Sierra Hull Performs a Comfortable High Wire Act
Sierra Hull sees this LP as a balancing act. With one foot in old-time acoustic music and another in contemporary Americana, she doesn’t want to take a wrong step.
Steve Horowitz
Steven Horowitz has a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Iowa, where he continues to teach a three-credit online course on "Rock and Roll in America". He has written for many different popular and academic publications including American Music, Paste and the Icon. Horowitz is a firm believer in Paul Goodman's neofunctional perspective on culture and that Sam Cooke was right, a change is gonna come.
Sir Woman Find Love in the Great American R&B Songbook
The central theme of Sir Woman’s If It All Works Out is the primacy of love. The songs’ narrators make their way forward by finding love in all the right places.
Lonnie Johnson’s Guitar Genius Is the Star on ‘Blues & Ballads’
The re-release of Lonnie Johnson in 2025 suggests that audiences can still draw inspiration from the painful past with hope for the present and future.
Them Coulee Boys Bring 1970s Love to Their Country Rock
Them Coulee Boys’ folkie Americana songs would fit in during the early to mid-1970s when acts fused old-time country with contemporary rock to create a new sound.
Sean McConnell Reflects on Growing Older But Not Wiser
Sean McConnell poeticizes and philosophies from everyday personal experiences. What does it mean to be locked in our own skin?
Sunny War Creatively Challenges Conventional Musical Norms
Sunny War is a punk rocker who now lives in the country music capital and writes personal folk-based protest songs about our mutual situation.
Laura Nyro’s Complete Musical Story Shows Her Genius
Those unacquainted with Laura Nyro might be surprised at how familiar she sounds. That’s because she has influenced so many contemporary musicians.
Willow Avalon Isn’t a Southern Belle But She Does Raise Hell
Country artist Willow Avalon’s bluntness adds to her credibility. She’s funny and entertaining, and her feistiness highlights her honesty.
Texan Joe Ely Knows Everyone Matters on ‘Love and Freedom’
Joe Ely puts emotional content front and center, whether offering a tale of addiction or a mirthful story of his encounters with a local cop.
Brother Elsey Capture the Scary Present in Their Debut LP
Brother Elsey rock out to ease their pain and share their feelings with the rest of us. It’s recommended that this album be played at a loud volume.
Heather Maloney Channels Joni and Father’s Death Into Music
Heather Maloney’s latest release, Exploding Star, suggests the benefits of empathy and mourning when one is not bereaved. Sadness can bring us joy.
Ollee Owens Protects Us When There Is ‘Nowhere to Hide’
Ollee Owen expresses that quintessential blues vibe of “we are all in this together” no matter what troubles come down the road.