By James Calemine John “JoJo” Hermann’s record, Smiling Assassin, consists of eleven country-hearted blues songs, and includes an all-star musical cast. Hermann, the Widespread Panic keyboardist, composed ten songs on the album as well as covered vocal, guitar,...
Eddie Hinton died in 1995 at the age of 51. When Hinton served as the session guitarist at Muscle Shoals Studio, his work emerged on albums alongside musicians such as Duane Allman, the Staple Singers, and Wilson Pickett. Although songwriting was his grace and many...
One Ruined Life of a Bronze Tourist was originally recorded in 1978 for Atlanta’s Pine Tree Records. Terminus Records re-released the album, complete with three bonus tracks. Colonel Bruce is a rare breed—he abides by no conventions or constraints. He is a cosmic time...
The name Merle Haggard carries a heavy weight in country music. Haggard remains a maverick who stared into the face of decadence during peaks and valleys of his legendary music career—thirty-nine number #1 country hits, IRS troubles, addictions, prestigious accolades,...
Colonel Bruce Hampton’s album Arkansas, like his 1978 One Ruined Life of A Bronze Tourist, were released on Atlanta’s Terminus Records. Arkansas was originally recorded in 1987 and released on Landslide Records. Arkansas certainly features a complex mix of styles....
Mule Variations contends as one of Tom Waits’ finest albums. Recorded in a converted northern California chicken coop–Prairie Sun Recording Studios–these 16 songs are steeped in country-blues music. Released in 1999, the band on Mule Variations consisted of...
By James Calemine Barbara Cue contains an abundance of talent. This all-star Athens, Georgia, line-up has crafted a timeless Americana banquet on Louisiana Truckstop. Todd Nance and William Tonks shared a common passion for NRBQ (whom Barbara Cue opened an Athens show...
Red Dirt Marijuana ranks as Southern’s greatest book. A collection of 23 stories, published in 1967, Red Dirt Marijuana and Other Tastes contains a wide range of topics and dramatic tales.
Eddie Hinton, the Muscle Shoals singer/songwriter, did not live to complete the 1999 Capricorn Records album Hard Luck Guy. In July 1995, Hinton died of a heart attack at age 51 during the sessions. Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Bobby Womack, and Gregg Allman...
By James Calemine The Holy Grail of Townes Van Zandt albums--during this July 1973 performance Van Zandt operated and the apex of his powers. With only his acoustic guitar Van Zandt performed some of his greatest songs such as “Poncho & Lefty”, “Mr. Mudd & Mr....