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Kevin Lynch

Ramblin' Jack Elliott Still Takes His Audiences Down a Long, Crooked Road

Ramblin' Jack Elliott Still Takes His Audiences Down a Long, Crooked Road

Ramblin' Jack Elliott – Shank Hall (Milwaukee, WI - Sept. 5, 2014) At 83, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott might be shrinking a tad. There didn’t seem to be too much there, under the long, gray curls, the big cowboy hat, and the sturdy old guitar, this Friday night. Ah, but

Charlie Haden's Bass Sang Around the World, and Back, to The Shenandoah

Charlie Haden's Bass Sang Around the World, and Back, to The Shenandoah

On the new ECM CD, Last Dance, with pianist Keith Jarrett, Charlie Haden’s extended bass solo on “Where Can I Go Without You?” magnificently extends the melodic contours and the meaning of the song, as if the question had been deposited directly in the heart of the listener. Yet

Under Richard Thompson's Spell: From Tragic Loss to Knowingly Boyish Wisdom

Under Richard Thompson's Spell: From Tragic Loss to Knowingly Boyish Wisdom

The Pabst Theatre crowd leapt to its feet and roared, and you knew he was coming back. Not only that, 65-year-old Richard Thompson suddenly scurried back out to his guitar, like a kid pouncing onto a Christmas present. I’m standing the conventional concert review on its head because, as

Rodney Crowell's Long and Winding Road back to Emmylou

Rodney Crowell's Long and Winding Road back to Emmylou

This is a mystery story of sorts, with a twist or two, yet the mystery’s not impossible to solve. The question: Why Rodney Crowell is still emerging from the shadows, even though he ranks among the most esteemed singer-songwriters in Americana music today. I maintain he’s a singer-songwriter

"In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" -- and Duane Allman

"In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" -- and Duane Allman

Duane Allman died 41 years ago today. It reminds me of how long ago I heard something new rising from the South. I'd bought a new album by a group from Macon, Georgia simply titled The Allman Brothers Band. I let the needle down into the vinyl grooves