Spanky & Our Gang's Lost Treasures of Americana Music
“We are and shall remain Spanky and Our Gang…" Elaine “Spanky” McFarlane closing her latest live album, Back Home, Americana Vl. 1
This needs to be clear: If musicologist, pop music authorities, Americana researchers and rock critics of all persuasions take a glance at overlooked talents and innovators over
Inside the Songs: John Doyle and the Irish Experience
Irish guitarist, singer, and songwriter
John Doyle
is one of the foremost traditional musicians of his generation. He first made his name as the guitarist for the much-loved ensemble Solas, where his particularly percussive style of guitar became one of the prime inspirations for other Irish guitarists, and gave
Reaching Higher Ground with Lukas Nelson
A new interview with Douglas Heselgrave
Lukas Nelson and I had been playing telephone tag for almost two weeks when I caught him on the line as he was preparing to go out on a short tour jaunt opening for his father’s band in Arizona and California. We had
Dylan, Springsteen and Waits: Three of the Essentials. An Essay
What is it about any particular musician that makes them essential to us? Is it the way they craft a lyric, render joy in our hearts with their voice, or how reverently we attend upon their music? It can be many things. The wild surge of emotion that floods us
Cayamo Conversations: Rhett Miller of the Old 97's
Rhett Miller brings remarkable energy and enthusiasm to his shows. You probably know that he and the Old 97's really rock it, but unless you've seen him solo, you might not realize how lively an acoustic set can be. There's that hair and those
Profile of Tara Nevins from Alive Without Permission
Tara Nevins, On the Road (Photo: John D. Kurc)
Tara Nevins is best known for fronting Donna The Buffalo, the enduring (20 plus years) rock/jam/festival band based in Trumansburg, New York. Years pass, band members come and go, but Tara (and co-founder Jeb Puryear) keep Donna hoppin’