New Riders of The Purple Sage: Americana Lost and Found
John Collins Dawson IV, nicknamed both Marmaduke and McDuke, was only 64 when he died peacefully in Mexico eight years ago. Growing weary of life on the road as a professional musician, he retired in 1997 and had moved to San Miguel de Allende with his wife. Dawson, a singer,
Jay Bennett, Gone, But Not Forgotten
It's been more than fifteen years since the late Jay Bennett left Wilco but his separation is still being discussed to this day--and some eight years since he died prematurely in his sleep. And now a new documentary Where are you, Jay Bennett? is being made about his
Tom Russell's Latest Might Be His Best
I’ve been a Tom Russell fan since 1975, when he sent me a copy of Ring of Bone, his superb duet album with Patricia Hardin. “Why hasn’t everybody heard of this guy?” I wondered. More than 40 years later, I’m still asking myself that question.
Over the
Amos Perrine, In Pursuit of Music That Moves Him
It's time to look within the No Depression community and interview one of our own. Amos Perrine, based in West Virginia, not only writes but also takes wonderful photographs of musicians performing. His weekly Through The Lens column is always worth checking out. I also look forward to
Jason Isbell Digs Deep for Soulful Set at Historic Venue
As an artist, you've reached a certain level when fellow musicians come to hear you play. And, when it comes to Toronto venues, you've also joined an elite club when you play Massey Hall. Last night Jason Isbell achieved both in one memorable evening. He played
Japanese Band Bluegrass 45 Celebrates 50 Years
The Japanese bluegrass band Bluegrass 45 will be making a 50th anniversary appearance at the International Bluegrass Music Association's Wide Open Bluegrass in Raleigh, NC, next month. Recently, my wife and I sat down with Akira Otsuka, mandolin player with this groundbreaking international band.
In the post-World War