Written by James Killen It’s been eight years or so since Daniel Barrett, Simon Wallace and Mike Meadows have put out anything together as Porterdavis. It’s not that they have been idle for that time. Barrett has been producing other artists, like Ruthie Foster and Meadows and Wallace are highly sought after session musicians, having…

Written by James Killen If you have not yet opened yourself up to the Jackie Venson phenomenon, it’s about time that you did. This young lady is a ball of positive energy and chock full of talent. She propels a freedom and rights agenda without anger, without accusation, but with determination that is inspiring. Her…

Written by James Killen What do you get when you pull a country music singing lady up from Motown? Jill Jack, that’s what you get. Jill has opened for a number of great touring acts over the years, like Bob Seger, Dan Fogelberg, Kim Richey, Will Kimbrough and Loretta Lynn. She has a strong classic…

Written by James Killen I couldn’t let the year get past me without saying something about this great disc from the former Drive By Trucker, Jason Isbell. He’s been turning out some amazing from-the-gut compositions that hit all corners of life head on. “The Nashville Sound” did not disappoint me. He starts the CD off…