country music – Page 2 – The Cosmic Clash

Album Review: Willie Nelson gives songs new life with First Rose of Spring

July 20, 2020 Scott Rollins 3781 Views album review, Americana, Billy Joe Shaver, Clint Eastwood, country music, new music, outlaw country, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson

The First Rose of Spring is Willie Nelson’s seventieth album. That is 70, seven-zero. Let that sink in a minute. The sheer volume of Nelson’s creative output is staggering. The record was released or “dropped” as the kids say, July 3, just before Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic which was live-streamed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You would think there isn’t anything new to say about Willie Nelson. You would think there isn’t anything new and good enough that Nelson could sing. You’d be wrong on both counts.

Greg Ackerman Opinion

Essay: Country Music Doesn’t Suck, You Just Aren’t Listening to the Right Stuff

March 17, 2020 Greg Ackerman 1635 Views Carter family, Chris Stapleton, country music, essay, Johnny Cash, Nashville, opinion, outlaw country, rock n roll, Sturgill Simpson, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson

First things first, I loathe pop-country. Even trying to explain how much I want to be thrown into a cornfield Goodfellas-style whenever Sam Hunt or Jason Aldean comes on feels like it doesn’t do justice to my description. When it comes to real country music? Inject that shit directly into my veins, because you put on some classic George Jones or Hank Williams, I’m there all day for it.

Live Review Scott Rollins

Live music review: Texas legend Lyle Lovett played Beaumont’s Jefferson Theatre

February 19, 2020 Greg Ackerman 719 Views country music, Jefferson Theatre, live music, Lyle Lovett, outlaw country, Review, Texas music

The Jefferson Theatre was privileged to host Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group on February 10. The theatre, located in Beaumont, Texas is designated a Texas Historical Landmark and it’s listed on The National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1927, the storied venue features an 8-Rack Morgan Organ. The Jefferson once hosted the premiere of classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life” with star Jimmy Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance. It was the perfect place to host an equally storied Texas musician.

Album Review Scott Rollins

Album review: Vince Gill’s Okie is a pleasant surprise

November 26, 2019 Scott Rollins 980 Views album review, country music, Guy Clark, Merle Haggard, Okie, record review, Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill

I received a text from my good friend, musical soul mate, and partner in crime, who told me to listen to new Vince Gill record “Okie”. I was about to embark on a ten-hour car ride, so I downloaded it to the old iPhone like I’d just cracked the technology that morning and listened. What I heard truly from the record that dropped back in late August of this year impressed me.

Review Scott Rollins

Live music review: Dwight Yoakam in Lake Charles

October 1, 2019 Scott Rollins 997 Views Bakersfield sound, concert, country music, Dwight Yoakam, Elvis, Golden Nugget, Lake Charles, live music, Review, rock n roll, rockabilly

I regarded the beer in my hand as Kentucky-born singer took the stage, then as he plowed through three songs like a runaway train, I decided the loudest show I’ve ever been to is Dwight Yoakam. He played the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, Louisianna on September 21.

Review Scott Rollins

Live music review: Legendary singer Rodney Crowell kicked off tour in Houston

August 29, 2019 Scott Rollins 825 Views Americana, concert, country music, Houston, live music, Rodney Crowell, singer, songwrtier, Texas, The Heights, Tour

The Heights Theatre on 19th Street in Houston was the setting on August 15 for legendary singer Rodney Crowell to kick off his tour supporting his fantastic new album Texas. Nestled in the Northwest quarter of the 610 Loop, in “The Heights” neighborhood of Houston, the Spanish Mission-style structure was built in the 1920s as the neighborhood movie house.

Review Scott Rollins

Album review: Latest Willie Nelson album is an instant classic

July 3, 2019 Scott Rollins 1348 Views album, Americana, Billy Joel, country music, Guy Clark, Lukas Nelson, outlaw country, Review, singer, songwriter, Willie Nelson

Outlaw country music pioneer Willie Nelson has perhaps been a greater influence on American music than any other singer, songwriter, or musician in history. At 86 he appears just as relevant today as anytime in his career.

Review Scott Rollins

Live music review: Kris Kristofferson and The Strangers at the Golden Nugget

December 3, 2018 Scott Rollins 1259 Views concert, country music, Golden Nugget, Kris Kristofferson, live music, live review, Merle Haggard, outlaw country, Scott Rollins, The Highwaymen, The Strangers

The show was four minutes late, house lights still on and I was waiting outside the door marked with the section I’d secured seats. To my right, on the other side of the hall, were five places to buy beer, wine, or something harder if the spirit took you. My bride and I had crossed the Louisiana border with two of our best friends, who share the same interest in music, politics and nearly everything else.

Album Greg Ackerman Review

Album review: Jesse Dayton drops outstanding new record this Friday

June 5, 2018 Greg Ackerman 365 Views album review, alt-country, country music, Guy Clark, Jesse Dayton, Music, outlaw country, Texas music, The Clash, The Outsider, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, X

Austin’s Jesse Dayton is much like his influences Waylon, Willie and even The Clash and X. The music the Texas musician makes perfectly reflects those disparate styles and more. As an artist, Dayton refuses to be pigeon-holed into a particular genre. Listening to the tracks on his latest, “The Outsider” highlights the point that the singer, songwriter and guitarist is talented at presenting music regardless of genre, East Texas Blues, punk, rock, acoustic songwriter ballads in the Texas tradition all make an appearance on this outstanding new record.

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