Why Portland?  When you say “going to Portland” in these parts, understandably Oregon doesn’t even enter the mindset. In other words, you’ve got some explaining to do. Why? Because for years going to Austin all we ever heard from …
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson Syl JohnsonSyl Johnson: The Complete MythologyNumero Group Records A mother lode of Syl. That’s what you get with the visually stunning box set Syl Johnson: The Complete Mythology. It chronicles the works of the should-be-legendary Chicago …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 12/16/10 – Syl Johnson, The Parting Gifts”
Compact Capsules by Dan Ferguson Pernice BrothersGoodbye, KillerAshmont Records It’s been since 2006 that we last heard from Joe Pernice. He has been busy what with penning a novel (“It Feels So Good When I Stop”) and its accompanying soundtrack. …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 11/27/10 – Pernice Brothers”
“I made my opportunities, but I never got the breaks I should have gotten. I was a jack-of-all-trades. More soul than Marvin, more funk than James. If I’d gone pop, you’d be talkin’ about me, not them. I rate right …
Continue Reading “Barndance Alert: Syl Johnson special on Nov. 11”
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson The City ChampsThe Set-UpElectraphonic Records ER 105 Must be that Memphis water. Jonesing for some Booker T. & the MGs sound with a contemporary-ish edge without sacrificing the soulful swells of that trademark organ B3 underpinning? …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 11/02/10 – The City Champs, Stephanie Finch”
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson Whitey Morgan & the 78sSelf-titledBloodshot BS176 Not unlike these parts, it’s also hard times in the Motor City. In these kinds of times, sometimes there’s no more perfect escape for the downtrodden than a few cold …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 10/25/10 – Limes, Whitey Morgan & the 78s”
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson Duke RobillardPassport to the BluesStoney Plain Records Local blues guitar demigod Duke Robillard is smiling pretty big on the cover of his new Passport to the Blues. The joyousness translates straight from cover to contents with …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 10/10/10 – Duke Robillard, Sunny & the Sunsets”
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson L.A. based indie Anti Records has terrific balance. It’s a label that pays heed as much to the old sages (Tom Waits, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot) and pioneers (Bettye LaVette) as it does contemporary movers and shakers …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 09/30/10 – Anti Records releases”
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson Justin Townes EarleHarlem River BluesBloodshot Records The new Harlem River Blues marks Justin Townes Earle’s first recording since relocating to Brooklyn from Nashville. Ironically, Earle returned to Nashville to make the recording, though, draws heavily from …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 09/20/10 – Justin Townes Earle”
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson Eilen JewellButcher Holler: A Tribute to Loretta LynnSignature Sounds Records If you’ve caught an Eilen Jewell Band show any time over the last several years, you’re probably aware of her fondness for Loretta Lynn. Frankly speaking, …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 09/07/10 – Eilen Jewell, The Steeldrivers”
