In case you missed the news… We’re thrilled to announce we’re reopening the (ware)HOUSE on June 4, and Sarah Potenza will be our guest. Sarah was scheduled to play the (ware)HOUSE in 2020. But we had to postpone due to COVID. This rescheduled concert is a name-your-price event.  We encourage you to donate $25/ticket — more…

I saw Drew Holcomb and his wife, Ellie, at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis in February. A great show! They played several new songs — some written while traveling around Tennessee in an RV, with their three children, during the height of the pandemic. This is one of those songs. The title track…

Here’s one Keb’ Mo’ wrote last in 2020 while cooped up ’cause of COVID. He and his pals from Old Crow Medicine Show recorded it together. And he released it last year on his album Good to Be…  Today’s Song  Title: The Medicine Man Artist: Keb’ Mo’ (w/ Old Crow Medicine Show) Album: Good to…

Hi (ware)HOUSE Concerts friend. Sorry for the unannounced Song of the Say hiatus. But I’m back… …inspired by today’s artist, Mary Gauthier. I learned today that she has a new album coming out in June… …but she’s already released one song from it. I heard the song and thought, “I gotta share this one with…

Good to see you again. Sorry I’ve been a stranger. I’ve been getting into Jimmy LaFave lately. So many great songs. I thought this would be a nice one to share on Valentine’s week. Put this on, turn it up, and hug your honey. And if you can’t be with the honey you love, hug…

In 1980, Elvis Costello was THE angry young man. I saw him live around that time, and he sang half the time with his back to the audience. After his first three albums — My Aim is True, This Year’s Model, and Armed Forces — were released in 1977, 1978, and 1979. And then, in…

I’m not even sure how this happened… …I stumbled upon KSYM — a small community radio station on the campus of San Antonio College in Texas. I’ve been streaming the station a lot lately. It plays a strange combination of old-timey roots music and alternative rock. I heard today’s artist on that station and liked…

Eleven Hundred Springs was a Dallas-based band that ended its 23-year run in November 2021. I missed the entire thing. They never blinked on my radar until last month when I heard today’s song on WMOT (Nashville roots radio — which I often listen to online). Sorry I missed them… …because I like this song……

Susanna Hoffs and Aimee Mann both fronted popular bands in the 1980s — Hoffs with the Bangles and Mann with ’til Tuesday. But they left that behind long ago. Both have had long, successful solo careers. Mann is a GREAT songwriter. Hoffs writes less and records lots of covers — including a series of excellent…

This one is hot off the presses. Eli “Paperboy” Reed won’t release his new album, “Down Every Road” until April 29, 2022… …but earlier this week, he released a single from the album. The album cover looks like it came from the late 1960s. And so does the sound. Tonight’s song is a cover of…

Happy Birthday Lucinda. I know. She’s not like Cher or Adele. She has a last name. But when someone says, “Lucinda,” you know who they mean, don’t you? And now I have to choose ONE song from SO MANY great ones. The one I’m choosing is so good she recorded it twice. The first version…

It’s Neil Diamond’s 81st birthday (1/24/2022). I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan… …maybe because I’ll pull my hair out if I hear another sports stadium crowd do that Sweet-Caroline-singalong (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, count your blessings). Now that I have that cynical outburst out of my system… …I…

Howdy. Sorry I’ve been such a stranger. I’ve been holed up in the home office, working hard on some other things… …and (sorry to say) letting these emails slip. Glad to be back. And glad to share some good news… I’ve tentatively scheduled the reopening of the (ware)HOUSE. Nothing I can announce today. But stay…

A shout-out to my friend Angela Kelly. She hosted today’s artist at one of her always-great Kelly House Concerts… …and I’ve been hooked ever since… …on Ruby Boots. Born Rebecca Louise “Bex” Chilcott, Ruby Boots is originally from Australia who settled in Nashville a few years ago. Her pal Brandy Zdan appeared with her at…

After a brief visit to 1994 to wish Shawn Colvin a happy birthday, let’s get back to some of the best of 2021. Israel Nash grew up in the Missouri Ozarks. His father was a preacher. His mother was an artist. Both encouraged him to pursue music. He moved to New York and then on…

Happy Birthday, Shawn Colvin. She was born on January 10, 1958. In 1994, she released an album of covers that included the song I share today. That song was written by Rowland Salley, who played bass in Chris Isaak’s band. Salley never got anywhere as a solo artist, although he did release an album that…

I already featured Natalie Hemby on this list a couple of months ago… …and I haven’t doubled-up on many artists yet. But as I celebrate some of the best 2021 releases, Natalie deserves another nod. Here’s one from her October 2021 release Pins and Needles (great lyrics from a great lyricist included below).. Today’s Song …

Today… More 2021 goodness from a legend. Tim O’Brien released his new album “He Walked On” last July. Great album. This one sounds old-timey, but it’s about a very modern problem… Today’s Song  Title: Pushing On Buttons (Staring At Screens) Artist: Tim O’Brien Album: He Walked On (2021) YouTube Link:  youtu.be/dGkl6Qf3VUg Here are the Playlists:…

Terry Adams has been with NRBQ for the bands entire 50+-year ride. He’s the only remaining founding member. And with new lineup after new lineup, he has kept that NRBQ sound going… …including in 2021… …with the album Dragnet, the band’s first since 2014, and easily one of my favorites from the past year. I’ve…

Here’s another of my favorites from 2021. Today’s Song  Title: Jazz on the Autobahn Artist: The Felice Brothers Album: From Dreams To Dust (2021) YouTube Link (Official Video):  youtu.be/_WLaWauXW4w Here are the Playlists:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3xYKtYparrdJRYAjBj9kjx?si=eb6c3ebc30484204  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ware-house-concerts-song-of-the-day/pl.u-Ggz26cZlAVLj 

I love Martin Sexton. If you’ve not seen this guy live, jump at the chance when he comes to town. Maybe that chance will come at the (ware)HOUSE. I’ll ask him. Until then, here’s one of his — on my list of 2021 favorites. A soul-infused, toe-tapping, hand-clapping, horn-blowing ode to “hold on” to what…

Happy New Year. Welcome to 2022 — the year when we WILL reopen the (ware)HOUSE for live music. I’ll keep you posted. I hope it’s soon. I took some time away from the computer over the holidays, but not away from music. I listened to many “Best of 2021” lists, and I’ll share some of…

OK… I know Taylor Swift is a polarizing figure. All that drama. All the songs about old boyfriends. That thing with Kanye at the awards ceremony (look it up if you don’t know; it’s wild). Count me among the eye-rollers for many years. And even though I think it’s fine, I don’t listen much to…

Here’s another one I heard on WMOT Roots Radio the other day… A great one from all the way back in 2004…  Today’s Song  Title: Home  Artist: Marc Broussard  Album: Carencro  (2004) YouTube Link (Official Video):  youtu.be/FuWPseegaKw Here are the Playlists:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3xYKtYparrdJRYAjBj9kjx?si=eb6c3ebc30484204  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ware-house-concerts-song-of-the-day/pl.u-Ggz26cZlAVLj 

Thanks to WMOT — Roots Radio in Nashville for this one. I was listening online yesterday. They played this song I share with you today. It’s by Allison Russell from her 2021 album Outside Child. This is her first solo album — after making some great music with her husband in their band Bird of…

Michael Nesmith died last week. Most remember him as a Monkee. Some know he was the Monkee with a music career before and after the TV show. The most musical Monkee. He wrote today’s song before he became a TV star. And he recorded it after Linda Ronstadt and The Stone Poneys made it a…

On this day in 1944, 21-year-old Hank Williams married his manager, Audrey Sheppard. Hank Williams, Jr. came from that union — which eventually led us to Hank Williams III. Other than those offspring, this wasn’t a marriage to celebrate. Somehow, it lasted for eight years, until in 1952 Williams and Sheppard divorced. Soon after, he…

In 2007, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss teamed up to release an album called Raising Sand. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss? Really?!? But what an album that was. And in retrospect, when you strip away all the rock-God hubbub from his Led Zeppelin days and distill the music down to its roots, you see that…

From Joni Mitchell to Brandi Carlile… I shared in the last email a selection from Mitchell’s “Archives, Vol 2…” album, a live version of “California” that she performed in London before she recorded the studio version for her album “Blue.” Speaking of “Blue,” when Brandi Carlile first heard Joni Mitchell, she wasn’t impressed. A friend…

I’m excited about this one. Yesterday, I shared James Taylor’s “You Can Close Your Eyes.” While searching for that tune on the streaming services, I found a version Taylor recorded with Joni Mitchell… …from her concert on 12/27/1970 at the Paris Theatre in London. The BBC recorded and broadcast that concert. Many years ago, I…

I saw James Taylor and Jackson Browne last night in St. Louis. They’re both 73… …and they both blew me away. Beautiful voices. Beautiful songs. Still bringing it. Say what you will about James Taylor. Some say he’s a bit too sugary for their taste. But I say a little sugar tastes good from time…

I love Paul Luc’s story. Born and raised near Pittsburgh. Played in a garage band in high school. Went to college and studied economics. Returned to Pittsburgh and got a desk job. Played occasional weekend gigs and even released an album. But that wasn’t enough. So, he woke up one day, went into work, and…

Sorry… My kids flew in the weekend before Thanksgiving. Then the holiday. Then the catch-up after the holiday. And before I knew it, I haven’t sent a Song of the Day in 9 days. Let’s get back to it. While relaxing over the holiday, I watched the new Beatles documentary (“The Beatles: Get Back”) —…

Yesterday’s email was all about John Prine. Todd Snider’s stories and song about him. One of those stories was about Prine dancing off the stage as he closed concerts… …with this… Today’s Song  Title: Lake Marie  Artist: John Prine  Album: Lost Dogs + Mixed Blessings (1995) YouTube Link:  youtu.be/vzCjQwt2rgI Here are the Playlists:   Spotify:…

For many, many years John Prine would end most of his concerts with “Paradise.” Daddy won’t you take me back to Muhlenberg County  Down by the Green River where Paradise lay  Well, I’m sorry my son, but you’re too late in asking  Mister Peabody’s coal train has hauled it away   But on his last tour,…

For the second night in a row, I spent an evening in the greatest room in St. Louis — the Sheldon Concert Hall. Richard Thompson on Thursday. Todd Snider last night. So much better than staying home and watching Bachelorette reruns. We’ll get to Todd Snider in a day or two. But first, I want…

During his concert last night in St. Louis, Richard Thompson sang the praises of Sandy Dennis. She was a British folk singer who collaborated with Thompson’s band Fairport Convention. Thompson noted that many considered Dennis the greatest and most influential British folk singer of her day. Fairport Convention was the first (and one of many)…

I just got home from seeing Richard Thompson at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis. Brilliant. When touring paused, he made music in his home studio. He released the “Bloody Noses” EP in July 2020 and the album “Serpent Tears” in May 2021. Here’s one from Bloody Noses. It will remind you what a…

Neil Young writes almost every song on every one of his albums. But on his 1970 masterpiece “After the Gold Rush,” Young slipped in one cover. It’s by Don Gibson, who scored a top-10 hit in 1958 with a jauntier version of the same tune. Young’s reinvents the song. His cover version is a dirge.…

I heard this one on the radio today and remembered how much I like it. From Jenny Lewis’ first solo album way back in 2006. Today’s Song  Title: The Big Guns  Artist: Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins  Album: Rabbit Fur Coat YouTube Link:  youtu.be/VV6BYh0V38E Here are the Playlists:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3xYKtYparrdJRYAjBj9kjx?si=eb6c3ebc30484204  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ware-house-concerts-song-of-the-day/pl.u-Ggz26cZlAVLj 

The first time you hear Dan Bern, you may think he’s just some Bob Dylan knock-off. But don’t sell him short. Sure, he sounds a bit like Dylan. But Dan Bern is an original. His first (self-titled) album is one of my favorites. Not one of my favorites by Dan Bern. One of my favorites,…

Conor Oberst is not the guy I turn to when I’m looking for a feel-good, lift-me-up kind of tune. He’s full of angst. But the songs are beautiful. The one today comes from his solo album, Ruminations (2016). The album is a gem. Stripped down acoustic songs, recorded in Oberst’s hometown, Omaha. A year later,…

In yesterday’s email (Neil Young’s “Don’t Be Denied”), I mentioned guitarist Danny Whitten. He was a founding member of Crazy Horse. Most know that band for backing Young on several albums and tours. But Crazy Horse also made its mark without Young. Their debut album “Crazy Horse” is a great one — especially the songs…

Happy Birthday, Neil Young (76). In 1973, one year after he released Harvest, Young embarked on a 60(+) date tour with a new backing band, The Stray Gators.  The shows began with an acoustic set full of familiar material from Harvest and other well-loved albums. But Young was already tired of rehashing his hits. So…

It’s Veteran’s Day.  15 years ago, Darden Smith played a concert at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center near Ramstein Air Base in Germany.  He assumed he’d have nothing in common with his audience. He’d never spoken to a man in uniform.  But backstage, he struck up a conversation with a Marine. And they discovered they had…

Alicia Stockman is a Utah-based singer-songwriter. I heard about her from Mary Bragg (who performed at the outdoor concert we hosted at Laumeier Sculpture Park in 2019). Stockman released her new album, “These Four Walls,” last week. Bragg produced the album and performs on it. Lots of great tracks. Here’s one… Today’s Song  Title: Lonely…

Yesterday, I shared John Hartford’s “In Tall Buildings.” I think Brian Wright was thinking about Hartford’s tune when he wrote the song I’m sharing today. Today’s song comes from Wright’s great 2020 release Lapse of Luxury.  I already shared another track from that album called “Patrick’s Crossing” See:warehouseconcerts.org/brian-wright-the-sneak-ups-patricks-crossing/ Hartford’s tall-building song is old-timey, folky —…

Thinking about Glen Campbell last week got me thinking about John Hartford. Hartford wrote “Gentle on My Mind.” Campbell made it famous. Hartford came from St. Louis. He went to a fancy private secondary school — the kind of place that breeds lawyers and doctors and business executives. There’s nothing wrong with that. It just…

Yesterday’s Song of the Day was “Remembering,” — Ashley Campbell’s love letter to her father Glen Campbell as he descended into Alzheimer’s. Song of the Day subscriber Mark Herich replied with an email and a recommendation. He wrote: “…regarding Glen Campbell’s struggles with Alzheimer’s, if you have shared that difficult journey with a loved one…

NEW ARCHIVES: We’ve posted every Song of the Day email on our website here: wareHOUSEconcerts.org/#songoftheday  ***Now for Song of the Day… In an mail last week (Willie Nelson w/ Francine Reed), I mentioned Glen Cambpell’s final days with Alzheimer’s. See that email in the archives here: wareHOUSEconcerts.org/willie-nelson-with-francine-reed-funny-how-time-slips-away/ Last night, I watched the movie “I’ll Be…

Gram Parsons would have turned 75 today. He was only 26 when he died at the Joshua Tree Motel in September 1973 — soon after recording his second and final solo album Grievous Angel. That album was released after his death, and sales were modest. Parsons didn’t achieve much commercial success, especially as a solo…

I heard from several people who really love Francine Reed (she was featured on yesterday’s song with Lyle Lovett). So let’s bring her back for an encore. But first, some background… Willie Nelson released his first album, And Then I Wrote, in 1962. That album included a song he wrote called “Funny How Time Slips…

Lyle Lovett celebrated his 64th birthday yesterday. My favorite album of his? Lyle Lovett and His Large Band.  I saw him live after he released that album in 1989. With his Large Band. And with Francine Reed. Before joining Lovett in the mid-80s, Reed sang with Miles Davis, Stanley Jordan, Smokey Robinson, Etta James, and…

Jim Steinman passed away in April. He would have turned 74 today. His name doesn’t ring a bell? Well… he’s the songwriting brains behind Meat Loaf. He’s the guy who wrote: You’ll never find your gold on a sandy beach  You’ll never drill for oil on a city street  I know you’re looking for a…

Happy Halloween. Go howl at the moon and enjoy… Today’s Song  Title: Howlin’ for You  Artist: The Black Keys  Album:Brothers (2011)  YouTube Link: youtu.be/Zs3cyuXSFII Here are the Playlists:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3xYKtYparrdJRYAjBj9kjx?si=eb6c3ebc30484204  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ware-house-concerts-song-of-the-day/pl.u-Ggz26cZlAVLj 

John Prine left us last year. But his independent record label lives. In 1980, Prine’s contract with Asylum Records expired, and he moved to Nashville. Rather than sign with another label, he decided to start one of his own. Oh Boy Records was born. Oh Boy’s first release was a red vinyl Christmas single with…

There’s an old legend about the night they burned Atlanta down. After his army set fire to the city, General William T. Sherman rode out of town, turned his horse around to take one last look at the city in flames, and then turned his back on Atlanta and marched to the sea. I’ve heard…

Those who love Dylan have heard the debates about his best album. Hard to choose. But if I must, I’ll choose “Blood on the Tracks.” Same thing with choosing a favorite track from that album. But if I must, I’ll choose — at least today — this one… Today’s Song  Title: You’re Gonna Make Me…

You may know Dan Auerbach as the singer/guitarist for The Black Keys. In 2009, Auerbach released his first solo album, and he has released two others since — all while sticking with The Black Keys. Today’s song is the title track from his most recent album. Enjoy… Today’s Song  Title: Waiting on A Song  Artist:…

Happy Friday. Here’s a Friday song — one that rocks. It’s by the Old 97’s Enjoy… Today’s Song  Title: Every Night is Friday Night (Without You)  Artist: Old 97’s  Album: The Grand Theatre, Vol. 1 (2010)  YouTube Link:  youtu.be/wxraWZvvHfI (Official Video) Here are the Playlists:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3xYKtYparrdJRYAjBj9kjx?si=eb6c3ebc30484204  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ware-house-concerts-song-of-the-day/pl.u-Ggz26cZlAVLj 

Tom Petty. DOB: October 20, 1950. Gone too soon. So many great songs. Here’s one: Enjoy… Today’s Song  Title: Yer So Bad  Artist: Tom Petty  Album: Full Moon Fever (1989)  YouTube Link:  youtu.be/WdRViFCvvUo (Official Video) Here are the Playlists:   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3xYKtYparrdJRYAjBj9kjx?si=eb6c3ebc30484204  Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ware-house-concerts-song-of-the-day/pl.u-Ggz26cZlAVLj 

I lived on the east coast in the late 80s and 90s. Tower Records was a huge music retailer in places I lived. They published a great music magazine, called Pulse, that was free for the taking when you visited the store. My favorite Pulse feature: “Desert Island Discs.” If you were stuck on a…

Yesterday, I was in Kansas and tipped my cap to Kansan Joe Walsh. Today, I’m in Colorado. So from the long list of great Colorado artists, I choose Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats… …and the opening track from their 2018 album “Tearing at the Seams.” Enjoy… Today’s Song  Title: Shoe Boot  Artist: Nathaniel Rateliff &…

Sorry today’s email is late today. I’ve been driving all day — from Missouri to Colorado. Most of the day in Kansas. So now that I’m settled at my hotel, I’ve chosen a song featuring a Kansas native… Joe Walsh. I didn’t pull this one from his catalog. I grabbed one from Sheryl Crow’s 2019…

Paul Simon is 80 today. Back in 1987, soon after he released “Graceland,” he performed a concert in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s neighbor South Africa was still under apartheid rule. Nelson Mandela was still in prison. Joining Simon that day were singer Miriam Makeba and jazz artist Hugh Masekela. Both were South Africans who had not been…

Yesterday’s featured artists (Hall & Oates) and today’s (Todd Rundgren) all came from Philadelphia — where soul music ruled. Close your eyes and listen to yesterday’s song (“She’s Gone”) and you’ll hear its Philly Soul roots. Or better yet, go find Lou Rawls cover version and you’ll hear it. Then listen to today’s song. Same…

This makes me feel old: Daryl Hall turns 75 today. I grew up in the 70s and 80s — when you couldn’t spin through your radio dial without hearing Hall & Oates. By the time I heard, “You Make My Dreams Come True,” for the 8-millionth time, I was kind of sick of Hall &…

When John Prine was 22, he used to help a buddy with a newspaper route. He delivered papers room-to-room at an old folks home where residents rarely had visitors.  When John delivered the papers, residents treated him as if he were a long-lost relative.   John heard their stories. John felt their loneliness. And John wrote…

Happy Birthday, Jackson Browne. 73 and still going strong. Here’s a fun fact: He was 16 when he wrote one of his greatest songs. 16! A teenager writing from the perspective of an old man. That is… Today’s Song  Title: These Days  Artist: Jackson Browne  Album: For Everyman (1973)  YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/oFYgaarYepw  Lyrics  Well I’ve been…

I heard Peter Himmelman on a business podcast this morning, talking about storytelling and the creative process. Search for the “BeyondMeasure by Burke” podcast on your favorite service, and you’ll find it. During the podcast, he described how he wrote one of his songs. The entire episode is great — especially the part about this…

My pal Les Neudorf is celebrating his birthday today. Since he has great music taste and he’s a (ware)HOUSE Concerts regular, I asked him for a Song of the Day request. So in honor of Les’ birthday, I present to you his recommendation: A track from Ida Mae’s new album, Click Click Domino.   This…

Jordan Suter played at the (ware)HOUSE in December 2019 — the last concert there before COVID paused the music. Today’s song is one of our favorites from that night and from his 2020 EP Tumblewood. Enjoy…  Today’s Song  Title: Jefferson County  Artist: Jordan Suter  Album: Tumblewood (2020)  YouTube Link (Official Video): https://youtu.be/HUzVq4vql8U Here are the…

I discover a lot of great music listening to NPR’s “All Songs Considered” podcast. Friday’s episode delivered again. Miko Marks in an African American country singer, originally from Flint, Michigan. On Friday, she released a six-track EP called “Race Records.” I’ll share one track here. Go find the others. Listen to the entire EP. It’s…

Woody Guthrie passed away on this day (Oct. 3) in 1967. Let’s honor him with a cover of one of his songs, performed by another great who left us this year. Here’s Nanci Griffith, joined by Guy Clark, singing one of my favorites by Woody Guthrie…  Today’s Song  Title: Do Re Mi  Artist: Nanci Griffith…

Thanks to Song of the Day listener Julie Devoti for this one… She recommended I check out Carter Sampson. I’m glad I did. Carter is another artist to add to the growing list of Oklahomans on this playlist (Travis Linville, Parker Millsap, and more to come). Travis is from Julie’s hometown in OK, so she…

k.d. lang already had two critically acclaimed albums under her belt when she when, in 1988, she traveled to Mt. Joliet, TN to record a new album in Owen Bradley’s Barn. Bradley was the legendary producer who made most of Patsy Cline’s greatest recordings. k.d. lured him out of retirement to make her new album.…

In honor of the all-women music festival I attended last weekend (Roots N Blues in Columbia, MO), I’m picking songs by women all this week. And since I’m in Florida now for a business conference, I figured I choose a song by my favorite female Floridian — Elizabeth Cook. Hard to choose just one by…

Brandy Zdan brought her big talent to the (ware)HOUSE in January 2019. We hope to bring her back. Rolling Stone magazine has called her a “guitar hero of the highest order” (true). Relix magazine chimes in, saying her “mindful pop ballads shine with emotional resolve and permanence” (also true). One of her mindful pop ballads…

British singer/songwriter Nerina Pallot released her first album 20 years ago. I discovered her about 20 days ago… …while watching television… …Season 1, Episode 2 of the “Modern Love,” based on the New York Times column of the same name. As the episode neared its conclusion, I heard a song that made me sit up.…

One of the acts I saw at the Roots N Blues festival on Saturday was Natalie Hemby. I’ve already added a couple of her songs to the Song of the Day list: “Time Honored Tradition” from her great album Puxico and “Crowded Table” from The Highwomen album. Today, a song she co-wrote with Kacey Musgraves.…

My wife, Melissa, and I drove over to Columbia, MO yesterday for the Roots N Blues Festival. Brandi Carlile was the headliner last night for the festival which, for the first time ever, featured an all-women lineup. Very cool! In honor of that, for the next few days, let’s hear it for the women… Song…

Oklahoma! So many great artists came from that state where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plains. From the Sooner State: Woody Guthrie, Roy Clark, John Fullbright, John Moreland, Reba McEntire, Leon Russell, J.J. Cale, Garth Brooks, and… …today’s featured artist, Parker Millsap. When young Parker was 9 years old, his guitar teacher was (ware)HOUSE…

This one’s a beauty. I mentioned Sally Jaye yesterday, when I presented husband Brian Wright’s, song “Patrick’s Crossing.” Sally and Brian run a label called Cafe Rooster Records (caferoosterrecords.com). The label has a great “farm to turntable” channel on Patreon (patreon.com/caferoosterrecords) Ton’s of great, “unreleased” stuff there. For now, check out this one from Sally’s…

I first saw Brian Wright at AmericanaFest 2017 when he was part of Aaron Lee Tasjan’s band. Since then, I’ve discovered his brilliant solo catalog, including his latest album Lapse of Luxury (2020). Brian accompanied his wife, Sally Jaye, when she played the (ware)HOUSE in April 2019. We hope to have them back when we…

`I was 8 years old when Jim Croce released his fourth album, Life and Times in March 1973. I loved that album when I was a kid — especially that song “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.” Six months later (September 20, 1973), Croce died in a plane crash on his way to a concert. The day…

The first (ware)HOUSE Concert was in May 2017. It was a surprise birthday party for my wife, Melissa. She and I fell in love with The Grahams a few months earlier when we heard them in Nashville. I invited them to be in on the surprise. My plan: If the concert went well with The…

Hank Williams was born on this day in 1923. He would have been 98 today. He didn’t make it to 30. In 2001, Lost Highway records released Timeless: Hank Williams Tribute, a collection of Hank’s great songs, covered by Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Beck, Emmylou Harris, Keith Richards, Keb’ Mo’, Johnny Cash, and others, including…

Canadian Matt Andersen has been releasing albums since 2008. But I hadn’t paid any attention until I head him belt one out with Amy Helm, daughter of the The Band’s Levon Helm. The third track from Andersen’s 2019 release “Halfway Home by Morning” is… Today’s Song   Title: Something to Lose Artist: Matt Andersen (with Amy…

Continuing the Staples Thread today. Yesterday’s song was Pop Staple’s “Friendship” which his daughter Mavis performed with Brandi Carlile at Red Rocks on Sunday). Also in her Sunday set at Red Rocks, Mavis performed “Slippery People,” the Talking Heads tune which the Staples Singers first covered in 1984. That’s… Today’s Song   Title: Slippery People Artist:…

I mentioned in yesterday’s email that I’d be seeing Brandi Carlile at Red Rocks last night. Tanya Tucker was slated to open the show, but she fell ill last week. So Brandi called her friend Mavis Staples who jumped on a plane with her band and stepped in as the warm-up act. She’s 82, and…

Background for today’s song:  My wife’s family has a farm in south-central Missouri. There’s a house with a porch that overlooks a gorgeous Ozark valley. On the porch is a table where family, friends, old guests and new have gathered for endless nights — great food, great conversations, great memories.  We were there a couple…

9/11/2021. 20 years since THE 9/11. Bruce Springsteen reunited the E-Street Band and released “The Rising” in July 2002. 15 songs. 15 different characters trying to make sense of the senseless, declaring their love for those lost, searching for hope and fortitude, honoring fallen heroes. I love this album. The second track is Today’s Song…

Happy Weekend. Yesterday’s song: Travis Linville’s “I’m Still Here,” co-written with Natalie Hemby. She’s up next… Natalie Hemby was one of those unknown legends around Nashville. She wasn’t out front. She was co-writing most of the time — one great song after another — for artists you know. She had a solo album, but she…

Travis Linville is the only artist who has appeared at the (ware)HOUSE more than once — May 2018 and June 2019, plus a special appearance last month in my backyard. And he has been one of the most prolific, entertaining online performers during the pandemic. When I began to shelter in place and work from…

I got lots of great feedback re: yesterday’s song of the day (Warren Zevon’s “Keep Me in Your Heart”). So…let’s keep the Warren Zevon thread going. His 1978 album “Excitable Boy” is a classic. Shawn Colvin covered one of the tracks from that album on her 1992 album “Fat City.” That cover is… Today’s Song…

The great Warren Zevon was only 53 when he died due to mesothelioma on this day in 2003. After he was diagnosed in 2002, Zevon hit the recording studio to create one last album. That album, “The Wind,” is a beauty. Most of the songs are NOT about his illness and the inevitable end. The…

Another birthday today, September 6. Buddy Miller turns 69. In 2012, Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale made the album “Buddy and Jim.” Here’s a sad song from that album… Today’s Song Title: It Hurts Me Artist: Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale Album: Buddy and Jim (2012) YouTube Link (Video): https://youtu.be/dVU6fIh5YAA Here are the Playlists: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3xYKtYparrdJRYAjBj9kjx?si=eb6c3ebc30484204   Apple:https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ware-house-concerts-song-of-the-day/pl.u-Ggz26cZlAVLj 

It’s Loudon Wainwright III’s 75th birthday today. Let’s celebrate with one of his funny songs (he has many)… Today’s Song Title: Suddenly It’s Christmas Artist: Loudon Wainwright III Album: Career Moves (1993) YouTube Link (Official Video):https://youtu.be/ew6rVcL3Up8 Here are the Playlists:   Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3xYKtYparrdJRYAjBj9kjx?si=eb6c3ebc30484204   Apple:https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ware-house-concerts-song-of-the-day/pl.u-Ggz26cZlAVLj 

Happy Saturday. Seems like a good day to share a Saturday song.   I first heard this when Shawn Colvin covered it (great version, worth checking out). But Tom Waits’ original is the one that earns a spot on the playlist. So without further ado, here’s… Today’s Song Title: (Looking For) The Heart of Saturday…

Yesterday’s Song of the Day was Aaron Lee Tasjan’s “Memphis Rain” from his 2016 album “Silver Tears.”  Today, more ALT — this time from his February 2021 release “Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!” I described “Memphis Rain” as hugging Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, and other ghosts of Nashville past.  Tasjan recorded today’s song in Nashville, but you…