Bela Fleck is something of an anomaly. He completely defies the notion of what a banjo-toting music man has come to represent. He’s unafraid to venture into realms far afield of bluegrass or the traditional turf that’s always provided a comfortable fit for his instrument. Both on his own, and in…
South Carolina’s Sol Driven Train take a different musical route entirely from other acts. They even created a new term to define their sound, a euphemistic tag: low country roots rock. Vocalist, guitarist and trombone player Ward Buckheister describes it as a mix of Americana, Afro-Caribbean, and swamp sounds highlighted…
With the possible exception of Austin, Memphis, and Nashville (OK, maybe you could toss New York and Chicago in there), no American city has contributed more to this country’s rich musical heritage than New Orleans. So when you gather a group of that city’s most celebrated music-makers, representing the very…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman offers his insights, opinions, and observations about the local scene. This week: Much-missed musicians… “Thinking of the day, when you went away What a life to take, what a bond to break I’ll be missing you.” — Faith Evans We lost another…
His name has become intrinsically entwined with others of the New Jersey rock elite — Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Little Steven Van Zandt — but even so, Southside Johnny has maintained his blue-collar, Everyman persona. The gritty soul- and R&B-infused grooves he’s championed since the early ’70s became an indelible…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman offers his insights, opinions, and observations about the local scene. This week: A legend living among us. What becomes of a man who had a mega radio hit 47 years ago and has rarely been heard from since? And what if there…
Speaking on the phone from her home in Nashville, Melanie Anne Safka-Schekeryk — better-known to Baby Boomers everywhere simply as Melanie — sounds exactly as one would expect: personable, engaging, down to earth, and, in the slightest way, ever so fragile. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 45 years…
Suffice it to say Sarah Brightman is one class act. Known for her soaring soprano and waif-like demeanor, she’s musical theater’s leading lady… a diva deluxe… and, it might be noted, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s ex. She’s also a pop princess, with credits that include more than 26 million albums sold…
Ed Hale and the Transcendence aren’t above taking a different turn. On their brand new album, ominously titled The Great Mistake, they abandon the turbulent, over-clouded melodies that have imbued their signature sound, and opt instead for a rowdy, raucous, irreverent rock ‘n’ roll delivery. Hints of their psychedelic style…
After 60 hours or so on Mountain Song at Sea’s maiden voyage, any return to so-called normalcy is a challenge. After all, spending time with some of the greatest name in bluegrass and nu-grass presents an alternative universe where banjos, fiddles, mandolins, and close-knit harmonies not only set the scene,…
By his own admission, John McEuen is not a household name. Most people, he says, mistake him for Roger McGuinn, erstwhile leader of the Byrds and an early forebear of crossover country rock. Considering the fact that McEuen followed a parallel path to Mr. McGuinn’s, the confusion is easily understood…
At first glance, the name Skinny Lister may evoke the image of an underweight nerd who’s been taunted by his classmates. In reality though, it’s one of those clever band names that leaves a somewhat amorphous impression. In truth, the Lister family were actually innovators in the field of anesthetics,…
Flogging Molly’s sound and sentiments boast the same rebellious streak as the Pogues, Black 47, and the Dropkick Murphys, bands that stir Celtic traditions and add an ample does of insurgency. Their geographical bond stretches across a substantial divide, given that founder and frontman Dave King is a native of…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman offers his insights, opinions, and observations about the local scene. This week: The Shack in the Back offers music lovers a different kind of concert. In South Florida, concert venues generally fall into one of three categories, — big box theaters like…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman offers his insights, opinions, and observations about the local scene. This week: Lissette Gonzalez balances music with meteorology. A singing meteorologist? The premise may seem strange at first, then there’s the obvious jokes, “Singing in the Rain,” “It’s Raining Men.” But Lissette…
Having a massive hit single early on in a career usually results in one of two things. At worst, the artist finds him or herself stuck with the stigma that they’re a one-hit wonder. At best, however, the astute musician uses that success as a stepping stone and an ongoing…
Guitarist Derek Trucks is an amiable guy, armed with a ready laugh. Then again, he’s got plenty of reasons to smile. He’s the nephew of longtime Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks. He’s amply employed, both as a regular member of the Allmans and as co-leader of the Tedeschi Trucks Band,…
Guitarist Derek Trucks is an amiable guy, armed with a ready laugh. Then again, he’s got plenty of reasons to smile. He’s the nephew of longtime Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks. He’s amply employed, both as a regular member of the aforementioned Allman Brothers and as co-leader of the Tedeschi…
Who says white women can’t sing the blues? Certainly not Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, or any number of other sassy, saucy ladies with that certain six string savvy. The blues may be rooted in the cotton fields of the deep South and the smoky clubs of Chicago’s South Side, but…
Today, we celebrate the birthday of a King. The King. Elvis Presley. The reason for the faithful to flock to Graceland and mourn the man who would have been 77 years old, had not an unfortunate convergence of prescription drugs not killed him in the john. This particular anniversary is…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares observations, insights, and updates relating to South Florida’s musical environs. This week, a radio veteran shares his joy.In the radio business, where a year or two signifies longevity, Joe Johnson is the definition of a true survivor. He’s been a mainstay…
OK, so it wasn’t the Who of old. Keith Moon, the symbol of the band’s irreverent attitude, is long gone, and John Entwistle, the band’s stoic bass man and rhythmic anchor, succumbed a decade ago as well. Pete Townshend, balding and irascible, is clearly showing his age (even stalking off…
