Essentials

April 11, 2017

The collaborative pairing resulted in a complete album by fabled alt-country superstars Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell. Continue Reading

Essentials: Richard Elliot ‘Rock Steady’ Album Review

Randall Parrish

Essentials Jazz

February 15, 2017

'Rock Steady' has a consistent excellence that places it amongst the best jazz saxophone recordings of all time. Continue Reading

Essentials: Gram Parsons ‘Grievous Angel’ Album Review

October 26, 2015

The creator of Cosmic American Music still throws a huge shadow as one of the true forerunners of Americana. Continue Reading

Essentials: Arcade Fire ‘The Suburbs’ Album Review

August 17, 2015

In 'The Suburbs' their third album, Arcade Fire created their most sophisticated and ambitious work, replete with string arrangements. Continue Reading

Essentials: Sam Cooke ‘The Complete Remastered Keen Collection’

July 25, 2015

Imitated but never equaled, influential beyond comparison, Cooke was the model for Otis Redding, Brook Benton, Marvin Gaye and countless others. Continue Reading

Essentials: Gryphon Trio ‘Broken Hearts & Madmen’ Album Review

Classical Essentials

July 22, 2015

With 'Broken Hearts & Madmen', Gryphon Trio widened their audience considerably and burnished their enviable reputation. Continue Reading

Essentials: Gillian Welch ‘The Harrow And The Harvest’ Album Review

July 11, 2015

Of this album Gillian Welch said, "It's a little dark and a little vengeful." And more than a little brilliant, we must add. Continue Reading

Essentials: Aretha Franklin “A Song For You” Review

July 1, 2015

With Aretha, popular music achieves the status of high art and "A Song For You" is one of her finest, yet overlooked performances. Continue Reading

Essentials: The Beatles “A Day In The Life” Review

June 24, 2015

It was January of 1967 when the Beatles conducted a 34-hour marathon that resulted in one of the most influential songs in rock history. Continue Reading

Essentials: Jamey Johnson ‘The Guitar Song’ Album Review

June 20, 2015

A new album is in the works for release sometime this year. In the meantime, get yourself this Must Have masterpiece from the real star of New Country. Continue Reading

Essentials: Johnny Cash ‘I Walk The Line’ Review