Bo Ramsey Revisits the Past in the ‘Sidetrack’ Lounge
In a world full of shredders, Bo Ramsey reveals the splendor of simplicity in his blues-laden Sidetrack EP. He lets this guitar do most of the talking.
Steve Horowitz
Steven Horowitz has a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Iowa, where he continues to teach a three-credit online course on "Rock and Roll in America". He has written for many different popular and academic publications including American Music, Paste and the Icon. Horowitz is a firm believer in Paul Goodman's neofunctional perspective on culture and that Sam Cooke was right, a change is gonna come.
Kevin Gordon Finds That We Live in ‘The In Between’
Alt-country/Americana artist Kevin Gordon’s The In Between provides evidence for the grandeur of keeping on even when everything seems wrong.
What If They Had a Folk Festival and Nobody Protested?
What if they had a folk festival and nobody protested? Evanston, Illinois hosted its first folk festival without politics from its stages.
MJ Lenderman Finds the ‘Fireworks’ in Everyday Life
MJ Lenderman creates sounds that somehow cut into his listeners’ heads and hearts, even when the songs’ sonics resemble that of the garage band next door.
Caleb Caudle Tells Stories of the South on ‘Sweet Critters’
Caleb Caudle has a soft spot for the natural beauty of the South, its woodlands and memories of the people who live there, and that’s just part of the story.
Mark Ambor’s ‘Rockwood’ Looks at the Bright Side of Life
Singer-songwriter Mark Ambor prefers the sunlight over the moon, literally and metaphorically. Living for today doesn’t have to mean forgetting the past.
Bella White Gives Her Fans Five More Songs
The title of Americana artist Bella White’s new EP, Five for Silver, comes from the magpie rhyme about good things about to happen. These songs are gifts.
Colin James Finds the Blues While ‘Chasing the Sun’
Canadian blues artist Colin James rocks out on the guitar on a new album, Chasing the Sun, and reminds us of strings’ power to pull emotions out of one’s heart.
Andrew Combs Paints ‘Dream Pictures’ in Blues and Gold
Andrew Combs’ new album serves as the robin in spring, a sign that seasons have changed. It’s not a chronicle of happiness as much as a statement of normalcy.
Jontavious Willis Has the ‘West Georgia Blues’
Blues artist Jontavious Willis is more of an entertainer than a purist. He aims to get his audiences moving, tells droll tales, and raises one’ spirits.
Shelby Lynne Wears the ‘Crown’ on Her Latest LP
Country’s Shelby Lynne doesn’t sing about wearing a crown, but she implies she is the queen by surviving her past affairs. Love’s consequences are mostly pain.
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.