John Apice

1 week ago | americanahighways.org | Elise Cady |John Apice |John Antonio |Andrew Gulden

James Cook Texican Velvet James Cook has a new album of rootsy Americana goodness Texican Velvet, which was produced and engineered by The Great Divide‘s Mike McClure.  Arrangements with acoustic guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, banjo and mandolin, the songs are a little bit dark and a little bit like a storm blowing through a rustic country cabin. And they are all authentic storytelling from the core of human resilience.

1 week ago | americanahighways.org | Andrew Gulden |John Apice

Julien Baker & TORRES Send A Prayer My Way Not every artist has the bona fides for a mid-career country album (though it may seem like just about everyone has tried). But when I heard that one of my favorite musicians, Julien Baker, was going to be part of a country project with indie rocker TORRES, it rang true to me. Baker has gone from moody, introspective indie artist to power trio boygenius, while also writing damn good songs and continuing to be one of the best guitar players out there.

1 week ago | americanahighways.org | John Apice |Gary Schwind |Bill Bentley |H. R. Gertner

C. Daniel Boling featuring Tom Paxton – It Matters I’m at an age where ‘60s radical folk songs just sound out of place now. Despite today’s volatile environment, I’m relieved to listen to 2 veterans (Tom Paxton & C. Daniel Boling) who open with new music that’s more optimistic & fun. The rousing “Hidey-Ho” with its catchy “every day I wake up it’s a darn good day for me” is charming. The duos blend their voices as slick & tasty as the flavor of dark chocolate & salty potato chips.

1 week ago | americanahighways.org | John Apice |Gary Schwind |Andrew Gulden

Nathan McEuen – My One and Only EP Fortunately, this artist doesn’t sing with a thin tenor or falsetto so prevalent nowadays in pop music. Instead, Mr. McEuen strides confidently down an avenue of pop that’s been traveled by many before him, but not with his delicacy, range & variants. He’s an easy-listening, middle-of-the-road type who approaches his music with sincerity, with many accessible melodies.

1 week ago | americanahighways.org | John Apice |Jeff Burger |Andrew Gulden

Domenic Cicala – As Good As It Gets / Vamoose – Double LP Set This is a double set. The majority of music between these efforts faithfully remain within the genre of roots rock & Americana with touches of country. The first 5 are more rock oriented facing mortality. It’s rock with introspection. “Vamoose” breaks out in a more classic country inflected showcase. With the typical country angst which includes love, cheatin’ & breakup songs. Both sets on 2 separate CDs (5 songs each).