Americana

Ethan Johns brings folk-flavoured solo work to Toronto

Best known as a producer for artists including Kings of Leon, Johns performs selections from his album If Not Now Then When? at the Drake on Aug. 3. By: Nick Krewen Music Published on Fri Aug 02 2013     Ethan Johns is finally experiencing life from the other side of the studio pane. Best known for his production skills — he’s overseen Laura Marling’s Once I Was an Eagle…


Willie Nelson charms Massey Hall crowd

It usually takes country music icon Willie Nelson and his backing band, The Family, a few numbers to get into that special groove of theirs. That was the case Thursday night in Toronto. Willie Nelson and The Family performing for a Toronto crowd at Massey Hall on June 20, 2013. Nick Krewen Music Published on Fri Jun 21 2013   Willie Nelson Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., Toronto, June 20…


Canadian Music Week: The White Buffalo in town for Great Hall gig

Canadian Music Week: The White Buffalo in town for Great Hall gig Folk and country singer has had six songs featured on hit TV show The Sons Of Anarchy By: Nick Krewen Special To The Star, Published on Wed Mar 20 2013   If you’re a fan of The Sons Of Anarchy, you’re probably aware of The White Buffalo’s music. The California native, who is also known as Jake Smith…


Iris DeMent wants songs to be worth the wait

By NICK KREWEN Special to the Star Fri., Oct. 19, 2012 The last time Grammy-nominated, Americana music siren Iris DeMent released an album of original songs, Lisa Marie Presley had divorced Michael Jackson; Diana, Princess of Wales was still among the living and social media was restricted to email. Not that it matters to the DeMent faithful who will pack Hugh’s Room to the rafters this weekend for a pair of…


Toronto’s Lindi Ortega a rising alt-country star in Nashville

Lindi Ortega brings her blues-infused songs opening for Social Distortion at Toronto’s Sound Academy. “I like evolving and learning and exploring what I’m interested in, and I wanted to show that musically,” says Lindi Ortega of her new disc, Cigarettes & Truckstops.   By: Nick Krewen Published on Wed Oct 17 2012 If Lindi Ortega’s star is rising so rapidly, then why is she singing the blues? The answer can…