Tag Archives: Americana

Quick plays: TRISTAN MACKAY, THE KENNEDYS, VANESSA PETERS

Posted on March 6, 2015 by GRTR! HQ

TRISTAN MACKAY Wire & Wood The clue, as they say, is in the title – Wire & Wood is a pared back acoustic follow-up to singer songwriter Tiverton, Devon-born Tristan Mackay’s debut release Out Along The Wire (2012). Originally ‘discovered’ … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged album, Americana, Chris Gray, Diamonds In Your Tree, folk, review, rock, roots, singer, songwriter, THE KENNEDYS, Tristan Mackay, Vanessa Peters, West, Wire & Wood, With The Sentimentals | Leave a comment

Album review: DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS – Medicine

Posted on December 4, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

Magnolia Music [Release date 26.01.15] With a Divinity Masters degree from St Andrews, and a dissertation on ‘Springsteen and American Redemptive Imagination’ under his belt, it’s clear where Southern singer songwriter Drew Holcomb’s heart lies. His 2005 debut Washed In … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Americana, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, Medicine, review, roots | Leave a comment

Album review: COLOSSEUM – Time On Our Side

Posted on November 24, 2014 by petefeenstra

Ruf [Release date 24.11.14] A welcome return for the progressive jazz rock outfit Colosseum who have overcome their collective health problems to record an album that pushes the stylistic envelope, and almost leaves them in search of an identity. Happily … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Americana, Ana Gracey, Barbara Thompson, Chris Farlowe, Clem Clemson, Colosseum, Crosby Stills & Nash, Dave Brubeck, Dave Greenslade, Jack Bruce, jazz, John Hiseman, Kokomo, Mark Clarke, Pete Brown, review, rock, Steely Dan, Time On Our Side | Leave a comment

Album review: CARL CARLTON – Lights Out In Wonderland

Posted on November 23, 2014 by petefeenstra

Caroline International [Release date 24.11.14] Carl Carlton is an American based German songwriter, musical director, producer and triple Grammy Award nominee whose credits include Robert Palmer, Eric Burdon, Herman Brood, Mink Deville, Joe Cocker and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Americana, Bob Dylan, Carl Carlton, Dave Davies, Eric Burdon, Herman Brood, Jaqueline Kennedy, JJ Cale, JOE COCKER, Levon Helm, Lights Out In Wonderland, Mink Deville, review, Robert Palmer, Steely Dan, Udo Lindenberg | Leave a comment

Quick plays: GOOBER GUN, LIV KRISTINE, ANNE KEATING

Posted on November 17, 2014 by jason

Self-released [Out now] https://www.facebook.com/Goobergun Goober Gun are a three-piece band consisting of Tim Hardwick (vocals/drums), Ian Hardwick (vocals/bass) and Paul Dymott (guitars). They have released an EP and toured all over the world. This debut album has some really good … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged album, Americana, Anne Keating, Cowboys From Hell, Goober Gun, Leaves' Eyes, Liv Kristine, Make Believing, melodic, pop, Quick Play, review, rock, singer, songwriter, symphon, The Boss Hoss, Vervain | Leave a comment

Album review: ROGER CHAPMAN – Peaceology

Posted on November 3, 2014 by petefeenstra

Hypertension [Release date 24.11.14] ‘Peaceology’ is a successfully re-mastered version of the 2007 Americana influenced album ‘One More Time For Peace’. It comes with a new title, new art work, three new tracks and a completely different running order that … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Americana, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Henry Spinetti, Jim Cregan, Max Middleton, Mike Oldfield, Peaceology, review, Roger Chapman, Rollin Stoned, roots, The Bolland Brothers, vocal, Willie Dixon | Leave a comment

Album review: JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE – Single Mothers

Posted on October 5, 2014 by jason

Loose [Released 29.09.14] Justin Townes Earle has led an interesting life that’s for sure, from stints in rehab through to a revolving door with record labels. He is also the son of legendary country artist Steve Earle, although as the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album review, Americana, country, Justin Town Earle, pedal steel, Single Mothers, songwriter, Steve Earle | Leave a comment

News: THE RISING play exclusive session for Get Ready to ROCK! on Sunday 7 September

Posted on September 4, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

Irish pop-rockers The Rising are featured ‘In Session for GRTR!’ on Sunday 7 September at 21:00 GMT, playing tracks from their new album ‘Coming Home’. (The session is repeated on Tuesday 9 September at 16:00 and Thursday 11 September at … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, NEWS | Tagged 2014, 7 September, acoustic, Americana, Coming Home, country, Get Ready to ROCK!, live, pop, radio, rock, session, the Rising | Leave a comment

Album review: J.HOUSTON BAND – The Hunter

Posted on August 28, 2014 by petefeenstra

CD Baby [Released 24.04.14] Canadian soft rock outfit the J.Houston Band combine heartfelt lyrics with mid tempo rock and Americana on a song driven album in search of a decent producer. ‘The Hunter’ grows on you with repeated plays, but the … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Americana, Carolyn Saini, J.Houston, J.Houston Band, Jane Haskins, Jerry Garcia, John Chapman, Keith Richard, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, review, rock, Rollin Stoned, The Hunter | Leave a comment

Gig review: CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL – 31 July-3 August 2014

Posted on August 24, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

So I cast my mind back to 1994 and the very first Cambridge Folk Festival that I attended and remember the feeling of walking on-site and just thinking this is going to be very special, that was the 30th and … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS, Special Events | Tagged 1 August, 2 August, 3 August 2014, 31 July, Afro celt Sound System, Americana, Cambridge Folk Festival, Cara Dillon, folk, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Richard Thompson, rock, roots, Rosanne Cash, Seth Lakeman, Sinead O'Connor | Leave a comment

Quick plays: JULIA HENNING, SARAH BORGES, JENNIE DEVOE, GIRLS,GUNS AND GLORY

Posted on August 20, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

JULIA HENNING Fledgling (www.juliahenning.com) In days gone by, record companies would sift the wheat from the chaff and, generally speaking, you got a fairly finished product. But in the digital age it’s every man, or woman, for him / herself … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged album, Americana, blues, country, Fledgling, Girls Guns And Glory, Good Luck, jazz, Jennie DeVoe, Julia Henning, Radiator, Radio Sweetheart, review, Sarah Borges, singer, songwriter | Leave a comment

Album review: JIM STAPLEY – Long Time Coming

Posted on August 18, 2014 by petefeenstra

Mita [Released 13.10.14] If you pair together a young up and coming singer-songwriter with a veteran rock producer sparks will surely fly. Jim Stapley is no ordinary singer and Tony Visconti is an A-list producer, and ‘Long Time Coming’ is … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged ackson Brown, album, Americana, blues, Frankie Miller, JOE COCKER, Paul Rogers, review, rock, Steve Marriott, vocals | Leave a comment

Album review: OTIS GIBBS – Souvenirs of A Misspent Youth

Posted on July 30, 2014 by petefeenstra

Wanamaker Recording Company [Release date 17.02.14] Otis Gibbs is a socio-politico story teller who infuses his blue collar characters with enough real urban grit for you to care about their trials and tribulations. He’s also recalls autobiographical stories and his … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Americana, Amy Lashley, blues, folk, Gordon Lightfoot, Johnny Cash, Otis Gibbs, review, singer, songwriter, Souvenirs of A Misspent Youth, Woody Guthry | Leave a comment

Quick plays: POLLY BARRETT, CATHERINE MACLELLAN, JANE KRAMER

Posted on July 28, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

POLLY BARRETT Probably Me [Release date 22.09.14] We had the release of Irish singer songwriter Polly Barrett’s 2011 debut Mr Bookshop down as the folk/pop album Andrea Corr should have made if she wanted to sustain her popular profile. Barrett … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged album, Americana, Break & Bloom, Catherine MacLellan, folk, Jane Kramer, Polly Barrett, Probably Me, review, roots, singer, songwriter, The Raven's Sun | Leave a comment

Album review : THE RIOTOUS BROTHERS – The Tree

Posted on May 18, 2014 by petefeenstra

Riotous Brothers [Release date 26.02.14] ‘The Tree’ is the Riotous Brothers third album and it’s a notable step forward for the Mash Sonnet/Paul Long songwriting partnership. The duo contributes 7 co-writes and 3 solo efforts that combine good melodies with … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Americana, blues, Brinsley Schwarz, Dirk Maggs, funk, Howlin Wolf, John Cipollina, Mash Sonnet, Mat Lake, Paul Jones, Paul Long, Ray Charles, review, rock, The Riotous Brothers, The Tree | Leave a comment

Album review: HANNAH ALDRIDGE – Razor Wire

Posted on April 25, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

Trodden Black Ent. [Release date 13.05.14] ‘Dark Americana’ is how Hannah Aldridge – daughter of esteemed Muscle Shoals/ Nashville songwriter and producer Walt Aldridge – describes her gritty, uncompromising debut. Recorded in analogue (naturally) in Nashville (where else?) she’s backed … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Americana, country, Hannah Aldridge, Nashville, Razor Edge, review, rock, roots, singer, songwriter | Leave a comment

Album review: MATT ANDERSEN – Weightless

Posted on April 24, 2014 by petefeenstra

True North [Release date 14.04.14] Produced by former Blasters sax player and Los Lobos producer Steve Berlin, ‘Weightless’ puts the emphasis squarely on songs, catchy hooks and a subtle sonic landscape that nestles Matt Andersen’s emotive baritone vocal. Released by … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged album, Americana, blues, country, Dave Gunning, David Myles, folk, JOE COCKER, Joel Plaskett, Keith Mullins, Los Lobos, Matt Andersen, Paul Rigby, review, Robert Cray, Ryan Hupman, singer songwriter, Steve Berlin, Suzie Vinnick, The Blasters, Thom Swift, Tom Wilson, Weightless | Leave a comment

Gig review: JOHN ILLSLEY – East End Arms, Lymington, East End, 8 April 2014

Posted on April 9, 2014 by petefeenstra

It was back in 1982 after the break up of Steely Dan that Donald Fagen unveiled his signature sound on the ‘The Night Fly’ album and confirmed his creative input into Steely Dan. And while former Dire Straits bass player … Continue reading →

Posted in ALL POSTS, GIG REVIEWS | Tagged Americana, blues, Bob Dylan, Dire Straits, Donald Fagen, folk, JJ Cale, John Illsley, Mark Knopfler, review, Robbie McIntosh, rock, Steely Dan, Testing The Water | Leave a comment

Album review: DEBORAH BONHAM – Spirit

Posted on April 6, 2014 by petefeenstra

Deborah Bonham, track by track, May 2014 (Part 1 10:43, Part 2 11:43) Spectra [Release date 28.04.14] Being part of the Bonham dynasty is both a blessing and a curse for Deborah Bonham. Stripped of her family tree, she would … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged Americana, Bad Company, BJ Cole, Deborah Bonham, Fleetwood Mac, Glenn Skinner, John Prine, Led Zeppelin, Mavericks, Mike Poole, Patty Griffin, Paul Rogers, Pete Bullick, review, Robert Plant, Spaklehorse, Spirit, Tom Petty | Leave a comment

Quick plays: AMELIA WHITE, EDDI READER, THE O’s, THE SWEET LOWDOWN

Posted on January 27, 2014 by GRTR! HQ

AMELIA WHITE Old Postard [Release date 10.03.14] East Nashville-based singer and songwriter Amelia White wasn’t encouraged by her parents to pursue her musical dream. But their disapproval lit a fire as she listened to Neil Young, Beatles, Stones, and Muddy … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged acoustic, Amelia White, Americana, Eddi Reader, folk, May, Old Postcard, rock, roots, singer, songwriter, The O's, The Sweet Lowdown, Thunderdog, Vagabond | Leave a comment

Album review: ROSCO LEVEE AND THE SOUTHERN SLIDE – Get It While You Can

Posted on January 2, 2014 by petefeenstra

Red Train Records Records [Release date 27.01.14] ‘Get It While You Can’ wrestles with the common problem of a Brit band trying to sound authentic on material that evokes the deep south with some shit kicking roots rock. Rosco leads … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged Allman Brothers, Americana, Andy Hayes, blues, Bo Diddley, country, David Tettmark, funk, Get It While You Can, Gram Parsons, JOE COCKER, Lee Wilson, review, Rival Sons, rock, Rolling Stones, Rosco Levee, Roscoe Levee and the Southern Slide, Simon Gardiner | 1 Comment

Quick plays: BLACK RAINBOWS, NEVER TRUST, TIM GRIMM, JADED HEART

Posted on October 20, 2013 by jason

BLACK RAINBOWS – Holy Moon (EP) Heavy Psych Sounds Something in the Italian water as they not only produce a series of fine melodic rock/AOR bands but now have some rather good stoner/psych rock bands including this band Black Rainbows. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS, Quick Plays | Tagged Americana, AOR, BLACK RAINBOWS, EP, Fastball Music, High Bar Gang, Holy Moon, Italian, Italy, Jaded Heart, Lost And Undone, MASTERPLAN, melodic metal, metal, Morning Light, Never Trust, roots, Tim Grimm, Turning Point | Comments Off

Album Review: ANDERS OSBORNE – Peace

Posted on October 8, 2013 by petefeenstra

Alligator [Release date: 08.10.13] There may be a significant gap between Alligator Records’ original mission statement of ‘genuine houserocking music’ and Anders Osborne deeply felt, confessional singer song-writing, but the contemporary blues scene has surely benefited from the liaison. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged Alligator Records, Americana, Anders Osborne, blues, Jackson Brown, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Peace, Procol Harum, review | Leave a comment

Album review: ASHLEIGH FLYNN – A Million Stars

Posted on September 25, 2013 by GRTR! HQ

Sheryl Crow’s got a new album out soon, but judging by the lead single it’s going to be slushy, sentimental pap. Shame, as she used to be one of the leading singer songwriters who could comfortably straddle the country/rock divide. … Continue reading →

Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, ALBUM REVIEWS (Mobile), ALL POSTS | Tagged A Million Stars, album, Americana, Ashleigh Flynn, country, pop, review, rock, roots, singer, songwriter, The Decemberists | 2 Comments

Album review: TONY McLOUGHLIN – The Contender

Posted on September 7, 2013 by GRTR! HQ

He may look uncannily like Billy Connolly’s long lost brother, but opening with strains of Muhammad Ali getting ready to ‘rumble in the jungle’, Tony Mcloughlin’s fifth album The Contender is a glorious Telecaster-infused slab of Tom Petty/Springsteen inspired Americana. … Continue reading →