Lee Zimmerman
Lee Zimmerman is an accomplished writer, blogger and reviewer. He contributes to several publications but remains most proud of his work with American Songwriter. His book — Americana Music: Voices, Visionaries and Pioneers of an Honest Sound — is published by Texas A&M University Press.
ALBUM REVIEW•Various Artists - Americana Railroad
Former Textone Carla Olson and an all-star cast of contributors bring the seminal sounds of the American West to full fruition.
INTERVIEW•In Conversation: Judy Collins
In a career that spans some 60 years, Judy Collins has witnessed the continued rise of modern folk music while remaining as remarkably prolific as ever.
ESSENTIALS•The Best Neil Young Songs
Neil Young defines what it means to be a musical chameleon. Here is Holler's list of some of his best songs.
ALBUM REVIEW•Tammy Rogers & Thomm Jutz - Surely Will Be Singing
Archival music effectively replicated by two storied superstars
ALBUM REVIEW•BRELAND - Cross Country
Defying genre divide, a promising newcomer makes a diversified debut
ESSENTIALS•The Best June Carter Cash Songs
A member of the famed Carter Family, June Carter Cash claims an important role in establishing the template for traditional Americana and trailblazing a sound that resonates even today.
ALBUM REVIEW•Neil Young and Crazy Horse - Barn
There’s something assuring about this combination, like the comfortable fit of an old flannel shirt.
ALBUM REVIEW•SUSTO - Time In The Sun
Ultimately, Time In The Sun is an album of conflicting attitudes and emotions, but one that also allows hope to persevere.
STAFF PICKS•Melissa Carper - Ramblin' Soul
Retro and relevant, sassy and seductive, Ramblin' Soul gives Melissa Carper solid standing as an essential artist.
ALBUM REVIEW•The Dead South - Easy Listening for Jerks Part 1 and Part 2
With their latest endeavor - a pair of companion EPs consisting of covers - The Dead South probe new environs
ALBUM REVIEW•David Quinn - Country Fresh
A ragtag cowboy explores the highs and lows of the great American West
INTERVIEW•Pony Bradshaw: A Novel Perspective
Drawing inspiration from a love of literature, Pony Bradshaw creates distinct personas and a world of tales on his new album North Georgia Rounder
ALBUM REVIEW•Noah Guthrie - Blue Wall
With his new album, Noah Guthrie creates his own wailing wall
ALBUM REVIEW•Steve Earle & The Dukes - JERRY JEFF
The relentless renegade displays his admiration for an influential icon.
ESSENTIALS•The Best Cody Jinks Songs
Given his renegade reputation and off-kilter attitude, it’s little surprise that Cody Jinks has gained such a storied stature within the Americana community.
ALBUM REVIEW•Elvie Shane - Backslider
It’s clear that Shane is well-positioned to carve a niche as a popular contemporary country performer; he clearly possesses the energy and enthusiasm needed to do so. Suffice it to say, Backslider offers him the means to keep moving forward.
ALBUM REVIEW•Say ZuZu - Here Again: A Retrospective (1994-2002)
Say what? A new compilation offers a few good reasons why Say ZuZu may be worth more than a mention.
ALBUM REVIEW•Mama's Broke - Narrow Line
Two sisters in song continue a journey informed by their encounters in far-reaching travels
ALBUM REVIEW•Myron Elkins - Factories, Farms & Amphetamines
21-year-old newcomer makes a formidable impression with his taut and tenacious debut
ALBUM REVIEW•Willie Nelson - The Willie Nelson Family
Yet another outing by America’s most invincible icon, assisted this time by family and friends.
ESSENTIALS•The Best Justin Townes Earle Songs
It’s tempting to frame Justin Townes Earle within the darker designs that shadowed his life and career, but his artistic achievements are underscored by a lingering legacy.
ALBUM REVIEW•Joshua Ray Walker - See You Next Time
See You Next Time invokes the image of an all-night dive bar that offers safe haven for lovers, losers, drifters and dreamers whose hopes and aspirations always remain just out of reach.
ESSENTIALS•The Best Alabama Songs
Alabama set the precedent for the idea of bands, as opposed to individuals, finding success within contemporary country realms
ALBUM REVIEW•Trampled By Turtles - Alpenglow
With their new album, the nu-grass pioneers offer an evocative look at life’s uncertainties.
INTERVIEW•In Conversation: Molly Tuttle
To those who have watched her rapid ascent to the top ranks of Americana’s elite, Molly Tuttle could be considered something of a phenomenon.
LONG READ•A Life In Focus: The Photography of Graham Nash
Graham Nash joins Holler to discuss his new photo journal, recalling music, memories and magic.
INTERVIEW•Ten Year Town: The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Jeff Hanna reflects on the changes that have overtaken Music City over the decades, speaking to the recognition the iconic Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have reaped as a result.
ALBUM REVIEW•Zac Brown Band - The Comeback
Granted, Brown’s good-ole-boy persona never drifts far from the surface, and any number of tracks reinforce that notion. In that regard, The Comeback resonates exactly as intended.
INTERVIEW•A Guide To: Charley Pride
Those familiar with Pride’s work will easily understand why he was so successful. Here is a selective sampling of 15 of his best songs, from a broad catalogue that has stood the test of time.
GUIDE•A Guide to: The 10 Best Emerging Acts From AmericanaFest 2021
One of the real joys AmericanaFest has to offer is not only the opportunity to enjoy more familiar fare, but also to discover new up-and-coming performers who are showcasing their music for the first time.
ALBUM REVIEW•Early James - Strange Time To Be Alive
With his second album, Early James offers insight into an unsettled state of mind. Here's Holler's album review of Strange Time To Be Alive.
ALBUM REVIEW•Cowboy Junkies - Songs of the Recollection
Longtime Americana staples apply their low-cast vision to a series of standards of the vintage variety
ESSENTIALS•The Best Bob Dylan Country Songs
While Bob Dylan isn’t always thought of as curator of country music, he was one of the single most influential early instigators of rock’s crossover to country. Here's Holler's list of his best country songs.
INTERVIEW•Home Sweet Home: The Deslondes
The band’s common love for New Orleans is a bond that forever remains intact, and the varied influences infused in their music continues to reflect that relationship.
ALBUM REVIEW•Phil Madeira - Bliss
It’s the unabashed enthusiasm infused in every song in this set that gives the album an indelible identity. Little wonder then that Bliss is so consistent and contagious.
ESSENTIALS•The Best Billy Strings Songs
Disproving the age-old adage that youth is wasted on the young, Billy Strings has built a remarkable reputation as one of today’s best pickers and players.