Jamey Johnson, "The Guitar Song." A double CD from a country artist that adds a rock edge but actually still sounds like a country record. Great songwriting, great guitar work. "Crossroads - Eric Clapton Guitar Festival 2010" DVD. If you are a guitar freak, or just a blues lover, this DVD set is packed with all-star jams. Players include Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Warren Haynes, Robert Randolph, Derek Trucks, ZZ Top, Steve Winwood, James Burton and B.B. King, to name a few. Blu-ray is a plus!
JEFF TAUBE, MIDAMERICA TALENT, BLOOMINGTON
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Abigail Washburn, "A Prairie Home Companion." Backed by a small combo, the singer/banjo player created compelling chamber folk-bluegrass. That live-on-the-radio taste of Washburn drove me to her new CD, "City of Refuge," a rewarding exploration of acoustic roots music.
Bob Dylan signs six-book deal with Simon & Schuster. Reports promise two more volumes of his "Chronicles" memoirs (2004's "Volume One" was superb), a book about his Sirius XM radio show and two more books. We hope he can find time to write between concerts on his Neverending Tour.
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Varsity. The Vermont howler has the voice (she can scream and coo), the looks and stage presence to be a rock star. There's nothing original about her classic-rock sound (think Tina Turner, Black Crowes, Heart) but she and the Nocturnals delivered it with verve and personality.
JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE
