OK, so this takes a little nerve: Dan Israel, leader of the Minneapolis-based Cultivators, who have put out a couple of fine but hardly artistically or commercially groundbreaking records, decides to issue one of those just-a-guy-and-his-acoustic-guitar solo albums full of songs that are, you know, too “personal” for a full-band approach. Like he’s Bruce Springsteen [...]

As pop bands go, Map of Wyoming has a hell of a pedigree, including Chris Von Sneidern, whose recent solo records have been virtual pop masterpieces; former Go To Blazes guitarist Tom Heyman; and Dale Duncan, who sings lead and wrote most of the songs on Trouble Is, the band’s second record. It’s a significant [...]

Recording with a bunch of fellow veteran Austin musicians dubbed the Woodpeckers, longtime Texas musician and journalist Michael Hall recaptures the sort of urgent intensity that has characterized his best music since his great 1980s work with the Wild Seeds and his five solo records of the ’90s. Dead By Dinner, Hall’s first release in [...]

This four-song EP confirms the impression left by Easton’s full-length debut, Special 20 — that he’s one of the best young singer-songwriters working today. If Special 20 was a well-crafted slice of country/folk/rock, They Will Bury You is charmingly casual but no less brilliant. Its four terrific songs, all originals, were recorded in 1999 at [...]

As dues go, Jim Weider has paid a pretty impressive set. Born and raised in Woodstock, New York, he later moved to Nashville, touring with the likes of Johnny Paycheck, James Talley and others and doing some session work. In 1985, he moved into some of the largest shoes in the guitar-playing business, taking Robbie [...]

The aftermath of the Dave & Deke Combo’s breakup appears to be one of those cases, to turn the cliche on its head, of the parts being greater than the sum. Both Deke Dickerson and Dave Stuckey are carving out solo careers that are yielding even better music than they produced together. Deke’s ahead of [...]

Granted, the world does not need a raft of Hootie & the Blowfish solo projects. If there’s nothing particularly offensive about that good-natured folk/country/rock/whatever band, there’s also nothing particularly distinctive about ‘em either. So, it’s a surprise to find that Hootie guitarist Mark Bryan has delivered such an engaging record with his solo debut. 30 [...]

The Brooklyn Cowboys’ debut is a sleek, satisfying set of country rock squarely connecting the traditions of Gram Parsons, Commander Cody, Bakersfield twang and a few others. Led by Walter Egan, a Parsons crony who had a pop hit in 1978 with “Magnet And Steel”, the Cowboys also include steel guitarist Buddy Cage (New Riders [...]