I don’t always think of Woody Guthrie when I listen to folk music, but I sure do with Jacob Thomas Jr. Teetering on that ill-defined line between roots country and folk music, Thomas has the uncanny ability of using finger picking to sooth …
Yearly Archives: 2014
Ashley Raines and the New West Revue–utmost simplicity, raw beauty
This is a little bit difficult for me. Today I am sharing an album that I’ve honestly had in my possession for a while. I’ve been enjoying it, taking it in, and mulling it over. It has spoken to my soul very deeply …
We are the Willows – Picture (Portrait) – Thoughtful, WWII-themed, string-filled folk music
We are the Willows have a captivating sound, with gorgeous layered strings which are a bit more than the typical five piece folk outfit out today but still shy of a truly orchestral sound. Rather, the music feels like an intimate blend of complicated …
Siskin River – The Hours They Keep – Fun and Excellently Crafted
What’s not to love about Siskin River? Honestly, try not to immediately fall head over heels in love with the sisters that make up the band. Hailing from Australia, the duo has been on the rise with constant touring, energetic shows, and even living …
Guest Post: David Demaree on Matthew Mayfield at Pittsburgh’s Club Cafe
Mathew Mayfield is a serious man. Armed with captivating lyrics and an acoustic guitar he gave Pittsburgh’s Club Café quite a show this November. For almost an hour and a half Mayfield stood below red stage lights and performed. And he performed well. …
The Misty Mountain String Band
Stop what you are doing now and go listen to The Misty Mountain String Band’s new “Brownsboro” album. This is not only a perfect band, but a perfectly curated album. Some bands are made of people who decide to play instruments and it …
Hinterlands – Self titled EP – Amazing New Zealand folk duo
Words like “stunning” and “gorgeous” just seem to roll off the tongue when listening to Hinterlands, a folk duo from New Zealand, whose debut EP is nothing short of amazing. From the first listen, I couldn’t help but be stunned by their harmonies, …
Hiss Golden Messenger – The Lateness of Dancers
As you may well know, an interesting band name will get me every time. Hiss Golden Messenger avoided my attention for a long time because I have difficulty reading, but it’s now in the running for my album of 2014 with their stellar album, The …
Joe Pug – Downbound Train –
The next time one of your friends tries to tell you “they just don’t make music like they used to” you shut them up with this song right here. Joe Pug is a songwriter and brilliant performer. This song is dripping with emotion. …
Brennan Stoelb–Great Lakes and Great Deserts
I am a firm believer that location can have an incredible influence on an artist’s music. The places you go, the places you have been impact you, inspire you. Knowing a diverse range of lands and lifestyles changes things. Brennan Stoelb has lived …
