Cordovas Couch Deep Thoughts in a Good Time on ‘Destiny Hotel’
“Summer is gone,” laments Cordovas frontman Joe Firstman on “Afraid No More,” the fourth song his band’s new LP, Destiny Hotel. Given the autumn wind and the state of the world, it feels like a profundity. But Destiny Hotel isn’t merely a reflection on the change in seasons
THE READING ROOM: Jeff Tweedy Offers Insight and Encouragement in ‘How to Write One Song’
Two years ago, Jeff Tweedy took us on a little tour of his life up till now in his autobiography Let’s Go (So We Can Get Back): A Memoir of Recording and Discording with Wilco, Etc. In what was one of the best music books of that year, Tweedy
Steep Canyon Rangers Perfect Their Blend on ‘Arm in Arm’
Damn! This album is so good, you’ll be smiling or crying or dancing with every song. You can feel the spirit of the Steep Canyon Rangers in every note they play and sing here, as if you were sitting in the same room with them as they play. For
50 STATES OF FOLK: Minnesota’s Jubilant Scandinavian Fiddle Tradition
The most Scandinavian aspect of many Americans’ lives is probably the IKEA furniture in their homes. But minimalist interior design is just one small way Scandinavian influence finds its way into modern American culture. Before there were Swedish meatballs in food courts, there were fiddles (for a while considered demonic)
THROUGH THE LENS: The 22 Best Bob Dylan Covers By Roots Artists
There are, it seems, only two ages: Before Dylan and After Dylan. As we approach the 60th anniversary of the fateful 1961 winter day when Bob Dylan arrived in New York, it’s significant to note that no single songwriter has had their songs covered more than Bob Dylan. Covering
Steve Martin Banjo Prize Announces Five Winners for 2020
The Steve Martin Banjo Prize has been a very big deal in the roots music world for the past 10 years, honoring the instrument’s most talented practitioners, especially those with an eye toward stretching the boundaries and the perceptions of the music.
Today, the prize announced its latest winners