How about three legends – Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, and Ray Charles – to help kick off the week. Here they are in 2003 performing a song that all three have recorded: Russell’s classic “A Song For You”. This performance took place back in 2003 at Willie’s 70th birthday party in NYC.
Say What?! Winter-Spring 2025 Edition
One of my favorite things about seeing live shows (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from winter through spring 2025. Thank you for enjoying live music. Even if it’s us. Ike Reilly Thanks for coming out. It’s a rainy night. I […]
Monday Morning Video – The Pretenders
How about we kick off the week with a rock icon. Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders embody the spirit of the rock and roll, radiating rock attitude with every guitar riff. Here’s a pair: rocking a version of “Middle of the Road” and a stripped down version “Back on the Chain Gang”.
Monday Morning Video – Tina Turner
Tina Turner had a way of making songs her own. The obvious example is her take on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary” but I particularly enjoy her rocking take on Bob Seger’s “Hollywood Nights”.
The Twangville 2025 Album Preview-Side B
Here are some albums that we’re looking forward to hearing in the back half of 2025… Americana Radio by J. Isaiah Evans and the Boss Tweed (11 July) Evans and the Boss Tweed make a raucous entrance with their debut album. Evans pairs his booming voice with his fierce guitar for ten tracks of what […]
Monday Morning Video – Mark Erelli
Here’s Mark Erelli performing “Her Town Now”, a fave from his 2020 gem Blindsided. Long time readers know that I love a good kiss-off song. Sure, this one doesn’t go full scorched-earth like those on my kiss-off playlist, but this sly, sarcastic verse more than makes up for it.: A little bad TVWould’ve helped me […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2025 (So Far), the Songs
Wrong End & Black Snake, Mojave Blues, Balto (from the self-released No Hard Feeling) These two songs represent the scope of Balto’s musical power – the unbridled rock and roll fury of “Black Snake, Mojave Blues” and the powerful emotion of “Wrong End”, the band’s seeming farewell to music: I don’t believe in songs no moreIn the long dead horse […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2025 (So Far), the Albums
No Hard Feeling by Balto Released quietly in late December 2024, Balto’s surprise album opened 2025 on an incredibly powerful note—impassioned, defiant, and beautifully crafted. From the slow-burning heartbreak of “Big City” to the searing catharsis of “Black Snake, Mojave Blues,” the band channels their frustrations and fading faith in music into a collection that’s […]
Monday Morning Video – John Hartford
There’s something special about a song that strikes such a deep chord with fellow musicians. John Hartford’s “In Tall Buildings” is a perfect example. Its gentle folk melody carries words that speak to the quiet heartbreak of all that’s lost when life becomes consumed by work in “tall buildings.” I was introduced to the song […]
“We Are, We Are” – A Video Premiere from Willie Nile
Fresh off the release of his latest album, Willie Nile keeps the momentum rolling with the premiere of a new video for “We Are, We Are”—a full-throttle rock anthem that channels his signature mix of grit, heart, and unshakeable optimism. The song is classic Nile: a defiant, uplifting anthem built for raised fists and open […]