Articles by: Tom Wilmeth

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.

A Christmas Realization: Bob Dylan, Woodstock and the Allman Brothers

A Christmas Realization: Bob Dylan, Woodstock and the Allman Brothers

It’s Christmas again, and time for reflections and reminiscences – this time about Bob Dylan, Woodstock and the Allman Brothers.

Vinyl

Bob Dylan – ‘Travelin’ Thru: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 15′ (2019)

A brief public service message for long-time Bob Dylan collectors: Don’t get rid of your bootlegs.

Vinyl

Charlie Ballantine Group, June 16, 2018: Shows I’ll Never Forget

The set mirrored Charlie Ballantine’s new album ‘Life is Brief,’ since both included some unexpected Bob Dylan selections.

Vinyl

Bobby Bare, April 28, 2018: Shows I’ll Never Forget

At the first hint that country legend Bobby Bare was open to requests, this respectful Wisconsin crowd came alive with suggestions.

Vinyl

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson, April 28, 2018: Shows I’ll Never Forget

On this night, the absolutely unflappable Whisperin’ Bill Anderson gave his Wisconsin admirers a clinic on ‘How to Deal with Performance Adversity.’

Billy Cobham's Crosswinds Project, March 28, 2018: Shows I'll Never Forget

Billy Cobham’s Crosswinds Project, March 28, 2018: Shows I’ll Never Forget

Respected for his incalculable influence on both jazz and rock, Billy Cobham is an important drummer – and one that I had never seen perform.

Vinyl

Moody Blues’ Ray Thomas (1941-2018): An Appreciation

The Moody Blues have an unusual hold over fans, with many believing the group has mystical, otherworldly powers. And maybe they do.