Fresh-faced, Philadelphia-based musician, Heyward Howkins recently released his debut album “Hale and Hearty”.   Right away, it's clear that Howkins possesses a jazzy, earthy style distinct from anything we have heard.   The first track “Thunderin' Stop” introduces the album with an airy guitar melody and velvet smooth strings.  I was immediately attracted to it's peculiar lyrics and pastoral setting.  It seemed that [...]

Mumford & Sons is much more than a folk band.  They have serious skills with the strings for sure, but that's not what makes them stand out.  It is the intensity with which they perform.  It is the epic, poetic lyrics and their soul shattering delivery.  They make music their listeners can feel. After their earth-shaking success with Sigh No More, [...]