Album Reviews

Hard Working Americans

As live performers, Hard Working Americans live up to their name. “If you held a gun to my head and asked me if you should go to one of our … Read more

The Saint James Society

Dyed black, the billowing, expansive sonic fabric exquisitely woven by dark wave acolytes The Saint James Society is undeniably stylish. It’s draped all over Covered in Blood, an exhilarating EP … Read more

Lightnin’ Willie

In a world full of blues guitar slingers, Los Angeles-based bluesman Lightnin’ Willie is a rare find.  He’s a guitar player.  Willie’s axe of choice is a hollow-bodied Gibson ES-5.  … Read more

Jim Lauderdale

Twenty-nine. That’s how many albums this long time Nashville resident has graced his fans with now that London Southern is here for our listening pleasure. And what a pleasure it … Read more

Nicky Holland

Describing her musical resume, Hertfordshire, England native Nicky Holland says she has “worn a number of different hats over the years—arranger, backup singer, pianist on other people’s records, writer for … Read more

Arthur Alexander

Alexander was like one of those short-lived comets that burned out way too early, before most people had the opportunity to appreciate him. Omnivore has reissued Alexander’s 1972 album with … Read more

Fairport Convention

Even the most ardent Fairport Convention fans have plenty of reasons to acquire this excellent set as—with mostly stunningly clear sound quality—more than 50 of the 121 tracks are unreleased. … Read more

Chris Robinson Brotherhood

Barefoot/Head is The Chris Robinson Brotherhood’s third release in two years and shows the group in stellar form. The first cut, “Behold the Seer” kicks into high gear with goodtime … Read more

The Nighthawks

This venerable band is marking its 43rd year with vocalist/harmonicist Mark Wenner as its only remaining original member. Back in 1983, they headlined a blues festival I promoted in their … Read more

Nicky Holland

Nicky Holland is a Brit, a classically trained pianist who, on this offering, clearly has some pretty mean and menacing keyboard chops up her sleeve. With Nobody’s Girl, Holland branches … Read more