Deep Roots Magazine

Deep Roots Magazine

Roots Music and Meaningful Matters

 
 

 

Leaving the Stillness of Peace in Its Wake

The first essential reissue of 2019, the French import ROBERTA MARTIN SINGERS: 1947-1962 charts the gold standard early years of this most influential African American mixed-voice gospel ensemble.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Bring ‘em Home: The Incompleat Listener’s Guide to Pete Seeger on Record

PETE SEEGER's album catalogue tally comes close to 100--so many we dare not suggest the 'essential' ones. So, how about some invaluable long players worthy of any collection? Part 2 of our Pete Seeger tribute.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Message Delivered

Chicago blues man DAVE SPECTER is back with his first album in four years, MESSAGE IN BLUE, and it's a keeper in the blues, soul and R&B categories all. Soul singer OTIS CLAY makes his Delmark label debut in spectacular fashion...
by David McGee
 

 
 

An Impromptu Requiem for a Slain President

Upon hearing the news from Dallas on November 22, 1963, the BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, conducted by ERICH LEINSDORF, offered an impromptu requiem for a slain President.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Remembering Raul Malo, Pt. 2

Interviews with RAUL MALO as his solo career unfolded, from 2001’s Today to 2010’s Sinners & Saints. Herewith the second part of the Deep Roots tribute to a generational artist, who passed away on December 8, 2025. 
by David McGee
 

 
 

And a Wonderland It Is…

On WINTER WONDERLAND, GEORGE GEE leads his Swing Orchestra on a festive romp through Yuletide favorites, with a twist...
by David McGee
 

 

 

Somewhere Between Heartache and Redemption

Balancing personal misfortune with spiritual redemption, CRYSTAL SHAWANDA is making a major movie with CHURCH HOUSE BLUES, her fourth blues album.
by David McGee
 

 
 

‘A Smoking-Hot Sanctified-Meets-Steel Workout’

According to gospel editor BOB MAROVICH, the LEE BOYS' new album, LIVE ON THE EAST COAST, 'doesn't blur the line between sacred and secular--it erases it altogether.'
by David McGee