Deep Roots Magazine

Deep Roots Magazine

Roots Music and Meaningful Matters

 
 

 

Musical Memories

From his MUSICAL MEMORIES memoir, CAMILLE SAINT-SAENS reflects on the legacy and standing of his Romantic-era contemporary, M. JULES MASSENET
by David McGee
 

 
 

The First ‘First Thanksgiving’

THE FIRST 'FIRST THANKSGIVING'--More than half a century before the Pilgrims landed on American shores, Spanish settlers in what is now St. Augustine, Florida, celebrated a lavish Thanksgiving dinner celebration and Mass of Tha...
by David McGee
 

 

 

Kicking It Up a Notch (or Two, or…)

KENNY 'BLUES BOSS' WAYNE comes out rockin' and rarely lets up on GO, JUST DO IT! In a tour de force performance, the Piano Hall of Fame inductee offers 10 original songs and terrific covers of two PERCY MAYFIELD tunes and a JJ ...
by David McGee
 

 
 

‘A Particular Anarchic Brand of Music Theater’

In the spirit of The Residents, London's BASTARD ASSIGNMENTS make their album debut with 'a particular anarchic brand of music theater,' according to our ROBERT HUGILL. Read on....
by David McGee
 

 

 

‘Tenor Hits From the Age of the Talkies’

Reigning tenor king JONAS KAUFFMAN assays a charming collection of songs from a special time in Germany's history, the era of Sally Bowles and the Kit Kat Club
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Yuletide Report From the Chairman of the Board

Revised and updated, this appraisal of Frank Sinatra's Christmas recordings as an art form unto themselves was first published in TheBluegrassSpecial.com in 2008.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Cleotha Staples, 78, Is Called Home

Remembering CLEOTHA STAPLES, Pops Staples' firstborn child and a vital element in the Staple Singers' success. Afflicted with Alzheimer's, Ms. Staples died in her Chicago home on Feb. 21.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Flame Burns Bright

A terrific record by any standard, On Down the Line illustrates Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper's elevated cohesion and vibrant interplay even as it highlights the selflessness the bandleader brings to his calling.
by David McGee