Martin Johnson

The Song Remains: Wayne Kramer (1948-2024)

February 5, 2024 Martin Johnson 0

An influential guitarist with rare integrity who made a tangible difference. Activist, film music composer, guitarist, proto-punk and MC5 founder Wayne Kramer died on the 2nd February 2024 from pancreatic cancer. At first glance, not many […]

Classic Clips: Greg Trooper “Green Eyed Girl” Live at McCabe’s – 21st October 2012

February 2, 2024 Martin Johnson 2

Not all talented artists get the real breakthrough their music deserves, and Greg Trooper, unfortunately, falls into that category despite his undoubted songwriting and performing skills which made fans of such artists as Steve Earle, Billy […]

Interview: Kenny Wayne Shepherd on “Dirt On My Diamonds Vol.1”

January 26, 2024 Martin Johnson 0

Muscle Shoals and working with a crack band keeps the music fresh. It is a sobering thought that Kenny Wayne Shepherd is nearly thirty years into his career as a roots rock blues-based artist which has […]

Interview: Ida Mae’s Chris Turpin on “Thunder Above You”

January 23, 2024 Martin Johnson 0

English folk and American roots music with improvisation and tour support from a nanny. Ida Mae are husband and wife Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean Ward who play an indie folk americana mix that they’ve worked […]

Interview: Colin Cutler on his view of the American South through Flannery O’Connor’s eyes

January 19, 2024 Martin Johnson 0

Catholicism and Pentecostalism, with some sacred steel and concrete details. Americana is a broad church, and Colin Cutler’s love of folk and roots music means this Greensboro, North Carolina resident fits right into the genre. Where […]

Interview: Frank Turner reflects on 20 years of Campfire Punkrock

August 11, 2026 0

Remarkably, it is twenty years since Frank Turner released his first solo EP: Campfire Punkrock. The very title was both a statement of intent and a conscious identifier, defining his sound and the purpose of his […]

The Legendary Trainhoppers “A Conspiracy of Ravens”

August 11, 2026 0

The new Legendary Trainhoppers is a foray into studied presence and simple things cherished Indiana based band The Legendary Trainhoppers have been at it since their 2006 release, Ramble On. This latest release, A Conspiracy of […]

More People Really Should Know About: Erik Koskinen

August 11, 2026 0

America’s 250th birthday was a low key affair for me, although my updated Spotify Independence Day playlist – ‘USA 250’ – received some airtime. Joining the usual suspects on this quintessential semiquincentennial version were some new […]

Articles by Martin Johnson

The Song Remains: Wayne Kramer (1948-2024)

Classic Clips: Greg Trooper “Green Eyed Girl” Live at McCabe’s – 21st October 2012

Interview: Kenny Wayne Shepherd on “Dirt On My Diamonds Vol.1”

Interview: Ida Mae’s Chris Turpin on “Thunder Above You”

Interview: Colin Cutler on his view of the American South through Flannery O’Connor’s eyes

Interview: Frank Turner reflects on 20 years of Campfire Punkrock

The Legendary Trainhoppers “A Conspiracy of Ravens”

More People Really Should Know About: Erik Koskinen

Cajun Corner – Summer 2026

Jeffrey Halford and The Healers “Used Parts”