We lost a giant last week with the passing of Charlie Watts. Known primarily for propelling the Rolling Stones for decades, he was also a jazz and boogie-woogie aficionado. Let’s honor his memory with this 2011 performance by Watts with The A, B, C & D of Boogie Woogie, captured at the Blue Note in […]
Monday Morning Video – John Hiatt “Slow Turning”
Sharing this performance not because John Hiatt is a masterful songwriter (although he is) but rather for a particular lyrical reference. Now I’m in my carI got the radio downAn’ I’m a’yellin’ at the kids in the back‘Cause they’re bangin’ like’a Charlie Watts This performance, featuring Sonny Landreth (tucked away in the back on slide […]
Bonus Monday Video – Tom T. Hall & Don Everly
We lost two giants in the past few days – Tom T. Hall and Don Everly. Let’s celebrate their legacies in video fashion. First, a 1970 Everly Brothers tv appearance. The segment is a bit hokey but it speaks to the depth of the talent that Don and his late brother Phil possessed. Then, Tom […]
Monday Morning Video – Mavis Staples & Friends
Let’s continue with the “and friends” theme that we started last week. Next up is a three-fer from the great Mavis Staples. First, a 1988 performance of the Staples Singers classic “I’ll Take You There” that features Dr. John and Jeff Healey. Second, a 2011 backstage rehearsal of the Band’s “The Weight” with Wilco and […]
The Northern Belle’s “Kaleidoscope Dream” – A Twangville Premiere
Earlier this year Norway’s The Northern Belle honored John Prine with an exquisite version of the late singer-songwriter’s “Summer’s Endâ€. Now that summer really is coming to an end, the group is marking the occasion with the release of a new mini-album called The Women In Me. The album’s opening track really sets the tone for the collection. […]
“Indiana” – A Premiere from Ward Hayden and the Outliers
Boston’s Ward Hayden has never been one to pull his punches, especially in recent years. On the band’s forthcoming Free Country, he directs it somewhere unexpected: at the state of Indiana. We’ll let Hayden explain: This is the meanest song I’ve written. I’ve spent 15 years of my life touring and traveling the country. I […]
Monday Morning Video – Randy Newman and Friends
Randy Newman is an American treasure. Whether cynical or sentimental, his songs brilliantly capture the characters and moments that inhabit them. Here’s Newman, accompanied by Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, John Fogerty, and an all-star band performing his classic anthem “I Love L.A”. I wish they alternated the verses that Jackson Browne and John Fogerty sang […]
Monday Morning Video – ZZ Top
Set aside a catalog that is the envy of many a rock band, it’s hard to fathom a group that whose original line-up performed together for more than 50 years. Rest in peace, Dusty Hill. Your musical legacy is gonna keep us rockin’ for years to come.
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2021
Foregone Conclusion, Zach Schmidt (from the Boss Dawg Records release Raise a Banner) Zach Schmidt has been waiting awhile for the release of his sophomore full length album. Not Chinese Democracy long, but long enough. Schmidt recorded the album, backed by producer Sadler Vadan and the 400 Unit (yes, that one), then saw the album […]
Monday Morning Video – The Wild Reeds
I’m ready for a new album from L.A.’s The Wild Reeds (hint, hint). Here’s a favorite from their last release, 2019’s Cheers.