Martin Johnson

The Song Remains: Chris Strachwitz (1931-2023)

May 9, 2023 Martin Johnson 0

Arhoolie Records laid the foundation for the appreciation of American roots music. Chris Strachwitz, folklorist, musicologist and founder of Arhoolie Records died on 7th May from heart failure. There is no way of knowing how many […]

The Song Remains: Gordon Lightfoot (1938-2023)

May 3, 2023 Martin Johnson 8

His songs reflect his personal experiences and love of Canada, but his music travelled the world. Gordon Lightfoot died on Monday, 1st May, in a Toronto hospital of undisclosed causes, having worked actively until 2022. It […]

Interview: Tom Ovans on why 4-track recording can still deliver music relevant to 2023

May 2, 2023 Martin Johnson 2

If you are born to be a musician and singer-songwriter you just keep doing what you do. Integrity is a rare thing in music, and it is something that artists who have it can easily lose […]

Interview: The Davisson Brothers’ Chris Davisson on celebrating Appalachia with some Nashville jam

April 25, 2023 Martin Johnson 0

Mixing jamband creativity and electricity with country and bluegrass to make mountain rock. Regular visitors to Americana UK will be aware of the ongoing debate about what is and isn’t americana. The Davisson Brothers Band, a […]

Interview: Eric Bibb on ridin’ to a career-high

April 18, 2023 Martin Johnson 0

Following in the footsteps of Taj Mahal making the blues a relevant contemporary art form. Contemporary bluesman Eric Bibb may be 72 this year but this is not reflected in his recent work rate, releasing 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 1

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