Live Review: Hawktail @ Rams Head on Stage — 7/26/21

Posted on 08/02/2021 by Casey Vock in Live Review and tagged bluegrass, folk, Hawktail, Nashville, Rams Head On Stage, Tennessee.

Hawktail performs at Rams Head on Stage on July 26, 2021. (Photo by Casey Vock)

While the pandemic might have been a blockade to the life and career of many musicians, it could very well have provided opportunity and inspiration for others to dig in with their colleagues to create special music that might provide an appropriate backdrop to these weirdest of times.

An instrumental outfit featuring Brittany Haas on violin, Paul Kowert on bass, Jordan Tice on guitar, and Dominick Leslie on mandolin, Hawktail visited Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis the evening of July 26 to deliver two captivating sets of powerful, intricately composed music that speaks to the group’s increasingly strong connection despite the challenges of the past year and half.

Preview: The War and Treaty @ Wolf Trap, 7/29/21

Posted on 07/27/2021 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged blues, gospel, Nashville, soul, Tennessee, The War and Treaty, Wolf Trap.

The War and Treaty (Photo courtesy Red Light Management)

Since forming in 2014, The War and Treaty have amassed a following as eclectic as their sound itself, a bluesy but joyful fusion of Southern soul, gospel, country, and rock-and-roll.

Known for a live show nearly revival-like in intensity, the husband-and-wife team of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount-Trotter bring that exhilarating energy to Wolf Trap on Thursday, July 29!

Preview: Steve Earle & The Dukes @ The Birchmere, 7/20 + 7/21/21

Posted on 07/16/2021 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Americana, country, Nashville, Steve Earle, Steve Earle and The Dukes, Tennessee, The Birchmere.

Steve Earle (Photo courtesy New West Records)

Steve Earle & The Dukes pay tribute to Steve’s late son, Justin Townes Earle (J.T.), who passed away on Aug. 20, 2020, in Nashville with their new album J.T. The album was released digitally on what would have been Justin’s 39th birthday on Jan. 4, via New West Records.

On July 20 and 21, Steve Earle & The Dukes perform two nights of shows at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Va. (Buy tix for the first night OR buy tix for second night.)

Live Review: The Wood Brothers @ Frederick Fairgrounds — 6/6/21

Posted on 06/08/2021 by David LaMason in Live Review and tagged folk, Frederick Fairgrounds, Nashville, roots, Tennessee, The Wood Brothers.

WoodBros40 — ***The Wood Brothers heat things up at the Frederick Fairgrounds on June 6, 2021. (Photo by David LaMason)***

One thing you can say about The Wood Brothers, they sure know how to put on a show. And it was a celebration that seemed to signal good things to come.

It goes, really, without saying, but it’s been a tough year. For many in attendance at the Frederick Fairgrounds Sunday evening, this was the first time seeing a live performance since the winter of 2020 — a long thaw indeed! But as Oliver (guitar/vocals) and Chris Wood (bass/harmonica/vocals) and multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix hit the stage things started heating up. That’s both figurative and literal as the summer heat kept drive-in attendees going back for some much needed refreshments from their cars.

Preview: The Wood Brothers @ Frederick Faigrounds, 6/6/21

Posted on 06/03/2021 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Americana, folk, Frederick Fairgrounds, Nashville, Tennessee, The Wood Brothers.

The Wood Brothers (Photo by Alysse Gafkjen)

The Wood Brothers released Kingdom in My Mind, the band’s eighth studio album, earlier this year, and the Nashville trio are hitting Frederick Fairgrounds in Maryland for Showtime at The Drive-In on Sunday, June 6. Only a few tickets remain for full cars of fans who would like to catch the show.

Song of the Day: “Man in Me” by Madi Diaz

Posted on 02/11/2021 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged folk, Madi Diaz, Nashville, singer-songwriter, Song of the Day, Tennessee.

Madi Diaz (Photo by Lily Pepper)

Nashville-based Madi Diaz marks a full restart of her artistic career with “Man in Me,” her poignant debut single/video for ANTI-.

Song of the Day: “American Pie” by Home Free featuring Don McLean

Posted on 02/04/2021 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged country, Don McLean, Home Free, Song of the Day, Tennessee, vocal.

Home Free and Don McLean (Home Free Photo by Ford Fairchild, Don McLean Photo by David Abbott)

On Feb. 3, 62 years ago, rock and roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson took a fateful flight. Singer-songwriter Don McLean first immortalized their loss with “American Pie” in 1971.

Today, all-vocal country entertainers Home Free teamed with Don for a special rendition of “American Pie” in a collaboration on the time-tested anthem.

RIP, Justin Townes Earle

Posted on 08/24/2020 by Mark Engleson in Around Town and tagged Americana, Justin Townes Earle, Nashville, Tennessee.

Justin Townes Earle (Photo by Joshua Black Wilkins)

Americana singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle passed away yesterday, Aug. 23, at only 38 years old. Yesterday was the day after my own 40th birthday, and it had me hard — an incredibly talented man even younger than me leaving this world. Continue Reading

Livestream Preview: Grant-Lee Phillips @ StageIt, 8/23/20

Posted on 08/20/2020 by Parklifer in Preview and tagged Americana, folk, Grant-Lee Phillips, livestream, Nashville, StageIt, Tennessee.

Grant-Lee Phillips (Photo by Peter Eriksson)

Critically lauded Nashville-based singer-songwriter Grant-Lee Phillips releases Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff, his 10th solo album, via Yep Roc Records on Sept. 4.

Meanwhile, he appears via StageIt on Sunday, Aug. 23, for a livestream billed as Live from the Parlor, where he’s sure to play new songs and old favorites.