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The Steppers Talk The Lights Are Always On, Oklahoma Jamgrass, and Finding Their Own Lane

Oklahoma City’s The Steppers are carving out their own lane as a fast-picking, hard-driving psychedelic string band with roots in jamgrass, folk, bluegrass, and Oklahoma grit. With their new album, The Lights Are Always On, the band leans further into traditional bluegrass drive while keeping the emotional storytelling, improvisational energy, and road-tested chemistry that have… Continue reading The Steppers Talk The Lights Are Always On, Oklahoma Jamgrass, and Finding Their Own Lane

Interviews

Isiah Driessen on Birds, Voice, and the Places We Listen From

Photo: Courtesy of Chad Hensiak, CAH Promotions Part artist profile, part conversation, the piece that follows is drawn from an interview with Wisconsin musician Isiah Driessen and has been edited and arranged for publication. “My heart in hiding / Stirred for a bird.” — Gerard Manley Hopkins, The Windhover I didn’t know those lines were… Continue reading Isiah Driessen on Birds, Voice, and the Places We Listen From

Interviews

J.P. Reali Brings the Grateful Dead Back to the Blues on Grateful Blues

Blues guitarist, singer, songwriter, and longtime Grateful Dead fan J.P. Reali is bringing the Dead’s roots back to the surface with Grateful Blues, a new EP arriving July 31. The six-song project reimagines “Easy Wind,” “Loose Lucy,” “West L.A. Fadeaway,” “I Need A Miracle,” “Mr. Charlie,” and “Tennessee Jed” through Reali’s own blues-based lens, leaning… Continue reading J.P. Reali Brings the Grateful Dead Back to the Blues on Grateful Blues

Interviews

Grateful Web Interview with Bedouin Soundclash

A definitive force in the global independent music landscape for the last several decades, Toronto-based powerhouse Bedouin Soundclash has written a legacy that demands attention as they constantly evolve with every era. A mix of reggae, ska, world music, and indie rock narratives, their work refuses to fit into a pre-packaged genre, rather has built… Continue reading Grateful Web Interview with Bedouin Soundclash

Interviews

Grateful Web Interview with Kyle Smith

Earning the attention of fans across the globe, Ventura, Ca-based artist Kyle Smith has been pushing the boundaries of “Cali reggae” since fully committing himself to his music over a decade ago. Defined by his mission to create work that not only resonates with his fans, but sits with them for the right reasons, Smith… Continue reading Grateful Web Interview with Kyle Smith

Interviews

Grateful Web Interview with Ballyhoo!

The pride of Aberdeen, Maryland, reggae rock band Ballyhoo! has been pioneering and defining the genre of surf reggae since forming over three decades ago. Their albums give an eclectic mix of infectious anthems that have defined so many of our summers and narrative-driven think pieces that allow us to feel alongside the artists, earning… Continue reading Grateful Web Interview with Ballyhoo!

Interviews

Grateful Web Interview with Estrella

Blending atmospheric reggae with neo-soul and coastal jazz, Salinas-native Renee Estrella has spent decades defined by creativity and building a style of music and performance that is uniquely her own. Characterized by a level of honesty and vulnerability in her work that connects with audiences worldwide, her influence has reached fans across the globe since… Continue reading Grateful Web Interview with Estrella

Interviews

OKI DUB AINU BAND Brings Tonkori, Reggae, Dub and Ainu Resistance to New York

Photo: Courtesy of Lorraine Turci OKI DUB AINU BAND, led by Hokkaido-born composer, arranger, tonkori player, and cultural force Oki Kano, brings its singular fusion of Ainu tradition, reggae, African rhythm, electronic dub, and folk music to the United States for a rare series of performances and conversations. The group’s full-band U.S. debut takes place… Continue reading OKI DUB AINU BAND Brings Tonkori, Reggae, Dub and Ainu Resistance to New York

Interviews

Still Riding the Bronco: Dino English on 28 Years of Dark Star Orchestra

Photo by Bob Minkin: Bobby Weir and Dino English Heads All Happy Hour sat down with Dark Star Orchestra drummer Richard ‘Dino’ English recently in New Orleans to discuss nearly three decades on the road. Since joining the ensemble in 1999, Dino has performed thousands of shows, expertly channeling the Dead’s signature improvisational style and… Continue reading Still Riding the Bronco: Dino English on 28 Years of Dark Star Orchestra

Interviews

“I’m All About the Texture”: An Interview with Stanley Jordan

Grahame Lesh, Phil Lesh, and Stanley Jordan | Sunday Daydream | July 21st, 2024 – photos by Gabriel David Barkin Stanley Jordan is one of the premier jazz guitar players in the United States today, known largely for his distinctive two-handed finger-tapping technique. His oeuvre includes modern and Latin jazz, fusion, and instrumental takes on… Continue reading “I’m All About the Texture”: An Interview with Stanley Jordan

Interviews