Jul 15

Jul 15 Review - Johnny Blue Skies: Passage Du Desir

After three years, Sturgill Simpson has returned with a new album. Sorta. Sturgill mentioned for years that he had a five album plan and when he was done with that, he was done. He’s kept his word as everything he’s released since 2021’s Dood & Juanita has been under the Johnny Blue Skies moniker with the exception of the song “All The Gold in California” which he used his character’s name, Brother Marshall, from the TV series The Righteous Gemstones.

Passage Du Desir is no different. The Johnny Blue Skies name first appeared in the liner notes of Sturgill’s 2016 Grammy Award winning A Sailor’s Guide to Earth. If one were to compare this album to any of his previous output, Sailor’s Guide would be the closest, minus the brass section. Sturgill Simpson fans are going to love this. Anyone looking for a traditional country album is going to be disappointed; though there are a few bright spots in that category. All in all, there’s something here for everyone.

Jul 3

Jul 3 Review- Boulevards: Carolina Funk

John Carpenter

Jamil Rashad calls Boulevards - the moniker he performs under - a cosmic soul artist. But from where I sit, his latest release is still digging up a hip-shaking mother lode of old school funk.

Carolina Funk: Barn Burner of Tobacco Road, his fifth studio album, is a worthy follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2022 long player, and finds the North Carolina native still wandering in the platform-shoe footsteps of giants like George Clinton and Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner.

If the groove fits, keep wearing it.

This is physical music that dares you to listen and not move. But, it also continues Rashad’s introspection with deep-in-the-mix lyrics exploring both love and recovery. (2022’s Electric Cowboy: Born in the Carolina Mud, was his fourth studio album, but the first he made sober.)

Jun 27

Jun 27 Review - Silverada: Self-Titled

Derek Scudder

It was a bold move back in January when Mike and the Moonpies made the sudden announcement that they were changing their name. The announcement came during this year’s Mile 0 Festival where just a few years before they had emerged triumphant as one of the hottest live country bands on the road, gaining thousands of new fans. In retrospect, it was just the latest in a series of bold moves for this group that has been surprising fans and critics since they made the decision to break out of the Texas touring cycle and try their hand at the rest of America.

Jun 21

Jun 21 Review- Fred Eaglesmith at Germania Hall

John Carpenter

You know you’ve married the right woman when she happily agrees to a 1,000-mile drive from Nashville to a small town on the Ontario-Quebec border to see an obscure Canadian singer-songwriter in a rented social club hall. But, I knew Fred Eaglesmith wouldn’t let us down.

Neither did the sold-out crowd of several hundred Fredheads – some of whom traveled farther than we did - who were just as happy to see their bearded leader again as we were.

Eaglesmith has been off the road for four years now; after more than four decades on it. His Covid hiatus stretched well past the end of the shut-down, due to a health issue he mentioned during his show but didn’t elaborate on. Whatever it was, he recovered and served up a two-hour foot-stomper at the Germania Hall in Pembroke, Ontario to prove it.

Jun 20

Jun 20 Eric Bolander- Strawberry Moon

Jolene Horihan

The soulful Americana singer-songwriter from Eastern Kentucky, Eric Bolander, is releasing a tender tribute this Friday, June 21st. Eric had this to say about the single: “Strawberry Moon” is a song I wrote in a single night while my girlfriend slept on the couch. We had just finished what was one of the best days we've ever had as a couple filled with laughs, conversation, and love. I picked up my guitar and played while she fell asleep listening. Earlier that night, we had been swinging on my back porch while coyotes were singing in the distance. The song just kinda came to me as if I had already written it. Love can be fleeting. Love can be difficult to find. But when you catch it like a lightning bug, you want to hold on to it in a jar as long as you can. That day felt like that, and I wanted to put it in a jar I suppose, so I wrote this song instead. I hope this song connects with folks the way we connected on the day I wrote it. Also, we chose to release it on the day of a Strawberry Moon so look up at the sky when you listen... maybe you'll catch it too.”

Jun 14

Jun 14 Review - Rob Leines: Headcase

Derek Scudder

“Rock n’ Roll with a cowboy hat” is one way Rob Leines describes his music. That hat is worn by the type of cowboy that puts in the long hours to do the things that sometimes only he can appreciate. So much time on the road away from family and friends chasing his dream that sometimes only he alone can see. Before going all-in on a music career, Leines was a welder traveling from one construction site to another but gave that up in 2021 to hit the road in support of his second release Blood, Sweat, and Beers. I was made aware of the guitar-driven power trio late in 2022 when they opened for Silverada (formerly Mike & the Moonpies at that time) at Floore’s Country Store in Helotes, Texas and completely dominated the legendary dancehall stage. Fast forward to 2024 and the new Rob Leines release Headcase, produced by Mike Harmeier (the “Mike” of the Moonpies) and renowned Roots Music producer Adam Odor (who has worked with Harmeier for many years), will drop on June 14.

May 17

May 17 Review - Sarah Jarosz at Brooklyn Bowl, Nashville

John Carpenter

Sarah Jarosz brought her road-hot band to Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl last night. It was a homecoming of sorts for the Texas-born singer-songwriter who recently left New York for the Music City.

Jarosz’s new album, Polaroid Lovers, is a bold step toward the pop mainstream from a one-time folk/bluegrass prodigy. It’s a strong effort, but one that’s full of the kind of dreamy songs that might make for a sleepy live show. Jarosz’s energy and confidence – she was clearly excited to be playing in Nashville - as well as her musical chops and those of her band, kept things lively and allowed the new songs to flex.

May 16

May 16 Review - Ladybird: Amy Come on Home

John Schumacher

It's still spring, but the “hell yeah” album of the summer has already arrived. It's by a raucous alt-country band out of Milwaukee called Ladybird, and it's an ungodly amount of fun.

You know what I mean: You’re at a backyard party and this album’s cranking, at some point you’re going to raise your PBR and let out a “hell yeah!”

Ladybird has been playing around Wisconsin and beyond since forming three years ago, opening for Jess Williamson, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers and others, amid headlining their own shows too.

May 15

May 15 Review - Lost Dog Street Band: Survived

Phillip Ring

Over time, Lost Dog Street Band has developed a reputation for being uncompromising, sometimes antagonistic, but garnered a reputation for being an ethics first band. Truth and substance first, and the music matters as long as the story is true. A talented group of musicians that have, as they’ve progressed have sharpened both in their resolve, approach, and quality of art. Not a band to ever rest on good enough or accept mediocrity. This ethos has endeared them to a generation of music lovers begging for raw and real over polished and manufactured. There’s an honesty in the art that the band can only create through exposure to scars. While sometimes this approach can be sharp, cutting, and hard on artists, it’s been rewarding as a listener and appreciated as someone who strives to maintain ethics in my own art.

May 6

May 6 Review - Adeem the Artist: Anniversary

John Schumacher

Anniversary, the new release from Adeem the Artist, opens with a fanfare of crashing cymbals. It seems an appropriate start to an album that announces Adeem’s arrival on what should be a much bigger stage.

Already one of country music’s best songwriters, Adeem takes another leap forward with this latest release. Anniversary presents a dozen slices of life with Adeem’s trademark wit and intelligence, bolstered with a bigger sound aided by big-time producer Butch Walker (Green Day, Pink, Weezer and somebody named Taylor Swift) and a somewhat larger crowdfunded budget.

Apr 26

Apr 26 Review - Lance Roark: Live From Tulsa

Derek Scudder

On the north end of Main Street in downtown Tulsa, where the Crosstown Expressway crosses Easton Street, you’ll find one of the world’s top performance venues. Cain’s Ballroom was built in 1924, and originally served as an automobile garage before becoming a dance academy which morphed into a ballroom for public dances. Bob Wills called Cain’s home from 1935 to 1942 and helped popularize the room nationwide with his radio broadcasts. Ownership in the ‘70s booked many rising acts which led to Tulsa witnessing some incredible rock shows that a city of its size would not normally catch. When Leon Russell moved back to Tulsa and opened his Church Studio, that brought more music power to the city and the visiting rock stars often made their way to Cain’s. All of this is to say that, as a venue of its size in a city its size, Cain’s punches way above its weight in importance as a place for an artist to record a show for release.

Mar 29

Mar 29 Review- Scott Ballew: Rio Bravo

Melissa Payne

The problem with Scott Ballew is that you don’t know where to begin. Peeking into his bio is like embarking on a journey through a fascinating novel with chapters that each hold their own appeal, yet collectively seem too extraordinary to belong to just one man. From his days as a football star to his ventures in filmmaking and battles with addiction, and now emerging as a songwriter, Ballew's 40 years have been a whirlwind of experiences that are anything but ordinary. It's often said that experiences shape a songwriter, and if that's true, Ballew has that in spades. His introduction to Terry Allen, courtesy of their mutual friend Ryan Bingham, proved to be a pivotal moment, altering Ballew's perspective on life and art. Despite not venturing into songwriting until the age of 37, Ballew views writing as more than just a creative pursuit; it's a means of survival. Now, with his third album, Rio Bravo, set to release everywhere on March 29th, Ballew continues to carve his unique path in the world of music.

Mar 28

Mar 28 Review- Sarah Shook and The Disarmers: Revelations

Phillip Ring

Last year with the release of Mightmare’s debut record, I began my exploration of River Shook’s catalog and body of work, which meant a deep dive into the Disarmers catalog. What became immediately obvious to me is that River has always had a substantial power for writing songs with impact. The standout update for me was seeing the maturity in the musicianship and vocal approach to really drive those songs to places that most artists spend late nights agonizing over the details they're hoping to reach. It was simple but without losing any weight or power, it was sharpened and edited down to just hard hitting lyrics coupled with hummable melodies, and it was just what “rock” records should be. The last record River and company produced under the Disarmers moniker was also just an absolute powerhouse. This made me almost hesitant to review Revelations as I was afraid that it wouldn’t hit as hard without the novelty. Well, kind readers, it absolutely still hits like a southern accent tinged indie rock Mack truck head on collision. I shouldn’t be surprised, but somehow, I still am.

Mar 21

Mar 21 Review- Taylor Hunnicutt: Alabama Sound

Derek Scudder

It was the end of January before I finally caught up with Taylor Hunnicutt to talk about the release of her first full-length album. She had been dealing with quite a hectic month to say the least. Just before Christmas, she and her husband learned that they would have to move out of the house in which they were living and had hoped to buy. They scrambled to relocate in time to get packed after the holidays for a week in Key West at Mile 0 Fest. Returning from her debut at the huge festival (which she described as “magical”) there was only time for a quick turnaround before heading up to Virginia for a sold-out headlining show which was to be her only scheduled appearance in February. Then began the wait for the appearance of her long-awaited record Alabama Sound on March 22 via 10 Ton Records before she begins a string of dates including support slots and festival stages stretching through October.

Mar 14

Mar 14 Review- Wonder Women of Country: Willis, Carper, Leigh

John Schumacher

The Wonder Women of Country are here to save us from the mundane in modern country music.

Three of country’s most distinctive voices – Kelly Willis, Melissa Carper and Brennen Leigh – have made their occasional team-ups official with a name and now an album, Wonder Women of Country: Willis, Carper, Leigh, which comes out March 15.

The EP is a triumph, an easygoing demonstration of the enduring appeal of traditional country music in the hands of three masters of their craft. These songs are as traditional as cornbread yet fresh as a still-warm strawberry just off the vine.

The Wonder Women were born of mutual admiration and friendship.

Mar 12

Mar 12 Review- Dalton Mills: Good Place to Hide

Jolene Horihan

March 1st was a busy release day in the independent Americana and Country music genres. So, it’s reasonable that one may not have had the opportunity to listen to the new album by Dalton Mills, Good Place to Hide. I’m going to share with you many reasons why you need to have Dalton on your radar and this album in your rotation.

Throughout music history, Kentucky has been known to produce extraordinary songwriters and the Middlesboro native is no exception. At The Amp, we’ve been fans of Mills’ work for a while now; as evidenced by the review of his self-titled debut album in the summer of 2020. His sophomore release, Good Place to Hide unveils growth and wisdom only obtained through life experiences and the conscious effort of surrounding yourself with like-minded and objective musicians and songwriters.

Mar 7

Mar 7 Review- M.Dunton: Self Titled

Justin N. Kohrs

If you know a cool, hip, avid music listener or polymath and you suddenly popped over unannounced for a beer, M. Dunton’s self-titled album is most likely what will be playing through their speakers when you walk in. Dazzling and beautifully poignant, M. Dunton delivers a compelling cinematic, therapeutic soundscape that comes alive and then disappears like a thief in the night. Although nothing lasts forever, this eight song album is so insanely good that you hang onto every note, wishing upon a star that it would. M. Dunton is the consummate companion for those searching for an escape after a long week, providing the perfect backdrop as you sip champagne and soak in a hot bubble bath.

Feb 29

Feb 29 Review- Shane Smith & the Saints: Norther

Justin N. Kohrs

For some of us, it’s been awhile. For some, Yellowstone has left them wanting more. For some, this is the first introduction. No matter which group you identify with, a new chapter commences for everyone March 1st via Thirty Tigers/Geronimo West Records. After a decade of touring and paying dues with a blue collar work ethic, performing upwards of ~240 shows in a given year. The bill is about to be paid in full and this record signals another meteoric shift. Perhaps altering the trajectory of Shane Smith & The Saints forever, Norther is destined to fly off the shelves at a precipitous pace, left on repeat for the foreseeable future and promptly placed into its rightful position at the top of the charts.

Feb 26

Feb 26 Review- Ameripolitan Music Awards

John Schumacher

The Ameripolitan Music Awards are handed out during a show on Sunday night, but the four-day festivities offer more than that. Many of the award nominees, past and present, perform at venues around Austin Thursday through Saturday.

For fans, this isn’t your typical music festival where you pay a few hundred dollars for a weekend pass. Rather, you pay $20 to get into showcase sets over three nights at four classic venues in Austin. Several shows earlier in the day are at the hotel and free, along with dance lessons, vintage clothing vendors and plenty of socializing.

Feb 16

Feb 16 Review- Blackberry Smoke: Be Right Here

Derek Scudder

It’s hard to remember that Blackberry Smoke, now in its 23rd year, is still an independent band. To say they’ve toured relentlessly would be an understatement as they have continued to play practically any place that would have them. They will be out in 2024 for over 70 already-announced dates in the US and Europe, both headlining and supporting. Along with Cody Jinks and Whiskey Myers, Blackberry Smoke will be out supporting their latest release Be Right Here.