Billy Strings Takes Over Berkeley’s Greek Theater
Guitar virtuoso Billy Strings has been on quite a roll over the past few years, winning widespread acclaim for his energetic live performances.
roots rock
Joe Ely Is Still ‘Driven to Drive’ After 50 Years
Joe Ely’s new songs are full of colorful one-liners that contain the wisdom of the road as found in tall tales, folk wisdom, and poetic inspiration.
The Felice Brothers Seek Company in the ‘Valley of Abandoned Songs’
The Felice Brothers present us with a world where we can sing along with our imaginations and know we are all brothers and sisters on life’s journey.
Songs: Ohia’s ‘Magnolia Electric Co.’ Remains a Dark Triumph
Songs: Ohia’s Magnolia Electric Co. remains a dark triumph in the face of adversity. It was the turning point and apex of Jason Molina’s brief life and career.
The Avett Brothers Are in Long-Term Career Mode
The Avett Brothers’ new self-titled album is solid but not spectacular, which can happen after a group have settled into a long-term career mode.
Alejandro Escovedo Reinvents, Reinterprets, and Rediscovers
On Echo Dancing, Alejandro Escovedo’s musical personality shines, from romantic balladeer to nefarious punk, from heartland messiah to experimental maven.
The Black Keys Hit the Bowling Alley with ‘Ohio Players’
You can sum up the overall aesthetic concept of the Black Keys’ Ohio Players with two main points: It rocks and sounds great in a bowling alley.
Kentuckian Abby Hamilton Aspires to Be As Good As the ‘#1 Zookeeper’
Americana’s Abby Hamilton presents her characters’ experiences as valuable simply because of their quotidian relatability. Kentucky is everywhere and everyone.
Terra Lightfoot Demonstrates the ‘Healing Power’ of Song
The liveliness of Terra Lightfoot’s singing and playing infectiously charms her songs even when the stories told describe what may be pathological behavior.
Nils Lofgren Is Still Grinning on ‘Mountains’
Nils Lofgren never fails to deliver albums filled with glorious guitar playing, heartfelt songs, and a soulful look at the human condition.
Lukas Nelson Makes Good Time Music on ‘Sticks and Stones’
Lukas Nelson’s Sticks and Stones is designed to help you reach your happiness goals. Party on! Others may call you a sinner. But simple words can’t hurt you.
Doug Levitt Rides the Bus to the ‘Edge of Everywhere’
Doug Levitt is a journalist with a guitar, and Edge of Everywhere tells the tales of his 12 years and 120,000 miles riding the Greyhound bus all over America.