It's dark, gritty and personal, and perhaps the clearest glimpse yet into the imagination of a brilliant singer-songwriter who just gets better and better. Southeastern, Jason Isbell's fourth studio record, listens like a collection of musical short stories.  Isbell's characters speak with clear voices, and generally in first person.  In several songs, they bring us face to face with death.  There's Andy, whose woman friend dies of cancer in Elephant.  "One thing is clear to me, no…

Blaze of Glory starts out with one, in the form of a uber-cool Todd Snider duet.  The playfully sung Love In The Wind sounds like two friends having a bit of fun with the help of a solid band playing a little throwback rock, and that's exactly what  it is.  It's a great start to a fine album.

Marshall Chapman's 13th record is a stroke of luck for laid back listeners.  It's perfect for the pool deck, patio, or porch swing while sipping a cold beer as the spring turns into…

Last night I broke the seal on a Jim Beam decanter

That looks like Elvis

I soaked the label off a Flintstone Jelly Bean jar

I cleared us off a place on that

One little table that you left us

And pulled me up a big ole piece of floor.



I pulled the head off Elvis

Filled Fred up to his pelvis

Yabba Dabba Doo, the King is gone…

I met Patty Griffin once.  Walked past her on the street in Telluride, then realized who she was.  Turned around without thinking and said, "Hello Ms. Griffin.  Looking forward to your show tomorrow night."  She stopped and acknowledged me, but she seemed a bit confused.  I said goodbye, took a few steps, then…