By James Calemine Daniel Lanois, best known for his production work with Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Chris Whitley, the Neville Brothers, U2 and even Billy Bob Thornton’s Sling Blade, recently assembled a powerful group called Black Dub....
By James Calemine Orange Blossoms counts as Mofro’s fourth disc. The album title represents the band’s home state of Florida’s official flower. On this disc, J.J. Grey directs the band down a STAX-flavored road. The band relies heavily on a thick bass, deep brass...
By James Calemine The Wood Brothers recorded Live at the Barn on August 19, 2016. The Wood Brothers (Oliver Wood, Chris Wood & Jano Rix) maintained a close relationship with the late Levon Helm in the last decade. The group often performed at Helm’s ‘Midnight...
By James Calemine The Hard Way represents Tinsley Ellis’ ninth solo album where for the first time he serves as the producer on his own record. These 12 songs offer an essential chapter in Ellis’ road-tested, two-decade career. Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1957, Ellis...
By James Calemine Texas native Ruthie Foster contends as one of this generation’s finest singers. Her voice is often compared to Ella Fitzgerald, Mavis Staples and Aretha Franklin. Foster’s songwriting also deserves honorable mention. Her six solo albums contain a...
By James Calemine Joe South died on September 5, 2012, in Buford, GA. His songs remain timeless. He epitomized the story of a living legend that no one can seem to find. He remained reclusive and for many years few people heard from him. All we have is the songs. Even...
By James Calemine Hard Bargain counts as Emmylou Harris’ 21st studio album. Produced by collaborator Jay Joyce these songs, recorded in Nashville, include formidable original material. The Alabama born Emmylou was raised in Virginia, and soon met a fellow by the name...
The Definitive John Coltrane on Prestige and Riverside Collection encapsulates Coltrane’s most significant recordings as a sideman. This two-CD set begins in 1955 when Coltrane arrived in New York City to join Miles Davis’ band. The compilation ends in 1958 just...
By James Calemine At 82, Mose Allison stands as one of the hippest musicians in American music. His solid foundation of jazz and blues influenced artists such as The Rolling Stones, Tom Waits, Van Morrison, Leon Russell and John Mayall. He even existed as a musical...
By James Calemine Chris Darrow made two great albums–Chris Darrow and Under My Own Disguise–in 1973 and 1974. Now these two classics are available in one package. Darrow proved a significant musical player in the development of the California music scene. Darrow’s...