THE READING ROOM: The Best Music Books of 2024 (So Far)
So far in 2024, mediocrity reigns supreme in music book publishing. Only a few memorable books (many of them on jazz) have risen far above the remainder of the stacks. The standouts display eloquent prose, thorough research, and lucid insights that enlighten and delight readers and keep them returning to
ALBUM REVIEW: Whether Moving On or Staying Put, Maya de Vitry Lives in ‘The Only Moment’
On her fourth full-length album, The Only Moment, Maya de Vitry exhibits a sense of self-awareness in her lyrics and in arrangements that complement her vocals. The songs, all written or co-written by de Vitry, strike a balance between a driving rock tempo and gentler rhythms, between staying put and
ALBUM REVIEW: Tray Wellington Explores New Pathways for Banjo on ‘Detour to the Moon’
Tray Wellington keeps moving, exploring music from a variety of angles. His 2022 debut full-length album, Black Banjo, showcased his innovative songwriting and instrumental virtuosity. On his newest album, Detour to the Moon, Wellington builds on his earlier efforts, illustrating his ingenious approach to locating sonic similarities within bluegrass and
ALBUM REVIEW: When Things Are Good and When They’re Not, Donovan Woods Has a Song For It All
Donovan Woods has never been one to shy away from difficult emotions and circumstances. His catalog is full of songs that take on and reconcile the challenges of life. With his new record, Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now, Woods adds 11 more well-written, heartfelt tracks
THROUGH THE LENS: Fisherman’s Village Music Fest and Jackalope Jamboree
This week’s column features two roots music festivals located in America’s Pacific Northwest: the Fisherman’s Village Music Fest in Washington and Oregon’s Jackalope Jamboree.
Now in its 11th year on Washington State’s Puget Sound, Fisherman’s Village took over the streets of Everett and provided
SPOTLIGHT: AJ Lee and Blue Summit Take the Long View on Career and ‘City of Glass’
EDITOR'S NOTE: AJ Lee and Blue Summit is No Depression's Spotlight band for July 2024. Look for more about them and their new album, City of Glass (out July 19 on Signature Sounds), all month long.
Conventional wisdom would say it’s high time for AJ