Covered in peace signs, Carolyn Wonderland looks like the modern day Janis Joplin.
Well, maybe a red-headed, shorter version of Janis. It doesn’t matter.
The point is she’s got a set of pipes that blows you away.
Although her vocal styling and physical appearance is similar to that of her fellow Texan, Carolyn’s got her own distinctive sound.
Some critics suggest that if the only song he’d ever written was “Crazy,” he’d still go down in songwriters history.
Luckily for our ears, Willie kept pickin’ out tunes and sharing them with the world. His five-decade career has produced many hits and honors.
This year, on April 30, the red-headed stranger will turn 75. His hair may be more grey than red but it still hangs in two braids and his songs stand the test of time.
You may not know who John Prine is, but you know his music. Just about everybody and their dog has covered his songs.
By everyone I mean the likes of Bette Midler, Loretta Lynn, REM, John Denver, Kasey Chambers, Todd Snider, Steve Goodman, Nanci Griffith, Johnny Cash, George Strait, John Mellencamp, Tammy Wynette, Carl Perkins, Carly Simon and oh yeah, Bonnie Raitt.
Over the Rhine sang that “if a song could be president / John Prine would run the FBI / All the criminals would laugh and cry.” And they’re probably right.
The Bird and the Bee is a LA-based band consisting of Greg Kurstin (“bee”) and Inara George (“bird”).
They play the catchy songs that you bop around singing for a week. They opened for Rilo Kiley. They’ve been on Grey’s Anatomy, twice. They’ve been number one of the dance charts. They bring out a bubble machine on stage. Bottom line, they’re cool.
And that’s before you take into consideration that the George in Inara’s name comes from Lowell.
Todd has been singing around the country for over 10 years, spreading his unique humor and wit to long road trips everywhere.
His latest release, the live album from Grimey’s in Nashville contains great versions of well known songs such as “Looking For A Job,” and “If Tomorrow Never Comes.”
Besides having a great name, Megha has some beautiful pipes and has brought back the fine art of harp music. Even better, it’s not the kind of music usually associated with the harp. Yes, she has an extensive background in Celtic and traditional styles but contemporary lyrics give an edge to her performances, covering a wide range of very human emotions.
Her sixth album is scheduled for an October release, until then check out her website.
Luis Guerra and Michael Longoria’s percussive duo Terremoto (means “Earthquake”), has hit the road opening for Patty Griffin this spring. Their unique mix of looped sounds, drums and incredible upright bass lines blend into a surprisingly danceable and addicting show.
Check out their websites and get a CD or three (their newest will be out soon).
Luis Guerra
Michael Longoria
Terremoto
