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
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
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
by Imogen Speith First Aid Kit has been developing themselves as a boundary pushing duet since 2010. The shared songwriting duet of Klara and Johanna Söderberg emerged from YouTube after their version of Fleet Foxes songs went viral. The duet 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 Antonio Robert When Carrie Rodriguez lends her twang to the rollicking opening track “Devil in Mind,” she sings with sex appeal and fragility making each syllable worth the time. From the first track, Rodriguez employs her bellicose swagger and style to Read more
