Here we are again… Thanksgiving 2019, y’all… which means we’re celebrating 14 years of Twangville’s existence. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been writing a Thanksgiving toast each year to thank our contributors, our community, and the artists who give us something to listen to and write about. Without someone to make the music, we’d have nothing to share. Without you gracious readers, we’d have no one to share music discovery with. All to say, thank you a hundred times over for being a part of this community.
Last year, we continued the Twangville Thanksgiving (aka Twangsgiving) tradition by letting you get to know one of our contributors a little better by toasting the extraordinary, Shawn Underwood.
Jeff McMahon (left) interviewing Gregory Alan Isakov (right).
This Thanksgiving, let’s raise a glass to Jeff McMahon. You might know Jeff from his stellar coverage of festivals like the Newport Folk Festival or his love of all things Josh Ritter. I feel a strange kinship with Jeff. We’ve both lived in Boston and DC, both of us are married with children, and (of course) we both love the twang. Yet, for some crazy reason, we’ve never actually met. Fortunately, through the goodness of the Twangville community, we’ve come to know Jeff and his lovely wife, Suzanne, through their amazing contributions. Here’s to you, Jeff! Thanks for all your reviews, interviews, and new discoveries. Twangville is better because of you.
Interview with Jeff McMahon
[Twangville] What’s your first music memory?
[Jeff] My first music memory would be playing drums with my teacher Manny Wise. I learned all about rhythm with him and about how hard work pays off. I had my lessons in his basement with dual drumsets. He would play a lick and then I would play a lick.
What’s the first music you ever purchased?
Snow – 12 Inches of Snow
First concert?
WBCN River Rave 2000.
What artist would you put into the Twangville hall of fame?
Gillian Welch
What artist would you consider a guilty pleasure?
John Mayer, The Bee Gees
What five songs would be on your desert island mix tape?
- J.S. Ondara – Saying Goodbye
- Gillian Welch – One More Dollar
- Elton John – Tiny Dancer
- Josh Ritter – Monster Ballads
- Doc Dailey – Thorns of Gold
What’s the best American city to see music in?
DC is underrated. Has great venues.
Any local bands from that city should people see?
Don’t know since I don’t live there currently.
What’s the best way to support musicians?
Go to a show.
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dessert?
Pumpkin pie.
Best way to cook a turkey?
Slow roast.
Anything you’re thankful for this year?
I’m thankful for family, health, good music, and positivity in a time of negativity.
Suggestions for uncomfortable or controversial ThanksgivingÂ
Immigration.
Best album or concert of 2019 so far?
Josh Ritter – Fever Breaks
What’s your favorite holiday song or album?
Bob Dylan – Christmas in the Heart
What would you like people to know that they might not know about you?
I love to play musical instruments.
Have you found any music that the whole family loves?
Hiss Golden Messenger – Heart Like a Levee
Where’s the best place in Boston to get food?
The North End – Mother Anna’s
Favorite Boston sayings?
Bubblah. [a drinking fountain]
DC sports, Boston sports, or heck no sports ball?
There are teams in DC? Sox & Celts.
Thank you, Jeff! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
About the author: Washington, D.C. area creative by day. Music is my muse. I host Twangville’s weekly Readers‘ Pick.