What I Did on My Summer VacationSure, summer is not officially over. In fact, it is nowhere near being over in any real sense of the word. As those of us who have spent sizeable amounts of time in Mississippi know, our relief will not come …
Urban Jazz at circaIf you're looking for a soothing and entertaining evening, enjoy the sounds of Pam Confer and Jazz Beautiful at circa's Jazz Night on the last Friday of every month. The smoke-free and "urban artisan" environment is the perfect substitute for …
Love and LifeSoulster Keeshea Pratt has been singing since she was 5 years old. Nothing less can be expected from a child who grew up in the church and is the progeny of two Jackson State University music majors. Pratt has sung …
Mississippi and the GrammysOn Aug. 8 at Hal and Mal's, I had the chance to attend a meet-and-greet with the Memphis chapter of The Recording Academy, whose members decide who receives Grammy awards each year. It was an opportunity for those in the …
14 Songs for Summer's EndSummer's quickly coming to a close, and many of us are busy settling back into our roles of responsibility. Whether you're going back to school or starting your career, every moment of your life deserves a soundtrack.
Tales of a First-Grade RockerAs my siblings and I were growing up, my daddy turned us on to The Statler Brothers, Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers and for balance, the gospel group The Happy Goodman Family. I knew the words to "Elvira" long before …
Soulful JourneyHer voice glides through the air like silk. She takes the audience by the heart and leads them on a fantastic, soulful journey with every note. With four Grammy nominations, four gold records, two platinum records, an Image Award, Billboard …
‘The Beat in Herbert Brown's Head'Before we get started, I have to open up with a bit of disclosure. The topic of this week's column, Herbert Brown, aka James Crow, aka The Ugly Poet, aka Satchel Page, aka Stogey Woods, depending on the situation, is …
Fighting StereotypesCountry-music fans wearing in cowboy boots, hats and tight jeans walked into the Mississippi Coliseum. The dim room did not dull the crowd's excitement. Restless Heart would play later. A Mississippi band, Crossin Dixon would open for the popular county …
Awesome Music is Awesome MusicJackson has been blessed with numerous concerts lately, and while I have in the past "wallered and hollered" about how we don't get enough national acts to come to the Capital City, I'm beginning to realize that it doesn't matter …
Zoo Brings Tour to JacksonWhen they perform, the visual is as interesting as the sound. With a stage full of shiny instruments, Ammo Eisu and Andy Tisdall of the band Zoo put on a loud, physical show, leaving many surprised that two people can …
Blues CowboyGrady Champion approaches the microphone like a gun fighter ready to take you out. His belt, laden with harmonicas in various keys, one for each of the keys he sings in, sits at his waist.
"For the People"One of my main concerns has always been being cool. It is certainly debatable if I achieve that, but I do put a good amount of thought into presenting myself in a certain way and surrounding myself with people I …
Paul Collins and the Power of PopMusic fans around the world admire Paul Collins, but he's not sitting still to receive their praise. The New York City-based guitarist and singer has been recording and performing for more than 30 years, and is still most often found …
Zac Harmon BluesVoted Best New Blues Artist by XM Radio, Jackson native Zac Harmon certainly gets back to his roots in his music. Harmon's cool blues sound is reminiscent of blues giants Elmore James, Muddy Waters and B.B. King.