Articles written by: Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.

M. Lockwood Porter’s Communion In The Ashes

M. Lockwood Porter’s Communion In The Ashes

By Brian Rock M. Lockwood Porter’s fourth album, Communion In The Ashes. offers hope amidst the social unrest and uncertainty of our times. With inevitable comparisons to Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen sure to follow, […]

Ted Russell Kamp’s Walkin’ Shoes

Ted Russell Kamp’s Walkin’ Shoes

By Brian Rock Ted Russell Kamp invites you to lace up your comfy sneakers and join him on a musical stroll on his 11th studio release, Walkin’ Shoes. Riding a streak of four consecutive “Top […]

Dale Watson Call Me Lucky

Dale Watson Call Me Lucky

By Brian Rock Legendary Texas troubadour Dale Watson has been called many things from Honky-Tonk hero to Ameripolitan ambassador to just plain crazy. But now he wants you to call him by his new nickname […]

JD McPherson Releases Christmas Album Socks

JD McPherson Releases Christmas Album Socks

By Brian Rock JD McPherson is ready to sock it to your tired old Christmas playlist with his festive new release, Socks. McPherson wraps his righteous roots rock riffs in a big ol’ sparkly bow […]

Uncle Ben’s Remedy: The Things That Bring You Back

Uncle Ben’s Remedy: The Things That Bring You Back

TJ ARTIST PROFILE: Uncle Ben’s Remedy HOME BASE: Western New York PROFESSION: What you do when you can’t afford to keep playing music HOBBIES: Trying to keep our shitty equipment and bus in working order, […]

Mandy Barnett’s Strange Conversation

Mandy Barnett’s Strange Conversation

By Brian Rock Nashville torch singer, Mandy Barnett speaks volumes on her new release, Strange Conversation. After making a career as Patsy Cline’s foremost musical disciple by starring in “Always…Patsy Cline” at the Ryman Theater […]

Grand Old Grizzly’s Pure Country Pyrite

Grand Old Grizzly’s Pure Country Pyrite

By Brian Rock Grand Old Grizzly strikes gold with their third release, Pure Country Pyrite. Recalling a time before the genre was populated by singer songwriters, folksters, and AAA friendly artists, Grand Old Grizzly captures […]

Mike Farris’s Silver & Stone

Mike Farris’s Silver & Stone

By Brian Rock “Do you like good music – ah, that sweet Soul music?” If so, then Mike Farris’ new album is definitely for you. Still riding the wave from his 2015 Gospel Grammy Award […]

Jason Eady’s I Travel On

Jason Eady’s I Travel On

By Brian Rock Jason Eady plays non-hyphenated Country music for grown-ups. His seventh album, I Travel On, is a collection of smokin’ Honky-Tonkers and story ballads packed with tales from the road and from life’s […]

Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail Lewis Get Wild! Wild! Wild!

Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail Lewis Get Wild! Wild! Wild!

By Brian Rock Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail Lewis get wild on their new collaboration, Wild! Wild! Wild! Robbie Fulks brings his critically acclaimed songwriting sensibilities and Linda Gail Lewis brings the “Killer” piano chops […]

The Record Company’s All Of This Life

The Record Company’s All Of This Life

By Brian Rock The Record Company is back to business with their second release All Of This Life. Every bit as primal and energetic as their critically acclaimed debut, the new album confirms the band’s […]

Left Arm Tan’s El Camino

Left Arm Tan’s El Camino

By Brian Rock Left Arm Tan is ready to hit the road with their fourth album, El Camino. Conjuring the image of a windows-down road trip, Left Arm Tan (LAT) perfectly captures the sun-drenched sound […]