Heartbreak Man, Sam Morrow (from the Forty Below Records release Concrete and Mud) Concrete and Mud is the sound of an artist hitting stride. Sam Morrow’s previous two albums were solid outings but there was a certain restraint, a tentativeness of an artist in the process of finding his voice. One can actually see that […]
Monday Morning Video – Garrett Owen
Twangville hosted a house concert in Dallas/Ft Worth several weeks back. Ft Worth’s Garrett Owen was one of our featured artists that day. The reaction of the audience you see in this video matches that of the audience at our show. Owen captivated with the purity of his voice and guitar-playing, not to mention the […]
Monday Morning Video – Tom Waits
Ah Tom Waits, arguably one of American music’s most idiosyncratic artists but unequivocally one of its most distinctive voices. Here’s a 1986 live performance from Italy that includes so many of his “hits” – “Jersey Girl”, “Looking for the Heart of Saturday Night” and “Tom Traubert’s Blues (Waltzing Mathilda)” to name just a few. Classics […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2018, Part 1
The Fold, Brent Cowles (from the Dine Alone Records release How To Be OK Alone) One doesn’t need to tell Brent Cowles that life is a struggle. The Denver singer-songwriter isn’t afraid to bare his soul, a fact that is evident from the fervent opening moments of “The Fold” to the quiet closing moments of […]
Monday Morning Video – Billy Preston and The Band
There are very few members of the rock pantheon with whom Billy Preston hasn’t performed. Famously referred to as “The Fifth Beatle” for his contribution to “Get Back” and their final albums, he has also worked with others ranging from Sam Cooke to Eric Clapton to the Rolling Stones and even the Red Hot Chili […]
Monday Morning Video – Tracy Bonham
“All Thumbs,” Tracy Bonham‘s ode to the idiosyncrasies and complexities of love is as riveting as it is wistful. This solo piano version plays into the song’s pensive notes, making it even more alluring in the process. You can find the song on Bonham’s impressive 2005 release Blink the Brightest.
Say What?! Winter/Spring 2018 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/spring 2018. I was totally gonna play another song but Spotify tells me you like this one better. Lincoln Durham I don’t play any happy […]
Monday Morning Video – James McMurtry “Levelland”
There’s perhaps only one thing better than hearing James McMurtry play his remarkable “Levelland” and that’s watching him perform it in a pastoral setting that is so fitting for the song.
The Berkshires Seemed Dreamlike – A Special Boston Playlist (Part 2)
Barefoot Sailors, Session Americana (from the self-released Live at the Haybarn) Session Americana in concert is more than a show, it’s an experience. The group takes their musicianship seriously yet are equally focused on delivering a relaxed, freewheeling and entertaining performance. Live at the Haybarn, recorded in Dec 2016, is a perfect snapshot for both […]
Monday Morning Video – Brent Cowles “The Fold”
This song embodies much of what I love about music. The song marries lyrics of substance, in this case about dealing with anxiety in the quest to find one’s self paired with a melody that is uplifting and anthemic. Most of all it just radiates honesty and authenticity. Brent Cowles will release his debut full-length […]