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.

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 […]

TJ’s Summer Sonic Six Pack [Parker Millsap, Nicki Bluhm, Speedbuggy and more]

TJ’s Summer Sonic Six Pack [Parker Millsap, Nicki Bluhm, Speedbuggy and more]

By Brian Rock Summer’s here and the time is right… for updating your backyard BBQ and road trip playlists. With so many great new releases this summer, it’s hard to focus on just one. So, […]

Tami Neilson’s Sassafrass

Tami Neilson’s Sassafrass

By Brian Rock Tami Neilson is a woman of contradictions. Born in Canada, she resides in New Zealand. An award-winning Country singer, she infuses her music with Soul. A hard-hitting social commentator, she wraps her […]

Luke Winslow-King’s Blue Mesa

Luke Winslow-King’s Blue Mesa

By Brian Rock Luke Winslow-King’s sixth album, Blue Mesa could just as easily have been called “Blues Mesa.” Each of the ten Blues-infused Americana songs on this album stands out like a painted mesa against […]

Jeff Plankenhorn’s Sleeping Dogs

Jeff Plankenhorn’s Sleeping Dogs

By Brian Rock Jeff Plankenhorn leads us into the dog days of summer with his second album, Sleeping Dogs. After years of proving himself as one of the most sought-after guitars for hire in the […]

Don Gallardo’s Still Here

Don Gallardo’s Still Here

By Brian Rock After fifteen years in the music business with four previous studio albums and one live album, Don Gallardo wants you to know that he’s, Still Here. On this, his fifth studio album, […]