Album Review: Sam Lewis - Waiting On You

Last week we posted about a marketing strategy from Nashville based singer-songwriter Sam Lewis for his upcoming release, Waiting On You, on April 21st. Well I've been listening to a preview version and straight up - this album is phenomenal; perhaps my favorite of the year so far. It captures a blues and soulful side of Lewis  that I don't remember from his self titled debut album. Now, this isn't a blues album - although the blues piano in Reinventing the Blues is close - just Lewis and many excellent players which include Kenny Vaughan, guitarist Darrell Scott, guitarist Will Kimbrough, pianist Gabe Dixon, and backup vocals from The McCrary Sisters. Seriously, what a supporting cast; plus the album was produced by Oliver Wood, of The Wood Brothers. Talk to Me and 3/4 Time are my favorite tracks, but in reality, there are no sub-standard tracks. Just listen to the pedal steel in Never Again or the orchestration in Texas. Powerful stuff.Pair this gem with Nashville's brewery and live music venue Tennessee Brew Works. Cheers.

Sam Lewis Debuts a Dozen Live Videos on 12 Outlets in 1 Day

In preparation for his upcoming release, Waiting On You, Nashville based singer-songwriter Sam Lewis has released a dozen live videos on 12 different outlets in a single day.  Great concept; increases exposure to both the sites and Lewis. Looking forward to the April 21st release date, but in the meantime I'll be surfing. Cheers.

01 - "3/4 Time" - Folk Alley

02 - "Love Me Again" - The Bluegrass Situation

03 - "Waiting On You" - Diffuser

04 - "She's A Friend" - Elmore Magazine

05 - "Things Will Never Be The Same" - Guitar World's Acoustic Nation

06 - "Talk To Me" - Culture Collide

07 - "Reinventing The Blues" - The Boot

08 - "Never Again" - Acoustic Guitar Magazine

09 - "Texas" - Music Times

10 - "Little Time" - PopMatters

11 - "Virginia Avenue" - NKD Magazine

12 - "I'm Coming Home" - Artist Direct

Album Review: Ryan Culwell - Flatlands

Before last week Ryan Culwell was completely off my radar; but after listening to Flatlands, he's won a new fan. Culwell is now based out of Nashville, but the album's all about his boyhood roots in the Texas panhandle. These are serious songs; some ballads, some rootsy, others almost folkish - but all play through the heart. Just listen to the last track Horses. For me, that's what makes the album; no two songs are similar - yet all are powerful. Listen to the anguish in Red River or the personal journey in the title track. Piss Down In My Bones is a favorite track with it's staccato rap as is Won't Come Home (a slow ballad). Pair with the opening track Amarillo's hometown brewery, Big Texan Brewery. Cheers.

Jeff Black's "Folklore" Released Today April 1st

Jeff Black continues his roots music tradition by releasing his 10th CD, Folklore. I'm not sure what part I enjoy more, Black's clear vocals and powerful and vivid songwriting or the "bare bones" musical notes from the 5 string banjo, 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars and harmonica. The title tack is my favorite song, with Break the Ground and Flatcar close behind - but all of Folklore is acoustic poetry. The cover photograph is also pretty cool and reflects the roots tradition of this release. The photo was taken by Black's paternal grandmother, Lotos Nile Black in 1930. Jeff Black writes in his liner notes: “I think it’s the picture of my Dad looking into the camera, into the future, that inspires me, and the fade of my Uncle into the unknown that keeps me searching.”  Recorded at Black’s Arcana Studios and mixed by Dave Sinko (Chris Thile & the Punch Brothers, Sam Bush Band, Don Williams), the CD comes highly recommended. Pair with Nashville's Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery rootsy pre-prohibition brand Belle Meade Bourbon.