Martin Johnson

The Song Remains: Shane MacGowan (1957-2023)

December 1, 2023 Martin Johnson 2

Irish cultural icon status should not obscure his artistic gifts as a sublime lyricist. Anyone catching the mainstream media on 30th November 2023 could not fail to be moved by the tributes to Shane MacGowan following […]

IV and the Strange Band “Hang Dog”

November 29, 2023 Martin Johnson 4

They may cover Bad Brains but this is still Southern roots music. The name of the band may appear perplexing but it is actually quite logical. IV is in fact Coleman Williams, the great-grandson of Hank […]

Interview: Louis Michot on why it has taken over 20 years to release a solo album

November 28, 2023 Martin Johnson 0

Louis Michot reveals himself to be more than simply a purveyor of Louisiana music. As a member of the Grammy award-winning Lost Bayou Ramblers and Michot’s Melody Makers singer-songwriter and fiddle player Louis Michot has released […]

Interview: Danny O’Keefe on making circular turns and having a good time

November 21, 2023 Martin Johnson 4

Still writing new songs in his ninth decade and celebrating his catalogue. Singer-songwriters write songs, and that is exactly what Danny O’Keefe has been doing all his working life, and he is still doing it in […]

Josh Radnor “Eulogy: Volume 1”

November 15, 2023 Martin Johnson 0

Saying goodbye to parts of life and welcoming the start of new chapters. Though his name may not be that familiar to UK audiences, Josh Radnor is a successful American actor and producer who won an […]

Lucinda Williams St Paul Theatre 14 April 2019

For the Sake of the Song: Lucinda Williams “Metal Firecracker”

September 28, 2026 0

There are songs that you love for the lyrics, songs that you love for the music; sometimes you get a song where both are so perfect you have a masterpiece. Lucinda Williams’ Metal Firecracker is the […]

Artwork for Ian Noe album"Canyon Falls Trailer Band"

Ian Noe “Canyon Falls Trailer Band”

September 28, 2026 0

Impressive collection of character-driven songwriting and classic country sounds. Kentuckian Ian Noe presents a diverse selection of sixteen original songs on his excellent new album, Canyon Falls Trailer Band. It’s Noe’s third release and the second […]

The Jayhawks live at the Electric Ballroom, Camden - 16th September 2026

Live Review: The Jayhawks, Electric Ballroom, Camden – 16th September 2026

September 28, 2026 0

About a decade ago, I formulated a new genre based on a particular guitar sound that would for several years be heard on Radio 2 after midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Bob Harris Country is […]

Articles by Martin Johnson

The Song Remains: Shane MacGowan (1957-2023)

IV and the Strange Band “Hang Dog”

Interview: Louis Michot on why it has taken over 20 years to release a solo album

Interview: Danny O’Keefe on making circular turns and having a good time

Josh Radnor “Eulogy: Volume 1”

For the Sake of the Song: Lucinda Williams “Metal Firecracker”

Ian Noe “Canyon Falls Trailer Band”

Live Review: The Jayhawks, Electric Ballroom, Camden – 16th September 2026

Bluegrass Briefs: Sociograss, Triple Fiddle, The Runaway Strings, Lindsay Lou

Jack Browning “Painted Skies”