Swampland.com

Music Review Archives

B.B. King And His Orchestra Live

Review of: B.B. King

B.B. King And His Orchestra Live B.B. King Acrobat Music By James Calemine Originally recorded in 1983 at the international MIDEM industry gathering in Cannes, King's standard songs are rendered with an orchestra led by Calvin Owens. This read more...

Boots, Buckles and Spurs

Review of: Various Artists

(Legacy) “I grew up dreamin’ of being a cowboy/ And loving the cowboy ways Pursuin’ a life of my high ridin’ heroes/I burned up my childhood days...” -Willie Nelson. “My Heroes Have read more...

Fearless

Review of: Taylor Swift

(Big Machine) It seems like every article or review I read about Taylor Swift starts off with some variation on the theme of her age and the fact that she has accomplished so much in her career and has just now turned eighteen. Sure, there have been countless teen idols read more...

A Tribute to a Legend

Review of: Les Paul & Friends

(EMI/Capitol) The title of “legend” gets tossed around a lot by music critics. I myself plead guilty as charged to the overuse of the term. But no matter how you look at it, shake it up, smell it and pour it back out, there’s no denying the fact that read more...

Monte Montgomery

Review of: Monte Montgomery

(Thirty Tigers) I first heard of Monte Montgomery back in 1999, by way of a nice guy in Texas who worked in some capacity for Jerry LaCroix. He sent me some Monte music and I was hooked. I had never heard anyone “go up side a guitar” like Monte. Especially read more...

Piece Of My Heart: The Best of 1969 - 1978

Review of: Bonnie Bramlett

(Raven/Australia) I maintain my opinion that Bonnie Bramlett is still the "Queen of Southern Rock and Soul." If you don’t believe me, just check out this new compilation disc from Raven Records in Australia. It’s enough to make a brother shout.

Rockin' The Blues: Live in Germany 1964

Review of: Howlin' Wolf

Rockin' The Blues: Live in Germany 1964 Howlin Wolf Acrobat Music By James Calemine Rockin’ The Blues captures Howlin’ Wolf in his prime. This CD features The Wolf backed by his stellar Chicago band that included guitarist read more...

Preachin', Prayin' and Singin'

Review of: Charlie Daniels and Friends

Charlie Daniels an Friends Live From Nashville (Koch DVD) On April 25, 2005, Charlie Daniels took to the stage in Nashville to debut songs from his bluegrass-gospel album Songs From the Longleaf Pines. Charlie also brought read more...

Polk Miller & His Old South Quartet

Review of: Polk Miller & His Old South Quartet

Polk Miller & His Old South Quartet Polk Miller Tompkins Square By James Calemine James "Polk" Miller was born in Virginia during 1844. His story is important because he was one of the earliest examples of a white read more...

Lifeboat

Review of: Jimmy Herring

Lifeboat Jimmy Herring City Hall Records By James Calemine Jimmy Herring is a seasoned professional. Currently serving as lead guitarist for the mighty Widespread Panic, Herring read more...

Lucky Old Sun (Deluxe Version)

Review of: Kenny Chesney

(Blue Chair) I have seen a lot of other reviews of Kenny Chesney’s new album that berated him for the lack of what they call “country music” on his new album, and kind of dismissing it as “island music.” well, truth be known, it read more...

Free and Easy

Review of: Charlie Tatman

(charlietatman.com) Charlie Tatman rocks, brothers and sisters. Sporting a whiskey soaked voice and a smoking guitar, the big Ohio man has true Dixie heart, and it comes through loud and clear in this read more...

The Truth

Review of: Superswamp Heroes

Pawley’s Island, SC brings us a fresh, new Southern Rock band with a fistful of excellent songs and a whole lot of musical passion. On this, their debut album, the quartet steps up to the plate ready to smack one out of the park.  “Living Proof” gets read more...

Live In London and Paris

Review of: Otis Redding

Live In London and Paris Otis Redding Stax/Concord  By James Calemine In March of 1967 Otis Redding, at the peak of his career, crossed the Atlantic to perform for his read more...

Learn to Live

Review of: Darius Rucker

(Capitol Nashville) It came as no surprise to me when I caught wind of the story here a while back that Darius Rucker had “gone country.” After all, several years before Hootie and The Blowfish had their gazillion selling Cracked Rear View album, read more...

Zebulon

Review of: Don Chambers and Goat

Zebulon Don Chambers & Goat Warm Electronic Recordings By James Calemine Recorded in Athens, Georgia, Don Chambers’ Zebulon ranks as one of the best releases of 2008.

Ike & Tina Turner Sing The Blues

Review of: Ike & Tina Turner

Ike & Tina Turner Sing The Blues Ike & Tina Turner Acrobat Music By James Calemine Ike & Tina Turner Sing The Blues serves as a definitive collection of their musical roots. In 1969, Ike Turner leased two albums worth read more...

50 Years

Review of: Kenny Rogers

(Cracker Barrel) The first time I ever heard Kenny Rogers sing was back in the sixties when he and his band The First Edition hosted a Saturday afternoon TV show called Rolling On The River. I loved that show, and thought Kenny was just a great singer. I had read more...

Acid Tongue

Review of: Jenny Lewis

Acid Tongue Jenny Lewis Warner Brothers By James Calemine Founding member of Rilo Kiley, Jenny Lewis was a child actress and continued acting until 2001. Then Lewis began recording with the

The Imus Ranch Record

Review of: Various Artists

(New West) Bekka Bramlett has a mystical effect on me. She always has, even as backing singer for Faith Hill, or dueting with Sam Moore, Billy Burdette or Joe Cocker. But like her mother before her, soul sensation Bonnie Bramlett, and her daddy Delaney for that matter, she read more...

Motion To Rejoin

Review of: Brightblack Morning Light

Motion To Rejoin Brightblack Morning Light Matador Records By James Calemine Alabama natives Rachel Hughes and Nathan Shineywater began playing music together as kids. Shineywater (guitars) and Hughes (Fender Rhodes) released their debut read more...

Marc Ford & The Neptune Blues Club

Review of: Marc Ford

Marc Ford & The Neptune Blues Club Marc Ford Shrapnel Records By James Calemine The Neptune Blues Club counts as Marc Ford's third solo CD. Of course, Ford's musical read more...

George Clinton & His Gangsters of Love

Review of: George Clinton

George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love George Clinton Shanachie By James Calemine The Funkadelic/Parliment legend and North Carolina native George Clinton recruited a plethora of talent--including Texas born

The Blues Rolls On

Review of: Elvin Bishop

(Delta Groove) What makes this new Elvin Bishop record so amazing is the roster of special guests he has been able to assemble. This lineup shows just want a respected guitarist Elvin is with his peers. The guests on the album include B.B. King, George Thorogood, read more...

Orange Blossoms

Review of: JJ Grey & Mofro

Orange Blossoms J.J. Grey & Mofro Alligator Records By James Calemine Orange Blossoms counts as Mofro’s fourth disc. The album title represents the band’s home state of Florida’s official flower. On this read more...

A Tail of Two Cities

Review of: Gov't Mule

(ATO) All I can say is “wow!” The Mule is burning white hot on both of the two live shows in this double DVD set. The first show was recorded at the Orpheum  Theatre in Boston back in 2004. Warren Haynes and the boys knock it read more...

You Can't Help But Love Me

Review of: Amanda Martin

(amandamartin.net) Amanda Martin could very well be the next big thing in Nashville’s huge circle of young female artists. To make it these days, you have to possess something special and different read more...

Love on the Inside (Deluxe Fan Edition)

Review of: Sugarland

(Mercury Nashville) I have really enjoyed watching Sugarland’s rocket ride to the top of the country charts over the past few years. Like so many others, I was hooked from the very first time I saw Jennifer Nettles smiling and singing “Baby Girl” on read more...

The Jeopardy Of Circumstance

Review of: Carrie Elkin

CARRIE ELKIN The Jeopardy of Circumstance There used to be an adage: When you don't want to do Nashville, you do Austin. That may not hold as true today, but there was a time when when just about everything filtering to the country-fied (meaning fans read more...

Midnight In Mississippi

Review of: Blue Mountain

Mississippi's Blue Mountain has regrouped after splintering few years back, done in by divorce, disappointing sales, and overall malaise.  It's easy to see why a band with such great promise could have let a series of heartbreaks get to them.  But like

Now It's Tomorrow

Review of: Randall Bramblett

(New West) For his seventh solo album, Randall Bramblett sticks with the same band, producer (Gerry Hanson) and Atlanta studio he used for his excellent 2006 CD Rich Someday, and the read more...

Volkswagen Catfish

Review of: Fiddleworms

Of all the newer bands I have run across here at GRITZ over the past five years, none have burned their music into my brain any stronger than The Fiddleworms. This Muscle Shoals, Alabama rock band read more...

Doc Holliday

Review of: Doc Holliday

(Rock Candy) After building a reputation throughout the south for nine years as Roadhouse, Doc Holliday changed their name and came blazing out of Warner Robbins, Georgia in 1979 with read more...

Rocking the Boat: A Musical Conversation & Journey

Review of: Delbert McClinton

(JC Communications) Delbert McClinton hosted his first ever Blues Cruise in 1995. Thirteen years later, the event is one of the most successful events of its type ever. McClinton has played host to everyone from Bonnie and Bekka Bramlett to Jimmy Hall, from Paul Thorn read more...

Rott-N-Roll

Review of: Grayson Capps & The Stumpknockers

Rott-N-Roll Grayson Capps & The Stumpknockers Hyena Records By James Calemine Rott-N-Roll, Grayson Capps’ third disc, sounds like gut-bucket, shitkicker electric blues. Capps’ mode of operandi abides in his read more...

One Foot In The Groove

Review of: Donnie Fritts

Donnie is simply one of the best songwriters around.  "One Foot in the Groove" is humorous, clever and heartbreaking. Everyone should own it.

The Gleam II

Review of: The Avett Brothers

We're definitely on a good run.  We feel like this is the core of it. We're going to change.  As the songs change, we'll change  We're looking forward to a lot of years of playing together.

Nudge It Up A Notch

Review of: Steve Cropper & Felix Cavaliere

Nudge It Up A Notch Steve Cropper & Felix Cavaliere Concord Music/STAX By James Calemine Recorded last year in Nashville, Nudge It Up A Notch features the latest work of Steve Cropper and Felix Cavaliere.

Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters

Review of: Billy Bob Thornton

Merrimack Hall, Huntsville, Alabama Friday, August 1, 2008 Merrimack Hall in Huntsville, Alabama is a beautiful, intimate, 300-seat theatre and concert hall that has been going strong for a little over a year. In fact, I believe the first show they read more...

Snake Oil

Review of: Lefty Williams Band

Down in Atlanta, Georgia there lives a young man who is destined to join Duane Allman among the greatest Georgia based guitarists ever to play blues and Southern Rock. His name is Lefty Williams, and the reason he is called Lefty is because he is missing a right arm. But hey, read more...

A Deeper Blue

Review of: Robert Earl Hardy

A Deeper Blue: The Life and Music of Townes Van Zandt Robert Earl Hardy University of North Texas Press By James Calemine “But the aces only flew through heaven And the diamond jack called no man friend…” read more...

Sidewalk Caesars

Review of: Scrapomatic

Sidewalk Caesars Scrapomatic Landslide Records By James Calemine Scrapomatic is a band full of seasoned professionals. Mike Mattison (vocals) and Paul Olsen (guitars/vocals) are old friends. The rhythm section—Ted Pecchio on read more...

The Very Best of Little Richard

Review of: Little Richard

(Specialty) People are always asking me, "Buffalo, who were the original Southern Rockers?" Well, I always say The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The truth, however, is that Southern Rock and Roll was born as far back as 1955, when read more...

Forever Green

Review of: Chuck Leavell

Forever Green: The History and Hope of the American Forest Chuck Leavell Longstreet Press By James Calemine          “The Earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed accordingly read more...

Perfectly Clear

Review of: Jewel

I have been a fan of Jewel since her first video appearance on MTV. I was blown away by the weet and innocent vocal of “You Were Meant for Me,” and the young girl with the crooked teeth and pretty smile who sang it. I bought the album, and every one since, even the read more...

Let's Start Something

Review of: Rob Roy Parnell

(Blue Rocket Records) Rob Roy Parnell has got that Texas Roadhouse thing goin’ on big time, and his new album - his first in nine years - Let’s Start Something, rocks from beginning to end with a Fabulous Thunderbirds meets Delbert read more...

Fennario

Review of: Emory Joseph

(Iris Records) Emory Joseph is a born entertainer. Not only that, but he is also a fine songwriter, as evident in his 2003 epic Labor and Spirits. On this outing, however, Joseph puts down the pen long enough to pay tribute to a pair or true musical legends, read more...

My Name is Jimmie

Review of: Jimmie Van Zant

Jimmie Van Zant may have taken a while to get the attention he deserves, but with the release of My Name is Jimmie, there’s no doubt he will get lots of buzz. It seems Jimmie is hitting on all cylinders. with great musicians, backing vocals, top flight production and read more...

Back When I Knew it All

Review of: Montgomery Gentry

(Sony) I’ve been enjoying Eddie and Troy since Hillbilly Shows in 1999, and have seen them live many times down at the Angelus benefits thrown by Charlie Daniels. I have also reviewed every album they have put out, and I have long held onto my belief that read more...

Two Men With The Blues

Review of: Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis

Two Men With The Blues Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis Angel Records By James Calemine Recorded in 2007 at the Lincoln Center when Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis read more...

With Roots and Wings

Review of: Angel Band

Angel Band With Roots and Wings Appleseed APRCD-1108 For Nancy Josephson, the long arm of the South stretches all the way to the Canadian border. Northern bred, the summers of her youth were spent traversing the backroads and byways of her parents' read more...

Nobody's Fault But Mine

Review of: Edwin McCain

(Saguaro Road Records) Living here in Greenville, SC, I watched Edwin McCain’s rise from local favorite to opener for his friends Hootie and The Blowfish, and onward and upward to read more...

Fire Songs

Review of: The Watson Twins

Fire Songs The Watson Twins Vanguard Records By James Calemine Chandra and Leigh Watson are identical twins from Louisville, Kentucky. Fire Songs, their third disc, draws upon a stripped down sound that operates on their folk read more...

Traveler's Rest

Review of: Outformation

(Red Eye USA) Atlanta’s Outformation falls into that narrow gap between Southern Rock and jam band, and on this, their second album they display elements of both. Traveler’s Rest, which was a collaboration between Widespread Panic’s JoJo read more...

Rollin' with The Flow

Review of: Mark Chesnutt

(Lofton Creek Records) I had a hard time getting past the first track on Mark Chesnutt’s new CD. I mean, the laid back melody, the beautiful pedal steel, and the wonderful lyric of “Things to Do in Wichita” had me at “hello.” read more...

Devil in the Details

Review of: Hogjaw

Hogjaw is back and they are dishing up their heavy Southern Rock with an oversized ladle. The cover art on the CD rocks, which really sets the stage for the music, which is like a cross between Lynyrd Skynyrd and Metallica. Jonboat Jones (vocal/guitar), Craig Self (lead guitar), read more...

Bleedin' Black and White

Review of: Lee Sinclair

(Ruff Patch Music) Spartanburg, SC is once again a hot bed of great music with a whole new generation of players who grew up in the shadows of The Marshall Tucker Band reaching out and grabbing their own brass ring. Then once in a while, we get new music from read more...

From The Reach

Review of: Sonny Landreth

Sonny Landreth From The Reach Landfall Records Sonny Landreth returns with his first record in 5 years.  With his deep catalog of work both as a solo artist and a collaborator/contributor to others (

Dual Hawks

Review of: Centro-matic/South San Gabriel

Centro-matic/South San Gabriel Dual Hawks Misra Records Centro-matic's music comes on like a sound from a distant dream, something new, yet unmistakably familiar. Clear images adding up to something a little vague, but in such a comforting way.

The Last Country Album

Review of: Heybale

(heybale.com) Now this is some real country music, fellow babies. Heybale has the real, honest to God country sound I grew up listening to in the 60’s and 70’s. I didn’t realize just how read more...

Deep Cuts

Review of: Tony Joe White

Tony Joe White Deep Cuts Swamp Records Tony Joe White, quite simply, is one of the most underappreciated musical forces of the last 50 years.  This doesn't mean that people haven't read more...

From The Mud...To The Sky

Review of: Tom Coerver & Goin' South

Tom Coerver is back with his fourth album, his second accompanied by his band Goin’ South, and quite possibly his best work yet. As has been Coerver’s M.O. in the past, he blends original songs with covers. And might I add, an eclectic mix of covers.

All I Intended To Be

Review of: Emmylou Harris

All I Intended to Be Emmylou Harris Nonesuch Records By James Calemine All I Intended To Be counts as Emmylou Harris’ first solo album in five years. Recently inducted into the

Everybodys Brother

Review of: Billy Joe Shaver

(Compadre) I love Billy Joe Shaver. He is one of the best songwriters of our time and one of the most soulful country voices of our generation. What is particularly special about his latest release is that it is all gospel music. Sure, it’s Shaver-ized read more...

Riverbend Music Festival: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Review of: The Black Crowes

The Riverbend Music Festival Chattanooga, Tennessee The Black Crowes 6/6/08 By James Calemine Chris and Rich Robinson played their first official gig in read more...

City That Care Forgot

Review of: Dr. John

City That Care Forgot Dr. John 429 Records By James Calemine Dr. John’s latest disc, City That Care Forgot, proves an essential volume in his prestigious discography. These songs contain more of a cultural-political read more...

See The Light

Review of: Bo Bice

There’s no doubt whatsoever as to where Alabama boy Bo Bice derived his musical influence. Anyone who was watching his rise from American Idol auditions all the way to the second place winner position (barely beaten out by current country superstar Carrie read more...

THE BOXMASTERS

Review of: THE BOXMASTERS

(Vanguard) It seems like these days everyone is imitating whatever the flavor of the month is in any given genre of music, and it is truly a rare and original thing to come across something totally fresh and original. I guess that’s why the new double read more...

Amy LaVere: Live at The Variety Playhouse

Review of: Amy LaVere

Amy LaVere Live Variety Playhouse Atlanta, Georgia 5/30/08 By James Calemine                          “We gon’ read more...

Lay It Down

Review of: Al Green

Lay It Down Al Green Blue Note By James Calemine Soul legend Al Green needs no introduction… Lay It Down marks Green’s first studio album in three years. On this disc, Green employed hip-hop read more...

Outlaws Forever

Review of: Tumbleweed Junction

(tumbleweedjunction.com) There’s more than a little influence from Hughie Thomasson and Toy Caldwell in the music of Tumbleweed Junction, whether they are cooking on a Southern Rocker like read more...

Lady Antebellum

Review of: Lady Antebellum

(Capitol) They’re young, they’re hot and most important of all, they are damned good. Their breakout single “Love Don’t Live Here” kicks off the album with a sound that brings to mind what Hootie and The Blowfish might read more...

Lie Down In The Light

Review of: Bonnie "Prince" Billy

Indie-hero Will Oldham began his career in "entertainment" as a teenage actor.  Most notably, he carried John Sayles' Matewan as a miner and a young read more...

Someone Else's Shoes - In Europe

Review of: Tommy Talton

(Hittin' The Note) I had this dream the other night, and I was walking in the park. It was a beautiful summer afternoon, and just before dusk when I stopped at one of the many park benches that lined the walkway. As I started to sit down, I noticed a pair of men’s read more...

Thing Of The Past

Review of: Vetiver

Vetiver is simply one of America's best bands, and some of the most vital and timeless music being made. Andy Cabic's understanding and deep knowledge of great songs and dynamic music is astounding, it does not suprise me that he cut his teeth in North Carolina, he has a way of read more...

Gator Country Live

Review of: Gator Country

Let me just start by stating a cold hard fact. These old Molly Hatchet tunes have never sounded better. With four former Hatchet members leading the pack - Jimmy Farrar, Bruce Crump, Steve Holland and Riff West, along with extraordinary guitar work from Linni Disse and Paul read more...

Tooth of Crime

Review of: T-Bone Burnett

Tooth of Crime T-Bone Burnett Nonesuch Records By James Calemine Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Burnett grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. Burnett’s career continues gaining steam over the years. He’s worked with

Plunder, Beg and Curse

Review of: Colour Revolt

Colour Revolt Plunder, Beg and Curse Fat Possum Records Colour Revolt come from that ramshackle tradition that rose from the Memphis music scene, post MTV.  Taking blues and punk as a basis, Memphis became a home for some disaffected musicians who wanted read more...

A Buzz, a Buzz

Review of: Bombadil

Named for a character from J.R.R. Tolkien, Bombadil takes the idea of fantasy to heart in their music.  They lead the listener on a aural journey in a way that few bands do.  In the same way that fantasy combines the past with futuristic sensibilities, Bombadil has found read more...

Keep Your Silver Shined

Review of: Devon Sproule

Keep Your Silver Shined Devon Sproule Waterbug Records There are only a handful of musicians good enough to pack the house with other musicians, and Devon Sproule is one. She is a magnet to them as much as music is a magnet to her. B.J. Cole knows. read more...

35 Biggest Hits

Review of: Toby Keith

(Show Dog Nashville) Toby Keith began his country career as one of those cute, curly haired pretty boys, but it didn’t take long for him to find his inner Outlaw and Southern rock roots. That’s when ol’ Toby really started dominating the charts. Since then, read more...

My Life's Been a Country Song

Review of: Chris Cagle

(Capitol) With this, his fourth release, Chris Cagle kicks things up a couple of notches, with a blend of country, rock and blues that slides very nicely nto your music read more...

American Hearts

Review of: A.A. Bondy

A.A. Bondy American Hearts Fat Possum Records The South is one of the last places as far as I know where they try to preserve their way of life. They don't want strip malls, or maybe the strip malls don't want them. It's just darker and weirder to read more...

The Band of Heathens

Review of: The Band of Heathens

The Band of Heathens The Band of Heathens BOH Records By James Calemine The Band of Heathens should be heard. This debut release certifies the Austin group’s songwriting strength and musical ability that allows the compositions read more...

Mojo Man/Arkansas Rockpile

Review of: Ronnie Hawkins

Mojo Man/Arkansas Rockpile Ronnie Hawkins Collector’s Choice Music By James Calemine                    “He was the most read more...

Back Down To Louisiana

Review of: Dale Hawkins

Dale Hawkins Back Down To Louisiana Plumtone Records For those who don't read more...

Mudcrutch

Review of: Mudcrutch

Mudcrutch Mudcrutch Warner Brothers By James Calemine

Five Moons

Review of: The Beat Daddys

(beatdaddys.com) Larry Grisham and his band have been burning up the blues from their Alabama home and throughout the land for a lot of years now, and we have seen them cosistantly deliver the goods both live read more...

The Mighty Handful Volume One

Review of: The Mighty Handful

scottymoore.net The Mighty Handful is one helluva band. Headed up by former Elvis Presley guitarist Scotty Moore, the band features Billy “I Can Help” Swan on vocals; Bob Moore, also a read more...

Another Country

Review of: Tift Merritt

Tift Merritt Another Country Fantasy Records The read more...

Me and Pepper

Review of: Mel Tillis

Me and Pepper Mel Tillis Collectors' Choice By James Calemine Born in Tampa, Florida, during the Great Depression, Mel Tillis began stuttering at age three. However, when he sang Tillis did not stutter. His speech impediment made him a sort of hero to read more...

The Bourbon Dynasty

Review of: The Bourbon Dynasty

The Bourbon Dynasty The Bourbon Dynasty Night World Records It's good to have Charles Walston back making music.  Almost a decade ago, Walston's previous band, the Vidalias, were part of a roots and country music resurgence in read more...

The Very Best of Outlaw Country

Review of: Various Artists

(Legacy) The thing that sets this compilation apart from the plethora of others that are always being flooded into the market is the fact that it brings together Southern rockers and “outlaw” country artists on one excellent CD. It could be used as a read more...

One Hell of a Ride

Review of: Willie Nelson

(Columbia/Legacy) Willie Nelson is a Southern music icon. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who has never heard of Willie, and equally challenged to find anyone who doesn’t like his music. As for me, I have been spinning Willie read more...

Trouble in Mind

Review of: Hayes Carll

(Lost Highway) Hayes Carll seems to be cut from the very same magic songwriter cloth that Robert Earl Keen, Todd Snyder and John Prine were cut from. While I really enjoyed his previous two albums, Trouble in Mind knocks those in the dirt. This one is chock full of read more...

Fortune Teller 2.0

Review of: Ghost Riders

(Mira Vista) www.beyond.fm Florida’s Ghost Riders are a Southern rock treasure. Lead off by Steve Grisham (The Outlaws) and featuring Barry Rapp (Henry Paul Band), Phill Stokes (Pure Prairie read more...

Stronger

Review of: Carlene Carter

Stronger Carlene Carter Yep Roc By James Calemine Stronger counts as Carlene Carter’s first album of new material since 1995. Severe personal tragedies such as death of her longtime partner—

Backbone & Gristle

Review of: Mac Arnold

macarnold.com Mac Arnold blew everyone’s mind a few short years ago when he quit his day job to return to his true love, playing the blues. His first album, Nothin’ to Prove, backed by his most read more...

Honeydew

Review of: Shawn Mullins

Honeydew Shawn Mullins Vanguard Records By James Calemine Atlanta, Georgia, native Shawn Mullins gave up a military career for songwriting. He began recording in the early 90s and his songs soon found their way into radio and TV read more...

Runnin' Down A Dream

Review of: Peter Bogdanovich

Runnin’ Down A Dream Peter Bogdanovich Warner Brothers By James Calemine Born in Gainesville, Florida, Tom Petty became one of America’s read more...

Little Grey Sheep

Review of: Danny Schmidt

Little Grey Sheep Danny Schmidt Waterbug WBG79 It isn't enough that Danny Schmidt starts out his

Just Us Kids

Review of: James McMurtry

Just Us Kids James McMurtry Lightning Rod Records By James Calemine Austin, Texas, musician James McMurtry’s new CD--Just Us Kids--proves an uncompromising collection of 12 songs. Years ago, McMurtry read more...

Revelation

Review of: A. J. Roach

A.J. Roach Revelation Waterbug Records Some guys have roots and some guys have roots. A.J. Roach has roots growing out of the bottoms of his feet. Make no mistake, Roach is not tied to the roots, but he lives and breathes read more...

Do What's Right

Review of: Jack Pearson

(Candlefly) jackpearson.com Jack Pearson is one of our greatest living guitar players. Like many others, I fondly recall the brief tenure he enjoyed as a member of The Allman Brothers Band, and the bootlegs of read more...

Bug

Review of: William Friedkin

Bug William Friedkin Lionsgate By James Calemine Kentucky girl Ashley Judd was recently nominated for a Saturn Award for this film. Judd plays a lonely read more...

Trucker Tracks Vol. 1

Review of: Various Artists

(Spec Records) There are thirteen tracks on Trucker Tracks, filled with some genuine houserockin’ Southern Rock and Outlaw country songs, all about that special breed of individual read more...

Honey Songs

Review of: Jim Lauderdale & The Dream Players

Honey Songs Jim Lauderdale & The Dream Players Yep Roc Records By James Calemine North Carolina native Jim Lauderdale's new CD, Honey Songs, contains various musical styles indicative of Lauderdale's previous work. For Honey read more...

Street Survivors - Deluxe Edition

Review of: Lynyrd Skynyrd

Street Survivors - Deluxe Edition 30th Anniversary (Geffen/UMe) Mere days after the release of Street Survivors in 1977, the Freebird fell to the ground, silencing one of Southern Rock’s finest voices in Ronnie Van Zant. read more...

Warpaint

Review of: The Black Crowes

Warpaint The Black Crowes Silver Arrow Records By James Calemine Warpaint represents Atlanta, Georgia’s, The Black Crowes’ seventh studio album. Seven years have elapsed since the Crowes recorded an album of read more...

Dog Eat Dog World

Review of: Chris Hicks

Chris Hicks has paid his dues and more. First, as lead guitarist and vocalist for Loose Change, a band that caught the ear of music mogul Alan Walden, who maintains even today that Hicks is the “best undiscovered artist of our time.” Then Hicks was hired to play read more...

Vagabonds

Review of: Gary Louris

Vagabonds Gary Louris Rykodisc By James Calemine Gary Louris, co-founder of the Jayhawks, proves songwriting remains his strength. Louris, an outstanding guitarist, concentrates on the flowing word grams of his lyrics amid this read more...

Brothers of the Southland

Review of: Brothers of the Southland

Brothers of The Southland is one of the best of the plethora of “all star” bands playing today, and their debut CD is a sheer joy from beginning to end. This is the kind of music that gets me downright excited. Maybe that’s why I named it as the best Southern Rock read more...

Gileah & the Ghost Train

Review of: Gileah & the Ghost Train

GILEAH & THE GHOST TRAIN Gileah & the Ghost Train The Love Library TLL-100 Gileah is a talent of many faces (and phases) . A music-driven Gileah Taylor first forayed into songwriting and recording with a collection of children's songs, read more...

Margie Joseph

Review of: Margie Joseph

Margie Joseph Margie Joseph Collector’s Choice Music By James Calemine This 1973 Atlantic Records self-titled debut brought high expectations of Margie Joseph, a Mississippi native whose voice reminded folks of her Atlantic read more...

A Long Way from Tupelo

Review of: Paul Thorn

(Perpetual Obscurity) Paul Thorn hails from Tupelo, Mississippi, in the heart of the Delta country. A former pro-middleweight boxer, Thorn is a talented painter and a roots rocker who has toured with some of the top names in country and rock. His new read more...

Catch

Review of: William Tonks

Catch William Tonks Ghostmeat Records By James Calemine  Recorded within a year at David Barbe's Chase Park Transductions Studio in Athens, read more...

Solos, Sessions and Encores

Review of: Stevie Ray Vaughan

(Epic/Legacy) When Stevie Ray Vaughan died in 1990, the world of Southern blues and rock and roll was dealt a devastating blow. We had lost another great in his prime, and the wounds we all felt left scars that remain unhealed eighteen years later. Thankfully, Stevie read more...

A New Kind of Blues

Review of: Delaney Bramlett

(Magnolia Gold) Delaney Bramlett is nothing less than a musical treasure. Now into his fifth decade as a musician, writer, producer and all around music mogul, Delaney sounds just as good as ever. A New Kind of Blues is his latest masterpiece, a collection of eleven read more...

Beautiful

Review of: Bonnie Bramlett

(Rockin' Camel) With the music business in a state of flux, it is indeed refreshing to come across an artist who isn’t struggling to reinvent herself daily to fit a fleeting slot that may not exist in a week’s time. The new offering from Bonnie Bramlett, read more...

Lovers

Review of: Bobby Whitlock & CoCo Carmel

(www.bobbywhitlock.com) Joined by a stellar group of musicians, music icon, Bobby Whitlock and wife, CoCo Carmel, have released a new CD, appropriately titled “Lovers” for Valentine’s Day. The ten tracks, recorded and produced mostly in Austin, TX chronicle read more...

Free Somehow

Review of: Widespread Panic

Free Somehow Widespread Panic Widespread Records By James Calemine The Athens, Georgia, band Widespread Panic’s last 22 years proved a formidable read more...

Brighter Than Creation's Dark

Review of: Drive By Truckers

(New West) Athens, Georgia's Drive-By Truckers are the undisputed torch bearers of Southern Rock in the 21st century. They are as Dixie Fried as  Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker or the Allman Brothers. They blend all of their influences from Southern rock, country, folk, punk read more...

Lantana

Review of: Caroline Herring

Caroline Herring Lantana Signature Sounds SIG-2010 Caroline Herring knows exactly who she is, though her view of her world shifts like dunes in a windstorm. Wife, mother, musician, philosopher and poet live inside her, and probably a handful of other read more...

Change in the Weather

Review of: The Dust Devils

(Little Train) On their new release, Texas country rockers The Dust Devils com out of the chute with a pure Austin-style country title track, with Barbara Malteze giving 110 percent as she always does. If the rocker “Looking for Pearl” was my favorite cut read more...

Volume One

Review of: Johnny Neel & The Criminal Element

(Breakin’ Records) Johnny Neel is one funky white boy. He pours the funk on heavy with the opening track, “Toasted.” It’s Tower of Power meets Edgar Winter’s White Trash, with a little George Clinton tossed in for good measure. The band read more...

Just A Little Lovin'

Review of: Shelby Lynne

After an early career spent bucking against the Nashville system, Alabamian Shelby Lynne has emerged as one of our Footprint's significant artists.  Her latest, Just A Little Lovin', displays the vistas of her imagination and the strength of her read more...

Outlaws & Renegades

Review of: Galloway & Kelliher

In my line of work I get to hear some pretty awesome Southern rock and country music. Sometimes I get blown away by the artist and musicianship, other times it’s the songwriting that draws me in. It’s rare to see a performer that brings it all to the table, but Galloway read more...

The Trailer Tapes

Review of: Chris Knight

(Drifter's Church 0010) Some albums are just meant to be heard. Chris Knight recorded 'The Trailer Tapes” in 1996 more to put the songs he'd written on tape than for release, but some songs are just not made to stay in the can. Last year, co-producers read more...

Brighter Than Creation's Dark

Review of: Drive By Truckers

Brighter Than Creation’s Dark Drive By Truckers New West Records By James Calemine                  “Trying to hold steady on the righteous read more...

Hernando

Review of: North Mississippi Allstars

Hernando North Mississippi Allstars Songs of the South By James Calemine Hernando is the town in Mississippi where legendary producer Jim Dickinson read more...

Darius Goes West

Review of: Logan Smalley

“Something’s gonna happen like…Just spark the whole world,” exclaims Darius, the star of the award-winning independent documentary feature film Darius Goes West (DGW), 2007. read more...

Frankie Ray

Review of: Jonathan Wilson

Frankie Ray Jonathan Wilson Pretty And Black By James Calemine North Carolina native Jonathan Wilson's Frankie Ray contains the work of a talented songwriter. These quiet songs evoke a subterranean sound. Astral lyrics painted around read more...

Conversations With Tom Petty

Review of: Paul Zollo

Conversations With Tom Petty Paul Zollo Omnibus Press By James Calemine Tom Petty writes in the foreword of this book about writer Paul Zollo: “We met many times in 2004 to 2005 for talks that came to necessitate my read more...

Pride and Joy (DVD)

Review of: Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble

(Epic Legacy) Released just after his death, Pride and Joy was a must-have VHS compilation of Stevie’s music videos shot between 1983 and 1989, including “Cold Shot,” “Lovestruck Baby,” “Superstition” and others. Of read more...

Lonely Just Like Me: The Final Chapter

Review of: Arthur Alexander

(Hacktone) In 1993 Arthur Alexander cut one of the most important records of his career, Lonely Just Like Me.  Thirty years earlier he had written songs that inspired The Beatles ("Anna"), Rolling Stones ("You Better Move On") and read more...

Review of: John Hammond

(Raven) Blues man John Hammond has recorded some fine albums during his long and varied career, including the Muscle Shoals inspired Southern Fried, but the two included on this CD are two of his very best. Source Point, produced by read more...

Death Proof

Review of: Quentin Tarantino

Death Proof Quentin Tarantino Genius Productions By James Calemine Quentin Tarantino always gives a nod to the south in his films. Most folks are aware of Knoxville-native Tarantino films such as True Romance, Reservoir Dogs, read more...

Tom T. Hall Sings Miss Dixie & Tom T.

Review of: Tom T. Hall

Tom T. Hall Sings Miss Dixie & Tom T. Tom T. Hall Blue Circle Records By James Calemine These days Tom T. Hall lays relatively low. Known as a top-drawer songwriter and storyteller, Hall's latest release Tom T. Hall Sings Miss Dixie read more...

How Low Can You Go?

Review of: Anthology of the String Bass

How Low Can You Go? Anthology of the String Bass Various Artists Dust-To-Digital By James Calemine This 3 CD set explores the earliest recorded history of the string bass. These recordings include a scope of symphony read more...

Desperate Man Blues

Review of: Joe Bussard

Desperate Man Blues: Discovering The Roots of American Music The Story of Joe Bussard Dust-To-Digital By James Calemine Desperate Man Blues tells the story of Fonotone read more...

I Belong To This Band

Review of: Sacred Harp Recordings

I Belong To This Band: Eighty-Five Years of Sacred Harp Recordings Various Artists Dust-To-Digital By James Calemine This 30-song collection serves as a companion to the film Awake, My Soul: The Story of Sacred Harp. Sacred Harp Singing read more...

Where Will You Be On Christmas Day?

Review of: Various Artists

Where Will You Be Christmas Day? Various Artists Dust To Digital By James Calemine These 24 songs were recorded from 1917-1959. This CD ranks as one of the most eclectic and powerful Christmas compilations of all time. The CD package read more...

The 25th Day of December

Review of: The Staple Singers

The 25th Day of December The Staple Singers Concord Music Group By James Calemine Recorded July 27th and 28th, 1962, The 25th Day of December remained out of print until now. These 12 songs should be played during the holiday read more...

Blues Sweet Blues

Review of: Music Maker Relief Foundation

Blues Sweet Blues Various Music Maker Artists Music Maker Series #91 & #92 By James Calemine Most of these songs (recorded from 1994-2006) on Blues Sweet Blues can be heard for the first time. Only Music Maker's stellar read more...

Dirt Farmer

Review of: Levon Helm

Dirt Farmer Levon Helm Dirt Farmer/Vanguard Music By James Calemine Turkey Scratch, Arkansas native, Levon Helm’s voice epitomizes the American music storyteller. Of course, Helm sang some of

Spokesman For The Shoeless

Review of: Cydney Robinson

Spokesman for the Shoeless CYDNEY ROBINSON B'Dangit Records She calls what she does alternative mountain music and there is something in the presentation or the music or her voice that makes you believe it. She could be from the Appalachians or read more...

The Woodstock Album

Review of: Muddy Waters

The Woodstock Album Muddy Waters Chess/MCA Records By James Calemine Recorded in two days at Levon Helm's studio in Woodstock, New York, during February 1975, this album marked Muddy Waters' last session for Chess Records after 27 years of read more...

Live At the Avalon Ballroom 1969

Review of: Gram Parsons With The Flying Burrito Brothers

Live At The Avalon Ballroom 1969 Gram Parsons with The Flying Burrito Brothers Amoeba Records By James Calemine If you're reading this review, chances are you've heard of

Live From Austin, Texas

Review of: Doug Sahm

Live From Austin, Texas Doug Sahm New West Records By James Calemine This essential DVD retains the glory of Sir Doug Sahm. Born November 6, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas, Sahm--a guitar prodigy (and superb fiddler)--was invited to join The Grand read more...

Song of America

Review of: Various Artists

Song of America Various Artists 31 Tigers Records By James Calemine This 50-song, 3 CD collection tells the story of America through songs from the year 1492 through modern times. Song of America contains a diverse line-up of artists read more...

Blues From The Gutter

Review of: Champion Jack Dupree

Blues From The Gutter Champion Jack Dupree Atlantic Records By James Calemine ...One from the vaults... Orphaned at an early age, Champion Jack Dupree grew up in New Orleans. Dupree spent most of his time in the mean streets and music joints read more...

Dreams To Remember: The Legacy of Otis Redding

Review of: Otis Redding

Dreams To Remember: The Legacy of Otis Redding Otis Redding STAX Records By James Calemine Dreams To Remember emerges as the first full-length Otis Redding DVD. December 10, 2007, represents the 40th Anniversary of Redding's death. This read more...

Raising Sand

Review of: Alison Krauss and Robert Plant

(Rounder) I have seen many unlikely duos in music over the past say, 20 years, but none more unlikely than the front man for Led Zeppelin pairing with the angelic bluegrass singer. It’s one of those situations where magic just seemed to happen without read more...

Beautiful Door

Review of: Billy Bob Thornton

(New Door/Universal) Billy Bob Thornton is the real deal. His music and songwriting are just as special to me as his movies, and the new record may just be his best yet.

I Don't Want No Trouble

Review of: Don Nix

I Don't Want No Trouble Don Nix Section Eight Productions By James Calemine Songwriter Don Nix's latest CD, I Don't Want No Trouble, should attract a wide audience of music fans. Nix, an obscure music hero, helped create 'The Memphis read more...

Mescalito

Review of: Ryan Bingham

Mescalito Ryan Bingham Lost Highway By James Calemine This CD ranks as one of the best releases in 2007. Recorded at Compound Studios in California, Ryan Bingham's Mescalito proves this young man is a musical force. Ex-

Killers From Space

Review of: James Luther Dickinson

Killers From Space James Luther Dickinson Memphis International Records By James Calemine Recorded at Zebra Ranch in Independence, Mississippi, during February and March of 2007, Killers From Space marks another interesting release by read more...

The Scene of the Crime

Review of: Bettye LaVette

  Bettye LaVette The Scene of the Crime Anti Records [T]he read more...

The Bluegrass Sessions

Review of: Merle Haggard

The Bluegrass Sessions Merle Haggard McCoury Music By James Calemine Merle Haggard's new release, The Bluegrass Sessions, upholds his reputation as one of America's finest musicians. After 40 years, Haggard continues to record read more...

Coltrane:The Story of a Sound

Review of: Ben Ratliff

Coltrane: The Story of a Sound Ben Ratliff FSG Books By James Calemine Ben Ratliff wastes no words in this book of John Coltrane's life. Instead, Ratliff chooses to write read more...

Live at the Bohemian Caverns

Review of: Carla Thomas

Live at the Bohemian Caverns Carla Thomas Stax Records By James Calemine Recorded live at the Bohemian Caverns in Washington, D.C. on May 25, 1967, this new Carla Thomas CD serves as timeless testimony to her golden voice. Carla Thomas, daughter read more...

Never Say Die - The Final Concert Film

Review of: Waylon Jennings & The Waymore Blues Band

(Legacy) Waylon Jennings was one of my all time favorite country singers, along with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and David Allan Coe. I remember when Waylon died, my heart just sank. What an entertainer he was. If there was ever any doubt, all you have to do is listen to the read more...

Camp Meeting

Review of: Bruce Hornsby

(Legacy) Virginia boy Bruce Hornsby can do it all. He has given us Top 40 pop classics like “Mandolin Rain” and “The Way it Is.”He has performed as a member of The Grateful Dead. He has worked with jazz guitarist Pat Metheny, horn man Branford read more...

Live From Iraq

Review of: Charlie Daniels Band

(Blue Hat/Koch) The CDB put every bit of their heart and soul into these performance, recorded during various shows for American troops in Iraq. It’s an amazing, high energy show with Charlie firing the guys and girls up with his patriotic anthem “In read more...

Under The Influence of Buck

Review of: The Derailers

(Palo Duro) The Derailers are one hot band. Brian Hofeldt, Ed Adkins, Scott Matthews, Sweet Basil McJagger and Chris Schlotzhauer are some rockin’ Texans. On their new CD, the guys pay tribute to the late great Buck Owens, and they do it right. read more...

Billy Bob Thornton Rocks Myrtle Beach

Review of: Billy Bob Thornton

Billy Bob Thornton The Fabulous Boxmasters House of Blues North Myrtle Beach, SC August 16, 2007 Not only is Billy Bob Thornton my favorite read more...

Ex Tempore

Review of: Johnny Irion

(Rte 8 Records) The very first thought that ran through my mind the first time I played the new Johnny Irion CD was, “This guy reminds me of Neil Young.” Now let me be very clear, that is a good thing in my book. I had honestly never read more...

Clear Blue Flame

Review of: Delta Moon

(Jumping Jack Records) Whether playing the slide-guitar laced smooth groove of “Cool Your Jets” or the moonshine soaked title track, “Clear Blue Flame, “ Delta Moon continue to prove themselves as one of the very best of the newer Southern read more...

Review of: Steep Canyon Rangers

(Rebel Records) The Steep Canyon Rangers are one of the finest bluegrass bands playing today. They have already won the IBMA’s “Emerging Artist” award and are just beginning a career that is sure to keep them at the top of the read more...

Angel In Disguise

Review of: Leon Russell

Angel In Disguise Leon Russell MRI Records By James Calemine Angel In Disguise contains 11 new Leon Russell songs. Russell's prodigious discography proves his influence and talent since he left Lawton, Oklahoma, in his read more...

Atlantic Records: The House That Ahmet Built

Review of: Ahmet Ertegun

(Atlantic DVD) Let me tell you a story. According to The Rolling Stones and Led Zappelin, that is the way Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun began his conversations, almost every time. When Ahmet was 14, he read more...

My December

Review of: Kelly Clarkson

(RCA) The original "American Idol: is back with a rocking new album that is sure to please her gazillion fans worldwide. The young Texan delivers a "one-two" punch with her current single, "Never Again," a ticked-off break up read more...

Bobby Bare Sings Lullaby's, Legends, and Lies

Review of: Bobby Bare

(Legacy) This classic double-album has been given the remaster treatment for it's CD debut. This is a truly wonderful release from Bare, featuring songs written by the late Shel Silverstein. Excellent songs include "Marie Laveau," a spooky song read more...

Black Snake Moan

Review of: Craig Brewer

Black Snake Moan Craig Brewer-Director Paramount Vantage By James read more...

Come Early Morning

Review of: Joey Lauren Adams

Come Early Morning Joey Lauren Adams-Director The Weinstein Company

I Will Obey

Review of: Jo Jo Billingsley

(jojobillingsley.com) JoJo Billingsley, best known as one of Ronnie Van Zant's three "Honkettes" during Lynyrd Skynyrd's peak popularity, is delivering a new kind of message these days. A message read more...

Sirens Of The Ditch

Review of: Jason Isbell

(New West Records) Recorded several years ago at FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Sirens of the Ditch represents ex- Drive By Truckers Jason Isbell’s first solo CD. Mixed by Athens, Georgia, sound wizard David Barbe at Chase Park read more...

Brothers Of A Feather

Review of: Chris & Rich Robinson

Brothers Of A Feather Chris & Rich Robinson Eagle Records By James Calemine    Recorded in April 2006, during a break from the Black Crowes tour, Atlanta’s Chris and Rich Robinson showcase 14 songs on Brothers Of A read more...

Living Dangerously

Review of: TGZ

(King Mojo) TGZ stands for Toler, Gary and Zinner, namely “Dangerous” Dan Toler, formerly of The Allman Brothers Band and more recently Dickey Betts and Great Southern; Ron Gary, the piano wizard who plays with Webster Young and Tom Browne; and Matt read more...

Relentless

Review of: Jason Aldean

(Broken Bow) Georgia boy Jason Aldean, the Academy of Country Music's Top New Male Vocalist for 2006, is back with a brilliant second release that features several tunes co-written with John Rich. Aldean is once again produced by Michael Knox. Jason read more...

On My Way to You

Review of: Daniel Lee Martin

Florida export Daniel Lee Martin is different. He fits into the mold of the Nashville country formula, but at the same time, he has a uniqueness that sets him apart from the flavor of the moment. It’s his personality. Ask anyone who has met him. I have, down read more...

Build Your Own Fire

Review of: Jimmy Hall & The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Collective

(Zoho Roots) Jimmy Hall is one of the finest singers working today. I don’t say that just because he is the Southern fried lead vocalist of Wet Willie, or because he has recorded with everyone from Bonnie Bramlett to Jeff Beck. I say it because it is the read more...

Coast to Coast

Review of: Winters Brothers Band

(South Star Records) The Winters Brothers Band’s 1978 album Coast to Coast is now available on CD, and includes bonus acoustic tracks and much more. The album, originally recorded at Capricorn Studios during the hey day of Southern Rock was read more...

Red Dirt Marijuana & Other Tastes

Review of: Terry Southern

Red Dirt Marijuana & Other Tastes Terry Southern Citadel Underground By read more...

To Live's To Fly

Review of: John Kruth

To Live’s To Fly: The Ballad of The Late, Great Townes Van Zandt John Kruth

The Very Best of Little Texas: Live and Loud

Review of: Little Texas

Country rockers Little Texas turn out a fine concert recording that not only read more...

A Love Supreme

Review of: John Coltrane

A Love Supreme John Coltrane Impulse By James Calemine Born September read more...

The Complete Recordings

Review of: Robert Johnson

The Complete Recordings Robert Johnson Columbia Records By James read more...

40 Greatest Hits

Review of: Hank Williams

40 Greatest Hits Hank Williams Polydor By James read more...

Straight No Chaser

Review of: Thelonious Monk

Straight No Chaser Thelonious Monk Warner Brothers DVD By James read more...

Dislocation Blues

Review of: Chris Whitley & Jeff Lang

Dislocation Blues Chris Whitley & Jeff Lang Rounder Records By James read more...

The Point

Review of: Tishamingo

(Magnatude Records) One of Athens, Georgia’s rockingest ensembles,Tishamingo is back with their third release, The Point, produced by John Kerzweg (Creed, Jewel, Puddle of Mudd). Tishamingo is an outstanding example of what I call the read more...

Criss-Cross

Review of: Thelonious Monk

Criss-Cross Thelonious Monk Columbia Records By James Calemine Born October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Thelonious Monk's family soon moved to New York City. Monk worked as a professional musician since his early teens as an organ player read more...

Atlanta Twelve String

Review of: Blind Willie McTell

Atlanta Twelve String Blind Willie McTell Atlantic Records By James Calemine Perhaps the most gifted of all blues artists, Blind Willie McTell ranks as a seminal figure in American music. Born in Thomson, Georgia, in May of 1898 (some say 1901); McTell's read more...

An All-Star Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd

Review of: Various Artists

(New West) No other band has been milked for all it’s worth more than Lynyrd Skynyrd. I’m not being cruel, just honest. The new All Star Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd is the latest album to capitalize on the legacy Ronnie Van Zant left behind following his read more...

Trailercana

Review of: Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Trubadours

(DPR Records) I have really been having fun listening to this one, Trailercana, the new release from Antsy McLain and The Trailer Park Troubadours. It’s kind of like a country-fried Barenaked Ladies, with witty southern lyrics and infectious hummable melody read more...

Rich Someday

Review of: Randall Bramblett

I was first introduced to Randall Bramblett during his days with Sea Level, and his prowess on sax, vocals and keyboards have only grown throughout the years. His current band is super funky, as witnessed during their set for the Big House Foundation gala a few months back. read more...

Ultimate Gospel

Review of: Johnny Cash

(Columbia Legacy) I have been a Johnny Cash fan my entire life. Seriously. Ever since my dad turned me onto his old 78 RPM records like “The Wreck of The Old 97” and of course “Folsom Prison Blues,” I have loved the man's work. Cash was read more...

The Lost Crowes

Review of: The Black Crowes

The Lost Crowes The Black Crowes Rhino Entertainment Company By James Calemine The Lost Crowes comprises two Black Crowes recording sessions that remained buried a decade before their release. The first CD, Tall—an old read more...

AKA Grafitti Man

Review of: John Trudell

AKA Grafitti Man John Trudell Rykodisc Records By James Calemine John Trudell, a Native-American poet, recorded this classic spoken word CD twice. Trudell formed the Grafitti Band with Oklahoma Native-American guitarist Jesse Ed Davis. Davis read more...

Breakin' it Up, Breakin' it Down

Review of: Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter & James Cotton

(Epic Legacy) If I had to describe Breakin’ it Up, Breakin’ it Down in two words, I’d simply call it “buried treasure.” This full length live set, available here for the first time, was recorded during three shows back in 1977 following read more...

Stax Records 50th Anniversary Celebration

Review of: Stax Records

Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration Concord Music Group By James Calemine This 50 song, 2 CD boxset stands as the most comprehensive Stax collection ever. Concord Music Group has released various classic Stax CDs and prepares to release other recordings. Stax read more...

Dear Y'all - The Songwriter Sessions Vol. 1

Review of: Eddie Hinton

Dear Y'all: The Songwriting Sessions Vol 1 Eddie Hinton Zane Records By James Calemine Eddie Hinton died in 1995 at the age of 51. When Hinton served as the session guitarist at Muscle Shoals read more...

Georgia Drumbeat

Review of: James Davis

Georgia Drumbeat James Davis Music Maker Relief Foundation By James Calemine Born in 1931, James Davis grew up on a farm in Perry, Georgia, located in rural Houston County, near Macon. He began playing guitar as a child. His sister is the read more...

The Facts of Life and Other Dirty Jokes

Review of: Willie Nelson

The Facts of Life and Other Dirty Jokes Willie Nelson Random House By James Calemine One can't trifle or jest over Willie Nelson's legendary status in American music. With over forty years of song writing, one hundred albums, countless hits, and read more...

Get Your House In Order

Review of: Mudcat

Mudcat  Get Your House In Order 30 Miles Up By James Calemine Music Maker trustee Mudcat recorded 16 songs with no overdubs in September 2006 at Zero Return Studios in Atlanta. Ten of the compositions are originals. Several of the other tunes were read more...

Live At The Summit Club

Review of: Johnnie Taylor

Johnny Taylor Live At The Summit Club Stax Records R & B great Johnny Taylor existed on the classic Stax/Volt roster. Born in Crawfordsville, Arkansas, in 1938, Taylor began performing in Memphis after honing his vocal skills in gospel read more...

Sound Grammar

Review of: Ornette Coleman

  Sound Grammar Ornette Coleman Born on March 9, 1930, in Fort Worth, Texas, Ornette Coleman remains one of America's greatest living jazzmen. With musical influence steeped in R & B, Coleman began playing saxophone at an early age. read more...

New Lease On Life

Review of: William Bell

New Lease On Life William Bell Wilbe Records William Bell's music epitomizes the classic Stax/Volt sound. With Stax Records, Bell joined other musicians like Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, The Staple Singers, Eddie Floyd, Albert King, Issac Hayes, read more...

The Queen Alone

Review of: Carla Thomas

Carla Thomas The Queen Alone Stax Records By James Calemine Carla Thomas--the great Rufus Thomas' daughter--experienced a first rate musical experience growing up in Memphis, Tennessee. The angelic Thomas was later dubbed the Queen of Soul and Stax read more...

Swig From the Acid Bottle

Review of: Three Five Human

Three Five Human Swig From the Acid Bottle By James Calemine Three Five Human ranks as a formidable rock and roll group. The Atlanta band's third CD, Swig From the Acid Bottle, contains various jewels that may propel them into mainstream exposure. The read more...

The Next Adventure

Review of: Marshall Tucker Band

The Marshall Tucker Band revives the old school “brotherhood” on their latest album, The Next Adventure, bringing in family and friends to help out in the grandest tradition established back in the 1970’s Capricorn Records era. The core band is read more...

Some People Change

Review of: Montgomery Gentry

With their latest release, Some People Change, Montgomery Gentry goes far beyond their past efforts, bringing a new level of maturity into play that was foreshadowed on their last album, My Town. Make no mistake, the boys are not even thinking of hanging up their read more...

Portraits and Songs From the Roots of America

Review of: Various Artists

Enclosed within the new Music Maker book titled Portraits and Songs From the Roots of America rests a CD featuring 22 different Music Maker artists. This collection reveals some of the country’s most neglected Southern musicians who remain pioneers and vital sources read more...

Fruit Tramp Ballads of the Great Northwest

Review of: Dave McGrew

Dave McGrew’s Fruit Tramp Ballads of the Great Northwest preserves a testimony to those hardworking folks who may never experience the elusive “American Dream”. Taj Mahal (bass, mandolin, harp), Cool John Ferguson (guitar, piano), and Tim Duffy assist read more...

Follow Your Heart's Desire

Review of: Pura Fe

Pura Fe is her birth name. In Spanish it translates, “Pure Faith”. Born in 1959, Pura Fe was named by her Puerto Rican father, and raised by her Tuscarora mother in a family of female singers. “We can count four generations of seven singing sisters in a row, read more...

David Allan Coe - The Handlebar, Greenville, S.C.

Review of: David Allan Coe

DAVID ALLAN COE The Handlebar, Greenville, SC July 22, 2006 David Allan Coe took over that audience so fast it would make your head spin, and played a simply amazing show, opening with “Statesborro Blues,” and doing one read more...

The Marshall Tucker Band, Voodoo Lounge, Riverside

Review of: Marshall Tucker Band

THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND THE RAVERS Voodoo Lounge, Riverside, California November 18, 2006 To start off, the evening of Saturday, November 18, 2006 in a Southern California town named Riverside, CA, the Marshall Tucker Band took the "Long read more...

Toot Blues

Review of: Guitar Gabriel

Guitar Gabriel’s Toot Blues originally existed as a cassette in 1991. That same year, Tim Duffy discovered Gabe, one of the original Music Maker recipients, who served as a cornerstone to the organization’s provenance. Gabe died in 1996 just as read more...

The Feelings Of Beverly "Guitar" Watkins

Review of: Beverley "Guitar" Watkins

Recorded at Cleantracks Studio in Vinemont, Alabama, these ten songs illustrate the true guitar mastery of Beverly Watkins. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 6, 1939, Watkins played guitar for the legendary Piano Red when she was a teenager. This new release read more...

Chicken Raid

Review of: Frank Edwards

The quiet droning sound of Frank Edwards’ Chicken Raid resembles a blues mantra from a man who dedicated his 90-year old life to music. Edwards actively played the blues for nearly 80 years, from 1923 until 2002. Frank Edwards ranks as one of Atlanta’s greatest read more...

Sisters of the South

Review of: Various Artists

Sisters of the South contains 13 songs performed by 12 different female Music Maker artists. Every song on this amazing compilations pays for the price of purchase—a tax deduction. The Branchette’s “I Know I’ve Been Changed” read more...

Etta Baker with Taj Mahal

Review of: Etta Baker

Etta Baker was born in 1913 amid the hills of Morganton, North Carolina. She began playing guitar at age four. Baker remains the premiere female Piedmont blues guitar instrumentalist in the country. Taj Mahal, tireless Music Maker consultant, elucidated on read more...

High Steppin' Mama

Review of: Clyde Langford

Clyde Langford learned guitar from Texas blues great Sam “Lightning” Hopkins’ older brother Joe “Thunder” Hopkins. Born in Centralville, Texas, Langford worked in cotton fields, joined the Army, and dug wells for a living, but never stopped playing read more...

Raw Sugar

Review of: Cootie Stark

Raw Sugar provides 71 minutes of old-time music enhanced by a warm, clear sound quality. Cootie Stark, a Greenville, South Carolina native, survives as one of the last authentic Piedmont blues guitarist/singer alive. Stark played on the streets of Knoxville, Greensboro, read more...

Born In Newton County

Review of: Cora Mae Bryant

Cora Mae Bryant is the daughter of Georgia guitar legend Curly Weaver. She grew up on the countryside outside Atlanta. As a girl, Cora Mae attended house parties with Curly Weaver and Blind Willie McTell. On Cora’s latest soulful release, Born in Newton read more...

Edgar Winter Group - Live at The Galaxy

Review of: Edgar Winter

Edgar Winter Group Live At The Galaxy (Classic Pictures) Edgar Winter’s rockin’ just as hard these days as he did back in 1973, and his new group sounds great. Yeah, I will always have fond memories of White Trash read more...

Southern Rock Allstars - Trouble's Comin' Live, Th

Review of: Southern Rock Allstars

Southern Rock Allstars Trouble’s Comin’ Live- The DVD (Tazer) For the many of us who have been waiting for so long to see this release, allow me to say, the wait was well worth it. Here we get the very best of The read more...

The Black Crowes - Freak 'N' Roll...Into The Fog

Review of: Black Crowes

The Black Crowes Freak’N’Roll ...Into The Fog The Black Crowes All Join Hands The Fillmore, San Francisco (Eagle Vision) Damn, it’s good to see Rich and Chris Robinson together again. This show, recorded during their read more...

Gram Parsons - Fallen Angel

Review of: Gram Parsons

Gram Parsons Fallen Angel A Film By Gandulf Hennig (Rhino) Gram Parsons was one of a kind, a pretty-boy with a trust fund and a whole lot of musical genius. He brought country music into the Byrds, performed with Paul Suratt in the read more...

Open Casket

Review of: Minton Sparks

Minton Sparks Open Casket (Ruckus Films) Minton Sparks is a wonderful storyteller. Her tales are true to life, southern fried stories made into free form poetry, set to a bed of music by John Jackson, Steve Conn, Pat FLynn read more...

A Salute to Hee Haw - Collector's Edition

Review of:

A Salute To Hee Haw Collector’s Edition (Time Life) This 5-disc DVD is jam packed with all the downright corny jokes and excellent musical performances that made Hee Haw a multi-generational success story. Hosted read more...

Robert Earl Keen - Live At The Ryman

Review of: Robert Earl Keen

Robert Earl Keen Live At The Ryman (Koch) The Ryman Auditorium is the best sounding music venue in the world. No wonder everyone wants to play there. Pair up that venue with the superior talent of singer-songwriter Rovert Earl Keen, read more...

Old Union & Mile 8 - October 29, 2005 EXIT/IN

Review of: Old Union

Old Union and Mile 8 October 29, 2005 EXIT/IN When two of Nashville’s favorite bands decided to stage the ultimate Halloween jam band concert, no one knew just how great the show would go down and what a fantastic DVD would come read more...

Country Music Changed My Life

Review of:

Country Music Changed My Life by Ken Burke (Chicago Review Press) My first exposure to Ken Burke was through his writings in Goldmine Magazine. His articles and reviews were always well written, and when Country Music read more...

Sing My Way Home: Voices of the New American Roots

Review of:

Sing My Way Home Voices of the New American Roots Rock by Keith and Kent Zimmerman (Backbeat Books) The Zimmerman brothers have really done their homework, and our libraries are just a little bit richer because of it. read more...

Honky Tonk Hero by Billy Joe Shaver

Review of: Billy Joe Shaver

Honky Tonk Hero by Billy Joe Shaver (University of Texas Press) Billy Joe Shaver had lead a very interesting life, to say the least. We have all been privy to certain chapters of the Texas singer/songwriter’s life by read more...

No Saints, No Saviors

Review of: The Allman Brothers Band

No Saints, No Saviors My Years With The Allman Brothers Band by Willie Perkins (Mercer University Press) Between the years of 1970 and 1989, Willie Perkins worked for the Allman Brother’s Band and as read more...

Between Rock And A Hard Place: Chuck Leavell

Review of: Chuck Leavell

Between Rock And A Hard Place Chuck Leavell with J. Marshall Craig (Mercer University Press) Chuck Leavell is a musician that has been around to see a lot of music history, and has been a big part of music history. In his new read more...

Lovesick Blues: The Life of Hank Williams

Review of: Hank Williams

Lovesick Blues: The Life Of Hank Williams by Paul Hemphill (Viking) So much has been written about Hank Williams Sr., arguably the greatest figure in country music, that it comes as a shock to find that a biography could be produced read more...

The Unsolved Murder of Lynyrd Skynyrd Bassist Leon

Review of: Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Unsolved Murder of Lynyrd Skynyrd Bassist Leon Wilkeson by Dale Bowman (Jaguar Publishing) When Leon Wilkeson was found dead in a Florida hotel back in 2001, the world not only lost a great bassist, but a totally unique, kind read more...

Rock 'N Blues Stew

Review of:

Rock 'N Blues Stew by Mitchell D. Lopate (Authorhouse) In his debut book, Gritz contributing writer Mitch Lopate collects many of his interviews, reviews, thoughts, essays, and commentaries into one fine volume. Many read more...

Skydog: The Duane Allman Story

Review of: The Allman Brothers Band

Skydog The Duane Allman Story by Randy Poe (Backbeat Books) I have been waiting on this book for years, and to coin a cliche, it was well worth the wait. Randy Poe has gone deep, digging through source material with read more...

Electric Blue Watermelon

Review of: North Mississippi Allstars

The Dickinson Brothers pay homage to their Hill Country brethren and Memphis musical kin on Electric Blue Watermelon. The album was produced by their father. Dickinson. Luther and Cody rise to the occasion on their strongest studio release since Shake Hands with Shorty. read more...

Perfect Day

Review of: Chris Whitley

Chris Whitley stands as a real troubadour. Perfect Day, Whitley’s sixth CD, is a collection of cover songs. Whitley manages to elude crippling industry labels by never staying in one place too long. The acoustic Perfect Day sounds similar to read more...

Louisiana Truckstop

Review of: Barbara Cue

Barbara Cue contains an abundance of talent. This all-star Athens, Georgia, line-up has crafted a timeless Americana banquet on Louisiana Truckstop. Todd Nance and William Tonks shared a common passion for NRBQ (whom Barbara Cue opened an Athens show for last year) and soon read more...

To Tulsa and Back

Review of: JJ Cale

To Tulsa and Back serves as J.J. Cale’s first studio album in eight years. Cale returned to Tulsa, his hometown, and recruited some old friends to play on the record. It’s common knowledge that Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, Johnny Cash, the read more...

Another Joyous Occasion

Review of: Widespread Panic

“For train days get me back to New Orleans,” are the opening lines on Widespread Panic’s new live release, Another Joyous Occasion. The eleven song recording is Panic’s debut CD on their new label, Widespread Records.  The Athens, read more...

Sweetheart of the Rodeo

Review of: The Byrds

The Byrds’ classic country record, 1968’s Sweetheart of the Rodeo, has been reissued with unreleased Gram Parsons vocal tracks. This new two-CD release proves worth the price for just the unheard Parsons versions. In a contract dispute, record read more...

Smiling Assassin

Review of: John Hermann

John “JoJo” Hermann’s new record, Smiling Assassin, consists of eleven country-hearted blues songs, and includes an all-star musical cast. Hermann, the Widespread Panic keyboardist, composed ten songs on the album as well as covered vocal, guitar, read more...

CDB-DVD-Live

Review of: Charlie Daniels Band

(Koch) I could not have imagined a better DVD from our old friends The Charlie Daniels Band. In this, their first ever concert DVD, we get a full length, absolutely smoking live set from Charlie Daniels, Joel "Taz" DiGregorio, Charlie Hayward, Bruce read more...

Live From Austin, Texas Cash, Hiatt, Yoakam, & Tex

Review of: Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash John Hiatt Eric Johnson Dwight Yoakam Texas Tornados Live From Austin Texas - (New West) With the latest installment of DVD’s and CD’s culled from the archives of the read more...

Back Where It All Begins

Review of: Dickey Betts & Great Southern

Back Where It All Begins - Live At The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum (Eaglevision) Like many, I was really and truly bummed out a few years ago when Dickey Betts left the Allman Brothers Band. I just knew it would read more...

The Man, His World, His Music

Review of: Johnny Cash

(Sanctuary) Watching this DVD is a little like looking at home movies. Actually, a lot of it is old home movies. And the fact that many of us children of the sixties and seventies felt like Johnny Cash was a part of our family, causes it all to make sense. read more...

The Legends, Live in 1971

Review of: Ike & Tina Turner

Ike and Tina Turner The Legends - Live in 1971 (Eagle Vision) Red hot, smokin’, funky, get down, Soul Train, sexy, sweaty, rhythm and blues soul, delivered by the masters. Filmed at the pinnacle read more...

Live From The Garden State

Review of: Marshall Tucker Band

The Marshall Tucker Band Live From The Garden State 1981 (Shout! Factory) During it’s very first year on television, MTV brought us real music, everything from punk to new wave, pop to Southern rock. It was during that read more...

Tom Dowd & The Language of Music

Review of: Tom Dowd

(Palm Pictures) thelanguageofmusic.com The documentary Rolling Stone calls “brilliant” and rock critic Dave Marsh cites as “ a truly beautiful picture,” pays read more...

All Star Bluegrass Celebration

Review of: Various Artists

(Sugar Hill) Both the DVD and the CD of this live show, recorded onstage at the revered Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, are absolutely indispensable to any lover of Bluegrass music. I mean, the cream of the crop of today’s pickers are on hand, and the read more...

Heartworn Highways

Review of: Various Artists

(Catfish Entertainment/Snapper Music) In the early 1970’s outlaw country music came onto the scene to clear the air. The mainstream country music ideology of the day was known as the Nashville Sound, but folks like Willie and Waylon chose to do it read more...

John D. Wyker & Eddie Hinton - Johnny Wyker Video

Review of: John D. Wyker & Eddie Hinton

(MFOV) Once in a very blue moon, something crosses my desk that is absolutely, without a doubt, totally unique. Well sir, they don’t come any more unique than my buddy John D. Wyker. But more than just being cool and unique “John Wyker Volume 1” is read more...

Live at The Beacon

Review of: The Allman Brothers Band

( Sanctuary) The Allman Brothers Band’s annual spring pilgrimage to New York’s Beacon Theatre has become a rock-n-roll ritual, and in 2003, the band returned again to the Beacon for another series of sold out shows featuring the current lineup of read more...

Lyve: The Vicious Cycle Tour

Review of: Lynyrd Skynyrd

(Sanctuary) Recorded live in Nashville at the Amsouth Amphitheater in July, 2003, Lyve is an excellent documentation of the highly successful Vicious Cycle tour the band has taken around the world during 2003. The set list features all of the read more...

Alison Krauss and Union Station - Live

Review of: Alison Krauss and Union Station

Alison Krauss and Union Station Live (Rounder Records DVD) Alison Krauss and Union Station are on a roll. They have carved out an audience that supports their shows to the tune of sell-out after sell-out. Now, with the read more...

Soldier of the Cross - The Concert

Review of: Ricky Skaggs

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder (Skaggs Family) Ricky Skaggs brings his award winning gospel album Soldier Of The Cross to the stage for a rousing, spirit filled, bluegrass fueled set. Along with guest artists The Whites and Jerry read more...

Pieces and Bits

Review of: Johnny Winter

(LLC) The long awaited video compilation produced by Val Minett (with Johnny's manager Teddy Slatus acting as Executive Producer) is now available, and it is nothing short of a beautiful thing. Previously unseen photos of Johnny taken by his wife Susan open read more...

Jammin' For Danny Joe Brown

Review of: Various Artists

(GWP Records) One of the most emotional all-star jams in recent history took place at Orlando, Florida's Club LaVela on July 18, 1999. A benefit to help offset the vast medical expenses of original Molly Hatchet lead singer Danny Joe Brown, the event , read more...

Live At The Atlanta International Pop Festival

Review of: The Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band Live At The Atlanta International Pop Festival (Columbia/Legacy) At the risk of sounding cliche, or even worse, like a fan-boy who lives and breathes in peach hues and mushroom induced hallucinations of grandeur, I just gotta say read more...

Lyve - The Vicious Cycle Tour

Review of: Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd Lyve - The Vicious Cycle Tour (Sanctuary) Lynyrd Skynyrd is riding the wave of a true career resurgence. Not since the days of Ronnie Van Zant has the band been so heavily in the public eye. Last year’s Vicious Cycle was hailed by read more...

Drive Train

Review of: 38 Special

38 Special Drive Train (Sanctuary) This ain’t your father’s 38 Special,kids. 38 get their rocks out on Drive Train in what many are calling their best album ever. Yep, you heard right - ever.

Live At Bonnaroo

Review of: Warren Haynes

Warren Haynes Live At Bonnaroo (ATO) Around these parts, we all agree on one thing. Warren Haynes is “da man.” This Asheville, N.C. born musician does it all, and does it well. From his band Gov’t Mule to his position read more...

Billy and the Kid

Review of: Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe Shaver Billy and the Kid (Compadre Records) Tinkering with unfinished recordings made by a gifted artist can be a tricky proposition. From the Beatles’ “Free As A Bird” to countless similar efforts (Townes Van Zandt’s A read more...

Kevn Kinney's Sun Tangled Angel Revival

Review of: Kevn Kinney

Kevn Kinney’s Sun Tangled Angel Revival (Compadre) Singer-songwriter, troubadour, former Drivin’ and Cryin’ front man Kevn Kinney has assembled his own Southern theme album, with help from Gibb Droll, Bryan Howard and Dave Johnson along with read more...

Ghost Train From Georgia

Review of: Grinderswitch

Grinderswitch Ghost Train From Georgia (New South) On their first all-new album in 30 years Dru Lombar and his band turn in an utterly fantastic record. “Dixie Flyer” has already been getting good air play in Europe, and read more...

Deja Voodoo

Review of: Gov't Mule

Gov’t Mule Deja Voodoo (ATO) The Mule is back! On this, the band’s first release since finding permanent replacements for the late Allen Woody (it takes two to fill the Wood man’s shoes) - Andy Hess on bass and Danny read more...

Under The Influence

Review of: Various Artists

Under The Influence A Jam Band Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd (Sanctuary) First came Skynyrd Frynds, with an eclectic mix of country and pop stars covering the Ronnie Van Zant song book - then came Lonesome Skynyrd Time, read more...

The Dirty South

Review of: Drive By Truckers

Drive By Truckers The Dirty South (New West) Southern rock is alive and well with the golden boys of indie rock, Drive By Truckers. Don’t Believe Me? Put on The Dirty South and the first track “Where The Devil read more...

Lonely Runs Both Ways

Review of: Alison Krauss and Union Station

Alison Krauss and Union Station feat; Jerry Douglas Lonely Runs Both Ways (Rounder Records) The new album, Lonely Runs Both Ways, by Alison Krauss and Union Station proves that this great American band can stay read more...

Anthology

Review of: Marshall Tucker Band

The Marshall Tucker Band Anthology (Shout! Factory) As a homeboy fan of The Tucker Boys, I have seen the collected “hits” packaged, repackaged, and repackaged again. Some were winners, some were just more rehashes. But now, read more...

Corn Pickin' and Slick Slidin'

Review of: James Burton and Ralph Mooney

James Burton and Ralph Mooney Corn Pickin’ and Slick Slidin’ Merle Travis and Joe Maphis Country Music’s Two Guitar Greats Speedy West Steel Guitar (Sundazed) It’s no secret read more...

Straight To Hell

Review of: Hank Williams III

Hank III Straight To Hell (Bruc) The grandson of Hank Williams is a true original. He keeps you guessing. One minute, he is crooning a country ballad that would make grandpa proud, and the next minute he is rockin’ out punk read more...

Back To The Well

Review of: Lee Roy Parnell

Lee Roy Parnell Back To The Well (Universal South) Lee Roy Parnell is the mac daddy. He is a guitar player’s guitar player. We love to hear Lee Roy. And on Back To The Well, he dips deep into that cool water, and anyone who’s read more...

Double Wide & Live

Review of: Southern Culture On The Skids

Southern Culture On The Skids Double Wide & Live (Yep Roc) The South’s #1 party band is back with a red-hot, Dixie-fried, live set that smokes from beginning to end. Recorded live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, DoubleWide read more...

Roots, Blues, and Jazz

Review of: Bonnie Bramlett & The Mr. Groove Band

Bonnie Bramlett & The Mr. Groove Band Roots, Blues, and Jazz (ZOHO Music) The legendary Bonnie Bramlett has teamed up with the very excellent Mr.Groove Band for an outstanding recording featuring a couple of original songs and some read more...

This Old Road

Review of: Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson This Old Road (New West) One of America’s all time greatest song-writers is back, stripped bare of any ornamental musical enhancements, just the man and his wonderful songs. Producer Don Was has once again woven read more...

Mellowicious

Review of: Marshall Chapman

Marshall Chapman Mellowicious (TallGirl) I’ve always felt that Marshall Chapman is a brilliant writer, and I’ve been following her career since her debut album, Me, I’m Feeling Free came out on Epic Records back in the read more...

Thank You, Mark

Review of: Danielle Howle

Danielle Howle Thank You, Mark (Valley ENT) South Carolina girl Danielle Howle returns with one of her best records ever, full of personality and intelligent lyrics. The album is enhanced by an impressive list of musicians, including Sam read more...

Rebel Souls

Review of: Doc Holliday

Doc Holliday Rebel Souls (Phoenix) Doc Holliday pays apt tribute to some of their own musical heroes on their latest outing, Rebel Souls, including not only Southern brothers like The Allman Brothers Band, Marshall Tucker and Lynyrd read more...

Out Of The Ashes

Review of: Jessi Colter

Jessi Colter Out Of The Ashes (Shout! Factory) Jessi Colter, widow of the King of Country Outlaws, Waylon Jennings, is back with what can only be called the finest album of her career. Produced by the enigmatic Don Was, read more...

Home

Review of: Delaney and Bonnie

Delaney and Bonnie Home (Stax) For their second album back in 1969, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett found their true “home” among the black musicians at Stax Records. Backed by Booker T. and the MG’s and an read more...

What's Wrong With Right

Review of: Hacienda Brothers

Hacienda Brothers What’s Wrong With Right (Proper) The Hacienda Brothers, led by singer/songwriter Chris Gaffney and Dave Gonzalez, ripped up the charts with their debut album last year, a fantastic “Western Soul” read more...

That's How They Do It In Dixie

Review of: Hank Williams, Jr.

Hank Williams, Jr. That’s How They Do It In Dixie (Curb) Bocephus is back with the ultimate “Greatest Hits” collection, along with a pair of hot new tunes.”Stirrin’ It Up” is typical Hank, Jr., and the read more...

It's Never Too Late

Review of: Donna Hall

Donna Hall It’s Never Too Late (donnahall.net) For those of us who have followed Donna Hall as backup singer for Wet Willie since the early 70’s, this one has been a long time coming. Like the title says, “It’s read more...

Amsterdam Live

Review of: Big Bill Broonzy

Big Bill Broonzy Amsterdam Live (Munich Records) The Big Bill Broonzy boxed set features live performances from two outstanding shows recorded in Amsterdam back in 1953. The songs are supplemented with Bill’s story telling.

Try A Little Kindness

Review of: Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-press

Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-press Try A Little Kindness (Rounder Records) Well, what the heck do you do when you’ve had a 50-year career in music with your brother, having won award after award, having been inducted into read more...

Shell-Shocked

Review of: David Kimbrough Jr.

David Kimbrough Jr. Shell-Shocked (Blues Cool Records) David Kimbrough, the son of the late and great North Mississippi bluesman Junior Kimbrough, recorded this album called “Shell-Shocked” less than a week after getting out read more...

29 Dances

Review of: Jan Smith

Jan Smith 29 Dances (Landslide Records) I am always leery when I get CDs in the mail such as Jan Smith’s “29 Dances” - original songwriter I’ve never heard of, singing her own stuff on a small label, with some read more...

The Soul Jazz Sessions

Review of: Moe Denham

Moe Denham The Soul Jazz Sessions (Thortch Recordings ) Back in the day, some of the coolest vinyl recordings that you could find would be by the Hammond B-3 organ artists who would kick it up on the keyboards and totally swing it. read more...

Rebel Meets Rebel

Review of: David Allan Coe & Cowboys From Hell

David Allan Coe & Cowboys From Hell Rebel Meets Rebel (Big Vin Records) Country’s favorite outlaw teams up with his pals from Pantera to rock the freakin’ roof off the house, blending metal and country into something read more...

Under Pressure

Review of: Duwayne Burnside and the Mississippi Mafia

Duwayne Burnside and the Mississippi Mafia Under Pressure (Blues Cool Records) Duwayne Burnside has stepped up with a new recording of his own called “Under Pressure. I say ‘on his own’ because he grew up as the son of read more...

Goodbye Guitar

Review of: Tony Gilkyson

Tony Gilkyson Goodbye Guitar (Rolling Sea Records) Tony Gilkyson has been there and done that in the music world. His father, Terry Gilkyson, was a songwriter for the Disney Company who wrote well-known songs such as “Memories Are read more...

American Minor

Review of: American Minor

American Minor American Minor (Red Ink) When Rob McCutcheon’s wailing vocals and the twin guitar attack of Bud Carroll and Josh Gragg enter on ‘Walk On’ it’s immediately obvious that you’re about to read more...

There Will Be A Light

Review of: Ben Harper & The Blind Boys of Alabama