Jonathan Smith

Jake Sheppard “Midwest Marlin”

May 2, 2024 Jonathan Smith 1

A new original from the other side of Los Angeles. Here’s the funny thing about people; they often say they crave something different, but in reality, they want something that is actually a marginally changed version […]

JJ Shiplett “A Way Through Time”

April 15, 2024 Jonathan Smith 1

Deeply personal and worldly-wise new record from Canadian artist. ‘A Way Through Time’ is the latest release by Canadian artist JJ Shiplett, a mini-album containing seven songs in a classic Americana mould – a touch of […]

Annie Dressner “I Thought It Would Be Easier”

April 4, 2024 Jonathan Smith 0

New sounds for old emotions. Originally from New York City, but now settled in Cambridge (the UK one), Annie Dressner is a singer-songwriter of rare subtlety, and ‘I Thought It Would Be Easier’ is her fourth […]

Six Parts Seven / Good Morning Valentine “Kissing Distance”

March 18, 2024 Jonathan Smith 2

Widescreen Americana beauty. Six Parts Seven are a band from Ohio who have been known for their collaborative work, with artists such as Iron and Wine, Modest Mouse and the Black Keys. For the ‘Kissing Distance’ […]

Matt Blake “Cheaper To Fly”

February 23, 2024 Jonathan Smith 1

Not all heroes wear Superman capes. Matt Blake found himself in rarified Americana circles after moving to Nashville and landing a job working in the legendary Ryman Auditorium. A stint as Lucinda Williams’ tour manager led […]

For The Sake Of The Song: Dean Owens “Sally’s Song (I Dreamed Of Michael Marra)”

July 27, 2026 0

Dean Owens is, of course, no stranger to these pages. With twelve albums and numerous AUK awards behind him, a search on this site will provide pages of reviews, interviews and videos. Typing the name Michael […]

Mick Flannery “The House Must Win”

July 27, 2026 0

A labour of love, twenty years in the making from renowned Irish singer-songwriter. It is more than twenty years since Mick Flannery released his debut album Evening Train, but the tale it told of (as he puts […]

Robert Plant to receive Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award

July 27, 2026 0

The Americana Music Association has announced that singer, songwriter and musical trailblazer Robert Plant will receive the Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the 25th Annual Americana Honours & Awards, taking place on 16th September 2026, at […]

Articles by Jonathan Smith

Jake Sheppard “Midwest Marlin”

JJ Shiplett “A Way Through Time”

Annie Dressner “I Thought It Would Be Easier”

Six Parts Seven / Good Morning Valentine “Kissing Distance”

Matt Blake “Cheaper To Fly”

For The Sake Of The Song: Dean Owens “Sally’s Song (I Dreamed Of Michael Marra)”

Mick Flannery “The House Must Win”

Robert Plant to receive Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Tucker Zimmerman “Dream Me A Dream”

Sounds from beyond the Shed 241 “Back in the swim”