BLUES & BEYOND: Let politics take a backseat in 2024
Allow blues and roots music to soothe your soul in the new year — Tinsley Ellis’ new record is a good start
With a presidential election to look forward to in 2024, there will be plenty of contentious pressure in the country — specifically in the “swing state” of Georgia — meaning we will all need relief from the onslaught of civic discourse for the next twelve months. Thankfully music is a perfect way to disconnect, if just for a short while, from the maelstrom of politics guaranteed to infiltrate our lives.
There are plenty of blues and roots oriented happenings to look forward to in 2024; the first major event occurs February 9.
That’s the release date of Tinsley Ellis’ new album. The all-acoustic outing is a first for our most visible and dogged road warrior/veteran blues rocker, who typically burns with his combination of plugged in guitar solos and a louder, more stringent attack, onstage and on recordings. But, for the appropriately titled Naked Truth, the longtime Atlanta resident dials down the volume, unplugs from the amps, and highlights his love of raw Piedmont and Delta blues and folk styles — only hinted at on previous albums — on a dozen songs for this, his 21st release. It’s again on the blues powerhouse indie label Alligator which, along with his months long solo tour to support it, guarantees substantial visibility for the project.
Only three tunes are covers (from Willie Dixon, Son House and, most interestingly, Leo Kottke) as Ellis rambles through shuffles, slow blues and even folksy fare such as the Jimmy Page-styled instrumental “Silver Mountain.” It’s a diverse and inclusive set displaying Ellis’s versatility and impressive six-string picking prowess honed through four decades of non-stop work in the blues/rock trenches starting with his work in the Alley Cats, then as frontman in this city’s beloved Heartfixers. His upcoming album release gig, is scheduled for Eddie’s Attic on Friday, Feb. 9, the day the album is first available, on both CD and gold metallic vinyl LP, is a must-see show.
While Ellis is listed as producer on Naked Truth, another Atlanta blues/soulman, Eddie 9V, gets a behind-the-boards credit for one selection, House’s “Death Letter Blues.” Eddie’s 2023 release, Capricorn, for the German Ruf label, received near universally positive reviews, as did his shows on the tour supporting it. He’s found a vital mentor in Ellis, whose assistance should provide him with invaluable help navigating the cutthroat roots/blues industry in 2024. Check out 9V’s first major local gig of the year at Terminal West, Saturday, Jan. 20.
With Atlanta the home of such vibrant and empowering blues and roots organizations as WRFG (whose four hour weekday block of Good Morning Blues programming remains one of the most inspirational and educational outlets for local and national blues music) and the award winning Atlanta Blues Society (with their aggressive community outreach and monthly gatherings showcasing local talent, as well as its hosting the Atlanta Blues Challenge and other events), the city has a built-in advantage exposing roots music to more listeners. Venues such as Fat Matt’s Rib Shack, Blind Willie’s, the Northside Tavern and Eddie’s Attic keep the blues flame burning, booking weekly shows with local and national acts in the, let’s call it Americana, genre.
Watch this column for features on Atlanta musicians and the music that can hopefully make us a little less frantic during 2024’s politically charged atmosphere.
Welcome the Chinese New Year of the Wood Dragon, representing authority, prosperity, and good fortune, with these colorful roots, blues and Americana events
Wed., Jan. 3
Donna the Buffalo, City Winery — Co-founders Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear remain at the heart of this ensemble whose debut arrived in 1993. Thirty years is a long time to keep any outfit going, especially when the backing members are constantly changing, but the duo’s joyous combination of rustic New Orleans music, country, folk, and lots of jamming has attracted and maintained a cult audience. Everyone leaves one of their shows smiling which itself is worth the cover charge, even if the seated venue doesn’t inspire the dancing the band’s music encourages. — Hal Horowitz
$26-36. 8:00 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791. citywinery.com/Atlanta
Thurs., Jan. 4
Joe Alterman, Eddie’s Attic — Newly wed soul/jazz piano whiz Alterman has released two albums this past year. The most recent, Joe Alterman Plays Les McCann rightfully attracted national attention, not least of which because it was supported by the 88 year old McCann himself, who remains a good friend of the Atlanta -based pianist. Both artists exude class, humor and charm, as effortlessly captured in Alterman’s covers. — Hal Horowitz
$20. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Fri., Jan. 5
John McEuen and the Circle Band, Eddie’s Attic — Ex-Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (for twenty-plus years) multi-instrumentalist McEuen is, at 77, a veteran of the bluegrass, folk music and Americana scenes. He also has a clutch of solo albums, all of which display his mastery of various stringed instruments and a catalog so deep, it’s impossible to say what he’ll play. But it’ll be roots music, cool and impeccably performed. — Hal Horowitz
$39.50. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Sun., Jan. 6
Canyon Ladies, Eddie’s Attic — Sing along to songs you know and probably love from women artists of the ‘70s and early ‘80s who defined the Laurel Canyon sound of melodic, often slick, countrified pop — think The Mamas and the Papas, Linda Ronstadt, and Joni Mitchell, etc. Despite the quintet’s name, only three of the members are women, but they carry the bulk of the vocals for covers of tunes that sound as fresh today as when they were recorded. — Hal Horowitz
$10-20. 6 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Tues., Jan. 9
Amy LaVere, Eddie’s Attic — The short woman playing her big old stand-up bass has written some terrific tunes both under her name and with the Motel Mirrors, a band she was a member of for a few years. LaVere’s girlish voice and jazzy/funky vibe combine on soulful, charismatic Americana that should be more popular than it is. And she always puts on a great show. — Hal Horowitz
$23. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Wed., Jan. 10
Kevn Kinney, Eddie’s Attic — Drivin’ N’ Cryin’s frontman/founder/singer-songwriter is an Atlanta icon. He has been so influential in the Americana scene over almost four decades that he is now the focus of a four CD collection of covers due out in 2024. Kinney’s catalog is so deep that you’re never sure what you’ll get and no two shows are the same. Plus he’s an engaging raconteur with some wild and wooly tales about life in a rock ’n’ roll band. — Hal Horowitz
$26. 9 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Thurs., Jan. 11
Sunny War, The EARL — Singer/songwriter War’s combination of folk, blues and gospel clicked on 2023sAnarchist Gospel, her fourth album which resonated with critics and audiences, landing on many shortlists as one of the finest of the year in her genre, although War rocks a little harder than the rest. She has attracted the attention of Jim James, Allison Russell and other vocalists who assist on the disc. — Hal Horowitz
$16-18. 8:00 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Fri., Jan. 12
Aaron Lee Tasjan, The EARL — There aren’t many glam/pop rockers from Nashville who have been members of both the New York Dolls and Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ but Aaron Lee Tasjan fits that unusual bill. His own albums are terrific, too, with 2021’s melodic pop rocking Tasjan!Tasjan!Tasjan! the best written and produced entry in his catalog. But once you see him tear it up live, his studio work pales in comparison. — Hal Horowitz
$20-23. 8:30 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
Jackson Stokes, The Ides of June, Smith’s Olde Bar — Any artist mentored by Devon Allman and Luther Dickinson, both of whom co-produced Stokes’ 2019 debut, is off to a rousing start. Stokes followed that release with this year’sPassengers Volume 1EP that further consolidated his soulful voice and bluesy pop. Arrive early for Atlanta’s The Ides of June’s tough, gutsy blues rocking. — Hal Horowitz
$12-15. 8:00 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sobatl.com
Sat. Jan. 13
Judy Collins, Buckhead Theatre — Now 84, the renowned Collins’ voice is as crystalline as you remember. And with six releases in the past six years, the iconic folk/pop artist shows no signs of slowing down. She wrote all of the original material for the 2022 song cycle, Spellbound, a first in her extensive career, and seems to be as creative and active now as at any time in her 60-plus (!) year run (her first album was released in 1961). Still, it’s hard to imagine she’ll be touring much longer — catch her now and bask in the glow of a living legend. — Hal Horowitz
$34.-64.+ 8:00 p.m. Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Rd. NE, 30305. 404-843-2825. thebuckheadtheatre.com
Sun., Jan. 14
Atlanta Blues Society Gathering and Jam, Olde Courthouse Tavern — Join The Trouble Tones as you connect with other blues fans at this month’s meet and greet. The closing jam of talented local musicians is always fun, with the energy of blues lovers contagious. — Hal Horowitz
Free. 3:00 p.m. Olde Courthouse Tavern, 105 Glynn St. South, Fayetteville, 30214. 404-693-4900. atlantabluessociety.org
Mon., Jan. 15
Charlatans UK, Ride, The Eastern — Time travel back to the ‘90s for this double dose of Brit indie rock power. Both bands released debuts in 1990 and made splashes on the college radio charts in the States…but never broke big commercially. Charlatans have continued releasing albums despite minimal U.S. impact with 2017’s Different Days a recent high point showing that they are as talented at writing edgy UK pop/rock as ever. An impressive double bill especially if you’re over 50. — Hal Horowitz
$37.50-43.00. 8:00 p.m. The Eastern, 777 Memorial Dr. SE., Atlanta, 30316. easternatl.com
Tues., Jan. 16
Chuck Prophet and Stephanie Finch, Eddie’s Attic — Despite a recent health scare, Americana singer/songwriter/rocker Prophet always delivers live, even when he leaves his amazing Mission Express band behind. He and wife Finch run through highlights from his bulging catalog of not-quite-hits with his usual aplomb and casually animated energy. He’s a great songwriter, an even better performer and when he lets loose on that beat up Telecaster for “You Did,” you’ll want him/them to play all night. — Hal Horowitz
$39.50-47.83. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Wed., Jan. 17
Dan Bern, Vanessa Peters, Eddie’s Attic — Singer/songwriter, folk rocker, author, and baseball superfan Bern has been banging around since 1997, releasing often humorous songs like “Adderall Holiday,” with their sharp observations, and making fans of icons like Emmylou Harris. He recently found semi-stardom writing and performing charming children’s tunes for Amazon’s “The Stinky and Dirty Show” and on his own album Four Feet Tall and Rising. His superb 2001 disc New American Language was just reissued so expect some tunes from that. — Hal Horowitz
$26.50. 9 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Thurs. Jan. 18
Charlie Starr and Benji Shanks, Buckhead Theatre — The Blackberry Smoke frontman returns with fellow Smoke member Shanks for another post-holiday duo show. Without the baggage of a band, Starr is free to explore lesser known tracks and charge into covers, many of the Southern rock variety, that have influenced him. It’s an acoustic, less intense gig than the ones with BS and a great way to get closer to Starr’s talents in a more intimate environment. — Hal Horowitz
$30.50-162.95. 8:00 p.m. Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Rd. NE, 30305. 404-843-2825. thebuckheadtheatre.com
Fri., Jan. 19
Bee Taylor, Smith’s Olde Bar — A multi-instrumentalist (though primarily a piano pounder), Taylor doesn’t just take the stage, she owns it. The woman is a force of nature, banging on those 88s with precision and power, while waving her arms in the air as she conjures up a gumbo of Dr. John-influenced New Orleans funk, rock ’n’ roll and country. She’ll make you a believer, and fan, after the first song. None of her albums capture the intensity of her live performances. Not to be missed. — Hal Horowitz
$15. 8:00 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. NE, 30324. 404-875-1522. sobatl.com
Foy Vance, City Winery — It never hurts to have famous friends in your corner (or a cool handlebar mustache), especially when you’re a struggling singer/songwriter. So it was a huge boost when Ed Sheeran and Elton John gave this Irish folk singer/songwriter the thumbs up, which immediately garnered Vance the attention of their mammoth fan bases. That was in 2016 . Vance’s star has been on the rise ever since. He is touring behind Signs of Life (2021),another soulful slice of sensitive folk/rock — and one of the finest albums of that year. — Hal Horowitz
$sold out. 8:00 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791. citywinery.com/Atlanta
Sat., Jan. 20
Greensky Bluegrass, The Eastern — This Michigan based quintet is another talented act among the recent trend of rock ’n’ rollers moving into the rustic bluegrass tent with dynamic shows and propulsive songs. They don’t need a drummer to deliver the rollicking string band goods, but as solid as their albums are (see Stress Dreams from 2022) onstage is where it all comes together. — Hal Horowitz
$35. 8:00 p.m. The Eastern, 777 Memorial Dr. SE., Atlanta, 30316. easternatl.com
Eddie 9V, Tyler Neal, Terminal West — If Atlanta is going to boast a “next-big-thing” in the soul/blues guitar slinger genre, it will be Eddie 9V. Having toured extensively in 2023, he is planning the same in 2024. Let’s give him a warm local welcome as he headlines his first major local gig of the year — along with his buddy Tyler Neal opening. — Hal Horowitz
$20-25. 8:00 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW Ste. C., Atlanta, 30318. 404-876-5566. terminalwestatl.com
Tues., Jan. 23
Parker Milsap and Robert Ellis, Eddie’s Attic — This double headliner pairs two Americana artists trading songs and between tunes banter. Milsap’s 2023 release, Wilderness Within You,found him dabbling in electronics, for better or worse, which at least showed he’s not afraid of trying something new. Ellis’s 2023 album was stripped down to hushed, jazzy, downbeat acoustic guitar strumming and snoozy vocals that will likely, err hopefully, get energized for the stage and with Milsap by his side. — Hal Horowitz
$32.26. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Tues., Jan. 23 and Wed. Jan. 24
Al DiMeola, City Winery — Ex-Return to Forever jazz/fusion/world music guitar master DiMeola has released dozens of solo albums, some plugged in, but most recently, acoustic. His stunning collection of Beatles interpretations from 2020 was a reminder of just how talented, subtle, and creative he is. On a good night, his shredding prowess is mind-blowing. This tour, his first after recovering from a heart attack, is titled “The Electric Years,” so expect fireworks. — Hal Horowitz
$55-100. 8:00 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791. citywinery.com/Atlanta
Thurs., Jan. 25
Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, The EARL — Call Shook alt-country, punk country, outlaw country, or just insurgent Americana, but they (she identifies as genderqueer) have released a great 2022 album in Nightroamer, one that captures the singer’s tough, snarling vocals and spikey roots rocking. The band is terrific, too, with a pedal steel player that brings the goods for even the most forceful rockers. A new album, Revelations, is due soon — expect some fresh tunes you haven’t heard before. — Hal Horowitz
$16-18. 8:30 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave.NE, Atlanta, 30316. 404-522-3950. badearl.com
The Record Company, Terminal West — Bluesy, stripped-down roots rocking is nothing new, but this threesome plays it like they invented the genre. Some Southern rock influences creep into their latest fourth release, unimaginatively titled The 4th Album, which, along with the blues at the heart of their sound, yields some great songs and invigorated performances. They’re not breaking any barriers but the music throbs and pulses with good melodies, solid playing and tough, barroom-friendly tunes. — Hal Horowitz
$25-30. 8:00 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW Ste. C., Atlanta, 30318. 404-876-5566. terminalwestatl.com
Fri., Jan. 26
AJ Ghent, Eddie’s Attic — Billed as “AJ Ghent and His Singing Guitar,” local slide six-string whiz lets his fingers do the talking, or rather singing, as he plays mostly instrumental tunes that don’t need a vocalist to shoot straight into your soul. Like Duane Allman, his music ranges from beautiful and heartfelt to searing. Ghent’s exquisite tone reveals more than most singers can. — Hal Horowitz
$26.50. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Fri., Jan. 26 and Sat Jan. 27
Lucinda Williams and Her Band, Variety Playhouse — The last time through town, iconic Americana artist Williams held court for four days at City Winery, telling stories and sharing songs from her deep, rich catalog. This time, it’s a two-night stand in a venue three times larger. She will likely read from her recent autobiography Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets and, of course, play music with her incredible band. Regardless of any past health issues (she’s a stroke survivor), she still sounds amazing — and, of course, her songs are classics. — Hal Horowitz
$49.50+. 8:00 p.m. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. NE. Atlanta, 30307. 404-504-7354. variety-playhouse.com
Tues. Jan. 30
The Milk Carton Kids, Buckhead Theatre — It’s the “I Only See the Moon” tour, named after the duo’s sixth, and most recent, album. Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan have been touring for over a decade, spreading their indie folk and Americana while gaining followers the old fashioned way. There’s some Simon and Garfunkel and Everly Brothers influence in their sumptuous harmonies, but their supple, stripped-down sound is unique and distinctive. And their dry humor between song banter is priceless. — Hal Horowitz
$30.-35+. 8:00 p.m. Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Rd. NE, 30305. 404-843-2825. thebuckheadtheatre.com
Elvis Costello & the Imposters, Charlie Sexton, Coca-Cola Roxy — The oddly named “The 7-0-7 Tour” takes Costello and his band through a clutch of Southern states. It’s always interesting to see which ringers Costello cherry-picks from his bloated catalog, — you’ll likely know a handful of older songs and won’t recognize many of the newer ones. Regardless, his long standing Imposters band injects jittery energy even to his most the obscure songs and he always brings it live. — Hal Horowitz
$64.00-247.00. 7:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Roxy, The Battery Atlanta, 800 Battery Ave. SE #500, 30339. livenation.com/venue/KovZ917ACc7/coca-cola-roxy-events
Wed., Jan. 31
Alexa Rose, Eddie’s Attic — Dulcet-voiced Rose weaves her Appalachian and Americana roots with early Joni Mitchell inspirations for contemporary folk that throbs with introspective passion. Her newest album, Headwaters (2021), expands slightly into rock, with a recent string enhanced cover of The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” co-sung with Matt Pond, having received well-deserved praise for its subtle, flowing approach. — Hal Horowitz
$20. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, 30030. 404-377-4976. eddiesattic.com
Thurs., Feb. 1
The Steel Wheels, City Winery — This Virginia-based quintet began as a straight ahead bluegrass band but has since moved into more indie Americana waters, albeit with hints of their roots. The songs flow with strong melodies and vocals, along with impeccable instrumentation. Expect fresh material from a new album, Sideways, that rocks a little harder than their previous material, due out in February. — Hal Horowitz
$22-32. 8:00 p.m. City Winery, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. NE., 30308. 404-496-3791. citywinery.com/Atlanta
Jackson Dean, Dee White, Mae Estes, Terminal West — Country rocker Dean has come a long way since his 2018 debut. His most recent EP, recorded at Nashville’s historic Ryman, gives you an idea of his approach, though most of his music is tougher and swampier than most contemporary country. Opener White is geared to sweet folk pop, and Estes’ supple classic C&W round out an impressive roots bill. — Hal Horowitz
$25. 8:00 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW Ste. C., Atlanta, 30318. 404-876-5566. terminalwestatl.com
Please send upcoming blues events to consider for CL’s Blues & Beyond concert calendar to hal.horowitz@creativeloafing.com.