Too Old to Rock and Roll?

Video blogger Barry Robinson has ignited a firestorm with his recent blog about bands that should stop touring. Declining vocal and skills, crass commercialism, use of prerecorded enhancements and absence of original members are reasons noted for making the list. With some encouragement, I’ve developed my own list of artists that should pull the tour … More Too Old to Rock and Roll?

Layla Revisited: The Tedeschi-Trucks Band

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, recorded by Derek and the Dominoes, was released in 1971. A two-record set, it was the only recorded studio album of Eric Clapton and Duane Allman playing together. The band would tour briefly (without Allman) and eventually release a live album, but like the other Clapton bands, would dissolve … More Layla Revisited: The Tedeschi-Trucks Band

Underrated Albums

Here are 25 albums that failed to get the love they deserve. These albums have taken a backseat in the artist’s catalog, perhaps without benefit of a charting single or surrounding a band lineup change. It may have gone out of print or the rights became tied up. Quality music fails to connect for a … More Underrated Albums

Best Drum Grooves

The job of the drummer is to drive the train. The exceptional drummers do so taking you on a journey you’ve never traveled. The best grooves get your attention, but aren’t showy. Yes, drummers can be self-indulgent with exaggerated playing, tiresome soloing and drum kits that need their own zip code. It’s very difficult for … More Best Drum Grooves

Recording Engineers

Back in the old days, music was recorded in an actual recording studio on analog tape machines. In the early days of the Beatles, engineers wore white lab coats and neckties. Experimentation was frowned upon and only certain approved personnel could touch the knobs. There was no school to learn the process of sound or … More Recording Engineers