“Blueberry Hill” may not have been the first rock and roll song that I heard, but it certainly stands as one that left a lasting impression. Rather than the music and lyrics, it was Domino’s personality and enthusiasm that captivated my attention. The smile on his face, as infectious as it was, paled in comparison […]
Who Do I Know In Dallas – A Special Twangville Playlist
Saginaw Paper Mill, Ronnie Fauss (from the New West Records release Last of the True) There are some albums that just radiate fun, even when the music and lyrics veer towards melancholy. Take one listen to “Big Umbrella”, a ramshackle ode to love gone wrong on Ronnie Fauss’s new release, and you’ll see what I […]
Monday Morning Video: Richard Edwards
Earlier this year former Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s frontman Richard Edwards released the sublime Lemon Cotton Candy Sunset. Whereas the album itself was immaculately crafted with minimalist pop orchestrations, the solo acoustic versions of the songs from this live performance are hauntingly beautiful. As if to reinforce the understated nature of his […]
Monday Morning Video: Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives
If ever there was an aptly named band, this is it. Although the name is an apt description of Marty Stuart himself, a country music mainstay for nearly 50 years. Way Out West, his latest album with the illustrious Superlatives finds him continuing to be a leading light among artists carrying on the tradition of […]
Monday Morning Video: More Petty
The outpouring of tributes to the late Tom Petty has been truly astounding, although certainly not surprising given the depth and brilliance of Petty’s catalog. Artists of every generation, not to mention every genre, have paid tribute with performances of Petty classics. Among the best of them have been the inspired sing-alongs from the crowds […]
Americana 2017: Say What?!
One of my favorite things about attending music conferences and festivals are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from this year’s Americana Festival. He chooses the sing the high third part harmony and to give us the moment of our lives. I thought it was just […]
Tom Petty (1950-2017)
Monday Morning Video: The Wild Reeds
The Wild Reeds delivered one of my favorite sets from this year’s Americana Music Conference, guitar-fueled and intense. Here they are performing “Capable” from The World We Built, their most recent album. How about the dueling guitars, accompanied by harmonium, that close out the performance? As a special bonus, you’ll also find their stellar cover […]
Americana 2017: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances […]
Americana 2017: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances […]