Category: Acoustic Music

Friday We’ve Got ‘Drivin’ Songs’, a Tim Hardin Spotlight, and Brand New Live Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, August 2, 2024

Good morning, musicologists and welcome to the cusp of the weekend here in The Mermaid Lounge. We’ve got a pretty cool lineup here for you today, starting with a dose of driving songs.

Here’s your Friday lineup:

10:00 a.m. Drivin’ Songs: Various Artists

Not merely songs about being in a car or driving somewhere, but songs that give you lead foot. There are many. Radar Love by Golden Earring comes to mind, and that’s just one of the songs you’ll hear in this great multi-artist playlist.

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Tim Hardin

Tim Hardin’s heroin addiction kept him from greatness, yet he remains one of the most consequential artists of the folk movement in America. Today we put him In the Spotlight.

8:00 p.m. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Live at The Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Town Park, Telluride, CO, June 23, 1989 NEW!

This is our first-ever live performance by this enduring band that has graced the musical airwaves for more than half a century now. In this particular show, they bring along special guests Bruce Hornsby and Michael Martin Murphy.

It’s Friday. We’re nearly there, folks; just one more day. Hang in there with us all day today and your day will be better! Just hit the button below.

Friday is Here!

Monday Brings Bob Dylan Live With The Heartbreakers, Eva Cassidy and Our ‘Folk Music From A-To-Z’ EP, July 29, 2024

Good morning, workforce! We’re back at it already, but we’ve got some great musical programming to get you through the day.

Here’s your Monday, Monday lineup:

10:00 a.m. Bob Dylan with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Live at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, NY, July 4, 1986

Dylan and his band of choice for the True Confessions Tour back in ’86!

2:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Eva Cassidy

Eva Cassidy left us far too soon, passing at the age of just 33. However, while she was on this planet she made the best of her time using her soprano voice to interpret jazz, folk and blues music. We’ve got her In The Spotlight this afternoon.

5:00 p.m. Folk Music From A-To-Z: Various Artists

We have a late-in-the-day airing of our big, bad folk EP today where you’ll hear John Prine, Dave Van Ronk, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul & Mary, Odetta, Cat Stevens, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Beatles, Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, The Band, Tom Rush, Eric Andersen, Judy Collins, Nanci Griffith, Jesse Winchester, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Lead Belly, Tim Hardin, The Kingston Trio, Simon & Garfunkel, Richie Havens, James Taylor, Phil Ochs, Harry Chapin, Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt, The Carter Family, Neil Young and more!

Before, in between, and after we’ve got our big, wide Open Stream of more than 27,000 songs to get you through. Just use the button below.

Just Push Play.

It’s Joni Mitchell Live at Newport, Volume Two of ‘The Sixties Rotation’ and Johnny Rivers at The Whiskey, on Sunday Funday, July 28, 2024

Good morning, musicologists. You know, the weekend really does pass too quickly, but it isn’t over quite yet. We’ve got a full day of great music for you today.

Here’s your Sunday Funday lineup:

9:00 a.m. Joni Mitchell Live at The Newport Folk Festival, Newport, RI, July 24, 2022 NEW!

Joni Mitchell returned to the Newport Folk Festival after a 53-year absence absolutely electrifying the event. It was a complete and totally unexpected surprise since she had retired from all public performances after her 2015 aneurism. It was her first full concert since 2000. We’ve got it for you this morning.

12:00 p.m. The Sixties Rotation: Volume Two

We spend the afternoon in the Wayback Machine with our sixties friends. You’ll her The Mamas & The Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, Buffalo Springfield, Sly & The Family Stone, The Temptations, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Roy Orbison, The Beatles, The Yardbirds, The Animals, Judy Collins, The Ronettes, The Kinks, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jimmy Cliff, The Byrds, Chuck Berry, James Brown, Blind Faith, Spencer Davis Group, CSNY, B. B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, The Doors and more!

8:00 a.m. Johnny Rivers Live at The Whiskey A Go Go, West Hollywood, CA, January 15, 1964

Johnny Rivers, one of the most unappreciated artists of the sixties, presided over the grand opening of the iconic Whiskey back in 1964. We’ve also got that one for you today.

Here’s the thing about all of this. We play stuff you’re not going to hear anywhere else. It’s as simple as that. We listen to a great sixties station at work, but it’s the same playlist day in and day out. That’s not how it works here. See for yourself.

See the Difference for Yourself.

We Spend Friday With Linda Ronstadt & Her Friends, ‘One Hit Wonders’ and Sam Cooke Live in Miami, July 19, 2024

Good morning, musicologists! We have made it to Friday once again and we’re packed with some great programming today from Ronstadt and her many singing friends, some ‘One Hit Wonders’ from the sixties and Sam Cooke live in Miami, vintage 1963.

Here’s your Friday lineup:

10:00 a.m. Linda Ronstadt & Friends: Duets and More

In site of her amazing solo career, Linda Ronstadt always preferred to sing as part of a bigger whole, perhaps because she grew up singing with her family. She has indeed been in very good company from a musical perspective. You will hear her with Hoyt Axton, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, J.D. Souther, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Paul Simon, Wendy Waldman, Valerie Carter, Maria Muldaur, Neil Young and more!

3:00 p.m. One-Hit Wonders: Sixties Style

Every generation has them, and the sixties are no exception. You’ll hear Mama Cass, Merilee Rush, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, The Exciters, The Edwin Hawkins Singers, The Nashville Teens, The Standells, The Youngbloods, Scott McKenzie, The Contours, The Easybeats, Bobby Hebb, Robert Knight and more!

8:00 p.m. Sam Cooke Live at The Harlem Square Club, Miami, FL, January 12, 1963

The late and undeniably great main event known as Sam Cooke delivers a live performance to close out today’s programming. There’s a reason why Sam Cooke is universally known as the ‘King of Soul’ for his contributions to the genre.

It’s a great day to tune us in because it’s FRIDAY! We’re on 24/7 and we’re totally free. And before, in between and after this great programming we deliver our big, wide Open Stream!

Hit the Button!

The Ladies Open Up Tuesday Bluesday, Followed by Robert Johnson and Jimi Hendrix, July 2, 2024

Good morning, bluesologists! We’ve got yet another great Tuesday Bluesday in store for you all today, beginning with our ‘Ladies Sing The Blues’ multi-artist EP.

Here’s your Tuesday Bluesday lineup:

9:00 a.m. Ladies Sing The Blues: Various Artists

The ladies are large and in charge to start the festivities, including Billie Holliday, Big Mama Thornton, Ruth Brown, Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, Koko Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Christine McVie, Marcia Ball, Ellen McIlwaine, Susan Tedeschi, Irma Thomas, Tracy Nelson, Etta James, Linda Ronstadt, Sippie Wallace, Bessie Smith, Shawn Murphy, Angela Strehli, Aretha Franklin, The Blues Broads and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Robert Johnson

Although Johnson’s recording career spanned only seven years, he is one of the most influential artists in the history of blues music. Robert Johnson passed away at the age of 27 and is one of the earliest members of the fabled ‘27 Club‘.

8:00 p.m. Jimi Hendrix and The Blues NEW!

When we think of Jimi Hendrix, we think of rock and psychedelia. But guess what? Jimi Hendrix loved the blues and he did play the blues too. We bring the receipts tonight.

It’s another great Tuesday Bluesday here in the lounge, and we’re working on adding new blues music. We started today with Hendrix. Drop in and visit. It won’t cost you a penny. Just use the button below.

It’s Tuesday Bluesday!

It’s Saturday in The Lounge With ‘Folk Music From A-To-Z’, Jesse Winchester and Jefferson Airplane, June 29, 2024

Good morning, musicologists! We’re making our way into the dog days of summer. But we’re cool in The Lounge with a folk music start and a psychedelic finish.

Here’s your Saturday lineup:

9:00 a.m. Folk Music From A-To-Z: Various Artists

Songs about hope and bravery is what the early folk music movement was all about. In this EP, you’ll hear John Prine, Dave Van Ronk, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul & Mary, Odetta, Cat Stevens, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Beatles, Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Rush, Joan Baez, The Band, Eric Andersen, Judy Collins, Nanci Griffith, Jesse Winchester, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Lead Belly, Tim Hardin, The Kingston Trio, Simon & Garfunkel, Richie Havens, Phil Ochs, James Taylor, Townes Van Zandt, The Carter Family, Neil Young and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Jesse Winchester

We continue the folk music vibe before we swing into something a bit more…psychedelic. I was fortunate enough to have seen Jesse Winchester perform twice, the first time as the opening act for Emmylou Harris; the second as the headliner. Bob Dylan, the master songwriter himself, once said of Jesse Winchester, “You can’t talk about the best songwriters and not include him.” Indeed.

8:00 p.m. Jefferson Airplane Live at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, May 7, 1969 NEW!

We had the Airplane soaring high over Golden Gate Park as we were moving out of the sixties and into the next decade. However, I beg to differ with people out there talking about 1969 as the ‘Summer of Love.’ Not true. The ‘Summer of Love’ happened in 1967. We have definitive proof, so stop spreading musical misinformation. But I digress, and I apologize.

Speaking of the ‘Summer of Love’, it happened during a banner year in music and we will be celebrating the ‘Summer of Love’ during July, so stick around. Remember, we’re totally free 24/7 with no commercial interruptions. No lie. No bait and switch. Nope.

Folk Music!

Spotlight Features From The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Ann Peebles, and The Band Live in Japan on Friday, June 21, 2024

We’ve made it to the end of the work week once again, and we’ve got some great stuff on tap as we head into the weekend including a new Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Spotlight feature.

Here’s your end-of-the-work-week lineup:

10:00 a.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band NEW!

From their first gig in San Francisco in 1966 to their 2024 farewell tour which kicked off in March 2024, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has distinguished itself as one of the finest country-rock bands in over six decades of music. This Spotlight has been a long time coming, and we’re glad it’s here. Today we kick off our programming with it.

3:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Ann Peebles

If it wasn’t for Tom Petty’s Buried Treasure Show, I may never have heard about Ann Peebles, but I’m sure glad I do. She came into prominence (although not enough of it as far as I’m concerned) with a series of hits during the seventies. You’re going to love her if you haven’t heard her before.

8:00 p.m. Rod Stewart & Faces Live at The Kilburn Theatre, London, UK, December 23, 1974

This was Faces’ swan song; their final live performance together. I confess I have had a very long love-hate relationship with Rod the Mod. From my perspective, early Rod is much better Rod. And this is early Rod. Keith Richards comes along as a special guest on this one.

Every day is a great day to tune us in. No doubt about it. Why not start tomorrow? We’re on 24/7; we’re totally free; and we do not accept any commercial advertising. What’s not to love?

It’s Officially Friday!

A Steely Dan Spotlight Feature, A Live Neil Young Acoustic Set, and Tom Petty as DJ are All On Tap, Friday, June 14, 2024

Good morning, music lovers! We’ve got some great stuff today as we head into the weekend, including live Neil Young that is new to the station.

Here’s your musical lineup:

10:00 a.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Steely Dan

Certainly a Mermaid Lounge favorite and one of the bright lights of the seventies and beyond, Steely Dan had a distinctive style and made some of the best music on planet earth. Walter Becker and Donald Fagan were certainly a dynamic duo.

4:00 p.m. Neil Young Live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, January 19, 1971 NEW!

This afternoon we have Neil Young in a great live acoustic performance at Massey Hall during his Journey Through The Past solo tour.

8:00 p.m. Tom Petty’s Picks: The Best of The Buried Treasure Show

Tom Petty moves out of the rock star category here and becomes a D.J. For those who may not know it, Doctor Petty was a DJ for his own radio show called Buried Treasure. It’s a master class in the evolution of rock n’ roll, and we’ve got it here tonight.

We’re almost there, folks. Tomorrow officially begins the weekend. We’re here 24/7 at no charge to the public and with no commercial advertising. See for yourself. The button’s below.

Funday Friday!

We Keep It On Folk Today With Our Multi-Artist EP, a Nanci Griffith Spotlight, and Live Joan Baez, Thursday, May 30, 2024

Good morning, music lovers. We’re focusing on the folk side of music today with our ‘Folk Music From A-To-Z’ EP, along with Nanci Griffith and Joan Baez.

Here’s your musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. Folk Music From A-To-Z: Various Artists

Folk music has a place in history beyond just being a music genre; it represents the birth of the protest song. This EP is as big as you can get, crossing generations. You’ll hear John Prine, Dave Van Ronk, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul & Mary, Odetta, Cat Stevens, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Beatles, Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, The Band, Eric Andersen, Tom Rush, Judy Collins, Nanci Griffith, Jesse Winchester, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Lead Belly, Tim Hardin, The Kingston Trio, Simon & Garfunkel, Richie Havens, Phil Ochs, James Taylor, The Carter Family, Neil Young, Townes Van Zandt and more!

4:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Nanci Griffith

Nanci Griffith was a singer-songwriter and guitarist who had one foot firmly planted in folk and the other planted in country. It was a beautiful crossover combination.

8:00 p.m. Joan Baez, Live in 1962 NEW!

Yes, that’s simply what it is. No venues listed; no dates which someone like me finds disturbing because I’m ridiculous about that stuff. But it’s the music that really counts. Here we have a collection of songs recorded long ago that reflect Joan Baez’s 1962 live performances. We have a 1963 collection we’ll air a bit down the road.

Join us as our program focuses on the folk music side of life. We’re on 24/7 and we’re totally free of charge. And we do not air commercial advertising. It’s the music.

Folk Music Fiesta!

Friday’s Here! We’ve Got Songs About Luck, a New Judy Collins Spotlight, and ‘Live’ Little Feat, May 24, 2024

Good morning, musicologists! We’re at the end of the work week and we’ve got a great lineup today that delivers plenty of big, wide Open Stream wrapped around some excellent programming.

Here’s Friday’s musical lineup:

10:00 a.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Judy Collins NEW!

This has been a long time coming for the woman whose career has spanned seven decades and whose style has encompassed folk, country, pop, rock n’ roll, show tunes, and standards. Her musical resume consists of 36 studio albums, nine live albums, numerous compilation albums, four holiday albums and 21 singles. Judy Collins belongs In The Spotlight.

4:00 p.m. Good Luck, Bad Luck, Dumb Luck: Various Artists

You know the sayings, ” I wouldn’t have any luck if I didn’t have bad luck.” Or “It was pure, dumb luck.” We’ve got songs about them all today with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Cream, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Winwood, The Beatles, Albert King, Jethro Tull, Fats Domino, Taj Mahal, The Wallflowers, The Rolling Stones, Joe Walsh, Sheryl Crow, Paul McCartney, Linda Ronstadt and more!

8:00 p.m. Little Feat Live at The Orpheum Theater, Boston, MA, October 31, 1975

I’ve seen The Feat twice. Once at Harvard Square Theater with Jerry Jeff Walker as the opening act, and this show. They are a wonder to behold; one of my favorite bands on the planet and, yes, I do prefer the Lowell George Feat, thank you. That’s what we’ve got here.

Join us. It’s easy. There’s nothing to fill out online and no need for a credit card. And that’s because we’re free 24/7 with no commercial advertising. We’re all about the music.

Friday Is Here!