Martin Johnson

Interview: Chris Leslie on how a schoolboy fan eventually joined Fairport Convention

October 24, 2023 Martin Johnson 0

Achieving longevity through continually moving forward and not getting stuck in the past. It is that time of the year and Fairport Convention have started their 2023 Autumn Tour in what is their 56th year. This […]

VERSIONS: “Get Rhythm”

October 20, 2023 Martin Johnson 2

Johnny Cash had originally wanted to record gospel songs for Sam Phillip’s Sun Records in Memphis but he only got a record contract when he came back with some rockabilly-style songs he had written. At the […]

Classic Clips: Ry Cooder, Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White “You Must Unload” – 3rd April 2016 at The Ryman

October 20, 2023 Martin Johnson 0

As a young bluegrass player, Ricky Skaggs was part of the group of musicians that included Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas, and Sam Bush who kept the bluegrass fires burning in the ‘70s. Though he definitely had […]

The Song Remains: Dwight Twilley (1951-2023)

October 20, 2023 Martin Johnson 6

Power Pop original who influenced future generations of musicians. There has been a sense of shock in the music world with the announcement that Dwight Twilley has departed this life. Dwight Twilley with his friend Phil […]

Glen Hansard “All That Was East Is West Of Me Now”

October 18, 2023 Martin Johnson 0

Age just makes Glen Hansard’s artistic light burn brighter. Irish rock band The Frames have released seven studio albums, and with ‘All That Was East Is West Of Me Now’ their frontman, Glen Hansard notches up […]

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

Interview: Chris Leslie on how a schoolboy fan eventually joined Fairport Convention

VERSIONS: “Get Rhythm”

Classic Clips: Ry Cooder, Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White “You Must Unload” – 3rd April 2016 at The Ryman

The Song Remains: Dwight Twilley (1951-2023)

Glen Hansard “All That Was East Is West Of Me Now”

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”