This has been a great year in music, a feast for the ears but a challenge when it comes to picking my favorite albums for the year. A good problem to have, I suppose. Without further ado…. #1. JASON ISBELL, Southeastern The demons in these songs are no match for a songwriter of Isbell’s talent. […]
Monday Morning Video: Rusty Belle takes on the Hollies
I featured Rusty Belle in last week’s Boston playlist. Here’s the trio taking on the Hollies’ wonderful “The Air That I Breathe” in what looks like someone’s kitchen. Damn if they don’t cook up some fine harmonies.
Still Love That Dirty Water: A Boston Playlist
FEATURED ALBUM Common Courtesy, by Rusty Belle I don’t often quote artist bios, but this was too good not to share: They were raised on the Beatles and the Band, went to high school with Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, dated Miles Davis and Tom Waits in college and keep a Lightnin’ Hopkins, Kinks or […]
Hear It First – Susan Cattaneo’s “Lies Between Lovers”
After several years of writing songs to be sung by others, Susan Cattaneo decided to write for herself. The result is an album that has a classic feel, filled with songs that sound like timeless standards yet are infused with a contemporary freshness. From the heart-wrenching “Done Better†to the country swagger of “Worth the […]
Bonus Monday Video: Bill Janovitz with Session Americana
High on the list of Twangville highlights this year was the June music festival that we held in Cambridge, MA. Newly crowned Boston Music Award winners Session Americana anchored the Friday show, joined by a some very special guests. Bill Janovitz, one of the performers that night, stopped by a recent Session Americana performance and […]
Monday Morning Video: Boston Music Awards Winners
The Boston Music Awards were held in, um, Boston last night. Congrats to all the deserving winners, a list that included several Twangville faves: Kingsley Flood — Album of the Year Girls, Guns and Glory — Americana Artist of the Year + Male Vocalist of the Year (Ward Hayden) Session Americana — Best Live Ongoing […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON Stay Reckless, by Austin Lucas Some may disagree with my classification, but this is my kind of country. It starts with Lucas’s voice, which has just the right amount of relaxed drawl. When he sings, “I don’t want to be alone in Memphis, I don’t want to be alone in New […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON The Death of the Self-Preservation Society, by Two Cow Garage Two Cow Garage have a well-earned reputation as road warriors who put on ferocious live performances. Their shows are always intense, sweaty and raucous, the way rock is meant to be enjoyed. What sets these guys apart, however, is the strength […]
Monday Morning Video: Allen Toussaint
Allen Toussaint is an American institution. The amazingly talented musician has played a part in the careers of so many musicians. Whether arranging horns for the Band’s legendary concert The Last Waltz or producing Labelle’s classic “Lady Marmalade,” Toussaint has a magical touch. As if that weren’t enough, his songs has been performed by just […]
Stephen Kellogg’s Song of Thanksgiving
I’m sure many are familiar with “Alice’s Restaurant,” Arlo Guthrie’s legendary Thanksgiving opus. Clocking in at nearly twenty minutes, it is a touchstone in the folk story-telling canon. Well, it is time to start a new tradition. Stephen Kellogg’s “Thanksgiving,” from his recent Blunderstone Rookery, is an uplifting reflection on life and its blessings. Acknowledging […]