Over the past decade saxophonist, arranger, and producer Max Abrams has been touring around the world with country crossover phenoms The Mavericks, 150 cities a year on average, he tracks his journey in photos. It’s only natural Max is a professional musician and amateur photographer, since his father was a professional photographer and an amateur musician. Each day he opens the tour bus doors to see what there is to see, he thinks of his father. Some days are cathedrals in Cologne, Germany, some days RV park signs in Marfa, Texas. But each photograph in his new book Seeing Things contains a m ..read more

Live and Havin’ Fun, recorded at The Mint in Los Angeles, is Deb Ryder’s first live album. This stellar singer-songwriter and arranger once again exhibits her innovative and sensational talent. The album was produced with her husband/bass player Ric W. Ryder and features familiar names Johnny Lee Schell, Tony Braunagel, Jim Pugh, and Ric W. Ryder, plus Tex Nakamura, Alan Maggini, Lon Price, and Paul Litteral — as well as special guests Albert Lee, Joe Sublett, Joey Delgado, Artur Menezes and Big Llou Johnson. With music that swings along well suited to the words, the single “Fun Never Hur ..read more

Bayport BBQ Blues is the new studio album by Indiana-based blues duo Left Lane Cruiser, featuring Freddy J IV on guitar and vocals, and Brenn “Sausage Paw” Beck on drums, washboard and trash kit.  The album blends Freddy’s commanding, gritty vocal rasp and hoodoo slide guitar work with Sausage Paw’s rhythmic stomp to soundtrack your next backyard barbecue or juke joint get-down. Bayport BBQ Blues is dedicated to the memory of the late Chris Johnson, creator of the Deep Blues Festival. Premiering exclusively on American Blues Scene is “Big Momma Shake,” which follows lead single “Turkey Vu ..read more

LOST ANGEL: The Genius Of Judee Sill opens this week in theaters, on digital and on-demand (Apple, Amazon, Vudu , major platforms) in the US and Canada on April 12. The never-before-told story of folk-rock icon Judee Sill, who in just two years went from living in a car to appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone. The documentary charts her troubled adolescence through her meteoric rise in the music world and her early tragic death. Featuring Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Fleet Foxes, David Geffen, JD Souther, Big Thief, Weyes Blood, Tim Page and ..read more

 Today JJ Grey unveils the video for the song “Seminole Wind,” the John Anderson-penned track from JJ Grey & Mofro’s latest effort, Olustee. Released in February 2024 and produced by Grey, Olustee is the band’s first album in nine years. Grey, speaking of “Seminole Wind” (the only song on Olustee he did not write), says, “‘Seminole Wind’ is my favorite song by John Anderson and one of my favorites, period. I’ve been singing and playing it in one form or another all my life.” Last month, Anderson was inducted into the Country Music ..read more

Lynn Drury was at home in New Orleans when we spoke about her latest album, High Tide. The release date for her 10th studio album was approaching (April 5, 2024) and she was preparing for a record release party at the Maple Leaf in New Orleans on the 13th of April. I sometimes ask a singer-songwriter which song on a new album is their favorite. Of course, that is like asking a parent which of their children is their favorite. Lynn gave the question some thought before she answered. “I really think the one that people are loving, laughing, and identifying with – and it is maybe the most vulnera ..read more

“I think I am who I am today because of what I was yesterday.” At 43, Alex Harris is releasing his first solo album recorded in Nashville for Shanachie Records. There are six originals on Back to Us. A cover of Otis Redding’s “I’ve Got Dreams to Remember” transports the listener back six decades to when soul had, well, real soul. Plus, there’s a cover of Solomon Burke’s “Cry to Me.” The originals stand tall alongside these two legacy songs. “Otis Redding and I share the same birthday,” explains Alex. “So, there’s a connection on the Georgia soul. I was reluctant to do that song at first. It w ..read more

McKinley Morganfeld is literally one of the most important names in all of music history. Really, you say? McKinley Morganfeld? Well, you probably know him by a different name: Muddy Waters. And even if you’re one of the few who don’t know Muddy, you’ve surely heard his music. Or at least you’ve benefited from his legacy. Both the magazine and the band took their names from Muddy’s song “Rollin’ Stone.” ‘Cause Muddy’s a big deal. He’s the father of Chicago blues, and he’s considered the main link between blues and rock n’ roll. His specific style of raw, electrified blues paved the w ..read more

Ghost-Note released the psychedelic-soul tinged “Grandma’s Curtains (ft. Eric Gales)” from their upcoming third album Mustard n’Onions (out April 19th). Led by Snarky Puppy’s multi-GRAMMY®-winning duo of drummer-keyboardist Robert Sput Searight and percussionist Nate Werth, Mustard n’Onions will be the group’s first new LP in six years, and their debut for Mack Avenue Music Group/Artistry Music.  The vinyl format will be released as a Record Store Day exclusive 2-LP set on limited edition orange/yellow eco mix (100% recycled) vinyl. Written by Sput in the image of his ‘70s soul favorites ..read more

On the heels of a sold-out WinterWonderGrass Steamboat last month, WinterWonderGrass Tahoe will kick off their 8th annual festival this coming Friday, April 5.  The weekend in Palisades Tahoe, California will bring great music from some of the biggest names in the Americana, roots, and bluegrass scene as well as some up-and-comers that are not to be missed. Festival gates open at 2 pm Friday-Sunday, with a special free kick-off show in the village on Thursday featuring Boot Juice. The magic pours into the community following the festival each night! Stroll over from t ..read more