President Von Clownstick himself is not, of course, the sole indicator of the true depth of the decline of Western Civilization. He should be regarded as more of a fountainhead (or more accurately, a sewage clog); a symbol, the nauseating face on the dust jacket of our Tome of Woe. Was ever so vile a […]
The Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album this year went to Mark O’Connor and the O’Connor Band for its release Coming Home. The O’Connor band beat out contenders Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Claire Lynch, Blue Highway, and Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands. Mark O’Connor has a stellar musical history, ranging from being a multi-time fiddle […]
When people think of a singer/songwriter, they ought to think of Michael Tiernan. Gifted with a natural stage presence, his beautiful high tenor is the perfect vehicle for his songs, almost all of which touch on deep emotions. Charismatic, he easily connects with his audience. And when they think of someone who keeps his nose […]
The latest CD from Barbara Nesbitt, her fourth, is Right as Rain. Originally from Georgia, she came to San Diego over a decade ago, winning country-roots fans with her original songs, on albums like her debut, A Million Stories. She has shown the ability to write and perform material that covers lots of country bases—from […]
Hello Troubadourians! Every year, on the third weekend of January, the NAMM Show comes to the Anaheim Convention Center. It is my responsibility and privilege to attend the show and see what new and exciting things have been thought of and subsequently brought to fruition by established companies and new companies as well. While I’m […]
Reviewing products can be a tricky thing. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. New things to learn, new tools and techniques to utilize in the constantly evolving craft of recording and arranging. All a part of my favorite thing. That gift/curse I’ve devoted the lion’s share of my life to: music. What’s not to […]
Andy Robinson has been part of the local scene for decades (he was in Horsefeathers, whose lead singer was in this writer’s high school class 50 years ago; his other bands have included Different World, Questionaires, and the Andy Robinson Band). He is a veteran of just about all styles of music with a discography […]
The rich, bold aroma of coffee being brewed and served by a bevy of baristas busy at work behind the counter; the sounds of sweet laughter drifted throughout the ebb and flow of conversation greeted me as soon as I entered the café, located one block away from the trolley line I had used to […]
ART: the conscious use of skill and creative imagination acquired by experience, study, or observation. I think that it’s important that people be aware of some of the creative ways in which some of their fellow men are deviating from the norm. Because, in some instances, they may find these deviations inspiring, and might suggest […]
