Thursday, December 13, 2018

Reed Foehl To Release 5th Studio Album, Lucky Enough, Feb 1, 2019

Looking forward to this new album from Reed Foehl.  This is going to be good. 

With the Feb. 1, 2019, release of Reed Foehl's fifth solo album, Lucky Enough, fans will get a dose of powerful medicine, a cathartic collection of 10 songs that Foehl recorded with help from a mighty musical force, The Band of Heathens, It’s an album that will undoubtedly solidify his standing as one of the most compelling and vital Americana artists around.
On Lucky Enough, Foehl touches on a range of Americana styles, all with emotionally charged lyrics and can’t-get-out-of-your-head choruses, from somber folk elegies (“Stealing Starlight” and “American Miles”)  and gospel-tinged tunes (“Carousel Horses”) to barroom country singalongs (“Long Time to Make Old Friends”) and jaunty calypso-flavored, country-infused pop (“Wish I Knew”). These are deeply personal songs for Foehl, and while they were written during some dark days, there’s a sense of optimism and gratitude, an overriding feeling that the hope outshines the heartbreak.




Monday, December 10, 2018

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Leftover Salmon: Thirty Years of Festival



Nearly 4 years ago, author Tim Newby approached us about writing a book and we gave him our blessing and the go ahead. As we are about to enter our 30th year as a band, that book has now gone to print and will be available starting in February 2019 through a Pre-order now available here. Through his extensive research, hours of interviews, and passion for the musical community we’re all a part of and love, Tim presents his next book “Leftover Salmon: Thirty Years of Festival!”- the story of Leftover Salmon over the past 3 decades. 



Tuesday, November 20, 2018

The best time of the year; The Bridge's annual Thanksgiving eve Shows!

Everyone prepares for the holiday in different ways; we travel, we cook, we decorate, we prepare to avoid discussing politics at the dinner table.  For some in Baltimore there is another tradition we prepare for that signifies the start of the holiday season, The Bridge's annual Thanksgiving eve shows.  The band was born on Thanksgiving even in 2001, and even though the band called it quits as a full time band a few years ago, they still get together every Thanksgiving eve to remind everyone of their greatness.
bridge3

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Announcing My New Book: ‘Leftover Salmon: Thirty Years of Festival!’ Due Out Feb 2019

Few bands stick around for thirty years. Even fewer bands leave a legacy during that time that marks them as a truly special, once-in-lifetime type band. And no band has done all that and had as much fun as Leftover Salmon. Since their earliest days as a forward thinking, progressive bluegrass band who had the guts to add drums to the mix and who was unafraid to stir in any number of highly combustible styles into their ever evolving sound, to their role as a pioneer of the modern jamband scene, to their current status as elder-statesmen of the scene who cast a huge influential shadow over every festival they play, Leftover Salmon has been a crucial link in keeping alive the traditional music of the past while at the same time pushing that sound forward with their own weirdly, unique style.




Monday, November 5, 2018

Bluegrass in Baltimore release show live clips

As I prepare for the announcement of my newest book, Leftover Salmon: Thirty Years of Festival!, I wanted to take a moment and share some of the highlights of the release show for my previous book, Bluegrass in Baltimore: The Hard Drivin' Sound & its Legacy.  I was lucky enough to have some of Baltimore's best musicians, Caleb Stine, Cris Jacobs, Patrick McAvinue, Mike Munford, and Bluestone, join me for a night of amazing music at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore to celebrate the release of the book.

You can check out all their performances below, as well as the show ending group jam that featured  an impromptu 45-minute jam session.

Bluegrass in Baltimore

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

With Halloween coming, thought it would be fun to share this old piece I put together a few years back for Honest Tune Magazine.  I asked a bunch of different bands and musicians including Umphrey' McGee, Lotus, Bombadil, The Bridge, moe., and many others to share their thoughts about Halloween. 

Friday, October 19, 2018

Nothing wrong with loving Neil Diamond

Came across this old review I wrote for Jambase.com years ago on Neil Diamond's Home Before Dark album. Let's preface this by saying Neil Diamond rocks and we all need some (more) Neil in our life.

So take a few minutes and enjoy reading through.  Then go put on your copy of Hot August Nights and see how much better your day gets!

Neil Diamond: Home Before Dark

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

JORMA KAUKONEN: A LEGEND IN NO HURRY

A few years back I was lucky enough to be able to chat with Jorma Kaukonen about his new album, Ain't In No Hurry.  His fifty-year career as one of the brightest, most inventive guitarists of his generation has branded him a legend.  From his earliest beginnings playing acoustic-blues, to his ground-breaking time with Jefferson Airplane, to his highly-influential work with Hot Tuna, Kaukonen is quite simply one of the most important guitarists of all-time. His latest album enlarges that legacy and subtly references back to his earliest roots as a musician.

During the course of our conversation Kaukonen, who is originally from Washington D.C. also took time to talk about the influence of the Baltimore bluegrass scene of the 1950s which he looked up to, and was the subject of my first book which I was writing at the time.


Check out the full interview below:


JORMA KAUKONEN: A LEGEND IN NO HURRY

JormaKaukonen

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

New album from David Benedict - The Golden Angle

Due to be released October 26, by mandolinist David Benedict from Mile Twelve, is a new solo album of all original bluegrass instrumentals titled, The Golden Angle.

The Golden Angle is produced by Grammy-Nominated mandolinist Matt Flinner, and presents an original body of instrumental string band music. The album, recorded four years after Benedict's last solo release Into the True Country, displays a new level of musical maturity and individuality. With an emphasis on virtuoso instrumental interplay and memorable melodies, the record weaves a complex yet compelling soundscape, featuring collaborations with a host of celebrated and award-winning bluegrass musicians including David Grier (guitar), Mike Barnett (fiddle), Missy Raines (bass), Ross Martin (guitar), Stuart Duncan (fiddle), and Wes Corbett (banjo).

Listen to "Leaf by Niggle" from The Golden Angle:  "Leaf by Niggle"

For more information visit: https://www.davidbenedictmusic.com/


David Benedict | The Golden Angle

Monday, October 8, 2018

Charm City Bluegrass Documentary

I was recently asked to be part of a new documentary on the bluegrass scene in Baltimore.  It is an amazing look at Baltimore and its long distinguished history of bluegrass.

The filmmakers (Caplan & Green Productions)recently had this to say about my participation in the project.  I was humbled to be asked to be part of it, and even more humbled by their words.

Throwback to filming with the one and only Tim Newby, author of "Bluegrass In Baltimore: The Hard Drivin' Sound & It's Legacy." Working with @marcshapiromedia and @charmcitybluegrass to put together an amazing documentary afforded the opportunity to interview some amazingly talented artists and personalities, but Tim may have been one of the most interesting guys to put in front of the camera to date. He is well articulated, has an incredible ear for music, and understands the history of the Bluegrass music genre better than anyone. His knowledge is incredibly well-researched, and his delivery is charming. 

If you have not seen the documentary yet, do yourself a favor and watch it now.


Thursday, September 27, 2018

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Thoughts on Bluegrass in Baltimore: The Hard Drivin' Sound and its Legacy

A few years back I was asked by Live For Live Music to provide some thoughts on my inspiration for my book, Bluegrass in Baltimore: The Hard Drivin' Sound & Its Legacy.  Below is an excerpt from that piece, you can view the full article here.

“There was Nashville and then there was Baltimore,” explained bluegrass legend Del McCoury, “and Baltimore was really the hot town for bluegrass music back in the ‘50s and ‘60s.”  I was interviewing Del in January 2011 about his upcoming album with the Preservation Hall Jazz BandLegacies, for an article that I was writing for Honest Tune Magazine. During our conversation, he became sidetracked and began to talk in length about his formative years as a musician playing in the rough and tumble bar scene in Baltimore in the 1950s and 60s.  As a Baltimore resident I was vaguely aware of the scene that had first flourished in the city as migrants from the Appalachian region moved north looking for work and had always been fascinated by this often overlooked musical scene that proved to be highly influential over the years. The story of this Baltimore scene was one that I felt needed to be told.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Songwriter Perry Serpa Takes on Nick Hornby's "Juliet"


Perry Serpa, one part veteran singer/songwriter, one part music PR guy, has immersed himself in a new project. As if dropping a four album series with his two decade, multi-member symphonic band, The Sharp Things wasn’t enough, he went out and recorded a new album.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Monday, August 20, 2018

Caleb Stine: Moon

Recently I was invited to the most amazing album listening party.  The heart and soul of Baltimore's music scene, Caleb Stine, held a unique event at Stages Music Arts.  Stine created a coloring book as part of the packaging for his new album.  Each song is represented by drawings from different artists in the coloring book and allows you to experience music in way you may have not before.  Upon entering, everyone was given a copy of the coloring book along with coloring pencils and then we all adjourned to the studio to listen to the album and color as we listen.  It was a truly moving experience.  It begged to ask the question.  When is the last time you sat and just listened to music and did nothing but that?  Not listening to it as background music in the house, or while you are driving, or as you workout, but where listening is the main focus.  The coloring book provided an outlet to truly focus on the music and dive deep into the album, to crawl around in each song, to dig through the lyrics and find every meaning and nuance.  And Stine’s music has lots of corners in which to explore. 

Image result for caleb stine moon


Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Preview of the Hot August Music Festival

One of the premiere mid-size music festivals in the country, the Hot August Music Festival returns for its 26th year August 18.  As in years past the line-up covers the full musical spectrum.  This year it is topped by The Revivalists and Trampled by Turtles.  Also on the lineup is Karl Denson's Tiny UniverseThe Marcus King BandCris Jacobs BandWhiskey ShiversDirty Grass PlayersOmari Banks, and many more.

Find out all that is going down this year at my preview for Honest Tune Magazine.

PREVIEW: HOT AUGUST MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018


Thursday, August 9, 2018

That time I talked with Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer Solomon Burke

A few years back, well a decade ago, I was lucky enough to get to chat with Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer Solomon Burke.  Burke was riding a wave of resurgence with a string of albums that harkened back to his glory days as one of the pioneers of soul music.

Our conversation touched on all realms of his legendary career.  His early days, never quite finding the same fame as some of his peers Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Al Green, his lasting influence and how bands like the Rolling Stones looked to him, his latest album Like a Fire, and a possible collaboration with longtime friend Van Morrison that unfortunately never came to be.  It was one the most inspiring interviews I have ever been a part of.  Check out the full piece at the link below.

SOLOMON BURKE GETS HIS DUE



Blues Orphans

I recently profiled Pittsburgh's Blues Orphans for Honest Tune Magazine.  The Blues Orphans are a long running band, formed in 1974, whose eclectic style incorporates everything from rock, to blues, to punk, to polka, to whatever the always moving mind of lead singer Bob Gabing can come up with.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

The Dirty Grass Players: Bluegrass with a rock 'n' roll soul

Baltimore has a long history of bluegrass music in the city and that tradition continues with a new generation of bands who are pushing forward that hard drivin' bluegrass sound that is home in Baltimore.  One of the leaders of this new generation of bands is The Dirty Grass Players, an innovative, forward thinking band who plays with bluegrass tradition, but delivers it with a rock 'n' roll swagger.

To find out more about The Dirty Grass Players check out a profile I wrote on them recently.

THE DIRTY GRASS PLAYERS: FORWARD-THINKING BLUEGRASS WITH A ROCK ‘N’ ROLL SOUL


Monday, July 30, 2018

Howlin' Rain: Soulful and Psychedelic

I recently profiled San Francisco band, Howlin' Rain for my column, Pilgrim Profiles, at Honest Tune Magazine.  The column highlights bands you need to hear now.  Howlin' Rain is a blast of pure psychedelic energy and what you need to listen to on your next road trip.

HOWLIN’ RAIN: SOULFUL, PSYCHEDELIC, ARENA-ROCK

 

Friday, July 27, 2018

That time I spoke with Les Claypool

Digging through the archives and came across this feature interview I did on bass legend Les Claypool for Honest Tune Magazine some years back.  As you would expect when Les is involved, the conversation was lively, interesting, and something not to be forgotten.  Get weird.

Cooking with Claypool.

Image result for les claypool rex thompson

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Neville Jacobs debut due out September 28




Ivan Neville of New Orleans’ first family of funk and Cris Jacobs, the soulful Baltimore-bred bandleader and songwriter, have joined forces to collaborate on their first full length, self-titled, nine song album. Neville Jacobs will release their debut on September 28th via Harmonized Records.

This unlikely duo came together in the most unlikely of ways. One day during the great celebration and intermingling of music and culture known as New Orleans Jazz Fest, Ivan Neville and Cris Jacobs found themselves killing time between gigs, seated next to each other at a poker table.

As Jacobs tells it, “I was killing some time one day during my first ever Jazzfest and I sat down to play some poker in Harrah's casino. Coincidentally, there was an empty seat next to me and in walked Ivan and sat down. We recognized each other from having crossed paths with our bands, Dumpstaphunk and The Bridge, but had never really met. We played poker for a few hours and chatted a bunch and left with a casual ‘let's make some music together sometime’ agreement.”

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

In the mood for the blues?

In the mood for the blues?  Check out my recent profile blues guitarist Selwyn Birchwood for Honest Tune Magazine.  Selwyn Birchwood: A Trip Down Highway 61

Make sure to get to the Hot August Music Festival August 18 to check out Selwyn Birchwood among a number of great bands that day including, Trampled by Turtles, Cris Jacobs Band, Marcus King Band, Karl Denson, and the Dirty Grass Players.


Monday, July 9, 2018

Charm City Bluegrass Documentary

If you haven't had a chance to catch me talk about bluegrass in Baltimore in Marc Shapiro's fantastic new documentary, clear 27 minutes from your day and get ready for a real treat.



Bluegrass in Baltimore named one of 30 great books about Bluegrass!

Excited that my book Bluegrass in Baltimore: The Hard Drivin' Sound & Its Legacy​ was named one of the thirty greatest books about bluegrass music.  If you have not read it yet, pick up a copy to find out why!

https://www.aboutgreatbooks.com/topics/music/30-great-books-about-bluegrass-music/

"Newby portrays the essence of Baltimore bluegrass as a melting pot of urban and rural influences. Readers also watch bluegrass’ uphill battle with prejudice against its hillbilly roots."


Charlie Bevis' review of The Original Louisville Slugger

  Excited for the prerelease feedback I have been getting on my upcoming book "The Original Louisville Slugger: The Life and Times of F...