Maverick Smith’s “We Make Fire, They Make Smoke” lands not with a thud, but with the distinct, satisfying crackle of something catching alight. It’s a title that carries the grit of the Ohio Valley in its consonants, a resolute statement from a band – Paige Bosic on commanding vocals and rhythm guitar, Sean Boynes sculpting soundscapes on guitar, Jim Courtney’s intricate drumming, Charlie Kovach’s...

James Keen's 'Crossover': A Solo Triumph Blending Pop-Rock Mastery with Acoustic Soul Award-winning singer, songwriter, and composer James Keen goes back to his roots with a truly solo 'Crossover' album that he wrote, recorded, performed, produced, and mixed all by himself. The album is just as ambitious in terms of the richness of the musical landscape, the mixing of genres, and the variety of sounds. 'Crossover,' which...