The re-release of these films on DVD gives jazz guitar fans a glimpse at one of the all-time greats. Pat Martino’s story is known well: surgery for a brain aneurysm in 1980 left him with no memory – and no ability to play guitar. The documentary lets folks in on the struggles he and his […]
During the span covered by these four CDs, Stewart charted 41 singles – 14 of them in the Top 10 – and he had earlier hits like “Maggie May” and “You Wear It Well” to weave into his high-wattage concerts. He always employed first-rate sidemen and paid them well, but for all their talent, with […]
Here is a “best of” album by a band that’s not exactly a household name, nor does it have any hit songs. But don’t let that dissuade you. They’re a tight ensemble that plays an arresting mix of rock, folk, and psychedelic music that can call to mind anyone from Tom Petty to Neil Diamond […]
As the liner notes state, Johnny A.’s musical mantra is “melody is king.” And oh, how he proves it here – even when he dusts off his EBow for a side trip into psychedelia on “Out Of Nowhere.” That melodic perspective is extremely important for an instrumental artist. When his technique grabs your attention, as […]
Dallas native Jim Suhler has been splitting his time between leading his own group, Monkey Beat, and, since 1999, playing lead and rhythm guitar with George Thorogood and the Destroyers. His latest release, Panther Burn, finds Monkey Beat’s keyboardist Shawn Phares, bassist Carlton Powell, and drummer Beau Chadwell augmented by harpist Kim Wilson, keyboardist Tim […]
Many know saxophonist Terry Hanck from his years with Elvin Bishop. But those fortunate to live in the San Francisco area in the ’70s and ’80s also know Hanck as a great singer and front man, specifically with Grayson Street and the house band at Larry Blake’s (better known as the Rat Band). Inevitably, this […]
If you condensed Southern Culture on the Skids down to a one-man band, it would sound something like Scott Biram. Comparisons to C.C. Adcock, Rev. Freakchild, and Cub Koda’s rootsy solo albums also come to mind. Biram was born in Lockhart, Texas (barbecue capital of the world), and calls nearby Austin home. On Nothin’ But […]
He produced wicked imagery, epic theatricality, and wielded an uncanny personal connection to his audience. And then there was the voice. The late Ronnie James Dio was the greatest metal vocalist of his generation, but he also had a knack for discovering great guitar players. On Dio Live In London, Dio takes guitarist Tracy G […]
When guitarist Drake Levin, bassist Phil Volk, and drummer Mike Smith split from Paul Revere and the Raiders in spring of ’67, the Raiders had just scored five Top 20 singles in less than 12 months. They felt the need to create music that was more complex, more mature, and more reflective of musical personalities, […]
If you’ve lost touch with Chris Robinson since the Black Crowes’ slow down, his latest effort with the CRB is an opportune time to catch up on what’s become a most satisfying second act. This new album, the band’s third studio release, is a snapshot of a group growing securely into itself as a fine […]
