Twangville


Acoustic

Mayer’s Playlist for June & July 2010, Part 2

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Joe Hill’s Ashes, by Otis Gibbs Gibbs is one of the most distinctive voices in Americana, both for the integrity in his songwriting and the authenticity of his voice. While some may find both a bit gruff, it gives his music a realism that can’t be doubted. Most songs are built [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Mayer’s Playlist for June & July 2010, Part 1

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: See You On the Moon, by Tift Merritt I suppose that Merritt could sing the alphabet and I’d listen. There is such a genuine quality to her voice, an infectious spirit. It is a spirit that shines through her music despite the dark overtones of her latest release. “Engine to Turn” [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Listen Up: Stonehoney

Stonehoney_PromoShot

“Just us doing our Stonehoney thing,” is how this Austin quartet describes their latest release. Recorded live in the studio – with no overdubs or studio magic – the album bristles with an energy and authenticity that is truly refreshing. Each of the four singer-songwriters has a distinct character yet together they create a singular [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Peter Gabriel, Billy Bragg and Mike Mills Lend Their Voices

Does anyone remember the childhood game “Telephone?” A group of people pass a whisper from person to person and see how the whisper changes as it moves through the group. The Voice Project is like a musical version, but better. One musician covers another, hopefully inspiring the covered artist to continue the chain. The project [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Twistable, Turnable Man – Shel Silverstein Tribute

I must admit that I am sick of tribute albums. There is no one left it seems that hasn’t had a tribute album done in their name. In fact, I am waiting for a tribute album to tribute albums. Better yet, I would love to see a tribute album to a band that hasn’t even [...] more »

by Chip Frazier

Listen Up & Win Big: Matthew Ryan

mr16_sm

As good as last year’s electric Dear Lover was, this year’s acoustic companion is even better. The sparse arrangements showcase the tenderness and vulnerability of Ryan’s lyrics without losing any of the intensity. The hushed whisper of “The World Is” illuminates the songs frailty, making Ryan’s quiet optimism that much more evocative. “The world is [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Shippin’ Up to Boston: A Special Playlist

Bruce-Fenway

I’m fortunate to live in a city that appreciates and supports great music. Here are a few of my current favorites. Banks of the Mississippi, Jenee Hastead (from the self-released Hollow Bones) “Baby, if we could go to the banks of the Mississippi, watch out I’ll float your body out to sea,” sings Halstead in [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Joe Pug’s “Bury Me Far (From My Uniform)”

We’re celebrating Memorial Day in the United States today, a chance for us to pay tribute to the men and women, present and past, of the US military. Their sacrifice in service to country is inspiring and worthy of thanks. Yet the day is also a reminder that war and violence persists around the world. [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2010, Part 2

ALBUMS OF THE SEASON: Street Songs of Love, by Alejandro Escovedo Alejandro Escovedo is living proof that some things just get better with age. Street Songs of Love rocks with abandon and rolls with purpose. “Anchor” is a fitting opener, electric guitars kicks off a rocker that, although mid-tempo, still packs a forceful punch. “If [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

SXSW 2010: The Sounds, Part 2

Jon Dee Graham My SXSW show list is usually built around bands that I’ve never seen. Jon Dee Graham is the rare exception who makes the list every year. His gruff voice fits well with the bit of his lyrics, not to mention his razor-sharp guitar-playing. And his stories and between song banter, rich with [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

SXSW 2010: The Sounds

Buddy Miller I’ve got a simple rule of thumb: don’t miss a solo Buddy Miller show. Miller’s work with artists ranging from Robert Plant to Solomon Burke to Patty Griffin overshadows his own recordings with his wife Julie. It’s a shame, really, as Buddy and Julie are simply brilliant. Whether playing country, blues or a [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Old Settler’s Music Festival – 2010

Bearfoot At the Campground

As the first night of this year’s Old Settler’s Music Festival was just swinging into high gear, the Infamous Stringdusters took the stage.  Andy Falco marched up to the microphone and said, “Wow, feels like we’ve been cooped up all winter”.  That pretty well captured the moment.  They then launched into a version of the [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

Mayer’s Playlist from February 2010

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Wings, by Will Kimbrough Nashville’s Will Kimbrough has long been a musical journeyman, lending his [immense] talents to artists ranging from Jimmy Buffett to Rodney Crowell. Yet, despite this heavy schedule, he still finds time to create some striking music of his own. Wings, his latest release, has a gentle and [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Sharif – Kisses & Lies

Traveling a path that has led him from his native Virginia, to NYC and Los Angeles, singer/songwriter Sharif (Myspace / Official) has honed his skills as an emotive performer that sheds all inhibitions with the vulnerable and excellent slice of pop, Kisses & Lies. The artist known as Sharif, tip-toes a fine line between saccharine [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore

The Honey Dewdrops – If the Sun Will Shine

Honey Dewdrops cover-art-photo

When did Gillian last do an album, 2003?  Sure, David Rawlings had a great release last year, but it was a Dave Rawlings album that Gillian sang on, not a Gillian album.  Well, if you have a hankering for something new in that vein, I suggest you check out the latest release from The Honey [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood