COUNTRY & TRADITIONAL MUSIC SHORT TAKES by John Gaddis Grain Thief, Pedal Down (Self-Released, 2020) Grain Thief is a 5-piece string band from Boston, MA. The sophomore album titled Stardust Lodge in 2018 cemented the groups’ place Read more
Jim Lauderdale, From Another World by John Gaddis Jim Lauderdale has always been the musician’s hero, flying under the radar the singer/songwriter has written for the likes of country royalty including, George Strait, the Dixie Chicks, Patty Loveless, Lee Ann Read more
by J. Pepper Crossing Canal is an Americana-Folk duet that combines the talents of two guitarist/vocalists Ruby Ross and Patrick Cooper. Their vocal harmonies are a cornerstone element to their sound. In the spirit of folk songs, the EP deals Read more
by Imogen Speith Sunny War born (Sydney Lyndella Ward) to a single mother lead an unconventional childhood. War describes it as nomadic. Her mother’s bohemian lifestyle saw Ward moving from place to place, including stays in Colorado and Michigan. Most Read more
J. Pepper Los Texmaniacs is a conjunto band created by Max Baca in 1997. Baca wanted to create a band that incorporated elements from genres such as Rock & Roll and Jazz while still honoring the roots of conjunto Tejano. Read more
by Constance Tucker There is something so unique about good songwriting, though many aspire to it – many times, an artist falls short of the truly inspired result. Enter Tai Shan, a Seattle based artist and songwriter in the Folk-Country-Americana Read more
by Donald Rumpert William Thomas “Tommy” Emmanuel is an Australian guitarist, songwriter and singer, best known for his complex fingerstyle technique, energetic performances and the use of percussive effects on the guitar. Although originally a session player in many bands, Read more
J. Pepper Lilly Hiatt returns with a personal and autobiographical album that was produced by Michael Trent called, Trinity Lane on New West Records. The 12-song set is an examination of the wounds formed by relationships, which as it turns Read more
by D. Lee My adoration for Jason Isbell is no secret. It is rooted in his brilliantly folkloric southern sensibilities. His previous work, particularly his 400 Unit albums, listen like parables of the modern south, utilizing the iconic imagery for Read more
by Constance Tucker Jacqui Sutton the true voice of Americana Jazz. Though she has coined the phrase Frontier Jazz, her sound blends the elements of the best of all traditional elements into an updated hip and soulful sound that blurs Read more
