Phil Austin of the Firesign Theatre (1941-2015): An Appreciation
Mike Tiano remembers the late Phil Austin, who left a rich legacy of comedy with the Firesign Theatre.
Other News
John Howard and the Night Mail – John Howard and the Night Mail (2015)
Rife with balance, strength and commanding images, ‘John Howard and the Night Mail’ keeps the ears open and the mind awake.
Jamison Ross – Jamison (2015)
2012 Thelonius Monk Competition winner Jamison Ross won the contest with his drums, but his debut ‘Jamison’ will win more likely over listeners with his amazing voice.
Preston Frazier’s Mid-Year Best of 2015 (Pop, Jazz + Rock): Yes, Richard Page, Toto + others
This Mid-Year Best of 2015 list also includes J.D. Souther, Jose James, Luke Reynolds, Kevin Gilbert, Leslie Johnson, Joni Mitchell, Marc Cary and others.
Act unnaturally: The Beatles’ Ringo Starr in the movies
When you ask Ringo Starr about his movie career, he’s happy to talk about ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and ‘Help!’ Bill DeYoung’s look back shows that’s probably for the best.
Taylor Penrose, “Gives Me Everything” (2015): One Track Mind
Driven by Taylor Penrose’s southern-shaded soul-pop vocals, the Initiative’s “Gives Me Everything” evokes a cross between Jackie DeShannon and Freda Payne.
John Belushi’s death almost ended Steve Cropper’s career: ‘Man, that’s it; I’ve had it’
Steve Cropper’s relationship with John Belushi reached its creative apex with ‘The Blues Brothers’ movie, released on June 20, 1980. Then, he was gone.
The Best Moment on Jimmy Page’s Solo Debut Didn’t Involve Robert Plant
When Jimmy Page’s ‘Outrider’ arrived on June 19, 1988, the focus went to a one-song Robert Plant reunion. The LP’s highpoint, however, was found elsewhere.
Nick DeRiso’s Mid-Year Best of 2015 (Pop, Rock + Roots): Toto, Bob Dylan, Neal Schon + others
This Mid-Year Best of 2015 list also includes Death Cab for Cutie, James McMurtry, Steve Hackett, Randy Bachman, Richard Thompson and Ringo Starr.
The conflicted history of Sammy Hagar’s Van Halen smash “Right Now”: ‘It shows you what I know’
“Right Now,” released this week as part of 1991’s ‘For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge,’ was both a huge Van Halen hit and a harbinger of their eventual split.
