Category:

Tunes and Turmoil

2/19/2016

The start of 2016 has delivered a blistering level of heartbreak and loss to the world of music. My ears have been filled with tributes and specials trying to bring some sort of closure, not to mention a flurry of special programming that needed curating. A few weeks ago I received the news that my Mother's time on the planet is rapidly approaching the end. Hopefully that explains the silence lately on this blog, although perhaps I saved you from weeks of "sad-bastard" music posts by keeping my keyboard quiet. Here are some new sounds I'm enjoying at the moment.

Forget everything you think you know about Joe Bonamassa and get ready to be blown away by his new sound. Guitar, bass and 2 drummers, "Drive" is the first glimpse into what promises to be a new chapter in his career. Hypnotic.

The debut EP from last year was one of my favorites and this new single has me chomping at the bit to get my hands on the full new album.

A true American musical treasure, the bright light that is Mavis Staples only improves with time. The new album is produced by M. Ward, and these are just 3 of an LP full of highlights.

Iggy's collaboration with Queens Of The Stone Age/Kyuss/Eagles Of Death Metal mastermind Josh Homme might be his best album since "Lust For Life."

Matt Lorenz is the one-man band known as The Suitcase Junket. He's been releasing a steady stream of uber-interesting work for years. Now signed to Signature Sounds.

The new album (their 5th of original material) from this U.K. band has made me a fan. Majestic.

They finally make the Rock Hall and this new single finds Robin Zander appearing to channel David Bowie.

You will get to know this talented pop tunesmith from N.C. very soon if you don't already. This is just one taste of an album brimming with brilliantly crafted songs.

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Missed an entire month... in more ways than one!

8/11/2013

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Can't believe I went more than a month without posting but I've been in dental reconstruction hell, as well as very busy at work. That said, here's a few new and old things that I've been cranking in the Basement Studio recently.

Can't believe we lost J.J. Cale. Without question one of the finest songwriters of my generation but also one of the nicest gentlemen I've ever had the privilege to meet.

Black Joe is back with another collection of tender love ballads... yeah, right!

This will be our next best kept secret to cross over to mass adulation, or at least they should based on this terrific new album!

One of my absolute favorite pop rockers is getting ready to release his first ever covers album.

The new album isn't due until November but Brendan sent me a few tunes to tide me over until it arrives. This one should be a hit, whatever the hell that means!

I am completely in love with this record... here's the title track.

Not only is Jason Isbell one of the finest young songwriters on the scene. He just married Amanda Shires, who is pretty damn terrific as well! Great new record.

They're back!!!!!!!! The rock album we all need right now, pushed forward by one of the best pure rock drummers on the planet, Jon Wurster.

Believe it or not this marks the first time the legendary PHJB have recorded an album containing all original material. Produced by Ben Jaffe and Jim James.