Music

Turning the corner

TAYLOR SHAW FINDS NEW PURPOSE WITH THE GREAT BOOK OF JOHN

Walking away from success is one of the hardest things artists can do, yet it is a choice that they often must face. Entry into the commercial marketplace with what amounts to an extension of your soul means viewing that piece of yourself as a commodity, which can destroy the things you love or that made your art successful in the first place.

Music

Battle hymns

THE CIVIL WARS RETURN TO WORKPLAY

By Brent Thompson

There are a number of chance-meeting stories in music history and the 2008 meeting between John Paul White and Joy Williams—the duo known as The Civil Wars—stands toe-to-toe with the best of them.

Music

Best Music Listens & Reads of 2010

By Brent Thompson

ALBUMS Justin Townes Earle—Harlem River Blues (Bloodshot Records) The son of Steve knocks it out of the park as Earle nods to his influences while placing his own stamp on the material.

Music

The ticket masters

LOCAL COMPANY TICKETBUSCUIT GEARS UP TO TAKE ON THE BIG BOYS

By Brent Thompson

We’ve all been in the same frustrating situation. We go online to purchase tickets to a concert or sporting event. Once the sticker shock of the ticket prices subsides, we receive a second wave of disbelief as the service fees are applied.

Music

Album covers

THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY INTERPRETS ROCK’S CLASSIC RECORDINGS

By Brent Thompson

For nearly 25 years, Damon Johnson has been a fixture on the Birmingham music scene and beyond. In addition to his time with Split The Dark, Brother Cane, Slave To The System and Whiskey Falls, the guitarist/vocalist has held a sideman slot with John Waite and is now a member of Alice Cooper’s band.

Music

Jazz gig Sunday to have burlesque flair

Pink Box Burlesque performers will attend show at Marty's by their house band

By Jesse Chambers

A Birmingham jazz trio that is also the house band for a Tuscaloosa burlesque troupe will play a gig at Marty’s Sunday night, and some of the burlesque performers will attend the show in costume.

Music

Clare Burson faces the awful truth

SONGWRITER UNLOCKS FAMILY MYSTER ON HER CONCEPT CD 'SILVER AND ASH'

By Jesse Chambers

Singer-songwriter Clare Burson first heard about the Holocaust as an 8-year-old in her hometown of Memphis. For Burson, who is Jewish, these horrible events were more than the dry stuff of history. They would have a deep personal significance, wrapped as they were around an unsolved family mystery.

Music

Talking Blues

CATCHING UP WITH SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK

By Brent Thompson

Though Blues music is often associated with Chicago and the Mississippi Delta, Texas can stake its claim to the genre’s most important figures as well. Stevie Ray Vaughan, T-Bone Walker, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Freddie King all honed their skills in the Lone Star State, and now Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King are carrying the torch of the state’s influential sound.

Music

The dream was over

REMEMBERING THE VIOLENT DEATH OF JOHN LENNON

By Jesse Chambers

Former Beatle John Lennon was happy living in New York City after moving there with wife Yoko Ono in 1971. “John loved New York with the affection one could only associate with home,” according to author and native New Yorker Keith Elliot Greenberg.

Music

American anthem

RHODE ISLAND FOLK ACT STANDS OUT IN THE CROWD

By Sam George

I have heard soft and beautiful folk songs. I have felt the heartache from a passionate lyric etch traces of longing over a wistful melody.