinson 5/24/08 Mystery and Manners sends out birthday greetings to the great read more...
Skynyrd's Billy Powell Has Emergency Surgery
I just got word that our friend Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd was forced to have an emergency partial revision hip replacement surgery in Jacksonville, Florida on read more...
The Amazing Amy LaVere
The Amazing Amy LaVere & Topanga Days 5/22/08 This evening I conducted an interview with the beautiful and talented Amy LaVere. Amy read more...
Give The Drummer Some...
Where would any good Southern Rock band be without the drummer. The back beat. Ain't nothing like a powerhouse drummer. Folks like Artimus Pyle, Jak Spires and Paul Riddle were literally the driving force behind their respective bands. We have listed the ten best drummers of read more...
BamaJam is June 5-7, Make Plans to Attend
Excitement is mounting down in Enterprise, Alabama, in anticipation of The First Annual BamaJam Music and Arts Festival. Put together by our friends at Ronnie Gilley Entertainment, the blow out Southern Rock, Country and Bluegrass mega fest will happen June 5-7, 2008. GRITZ read more...
More Six Degrees: From Florence, Alabama, to Florence, Italy
On March 4, 2006, my old friend Deryle Perryman and filmmaker Moises Gonzales showed their documentary film Dangerous read more...
New Gator Country Album Recalls Hatchet's Glory Days
I have just had my head blown completely off. No foolin.' I am looking up at my headless body from the floor, where my head landed amongst a stack of lame CDs I am putting on eBay. I don't know how my hands continue to type without seeing what I am doing, but it doesn't read more...
Last Night's Southern Rock Jam Was a Blast
Last night was great fun. Me and some of my Southern Rock pals played a show for the Relay for Life event for The American Cancer Society. The show was on the football field at Greer High School in between Greenville and Spartanburg, SC.
Jonathan Wilson-A Southern Son Out West
Jonathan Wilson: A Southern Son Out West 5/14/08 "Are you satisfied? Are you occupied? Do you have enough time
New CD Review: The Boxmasters
Check out our new CD review of THE read more...
Mississippi Blues Commission
The Mississippi Blues Trail 5/14/08 The Mississippi Blues Commission serves as an interesting entity that explores the read more...
New GRITZ List: Top Vocalists of the Southern Rock Era
"Way down in Alabama/Shoutin' Bamalama..." What a rocking song. What a great singer. I never get tired of listening to Jimmy Hall. Never. Which is why he landed in the top spot in our list of
Hank "Sugarfoot" Garland Movie Looks Great
Growing up in Spartanbrg, SC, I was always running into people who were under the misconception that guitar legend Hank Garland was dead. The truth was, Hank had been read more...
Southern Gospel Icon Dottie Rambo Dies in Crash
Southern Gospel singer-songwriter Joyce "Dottie" Rambo died early this morning (May 11, 2008) when the bus she was in ran off a road in southwest Missouri and struck an embankment.
Buffalo's Non-Southern Pick of the Week: Zappa Plays Zappa
Yes, I know it comes as a shock. Ol’ Buffalo actually listens to music other than Southern Rock and Outlaw Country. I’m afraid it is true. I like a whole lot of different styles, and because of that, I have decided to start recommending a “Non-Southern” Pick read more...
New Features, Capricorn Records, Southern Rock Lists
We are happy to add a couple of new ongoing features here at GRITZ. The first is our Tribute to Capricorn Records Page, which features links to all of the articles and interviews related to the Southern read more...
Eddy Arnold Dead at 89
Eddy Arnold died this morning (May 8, 2008) in Tennessee. The Country Music Hall of Famer was 89 years old. Growing up in Spartanburg, SC, I recall Eddy read more...
New Allman Brothers Documentary Premiere May 16
New Allman Brothers Documentary Premieres May 16 5/7/08 This afternoon Allman Brothers Tour Mystic
Tom Waits Glitter And Doom Tour Dates (Mostly Southern)
Tom Waits Glitter And Doom Tour Dates Mostly Southern 5/6/08 “Well they call me William the pleaser/I sold opium read more...
Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters Premier New Music Video Today
Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters' video "The Poor House" will premiere on GAC - TV today. "The Poor House" is the lead track from The Boxmasters self-titled 2-CD set to be read more...
Mavis Staples To Headline Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival
Mavis Staples To Headline Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival 5/5/08 “I know no one can sing the blues
The Legends of Southern Rock, a Guide
Greetings from Carolina. We are happy to present our new index page for our Legends of Southern Rock series. From here, you can always surf over to your favorite Southern Rock band's Swampland read more...
...The Kentucky Derby In Athens, Georgia...
Athens, Georgia…May 3, 2008…The Kentucky Derby… “When you’re sitting back In your rose pink read more...
Music Maker Relief Foundation & Dust-To-Digital
Music Maker Relief Foundation & Dust-To-Digital Preserve The Oldest Traditions 5/2/08 The North Carolina-based
Mystery And Manners Honorary Southern Artist(s) Part Six: Clarence White
Mystery And Manners Honorary Southern Artist(s)—PART SIX Clarence White By James Calemine “Tempted and tried
Too Much Fun
When Deryle Perryman contacted me last week to say that he and fellow filmmaker Moises Gonzales were coming to Alabama and would I like to read more...
Between Texas and Hawaii
It's been a busy week here in the land of GRITZ and SWAMPLAND... We are very happy to share the latest feature in our Legends of Southern Rock series, that "lil' ol' band from Texas," ZZ Top.
Billy Bob and Buffalo Talk About Boxmasters
I dreamed I was a teenage Boxmaster... Billy Bob Thornton's ultra cool hillbilly-mod band The Boxmasters will release their debut album, a double disc set, on June 10th, just prior to embarking on their highly anticipated summer tour. The CD features one disc full of all read more...
New CD Reviews: Jackson Rohm, Beat Daddys and Mighty Handful
Well, it's 50 degrees at 6:15 PM here in Greenville. Tell me again what the date is? Of course, it was almost 80 degrees yesterday, so... I hope you will check out our three new CD reviews just posted today. All three are really good discs. Singer songwriter
Emmylou Harris Inducted Into Country Music Hall of Fame
Emmylou Inducted Into The Country Music Hall of Fame 4/29/08 Last Sunday, April 27,
More Vintage GRITZ Articles Unearthed; Jimmie Van Zant, Jerry Carrigan, Jimmy Johnson Family
Today I'd like to bring back three more classic features from our GRITZ archives, for your enjoyment and information. The first one is an interview Scott Greene conducted eight years ago with Jimmie read more...
Mudcrutch & Gram Parsons' Florida Roots
Mudcrutch & Gram Parsons’ Florida Roots 4/27/08 This
New Orleans Jazzfest: In Wake Of The Flood
Randy Newman’s “Louisiana 1927” Becomes Un-official Anthem For New Orleans Jazzfest 4/27/08 In the wake of Katrina, many read more...
The Midnight Hour
A Backward Glance During The Midnight Hour 4/27/08 At this midnight hour preparations are being made for upcoming Mystery read more...
For The Record: Haunting the Local Indie Record Stores
To me there is nothing more fun than spending a few hours thumbing through LPs and CDs at a used record store. I have always loved doing it, searching for buried treasure and riding the old nostalgia train. Back during the seventies and eighties I made a lot of trips read more...
Rick Godfrey Returning to Upstate South Carolina
Former Garfeel Ruff guitarist Rick Godfrey returns to Upstate South Carolina this weekend to perform at a benefit for read more...
Merlefest Streaming Live Online Right Now
The South's premier country-bluegrass-Americana get together Merlefest, kicked off last night in North Carolina. Swampland's own Derek Halsey is front and center and reports that the weather so far is read more...
The Return of Mudcrutch
Tom Petty Resurrects His Old Florida Band Mudcrutch 4/24/05 Tom Petty and Tom Leadon (brother of Eagle Bernie) formed Mudcrutch with Randall read more...
Remembering Phil Walden
It was two years ago today that the Southern Rock world lost one of our true pioneers. Phil Walden, who was born in my home town of Greenville, SC, was the co-founder of
April in Alabama
Nothing could be more beautiful than April in Alabama and, in my case, nothing could be more exciting. I recently returned from the Alabama Studio Weekend in the
Development in Macon Will Include a Capricorn Records Museum
Wow. Looks like great minds do indeed run along the same track. According to this news story, the new development in downtown Macon will indeed house a Capricorn Records read more...
Why I Love Bonnie Bramlett
I remember reading about Delaney and Bonnie a lot back in high school, during those days when I was constantly read more...
Swampland Celebrates National Record Store Day
Today, April 19 2008, is Record Store Day. There are so many great independent record stores across the Swampland Footprint. They are owned and staffed by the people that help to keep music alive across read more...
Widespread Panic In Orange Beach, Alabama
Widespread Panic On The Beach 4/19/08 Morning Folks, Last night proved a fine night. The weather here in Orange Beach, Alabama, is read more...
Capricorn Controversy in Downtown Macon
Interesting news story I found regarding the old Capricorn Records Studio building in downtown Macon, Georgia. Be sureto watch the video of the news story with footage of the old studios.
...Night Before Widespread Panic On The Beach...
A Prelude To The Spectacle 4/17/08 Before I take off for the three
Chuck Leavell Holds His Own in Stones Movie
The jury has returned the verdict. The Stones have officially beat out The Beatles. When I was a kid back in the ‘60’s, there was an ongoing battle over who were the true
Charlie Daniels' GRITZ Guest Blog; Memories of Toy Caldwell
We are happy to present our second Guest Blog, this one written by our good buddy the legendary Godfather of Southern Rock himself, Charlie Daniels. Charlie writes about his dear old friend Toy read more...
The Blessing of Mavis Staples
The Blessing of Mavis Staples 4/14/08 Mavis Staples serves as a beacon of light in the sinister music business. Her golden voice appears on read more...
Jackson Crossing and Other Great Bands of Spartanburg, SC
My old hometown of Spartanburg, SC is turning into the new Athens, with an array of great new bands all over town. In the coming weeks we will look into several of them, including Southern rockers Silver Travis, The Southern Boys (actually from Tennessee, but
Vintage GRITZ Articles Unearthed; Hatchet, Skynyrd, Tucker, Ricky Skaggs and More
It's time once again to add a few more Vintage Gritz articles to the archives, and I hope you'll check 'em out for a "blast from the past." Added today is one of our first interviews from 1999 with
Ex-Trick Pony Singer Heidi is Back to Rock Your World
I always loved Trick Pony, and had the chance to see them up close and personal several times during the annual Angelus concerts in Tampa, Florida. One night during the 2006 show, somewhere after read more...
Outward Bound
“The eye and mind would be functioning as a camera. The writing would be selective and necessarily interpretive—but once the image was written the words would be final.” --Hunter read more...
More Southern Rock Lists: Billy Bob Thornton
I am happy to present another list of Favorite Southern Rock Albums for your approval. This list comes from none other than Billy Bob Thornton, who is a true lover of Southern Rock if ever there was read more...
The Delaney Bramlett Interviews: Delaney On Janis, George, Eric and Duane
Well, I have been burning the midnight oil again, putting together and publishing Part Two of my interview with the iconic Delaney Bramlett. It's weird how sometimes the material excites me so much that I read more...
Billy Bob Thornton's Boxmasters Signed to Vanguard
Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters have signed a deal with Vanguard with a 2-CD set due out June 10. The Boxmasters, who we first wrote about after attending their
Delaney Bramlett Sits Down with Gritz: Part One
I have been a fan of Delaney and Bonnie since my early high school days, and of all the hundreds (thousands?) of celebrities I have interviewed thus far, none have gotten me more excited with anticipation than the prospect of
Dickinson's Eats & Dylan's Prize
Bob Dylan Wins Pulitzer Prize & Jim Dickinson's Best On The Road Eating 4/7/08 Evening Folks, I hope all is well on this read more...
Next Skynyrd Album Will Have Nashville Influence
Gary Rossington says that Lynyrd Skynyrd plans to include the long bootleged song "Cottonmouth Country" read more...
Skynyrd Will Cruise Again in 2009 with Frynds
I just got word that Lynyd Skynyrd will again host their southern rock cruise called the Simple Man Cruise in January of 2009. This will be the band's third cruise, and will be the first to feature three of southern rock's read more...
A Shot of the Blues
A Daily Dose of Authenticity...Keith Richards...James Burton...MLK...Widespread Panic...The Black Crowes...Jim Dickinson... 4/4/08 As Spring read more...
The Legacy of Ardent Records
The Legacy of Ardent Records 4/2/08 In light of my recent interview with the great
Jimmy Farrar: "This Ain't Molly Hatchet !"
I spoke with our buddy Jimmy Farrar today about his band Gator Country. As most of you know, Gator Country is one hot rockin' Florida band that features several past members of
Montgomery Gentry Have a Hot New Album On the Way
"Back When I Knew It All" has been Montgomery Gentry's fastest rising single to date, and on June 10th, they will release the album of the same name. This will be their seventh read more...
Time To Panic
A Journey To The Classic City For A Meeting With Seasoned Professionals 3/29/08
Shooter Jennings Rocking On Video
I just spent an hour on YouTube listening to some mighty great music. In keeping with my recent post about the remarkable Shooter read more...
Allmans Postpone Beacon Run as Gregg Allman Heals
The Allman Brothers Band have announced that they are postponing their annual run of 15 shows at New York City’s Beacon Theatre set for May 5-24, with rescheduled dates TBA. In addition, they have read more...
The Lost Shooter Jennings Interview
Shooter Jennings rocks. There's no doubt about it. Shooter represents everything GRITZ is about, blending classic Southern read more...
Southern Rock Lists - Swampland Wants Your Feedback
Dear Swampland readers, We invite you to visit this dispatch from Michael Buffalo Smith of GRITZ to log in and give us your favorite Southern Rock records. Buffalo posted
Alabama Beat: Words and Music in the Deep South
The three poems currently appearing in the Poetry section of Swampland are by Mississippi born Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Trethewey (published by permission of the author). Trethewey won read more...
The Road To Hell Is Paved with Good Intentions
A Few Insights For The Faithful On A Thursday Evening 3/27/08 Pollen read more...
The Best of Southern Rock
I have made lists for as long as I can remember. In fact, somewhere around here I have a spiral notebook I started in 1976 with lisitings of my favorite LPs, singles and bands that year and in years to come. The one thing that blows my mind is that the Allman Brothers read more...
Bound For Glory
“I was thirteen when I went to live with a family of thirteen people in a two-room house. I was going on fifteen when I got me a job shining shoes, read more...
Lady Antebellum Rocks Their Country with Free Download
In keeping with our mission to bring together the best of Southern rock and the best of the new country music, I want to highly recommend a new country act by the name of
More Back Home Memories of Marshall Tucker
I woke up at three in the morning last night thinking about The Marshall Tucker Band. No, I don’t make it a habit of losing sleep reminiscing over the glory days of Southern read more...
Mudcrutch: Tom Petty's Florida Roots
The surprise announcement of Mudcrutch's reunion is welcome news to the Swampland Footprint. Mudcrutch is an essential chapter in Tom Petty's career. Mudcrutch evolved out of an early Gainesville, FL band of Petty's called the Epics. The Epics also featured a read more...
Merlefest is Coming Back Home in April
One of our favorite music festivals returns in April. The massive Merlefest hits Wilkes Community College once again, bringing with it more good music than you can shake a stick at. In the early read more...
Alabama's Going Green: "Let's Get Dirty"
Huntsville, Alabama, has chosen “Let’s Get Dirty” by the Huntsville country music band
Brother To Jackals & the Jukebox Chronicles
A Few Notes From The Underground 3/18/08 "Art is the perpetual motion of illusion. The highest purpose of art is to inspire. What read more...
Just What is GRITZ ?
This year GRITZ celebrates our tenth year online. Over the past decade we have gone through a lot of changes, and enjoyed the contributions of a lot of great writers, photographers and artists. A little over a year ago, GRITZ became a part of Swampland Media, and went from being a read more...
Thinking About Jakson, Three Years Later
Exactly three years ago today, on March 16, 2005, my world was rocked like it hadn’t been rocked in quite some time. The powerhouse drummer and songwriter behind Blackfoot and The read more...
Chris Hicks CD Winners Announced
Congratulations to the following five winners. All of the entries were great, and we really enjoyed reading them. Please continue to enter our various contests. Everyone will most likely win eventually. Dewayne Fields, La Grange, NC Chris Horn, read more...
Chris Robinson's "Inhale! Inhale! Rock N Roll" Article
Chris Robinson's 1993 Article "Inhale! Inhale! Rock N Roll" 3/15/08 In light of the Black Crowes' new release,
Getting to Know The Crowes
Somehow I missed the first coming of The Black Crowes. The Atlanta boys hit the scene during a time when I was knee deep in
Racing Drag and Dirt Track with The Marshall Tucker Band
During the early ‘70’s you could find a dirt track racer running the round track at Greenville Pickens Speedway on Saturday nights emblazoned with the sponsor name - The Marshall Tucker read more...
Midnight in the Garden of Good Southern Rock: Late Night Tea & TV
I love it when things like this happen. I was sitting up late tonight writing, as I often do. Beside me a nice hot cup of ralaxation tea that tasted as good as it smelled. My wife had brewed it up for me before she headed off to bed. She's good that way. What would I do read more...
The Dickinson's Mojo & The Black Crowes' Voodoo
Mystery & Manners Investigates The Mojo of The Dickinson Family & The Black Crowes' Voodoo 3/11/02 "Don't bring down the read more...
Billy Bob Thornton Speaks at George Lindsey Film Festival
The 11th Annual George Lindsey Film Festival was held down in Florence, Alabama last week. I can say from experience, the Festival is more fun than a barrel of Goobers. The year I attended, I met George read more...
Chris Hicks is Red Hot & Smokin', Win His New CD for Free
Chris Hicks was chosen as the pic of the week by Zig Zag Live, The well known company rewarded Hicks with cases of cigarette rolling papers, rolling machines, a Zig Zag t-shirt, and an awesome Zig Zag Les Paul guitar, read more...
Volunteer Jam to Feature 38 Special, Shooter Jennings, with Hosts CDB
On April 11th, The Volunteer Jam 2008 Tour kicks off. This year's dates will feature our friends The Charlie Daniels Band, 38 Special and Shooter Jennings.
The Southern Rock of SwampdaWamp
Say you love Southern rock? Well, you’re gonna love SwampdaWamp. The Charlotte, NC based band that is on their way to very top of the genre.
John Rich is Recording a Big Solo Album
I am really intrigued with John Rich. I just finished watching the finale of his CMT reality show Gone Country, and while I disagree with his choice of winner (Julio Iglasias, Jr., whereas I was just sure Bobby Brown was going to win) I am read more...
"Mamo" Bramlett Has Passed Away; Delaney Interview Coming
I was on the phone with Delaney Bramlett this afternoon, conducting the first in a series for Swampland called "The Delaney Chronicles," which will delve into the many great stories and memories of this remarkable musical icon. Part one will be posted soon, so be sure to read more...
Chris Hicks Rocks
I spoke to Doug Gray this afternoon. He was in the airport in Cinncinatti, flying back to Carolina from last night’s show in San Diego, California. We were talking about
When Nantucket Ruled The Earth
I was talking to my friend Dewayne “aka: Rebyll” this afternoon when the conversation shifted to his first live concert experience. It was Molly Hatchet and Nantucket. This got me to read more...
Chris Cagle Debuts at Number One on Country Charts
My LIife's Been a Country Song, the fourth album from Capitol Records Nashville artist Chris Cagle, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s “Current Country” chart, with 36,600 in
Buddy Miles Dies at Home in Texas
GRITZ has lost another good friend. The legendary drummer Buddy Miles passed on this past Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at the age of 60 from congestive heart failure at his home in Austin, Texas.
Dylan Organizes Recordings of Unfinished Hank Williams Songs
Bob Dylan Discovers Unfinished Hank Williams Songs 2/28/08 "Odds and ends, odds and ends, Lost time is not found read more...
38 Years Ago Tonight: The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band played at Mercer University on this dare, February 27, back in 1970. That’s thirty-eight years ago for those of you keeping score at home. One of my read more...
Latest Releases From James McMurtry & Otis Redding
Latest Releases From James McMurtry and Otis Redding 2/27/08
Down In the Groove with Widespread Panic's Todd Nance (PART TWO)
Down In The Groove with Widespread Panic's Todd Nance (Part Two) 2/26/08 I'd like to announce the second part of Mystery And Manners' read more...
GRITZ Talks to Grits Grisham of The Ghost Riders
One of the greatest things about my annual trek down to Tampa for the Angelus benefit is that I get to meet so many wonderful read more...
Down In The Groove with Widespread Panic's Todd Nance (Part One)
Mystery & Manners Interview with Widespread Panic's Todd Nance (Part One) 2/25/08 I'd like to mention Mystery And read more...
Poetic Felony
MAXIM Magazine Reviews Black Crowes' Warpaint Without Hearing The Album 2/23/08 For some folks it's easy to hate the Black Crowes. Everyone read more...
Obama, Spooner and a Drive By Southern Rock and Roller
Back in 1991 I was Executive Editor and co-founder of an alternative press entertainment publication called EDGE in Greenville, SC. We had a lot of good times during those years, interviewing national and local music heroes and writing reviews and editorial read more...
Another Call To Harry Crews & Beyond
...An Ongoing Pursuit & Recording of the Mystery And Manners Saga...Widespread Panic...Jim Dickinson...Harry Crews and beyond... 2/19/08 “In the time I was with read more...
Let The Sunshine In
I was listening to NPR on Saturday morning when I heard the bluesy sound of an acoustic guitar and a voice that reminded me of a cross between Tom Waits and Elvis Costello (more in mood than in actual vocal comparison.). The voice was that of
Little Richard Gets Standing Ovation at Ryman
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- It's a standing ovation for rock 'n' roll pioneer Little Richard -- and he didn't even perform. He was seated at the rear of the Ryman Auditorium Sunday night attending a concert by 1960s Motown stalwarts The read more...
Blackfoot is Our Latest "Legends of Southern Rock" Entry
"Highway Song" and "Train, Train," "Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie" and "Wishing Well"- all of these bring to mind the fierce, four man attack of Blackfoot - wildman Rick Medlocke out front, Charlie Hargrett on lead guitar, Greg T. Walker on bass and read more...
Chris Hicks to Host CD Release Party in Macon
The Cox Theater in Macon, Georgia is gonna rock on Wednesday, February 27 when The Chris Hicks Band and Special Guests will be performing in a CD release party, celebrating Hicks' new Sony release, Dog Eat Dog.
Preservation Hall's John Brunious Dead at 67
Trumpeter John Brunious, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band's leader and senior member, died Tuesday, February 12, 2008 in Orlando, Fla., after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was 67.
New CD's from Delaney, Bonnie and Whitlock
This may be the only time in history that the stars have lined up like this. Literally. If you check out the GRITZ CD reviews, you'll see that our three latest reviews have a common thread. The artists were all members of the legendary Delaney Bonnie read more...
Levon Helm's Dirt Farmer Wins GRAMMY
Dirt Farmer Wins GRAMMY 2/11/08 Levon Helm's latest album,
It's Not Easy Being Indie
I always thought that in my next incarnation I wanted to come back as an independent documentary filmmaker. I held on to that dream until I sat in an darkened room in a warehouse in Huntsville, Alabama, on Friday afternoon and listened to independent filmmaker
My Top 15 Moments from the 50th Grammy Awards
I was pleasantly surprised by last night's Grammy Awards show. Celebrating 50 years of Grammy’s, they seemed to pull out all the stops to create a spectacle that would appeal to not only the You Tube generation, but also to us more “mature” viewers.
Artist of the Week: Paul Thorn
Let me just cut to the chase. I am a huge fan pf Mississippi singer songwriter Paul Thorn. I have seen him live onstage half a dozen times, both acoustic solo and read more...
A Night to Remember at The Bluebird in Nashville
It was a night to remember at Nashville's famed Bluebird Cafe on February 1st as Tim Krekel performed songs from his acclaimed new release, Soul Season, at the famed Bluebird Cafe in Nashville recently with noted songwriter / artists Bill Lloyd,
Video: Jimmy Johnson and Alan Walden from Lynyrd Skynyrd Documentary
I have been aware of the Lynyrd Skynyrd documentary being filmed by Rick Broyles and Tony Beazley for a few years now, and by all accounts it looks like it will be just the documentary we have all read more...
Jim Dickinson On The Line
Mystery & Manners Interview With Memphis Legend Jim Dickinson 2/9/08 "She shivers just like jelly in the bowl."
Ryan Bingham Gets Help From Ford
Marc Ford & Son Join Texas Songwriter Ryan Bingham In the South 2/9/08
Weekend Notes and Tom Dowd On Ronnie Van Zant
I really hope everyone is enjoying the new look of GRITZ, as well as our “Mothership” Swampland.com. The powers that be have worked really hard for months on the redesign, and I for one am very pleased with the results. I hope you feel the same. We at read more...
John Rich to Release Big Solo Album
John Rich, who along with Big Kenny Alphin makes up genre-bending duo Big & Rich, will release a solo album later this year on Warner Bros. There's no read more...
Widespread Soul
“When after all, it was read more...
Picture of the Day: Allen Collins with Rossington Collins Band
The late great Allen Collins. This photo from Kent Griffith shows Collins during the first ever concert by Rossington Collins Band.
Southern Rock and Country Superstars to Headline BamaJam
Enterprise, Alabama will host the first annual BamaJam Music & Arts Festival scheduled to take place, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 5 - 7, 2008 at Boy Scout Road and Highway #167. An all-encompassing community and creative arts experience, the 2-day/3-night extravaganza read more...
Delaney's Coming Soon to Swampland
I am very happy to report that GRITZ will soon present an all new interview with Southern music legend Delaney Bramlett. Delaney was one of the most important individuals in rock and roll during the sixties and seventies, working with everyone from
South Carolina Designates "Nappy Brown Day" February 15th
The State of South Carolina will honor Rhythm & Blues pioneer Nappy Brown with an official state proclamation declaring February 15, 2008 as "Nappy Brown Day" throughout the state. Nappy will visit Chapin High School in Chapin, SC to receive the proclamation and will read more...
Like a Rolling Stone
I simply could not believe my luck. I was at Barnes and Noble, drinking a cup of coffee and reading various periodicals and surfing the web via the WI-FI. When I was leaving, I strolled past the sale tables at the front of the store and happened to glance down to see read more...
Adventures In The (Pig) Skin Trade On Super Bowl Sunday
Roving Notes On Super Bowl Sunday 2/3/08 "There is some kind of back-door connection in my head between Super Bowls and The Allman read more...
The Day The Music Died
The day was February 3, 1959. At approximately 12:55 AM, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, the “Big Bopper,” and their twenty-one year old pilot boarded a small plane near Clear Lake,
Florida's Latest Southern Rock Super Group
It's been a while since I was this excited over an indie release. Winter Park, Florida's Galloway & Kelliher have released one fine Southern Rock album, and we are extremely pleased to offer up our read more...
From The Archives: Our Interview with Lonnie Mack
It's time for another new post from our interviews archives. We are happy to present the interview I conducted back in 2000 with blues rock guitar legend Lonnie Mack. Stevie Ray Vaughan's old buddy opened up for us about his Flying V guitar, his career and future read more...
John Rich Hosts "Gone Country" On CMT
Nashville star John Rich (Big & Rich) hosts Gone Country, a new show on CMT that brings musicians from the world of rock and r&b to Nashville to have a go at becoming country performers. The show is quite a lot of fun. Read a Blog about the show by
Allen Collins Band Singer Jimmy Dougherty Has Died
Jimmy Dougherty Sr., 56, passed away on January 20, 2008. He was the singer/song writer of the Allen Collins Band and Alias. He is survived by his read more...
Skynyrd and Hank Return with Rowdy Frynds Tour 2008
(Nashville, TN)- Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best music imaginable when Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members, Lynyrd Skynyrd join country music icon, Hank Williams, Jr. for another round of their Rowdy Frynds Tour hitting cities nationwide beginning April read more...
Toy Caldwell Article Added to Swampland Archives
I was going through my files today and ran across an article I wrote back in 1999 about Toy Caldwell. Parts of the article were published in Hittin The Note magazine as well as in read more...
Video is Uniquely George McCorkle
On January 29th it will be seven months. Seven months since we lost one of Southern Rock's true greats. A man I was lucky enough to call my friend. A man I was lucky enough to share stages with and read more...
A True Jewel of Country Music
I have been a Jewel fan since her first video. I love her voice, her songwriting and her cuteness. That is why I was thrilled to get word from her people today that Jewel's next album will be a country record.
Dick Cooper Is Our First "Guest Blogger"
I am happy as a clam to present the first in our series of "Guest Blogs." This one concerns the legendary Delbert McClinton and Shoals drummer Bebop Evans. The piece was written by Dick Cooper, a man who has been there, done that in the music industry, From working with read more...
Charlie is in The Opry, and the Ryman was Rockin' !!
It’s 9:45 PM on Saturday night January 19th, 2008. I just dropped an e-mail to our friend Charlie Daniels telling him how proud I was watching him on
Garfeel Ruff Guitarist Ready to Return to Southern Rock Roots
I was talking to my old friend Ricky Godfrey on the telephone yesterday. Rick is living in Nashville, but he still returns home to Greenville, SC very often to play gigs. Rick was telling me that after many years as a succesful beach music guitarist and singer, he is read more...
Picture of the Day: Rossington Jam
Today's photo was taken in 1987 during the Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Tour. The Rossington Band was opening. On this night, Steve Morse of The Dixie Dreggs caught a jam with Gary Rossington and
Luther Dickinson: Night Before theTour...
Luther Dickinson Talks Present, Past & Future 1/16/08 Things have been quite busy as of late. I've just about completed my interview read more...
The Outlaws are Our Latest Legends
We are happy to poresent the latest in our Legends of Southern Rock series, The Outlaws. The Outlaws are one of the South's all time best loved bands, delivering a rock and roll sound via the "Florida Guitar Army" unlike any other. Check out the article by
Charlie Daniels Grand Ole Opry Induction Airs Friday
On Friday, January 19th, the Opry Live broadcast on GAC will feature the induction of it's newest member, the legendary Charlie Daniels. Charlie and his band along with
Dickey Betts Will Tour With Kid Rock in February
According to his website, Dickey Betts will be joining Kid Rock on tour this February and March. In addition to performing Dickey's own hits, Dickey will be joining Kid Rock and his band on stage to perform.
Six Degrees of Separation
In the south we not only claim kin we also claim friends. I have learned that behind every new acquaintance there lies the possibility of finding an old friend—not to mention discovering a new one. Such was the case this week when I was working on a feature about read more...
...A Rising Tide of Georgia Rock And Roll...
A Rising Tide of Georgia Rock And Roll: David Barbe, The Drive By Truckers, Bloodkin & The Black Crowes 1/10/08 "Every read more...
Second Annual Big House Benefit Coming January 19th
The Second Annual Big House Museum Benefit will be held in Macon, Georgia on January 19th, 2008. Perfomers will include Tommy Talton, Jimmy Hall,
How I Gave Up on Going to the Moon and Became a Writer Instead
Oddly enough, I would have never even dreamed of becoming a writer during my days in grade school and high school. I really wanted to work for NASA, or be a rock star, or both. But I did create my own music magazines and comic books as far back as tenth grade. My first real thoughts read more...
Doc Holliday Rocked The Holidays in Georgia
A reader reports that Doc Holliday Band played a great show at Yesterdaze a club in Warner Robbins on December 22, 2007. Apparently
2008 Year of The Crowe
...Atlanta's Black Crowes Prepare for the Warpath... 1/7/08 Today the Black read more...
LIghts, Camera, Action! Film Festivals and Film Debuts in the South
Late winter and spring of 2008 will see the blossoming of a host of film festivals in the South. A number of the festivals showcase original films and present cash awards to the best new films. Others bring classic, hard to find, topical, or thematic films to the read more...
Cowboy in The Studio : A Photo Feature
Scott Boyer and Tommy Talton are back in Duck Tape Studio in Decatur, Alabama this weekend for "phase 2" in the recording of their new Cowboy reunion album. This session includes members of the band that joined after the third album. Previously, Boyer and read more...
Cowboy in Studio Again This Weekend
Cowboy is back in the studio at Duck Tape Studios with Johnny Sandlin this weekend, recording more material for their upcoming new album. In the studio for round two are
Happy New Year : Farewell to 2007
Happy New Year to all of our readers, and once again, allow me to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support of GRITZ and our mother ship, SWAMPLAND.COM.
Criteria Studios: 50 Years Later
Legendary Miami Studio 50 Years Later 12/30/07 Jazz fanatic Mack Emerman started the Miami, Florida, Criteria Studio 50 years ago. The read more...
Lead Belly: A Life In Pictures
A New Lead Belly Book Hits The Streets 12/29/07 A new 250 page book on blues great
Dr. John Voices Frustration At Friday New Orleans Show
Dr. John Expresses Frustration With Katrina Fallout 12/29/07 Dr. John informed the audience--at his first of two shows in his hometown last read more...
Country's Top 100 Heartbreaks
A List of Country Music's Greatest Hurtin' Songs 12/28/07 Here's an interesting
GRITZ Best Albums of The Year
Lots of great music rocked my world in 2007. Here are my choices for the 15 best of the best. Feel free to log on and comment. Let me know if you agree or disagree. read more...
Outlaws to Tour in 2008; Picture of the Day, Classic Outlaws
The Outlaws, who had just finished recording a new album when founding member Hughie Thomasson passed away, have announced that they will tour early in 2008. The lineup will include original members Henry Paul and Monte Yoho. Dates for the tour are expected to be posted soon at
Full Moon Fever With Stanley Booth
Full Moon Fever With Stanley Booth 12/24/07 Full moon on the Little Satilla River...I return to my homesoil for the holidays, and it ain't the read more...
Growing Up in Spartanburg with The Marshall Tucker Band
My association with The Marshall Tucker Band has been in the words of Robert Hunter, “a long, strange trip.” It has also been a trip I wouldn’t have missed for the read more...
Honeydripper Star Plays Hometown
Gary Clark Jr. Plays Austin 12/21/07 Musician Gary Clark, Jr.
George Porter Celebrates 60th Birthday
New Orleans Musician Celebrates 60th Birthday 12/21/07 The great George Porter Jr. will celebrate his 60th birthday next week at The read more...
Charlie Daniels Grand Ole Opry Induction Set for January 19th
Charlie Daniels will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 19, 2008 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Daniels was surprised with the invitation from Opry member Martina McBride during his annual Christmas For Kids benefit show in November. read more...
Blues Trail Marker For "Nighthawk" McCollum
A New Blues Marker Tribute 12/19/07 In Friar's Point, Mississippi, a
New Willie Nelson Album Out January 29, 2008
New Nelson CD, Moment of Forever, Hits Streets Early 08 12/19/07 Great American read more...
Mama Hill of H&H in Macon Passes Away at 94
Mama Inez Hill, the co-owner of Macon's H&H Restaurant has passed away at 94. Inez Hill, 94, died early this morning (Tuesday, December 18th) of natural causes at The Medical Center of Central Georgia. Hill, and her sister "Mama Louise" read more...
Montgomery Dedicates New Year's Eve To Hank Williams
On New Year's Eve Hank Williams Fans Gather In Montgomery 12/17/07 "The eeriest thing I ever had to do in my life was at Hank's funeral when read more...
Ike Turner Dead at 76
Ike Turner Dead at 76 12/12/07 The story of guitarist/songwriter
Southern Greats Play Post Led Zeppelin London Gig
Sam Moore, Ben E. King, Percy Sledge and Solomon Burke Perform Post Led Zep Gig 12/11/07 Ex-Rolling Stone Bill Wyman's band, the
Brothers of the Southland Advance CD Download Available Now
The Brothers of the Southland with Bo Bice CD is now available for a limited time as an advance download of the CD. The Download is available exclusively thru www.SouthernAlliance.org
Jimmy Hall Launches New Web Site, Features Exclusive Video and Audio
Jimmy Hall's website has been given a face lift, this according to Mike read more...
John Sayles Interview
Mystery & Manners John Sayles Interview 12/8/07 On Thursday I interviewed John Sayles. Sayles' new movie Honeydripper was filmed in Alabama. Honeydripper read more...
Rockin' Camel Music Gets Website Makeover
Rockin' Camel Music, based in Gadsden, Alabama, has been creating quite a buzz over the past couple of years. They have been compared to the old Capricorn Records as a Southern specialty label, and read more...
Gibson's Robot Guitar
Gibson's Robot Guitar On Sale 12/6/07 This Monday, Gibson's
No Country For Old Men Voted Best Film
Joel & Ethan Cohen's Film Earns High Praise 12/06/07 Southern writer
Billy Bob Thornton Christmas Song Exclusive On iTunes
Billy Bob Thornton's band (his hillbilly band) The Boxmasters have a special Christmas
...Into The Deep...
Mystery & Manners Dispatch 12/05/07 Today marks the birthday of southern writer
Like Father, Like Son: John Carter Cash Speaks with GRITZ
John Carter Cash, son of famed country music couple Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, took some time out of his extremely busy schedule to speak with us about the new Johnny Cast TV Show DVD set, the Cash Cabin Recording Studio and of course, his legendary parents. For me, read more...
Dixie Chicks Want Convictions Overturned
The Dixie Chicks have a new controversy on their hands. Lead singer Natalie Maines is urging people to contribute money to a defense fund for three Arkansas men that she (and many others) believe were wrongly convicted of killing three child