July 2020

Cover Story

Rickie Lee Jones puts down roots in New Orleans, and touches fans worldwide with intimate live-stream shows
When OffBeat asked me to write the April cover story on Rickie Lee Jones for their French Quarter Fest issue, she… – Cree McCree

Throw All Your Racist Stuff in the River: A Convo with Pastor Gregory Manning
A conversation with Gregory P. Manning, pastor of the Broadmoor Community Church in New Orleans and a community activist with organizations… – Noé Cugny
Who’s Your Mac Daddy? Singer Gregg Martinez swung for the fences on his new album
The last few years must seem like a tsunami of change for blue-eyed, paint-peeling soul singer Gregg Martinez (pronounced Mart-nez). A… – Dan Willging
Grayson Capps and Trina Shoemaker’s personal and professional histories spark magic
Grayson Capps, a literary singer-songwriter whose songs exemplify hardscrabble existence, considered releasing a “best of” collection. His companion, Trina Shoemaker, had… – John Wirt

Beth Patterson collaborates with prog-rock band Yes
What do you do if you've just written a resonant song about life under shutdown? If you're Beth Patterson, you call… – Brett Milano
My Music with Leon "Kid Chocolate" Brown
The following is Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter and songwriter Leon "Kid Chocolate" Brown discussing his new song, "Before Your Time," in his… – Amanda "Bonita" Mester
BUKU and Upbeat Academy launch Take Action Project to combat oppression
The team behind the BUKU Music + Art Project in partnership with Upbeat Academy has emerged from the chaos leading to… – Amanda "Bonita" Mester

Johnny Vidacovich talks back
With ’Bout Time, Johnny Vidacovich adds a career-defining album to his more than 100 recordings. ’Bout Time features the master drummer… – John Wirt

Letters to the Editor, OffBeat Magazine July 2020
Spencer Bohren I have Spencer’s memorial program on a shrine in my office. A few days before the new Write Brothers… – OffBeat Readers

In Memoriam: Phil Phillips (1926-2020)
Phil Phillips, a smooth-voiced South Louisiana musical giant, who recorded the timeless 1959 hit “Sea of Love,” died March 14, according… – Jeff Hannusch

Christian Simeon, Sorry For Not Being Sorry (Nepotism Records)
Christian Simeon sure is an interesting cat. While he draws inspiration from such titan songwriters as Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams and… – Dan Willging
Kid Krill, Down on Royal Street (Independent)
Some of those busking musicians really know their stuff. Kid Krill is a Royal Street regular who’s also a first-rate blues… – Brett Milano
Burke Ingraffia, Waves (Divine Mercy)
Warmth and patience are the first words that come to mind upon hearing the opening strains of “Waves,” the title track… – Lilli Lewis
Travis Matte and the Kingpins, Cuttin Up (Mhat Productions)
Travis Matte and the Kingpins’ latest release is dubbed Cuttin Up, but such a title could apply to anything in its… – Dan Willging
Borealis Rex, Dawn ’Til Done (Drag Snake Records)
Borealis Rex’ debut EP, Cut Your Teeth, included one of my favorite tracks of 2019, “Take It Out On Me.” It's… – Brett Milano
Bad Moon Lander, Chinese Lanterns (Bubble Bath)
Punk rock lives on the Northshore. Based in Covington and Mandeville, Bad Moon Lander specializes in fast and furious audio assaults.… – John Wirt