John - Le Grand Silence - Barry Jean Ancelet and Sam Broussard - This is the follow up to their epic, Grammy nominated Broken Promised Land. Barry Jean Ancelet is a renowned Cajun poet and Sam Broussard is a Louisiana guitarist with an enviable resume (Sonny Landreth, Jimmy Buffett, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys). The album is all in Cajun French and Broussard plays most of the instruments and produces and arranges. Both of these albums are incredibly unique and are certainly not something you hear everyday, but totally accessible. 5+ Stars.

Chris - The Dear Hunter - Sunya - My favorite active band returns with the latest chapter in their sci-fi multimedia saga, “The Indigo Child.” Sunya picks up the funk rock musings introduced in their previous album, 2022’s stellar Antimai, and incorporates more narrative aspects into the concept album series. The band does an inspired job of implying a futuristic dystopia through lush harmonies and dense arrangements, like The Beach Boys put through an Altered Carbon-meets-Children of Men filter. Casey Crescenzo’s tenor continues to stand out, remaining emotive and sincere whether he sings delicately or with his full voice.  

Mike - Fats Domino - The Complete Imperial Singles - Six discs of the late, great Fats Domino during his most prolific, explosive, and commercially relevant period during his Imperial Records years (1949-1962).  There’s not a bad song to be found across this amazing compilation, and fans of jump blues will delight in its 5 hour run time.  For my money, stand out tracks include, but are not limited to “Before I Grow Too Old”, “Let The Four Winds Blow”, “My Girl Josephine” and “I’m Walkin”.  There’s no doubt about it, this is a bona fide toe tapper from top to bottom.

100 Years

As old age has stopped creeping in and basically kicked down the door, I realize my urge to create is waning. It’s not dread at the thought of picking up a guitar, I don’t even think about picking up a guitar. I recently sent all of my recording gear to my son who is in the midst of making a great record. A few days later, after some thought, I went out and got a Focusrite 4i4 and a Lauten large diaphragm condenser mic, “just in case…” I’m not quite ready, put preparing for the inevitable.

Still, I am inspired by the many folks in my age group who come into Maple Street who are either ready for a new adventure, or still have the urge after years of playing and performing. You all know who you are. Keep it up! I’m also inspired by the youngsters who are beginning their journey and the excitement they exude.

But one recent experience really got me rethinking my decision to hang it up. A lovely older lady was helped into the shop by her care giver and, through completely clear and spritely eyes, ask for a harmonica. Some nefarious octogenarian who belongs in a home for "at risk seniors" had recently absconded with hers and she needed a replacement. She informed me that she played with a vocal group in her nursing home. She was articulate, knew what she was looking for and quite spirited. She told me that she was turning 100 years old in May. She is the definition of what science calls a super ager.

I was completely taken with her enthusiasm and intellectual energy. Too frail to hold a guitar and not nimble enough for any stringed instrument, she had decided that a harmonica would be the perfect vehicle for her musical partners. She ask all the right questions about different keys, the quality of the harps and differences based on price. We landed on a 3-pack from Fender that included G, C and A harmonicas. 

I told her that I also had a May birthday 4 days after hers and, that on her birthday, I would raise a glass in her honor. Before she left, she showed me her driver’s license that didn’t expire until she was 107. She thought that was hysterical. So did I. We had a good laugh.

That lovely woman has no idea that she had an impact on me. In fact, she probably inspires just about everyone with whom she comes in contact. I know her care giver had great respect for her as well, based on their familiar banter.  All this to say, it has me reassessing my decision and, if the muse calls me, I will do my best to answer. 

I think all of us reach certain points in our lives, not always age related, that give us pause and time to evaluate our desires and needs. Sometimes our decisions are made in haste, but then a new perspective leads to a different conclusion. I have put in close to 60 years in the music business in one form or another. At times, it was more a job than a calling, but I could always find my way back to the art of it all. My new friend gave me a different perspective and, even though I feel like I’m running out of gas, I may need only a brief stop at a rest area. 

- John Cable 2026