Delbert McClinton once taught John Lennon a few harmonica tricks

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON DEC. 5, 2002 By Steve Newton To get a good idea of how admired Delbert McClinton is by today’s top country and roots artists, one need only check out the centre spread in the booklet for his new CD, Room to Breathe. It’s a black-and-white shot of McClinton in the studio, surrounded … Continue reading Delbert McClinton once taught John Lennon a few harmonica tricks

Richard Pryor’s convictions cut deep on Joe Henry’s Scar

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JUNE 21, 2001 By Steve Newton Richard Pryor is my favourite comedian of all time. Back in the ’70s I used to buy all his records; later on I’d go see all his concert movies, or rent them on video. And I couldn’t put down his brutally honest biography, … Continue reading Richard Pryor’s convictions cut deep on Joe Henry’s Scar

Patty Griffin learns how to live on Flaming Red

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JULY 16, 1998 By Steve Newton For her first album, 1996’s Living With Ghosts, Patty Griffin appeared alone, accompanied only by her acoustic guitar. On her new CD, Flaming Red, the 34-year-old singer-songwriter from Maine is in the company of more than a dozen musicians, including such stellar types … Continue reading Patty Griffin learns how to live on Flaming Red