Monthly Archives: August 2009

Two of pop music’s finest – Steve Winwood and Alex Chilton – hit the big time while still in their teens; Stevie Wonder even earlier, and Shuggie Otis and Kenny Wayne Shepherd were playing with the big boys before they hit 20. Yet, bands – people who play their own instruments and possibly write their [...]

Mutlu Onaral is a singer/songwriter from Philadelphia who mixes soul and folk into a sound that highlights the best of both. If it sounds familiar (a la Hall and Oates), it may be because the set was produced by none other than Tom “T-Bone” Wolk. Not surprisingly, Hall makes a guest appearance on the wonderful [...]

The Beatles formative years playing the sleazy clubs of Hamburg was their time in the wilderness. They honed their skills as musicians – as well as with groupies and pill-popping. When they eventually return to England, they were a polished band ready for stardom. This British documentary tells the tale with a stiff upper lip. [...]