The highlight of the back half of Justin Townes Earle’s Single Mothers, the 32-year-old singer-songwriter’s superlative fifth record, is “White Gardenias,” a tribute to one of Earle’s favorite musicians, jazz singer Billie Holiday. Holiday seems an unlikely inspiration on Earle, who’s nominally an alt-country troubadour. But a close listen to the way he sings on […]
The highlight of the back half of Justin Townes Earle’s Single Mothers, the 32-year-old singer-songwriter’s superlative fifth record, is “White Gardenias,” a tribute to one of Earle’s favorite musicians, jazz singer Billie Holiday. Holiday seems an unlikely inspiration on Earle, who’s nominally an alt-country troubadour. But a close listen to the way he sings on […]
Local Americana sweetheart Terri Allard strums out the perfect acoustic backdrop for Jefferson Vineyards’ Sunsets Become Eclectic series. Kick back with a glass of Virginia Viognier and get lost in the award-winning songwriter’s gritty homegrown vocals. With five studio albums under her belt, Allard is a folk festival favorite across the country thanks to her […]
The name is Trampled by Turtles, and after a listen to their music, it becomes apparent why. The group’s slow rhythms pack a powerful wallop of energy that is felt at the very core. Taking inspiration from opposing directions such as Nirvana and Bob Dylan, the Minnesota band combines rock ‘n’ roll energy with traditional […]
A group as legendary as Hall and Oates really needs no introduction. For nearly four decades, the Philadelphia duo has been belting out smooth melodies coupled with quick-riffed guitars, and their unwavering commitment to style and inspiration has produced countless hits including “Kiss On My List,” “Rich Girl,” and “Maneater.” Their soul-soaked groove has influenced generations […]
If pop songs are the texts of the music world, then surely chamber music works are its literary masterpieces, and you can appreciate them fully at the Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival. Hosted by the Virginia Chamber Music Foundation, the seven-day celebration provides incredible renditions of classical pieces performed by a variety of local expert musicians. […]
Nashville may be the capital of country, but the music of Jon Pardi proves that country and western are still a potent mix. Staying true to a classic Southern twang, the California-born musician delights with traditional riffs on acoustic guitars, banjos, and fiddles. His narratives are rich with the trials of human experience, and coupled […]
Before the illicit weed smoking, before the bare boobs, before the overzealous ABC agents, before the revoked booze license, and before the appeal, there was a guy whose buddy showed him a pretty cool place to listen to tunes. The guy was Dave Frey, who’s spent more than three decades making his career in the […]
Yonder Mountain String Band hasn’t produced a full-length record since 2009. It’s the longest stretch that the band’s gone without an LP since it formed in 1998. If that news isn’t bad enough for fans, now this: Founding member, mandolin player and vocalist Jeff Austin split with YMSB in April. When Yonder plays the Jefferson […]
The words Cheap Whiskey don’t usually go well together, but if they’re referring to Nelson Johnson and his band of Southern rockers, then it’s a welcome combination. The group embraces a medley of styles, dabbling in rock, country, and blues to deliver performances high energy performances. And despite the name, the hard drivin’ tunes go […]
For more than three decades, the obscure Italian band Sensations’ Fix has been pleasing audiences with its energetic brand of progressive electronic rock. Success lies in the group’s original mix of genres, blending shrill electric chords with a psychedelic rhythm in a unique sound entirely its own. Not only does SF stand the test of […]