Jonathan Smith

Classic Clip: First Aid Kit “Emmylou” – Live at the Polar Music Awards, 2015

March 17, 2023 Jonathan Smith 0

Emmylou Harris was in Stockholm in 2015, as the latest recipient for the Polar Music Prize, instigated by Stig Anderson, manager and collaborator with ABBA. That alone was a high achievement, placing her in a pantheon […]

Dari Bay “Longest Day of the Year”

March 1, 2023 Jonathan Smith 0

Instantly memorable pop grunge Americana mix. Dari Bay is a project built by Vermont resident Zachary James. He cites broad influences ranging from Neil Young to Scottish Indie band The Pastels, Pavement to Wilco. “Longest Day […]

Chris Coole “The Old Man and the C Chord”

February 6, 2023 Jonathan Smith 0

Canadian bluegrass virtuoso brings songs as well as style. ‘The Old Man and the C Chord’ represents the third solo offering from Chris Cooley, although he has been part of a much wider musical scene over thirty […]

Beans on Toast “The Fascinating Adventures of Little Bee”

January 17, 2023 Jonathan Smith 0

A potpourri of child-friendly, environmentally-minded songs from AUK favourite. Something a little different for the AUK pages, ‘The Fascinating Adventures of Little Bee’ is a collection aimed broadly at ages 2-10, though there’s plenty that anyone […]

Classic Americana Albums: Steve Earle “Guitar Town”

November 16, 2022 Jonathan Smith 6

Steve Earle was already in his 30’s when ‘Guitar Town’ was released in 1986, so it is perhaps unsurprising that he had been able to stockpile songs of such quality that the record already sounded like […]