Brian Setzer – Rockabilly Riot!: All Original (Surfdog)
For the past 30 years or so, Brian Setzer has made a career out of retooling rockabilly, an essential form of rock ‘n’ roll that preceded the arrival of the … Read more
Reviews
Mark “Muleman” Massey – One Step Ahead of the Blues (Icehouse)
There’s the easy way to learn guitar (hiring someone to teach you) and then there’s the hard way: going to the notorious Parchman Farm Mississippi State Penitentiary. Learning guitar probably … Read more
John Fogerty / Gathering of the Vibes / Seaside Park / Bridgeport,…
While Gathering of the Vibes, now in its 19th year, has branched out to include funk, jazz, reggae, indie and more, the annual festival’s bread and butter remains music for … Read more
Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens – Cold World (Daptone)
This first-class soul band with gospel roots is a vital part of the soul revival bubbling up everywhere. They’ve played at Bonnaroo, Monterey Jazz, Montreal Pop and done two tours … Read more
The Mastersons – Good Luck Charm (New West Records)
With their first record since moving back to Texas from Brooklyn, Eleanor Whitmore and Chris Masterson have surpassed themselves, which is no small feat. They set the bar high with … Read more
Joe Fletcher / Rocks Off Concert Cruise / New York, NY /…
After seeing Joe Fletcher on the Rocks Off Concert Cruise, I never want to see a band unless it’s on a boat. Above the majestic Jewel, New Yorkers eager to … Read more
Ted Nugent – Shut Up & Jam! (Frontiers Records)
Ted Nugent calculates his moves thoughtfully, including releasing his first studio album in seven years on July 4. Detroit’s favorite son and favorite shredder loves to wave Old Glory—especially in … Read more
Dave Specter – Message In Blue (Delmark)
If you are not familiar with Chicago guitarist Dave Specter, this–his tenth album–may be your perfect introduction. Specter plays with a full, sharp, stinging tone, and like the best guitarists, … Read more
Neutral Milk Hotel / Prospect Park / Brooklyn, NY / July 22
I first discovered Neutral Milk Hotel ten years after the release of their seminal record, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. I found a lot of personal joy showing their … Read more
Dave Mason / City Winery / New York, NY / July 29
See photo gallery below Dave Mason has performed and recorded with everyone. No, seriously, everyone. During and after his time with British classic rock heavyweights Traffic, Mason lent his guitar … Read more
