After Dawes’ debut album, North Hills, found Americana underground pundits fawning with admiration, the group elevated the anticipation with Nothing Is Wrong, a tellingly titled sophomore set. Showing obvious fondness for the Laurel Canyon crowd — specifically the ’70s sensibilities pervaded by Joni, Jackson, Stephen, David, Graham, and Neil –…
David Courtland Crosby, born 70 years ago today, is arguably one of the most influential musicians of the past 50 years, owing first and foremost to his membership in the Byrds, a band that found him etching the seminal sound of folk-rock, and later — alongside Stephen Stills, Graham Nash,…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. There’s an all-around good vibe that the Canadians exude, and it surely accompanied the Mariposa Folk Festival, which just concluded its 51st year of operation in July. The…
Ian Anderson, who celebrates his 64th birthday today, has spent practically two-thirds of his life as the iconic figure at the helm of Jethro Tull. His hopped-up stage pose — balancing precariously on one leg, flute in hand, gazing menacingly like a madman, and dressed in a shabby housecoat –…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. This week: Native son and bluesman extraordinaire shares his top five all-time classics… Simply stated, Albert Castiglia sums up the spirit of the blues. After serving an apprenticeship…
Brian Wilson Hard Rock Live, Hollywood August 5, 2011 What becomes a legend most? In the case of Brian Wilson’s performance Friday night at Hard Rock Live, it’s somewhat hard to say. Cynics might deride the fact that at age 69, Brian still portends to be a battered soul. Sitting at…
I’ve been fortunate to take a Cayamo Cruise three times over the past few years (here’s my wrap from this past year). Their excursions feature some of the best singer/songwriters and Americana artists on the scene today, even though genres aren’t so strictly defined as to exclude other acts that…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman shares stories of memorable rock ‘n’ roll encounters that took place in our local environs. This week: Further signs of South Florida’s increasing rock relevance. Those familiar with the annual power pop extravaganza known as the “International Pop Overthrow” know full well…
Although hailed in her homeland as one of the most distinctive and inventive British artists of the past 30 years, appreciation for Kate Bush has been sadly elusive here in the States. Born 53 years ago today, Bush’s American following has been limited to a small core of devotees, suggesting…
Speaking by phone from his home in rural Michigan, not far from Detroit, where he grew up and initially found fame, Mitch Ryder sounds surprisingly sedate, even laid-back. It’s certainly a far cry from the gruff, raging rocker who initially gained fame wailing on such riveting records as “Devil With…
Today is Alison Krauss’ 40th birthday. If you’re thinking “Who the hell is that?” then you’re obviously unaware that’s she is quite a commodity in the bluegrass-roots community. Until recently, it was her chief claim to fame, but there’s also every indication that she has the potential for a wider…
It’s not surprising that of all Don Henley’s massive hits — with the Eagles as well as solo — his most massive chart triumph was his first individual effort, “Dirty Laundry,” in 1982. Henley, who turns 64 today, wrote the song as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the sad state of…
Cat Stevens offers definitive proof that hit records and religious devotion often don’t mix. Then again, he didn’t much try to attain both until recently. In 1977, he suddenly renounced both his pop career and his worldly possessions and gave himself a Muslim moniker, Yusuf Islam. The change was supposedly…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman offers his insights, opinions, and observations about the local scene. This week: Talk twosome Jimmy Cefalo and Manny Munoz embrace the music… Face it — the world of talk radio isn’t exactly a hotbed of musical savvy. Maybe that’s why they call it…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman offers his insights, opinions, and observations about the local scene. This week: The Chris Alvy Band covers the competition.It’s rare that a local band will extend a shoutout to other local bands… at least when it comes to covering their songs. Yet…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman offers his insights, opinions, and observations about the local scene. This week: PR pro Woody Graber reveals the music that gets him in his groove. In naming him Miami’s Best Flack, Miami New Times described Woody Graber thusly: “A cantankerous old-school publicist who…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman offers his insights, opinions and observations about the local scene. This week: Walter Salas-Humara of the Silos discusses his new album, his connection to South Florida, and his love affair with Arizona. Although Walter Salas-Humara left our local environs early in his career,…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman offers his insights, opinions, and observations about the local scene. This week: Majic 102.7 morning DJ and Beatle Brunch host Joe Johnson shares his listening pile. The Beatles broke up more than 40 years ago; it’s been 30 years since John Lennon was…
In the mid-’80s, George Michael was one of the biggest pop stars in the world. Gifted with good looks, an expressive voice and, arguably, the most popular band in the U.K., Wham!, he stacked up a number of hit singles. Among them, of course, were the irresistibly infectious “Wake Me…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman offers his insights, opinions, and observations about the local scene. This week: Five suggestions for BIG 105.9’s classic rock play list. Let’s pose this question: Is there anyone out there in dire need of hearing “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Stairway to Heaven” even…
A Wizard, A True Star. The title of Todd Rundgren’s third solo album seems to summarize one of Rock’s most remarkable, if wholly eccentric, artists. After first coming to the fore via his band the Nazz, Rundgren. born June 22, 1948, launched an amazingly prolific career that’s found him delving…
Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman offers his insights, opinions, and observations about the local scene. This week: Fernando Perdomo shares his five faves.Fernando Perdomo is the sort of guy who seems to never stop. He spends a ton of time in the studio, so much so that…
