Mike Love’s Christmas party
Photos by Debra Rothenberg Four veteran artists got together to sing in the Christmas season, although at least one veteran could have been another’s grandson (Zac Hanson is 33, Mike … Read more
Posted in December, 2018
Exclusive: Mardi Gras donates sales to Light of Day
In 2006, Mardi Gras released Drops Made, their first full-length album. The band toured extensively throughout Italy and Ireland, first as an acoustic duo, then as a full electric band. Now one of … Read more
Doc Watson & David Grisman
Of the 53 albums “Doc” Watson recorded during his legendary career, 15 of them were of live concerts. In my opinion, his live recordings were always some of his best, … Read more
Creedence Clearwater Revival turns 50
Creedence Clearwater Revival is turning 50, and Craft Recordings is offering a fresh take on their timeless standard, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain.” Filmed in “Big Sky Country”—Montana—the video … Read more
Ted Piltzecker
A little out of left field, we were re-introduced to the vibraphone—the pedal steel of jazz—by a master. A former trumpeter in Chuck Mangione’s Jazz Ensemble and the George Shearing … Read more
J. S. Ondara at the UMG Holiday party
Photos by Debra Rothenberg One of the perks of being a music writer is hearing new music, often in unexpected places. Such was the case when UMG/Verve/Forecast had a holiday … Read more
Lenny Bruce at The Cutting Room, NYC
“I’m Not A Comedian . . . I’m Lenny Bruce” LIVE on stage through December 30, 2018 When Pearl Jam opened for The Rolling Stones at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on … Read more
The Posies
Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow were headed for a divorce. The signs were everywhere on 1996’s Amazing Disgrace, a tour de force of glorious, angst-ridden power-pop that followed 1993’s sweetly … Read more
Various Artists, Curated by the Rolling Stones
Being a lifelong record collector who’s amassed over 11,000 records—most of them blues-related—this comprehensive blues compilation is near to my heart. The 2-CD collection, each with 21 tracks, was curated … Read more
Brandon Isaak
Brandon Isaak is a talented singer/musician/songwriter who showcases a beautiful, bluesy, velvet-ensconced voice, as well as impressive instrumental prowess on Rise ‘N’ Shine’, an interesting mix of blues, jazz, funk, … Read more
