“The closest thing to a religious experience I’ve ever known”
Holly Bowling on why she left classical piano behind. Plus Guster’s 50-state quest, and Bill Frisell’s new record.
Relix Daily
February 28, 2026
February 28, 2026
FEATURE
Paul Riddle truly believed his days on the road were behind him. But, as is often the case, the universe had other plans. “I never thought about suiting up again,” the drummer and Marshall Tucker Band co-founder says, as he traces the origins of his new, all-star combo Toy Factory Project. “I love teaching. I love producing, playing on some records and doing a couple of special concerts here and there, like Christmas Jam. I was completely content.”
WATCH
"One Day She's Here" - Marcus King, The Relix Session
REVIEW
In My Dreams is both familiar Bill Frisell and brand-new Bill Frisell. The renowned guitarist, who is quite successful at never determinedly repeating himself, has recorded before in a trio with bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Rudy Royston, beginning with 2016’s When You Wish Upon a Star, and he’s also made music before with violinist Jenny Scheinman, violist Eyvind Kang and cellist Hank Roberts, going back two decades to the album Richter 858. There have been occasions when the six have nearly coalesced—all but Morgan accompany Frisell on 2013’s Big Sur—but not until now has he brought the two entities together in the studio.
WATCH
Bill Frisell - “Hard Times” on Relix Rooftop
The Pranksters didn't mess around with credentials. These cards, Uncle Sam on the front, James Montgomery Flagg's image staring back, certified who was truly on the bus. This one comes with Ken Kesey's own mysterious business card: "IT IS." Documented in On the Bus, p.140. Bid before March 6 at 5 PM ET.
NEWS
The five-time running, Follow The Arrow Festival will return on Saturday, June 27, to Catskills’ Griffin House in Palenville, N.Y. Hosted by Marco Benevento, the event has unveiled its roster of artists who will participate in the one-day music-centric gathering, with songs flowing from multiple acts from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., followed by late-night DJ-led dance parties, 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
WATCH
"Let it Slide" - Marco Benevento | The Relix Session
NEWS
Guster will complete the impressive feat of performing in all 50 states when they appear at Ninilchik, AK’s Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds on July 31 as part of the annual Salmonfest. The Boston-bred combo, who came together in 1991 during their freshman year of college at Tufts, spent three decades performing in the 48 contiguous states and checked Hawaii off their bucket list last year. Salmonfest will run from July 31-August 2, also featuring performances by Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, AJ Lee & Blue Summit and The Last Revel, among others.
WATCH
"Hard Times" - Guster | The Relix Session | 1/17/19
FEATURE
“I find playing music for other human beings in the same room to be a quasi-religious experience,” Holly Bowling professes. “It is the most connected to other people through wordless expression that I have ever known. It’s also the closest thing to a religious experience for me internally when everything is really clicking.” She shares this observation while musing on the artistic objectives and personal predilections that prompted her to transition from performing and teaching classical piano to pursuing less traditional forms of expression on the instrument.
WATCH
Holly Bowling Gamehendge Medley - Live at Relix
WATCH
Classically trained harpist turned cosmic cowgirl, Mikaela Davis, has treated fans and listeners to “(Looking Through) Rose Colored Glasses,” the first single to arrive off her forthcoming full-length studio entry, Graceland Way, due on April 24, 2026, via Kill Rock Stars. New music arrived today and is available in two forms: as an official audio release and a psychedelic music video featuring vocal accompaniment from Madison Cunningham and appearances from comedian/writer Tim Heidecker as a rodeo clown.