Black 47's Larry Kirwan on Getting Political and Learning from Cyndi Lauper
Many Americans have had strong reactions to the Trump presidency. Larry Kirwan’s reaction may be one of the strongest — and most creative.
Kirwan, the former lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist of Black 47, tells me he was influenced by a “great poem,” W.B. Yeats’ “The Second Coming,” when
Ruby Force Crushes on Her Debut Album
They say it takes your whole life to write your debut album, and Ruby Force's Evolutionary War demonstrates a lot of hard work and discipline. She was clearly good and ready when she entered the studio. This album almost feels like "future country" -- it'
Van Morrison Tackles the Great American Songbook
Versatile – the 38th studio album from Van Morrison, which comes only three months after his last release — finds him joining artists like Bob Dylan and Rod Stewart in mining the Great American Songbook. There are two tracks here from George and Ira Gershwin (“A Foggy Day,” “They Can’t Take
Manager Jeff DeLia Combines Business with a Passion for Music
As I've been expanding the boundries of this column beyond just DJs, it's been fun to learn about other aspects of the music business. I think Jeff DeLia is the first who's been exclusively an artist manager. What he shares with all the others
Covers that Reach High but Fall Short
There are some bands and musicians that simply cannot be covered.
Sure, I try to keep myself open to exceptions here, but more often than not something integral is lost in translation. Songs by Sigur Rós, the Beastie Boys, St. Vincent, and Tom Waits come to mind, and entropy waits
Justin Vernon’s Bon Iver Brings Norfolk a Solo “Good Winter” Greeting with Bruce Hornsby
“So, are you a Bon Iver fan?” I asked the young boy next to me. His handsome young father looked down and said, “Say, yes, sir.” His son grinned up at me and replied eagerly, “Yes, sir!” That was the feeling I found in the air at the Norva in