Articles by: Tom Wilmeth

'Elegant People: A History of the Band Weather Report,' by Curt Bianchi: Books

‘Elegant People: A History of the Band Weather Report,’ by Curt Bianchi: Books

A depth of knowledge that comes from long-term research, and Curt Bianchi’s passion for the music of Weather Report, is evident on every page.

The Everly Brothers, Oct. 30, 1998: Shows I'll Never Forget

The Everly Brothers, Oct. 30, 1998: Shows I’ll Never Forget

One might think that the Everly Brothers would try to make their show into a living jukebox, but almost the opposite occurred.

Don Everly (1937-2021): An Appreciation

Don Everly (1937-2021): An Appreciation

“See, it takes two of us to make an Everly Brothers record,” Don Everly once told me, “and there’s just no way around it.”

Chris Frantz - 'Remain in Love: Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, Tina' (2021): Books

Chris Frantz – ‘Remain in Love: Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, Tina’ (2021): Books

From bleak urban scenes came fascinating music – including that of Chris Frantz’s own band, Talking Heads – and then, life-long love.

Ed Roth - 'Can't Find My Way Home' (2020)

Ed Roth – ‘Can’t Find My Way Home’ (2020)

Despite its title, this album finds Ed Roth completely at home while performing piano-focused updates of songs by Deep Purple, Lou Reed and Pink Floyd.

Bob Dylan's Elvis Movie: 'Hearts of Fire' (1986)

Bob Dylan’s Elvis Movie: ‘Hearts of Fire’ (1986)

It’s uncertain what drew him to the project, but the little-seen ‘Hearts of Fire’ actually mirrors attitudes often associated with Bob Dylan.

The Favorite Beatle: Taking an Eternal Question to the Next Level

The Favorite Beatle: Taking an Eternal Question to the Next Level

“Who’s your favorite Beatle?” It’s something I am fond of asking.

On Eric Weissberg, Doc Watson and Lester Flatt: 'By the Time We Got to Mole Lake ...'

On Eric Weissberg, Doc Watson and Lester Flatt: ‘By the Time We Got to Mole Lake …’

I was 22 years old in the summer of 1977, when I covered the Great Northern Bluegrass Festival at Mole Lake. It was an unforgettable experience.

Willie Nelson's Big Ideas: How Concept Albums Shaped His Career

Willie Nelson’s Big Ideas: How Concept Albums Shaped His Career

Concept albums have been among Willie Nelson’s greatest and most confounding works – sometimes simultaneously.

Conniption and Lords of the Trident: Two Bands Deserving Wider Recognition

Conniption and Lords of the Trident: Two Bands Deserving Wider Recognition

A recent show in Cudahy, Wisconsin, said worlds about the musical backgrounds and depth of conviction from Conniption and Lords of the Trident.