James McMurtry is an American rock and folk rock/americana singer, songwriter, guitarist, bandleader, and occasional actor. He performs with veteran bandmates Daren Hess, Cornbread, and Tim Holt. His father, novelist Larry McMurtry, gave him his first guitar at age seven.
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Ariella
Ariella (and Nicolaas)
Infusing Funk, Jazz and Samba with Blues Soul and Tango, Award winning International Touring artists Ariella and Nicolaas (video) have created a memorable ear-catching sound. Formed in September of 2013 they quickly became one of the top acts in their native Tampa Bay music scene, as evidenced by their nomination for best local group in Tampa Bay and Ari for best Jazz vocalist.
And they continue to excel as this comment on social media says: “They are so hot and steamy on stage, they should advertise themselves as “Viagra for the Soul!” Marvelous! Superb and Fun Musicians. 10 stars.” Visit them on Facebook
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Dawes
Dawes is an American folk-rock band that has spent the last decade and a half serving as the primary torchbearers for the “Laurel Canyon sound.” Formed in Los Angeles in 2009 following the dissolution of the post-punk band Simon Dawes, the group transitioned into a more organic, roots-oriented aesthetic. Led by brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith, the band quickly established itself as a critical darling, blending the poetic introspection of 1970s singer-songwriters with the muscular, live-performance energy of a seasoned rock ensemble. Their music is often described as timeless, evoking the ghost of Jackson Browne, the harmonies of Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and the gritty guitar sensibilities of Neil Young.At the heart of the band’s identity is Taylor Goldsmith’s songwriting. He is widely regarded as one of his generation’s most gifted lyricists, possessing an uncanny ability to spin conversational phrases into profound existential observations. His songs often function as short stories, populated by characters grappling with the passage of time, the nuances of modern love, and the quiet tragedies of everyday life. This narrative depth is anchored by his brother Griffin’s drumming, which is characterized by a melodic, soulful touch that provides the band’s rhythmic backbone. Together, their sibling chemistry creates a telepathic musical foundation that has remained the group’s constant through various lineup changes.The band’s discography serves as a chronicle of their evolution from retro-leaning folk-rockers to sophisticated studio craftsmen. Their debut album, North Hills, was recorded live to analog tape, capturing a warm, hazy atmosphere that felt like a rediscovered relic from 1971. As they progressed through albums like Nothing Is Wrong and Stories Don’t End, their sound expanded to include more polished production and adventurous arrangements. However, they never lost the “live in a room” feel that makes their records feel intimate and authentic. By the time they reached All Your Favorite Bands, they had solidified their status as a premiere live act, known for extended jams and a rotating setlist that rewards a dedicated, cult-like following.In recent years, Dawes has navigated a significant transition. After the departure of long-time members Wylie Gelber and Lee Pardini, the Goldsmith brothers decided to continue as a duo, a move reflected in their ninth studio album, Oh Brother (2024). This latest era emphasizes the raw connection between the two siblings, stripping back some of the auxiliary instrumentation to focus on the interplay between Taylor’s guitar and Griffin’s percussion. Despite the smaller core membership, the band continues to tour with a robust live lineup, maintaining their reputation for high-energy performances that bridge the gap between indie-folk and classic stadium rock.Ultimately, Dawes occupies a unique space in the modern musical landscape. They are a band’s band, frequently invited to back legendary artists like Jackson Browne, Robbie Robertson, and Elvis Costello. They have avoided the fleeting trends of the digital age, opting instead for a career built on craftsmanship, touring, and a deep respect for the tradition of American songwriting. For their fans, a Dawes song is more than just a melody; it is a mirror reflecting the complexities of growing up and growing older in an ever-changing world.Dawes-FB page
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Ronnie Baker Brooks
Ronnie Baker Brooks is a prominent American Chicago blues and soul blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has carved out a unique identity while honoring his “blues royalty” lineage as the eldest musical son of the late legendary Lonnie Brooks. Born in Chicago in 1967, he has emerged as one of the most electrifying and innovative bluesmen, blending traditional Chicago blues with elements of soul, electric blues, rock, and funk.
Brooks began his musical journey at an early age, first performing on stage with his father at just nine years old. He initially joined his father’s band as a roadie, working his way up through hard work and determination before becoming the full-time second guitarist. He learned not only from his father but also from blues greats such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, and Koko Taylor. Koko Taylor notably told him, “You learn from your daddy everything you can. And one day, it’ll be up to you to carry the blues forward,” a mandate he took to heart.
Embarking on a solo career in 1998 with his debut album Golddigger, Brooks established his own sound and label, Watchdog Records, which also released Take Me Witcha (2001) and the critically acclaimed The Torch (2006). His music is often described as witty, soulful, and ferociously energetic, with “astonishing guitar work” and a powerful stage presence. He views his role as a bridge between the traditional blues of his mentors and the younger generation, incorporating modern musical influences like hip-hop to ensure the genre’s continued evolution.
Ronnie’s 2017 album, Times Have Changed, produced by Steve Jordan, featured collaborations with an array of talent, including Bobby “Blue” Bland in one of his final recorded works.
Blues in My DNA, released in October 2024 on Alligator Records, marks his debut on the prestigious label that was home to his father. The album has been a major success, earning Brooks three 2025 Blues Music Awards: “Song of the Year” for the title track, “Contemporary Blues Album of the Year,” and “Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year”. This recognition solidifies his place in the upper echelons of the blues world, an honor he now embraces with pride rather than obligation.
