Ever had that moment when you discover a musical artist and you’re just hooked? I’ve been listening to talented artists for a long time but when I come across someone new whose amazing music opens my eyes, I immediately go into a phase. When I started “studying” for Newport Folk Fest this year I found lots […]
Monday Morning Video – a Brent Best Double Play
One of the great things about spending time in Dallas has been the opportunity to see some of the local legends, not the least of which is Denton’s Brent Best. I saw him two weeks ago and he played this tremendous unreleased gem called “Footnote.” What’s not to like about a chorus that goes, “I […]
Readers’ Pick: Lori McKenna – The Tree
You picked The Tree by singer-songwriter, Lori McKenna, as your favorite new release for the week of July 20, 2018. Poll Results New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Summer & Fall 2018 LORI MCKENNA, […]
Carolina Story – Lay Your Head Down
While the economy, meteorology, and isolation of living in rural America is what gets the headlines, there are some good things that come out if, too.  A strong character built on self-dependence while still having a sense of community are what immediately comes to my mind.  It’s those values and emotions that find their way into the […]
Newport Folk Fest 2018 Preview
On our previous two trips to cover Newport Folk Fest for Twangville (2014 and 2016), my wife and I were particularly excited to see big draws in the Americana scene (Ryan Adams, Nickel Creek), living legends (Elvis Costello), or big name contemporary acts (Jack White, Alabama Shakes). This year, the slate is packed with rising […]
The Twangville 2018 Release Preview, Summer/Fall Edition
We’ve already been treated to a number of great new albums in 2018. Read on for some releases expected in the back half of the year. What albums, whether on this list or not, are you most excited to hear? TILT AND SHINE by KEVIN GORDON(27 July on Crowville Media) Gordon returns with another scruffy […]
Monday Morning Video – Flagship Romance
Ok, so last week’s selection was somber, albeit moving. Let’s start this week at the other end of the spectrum. Flagship Romance is the duo of Shawn Fisher & Jordyn Jackson. They offer up some inspiring life lessons in “Scare Yourself,” from their most recent release entitled Tales from the Self-Help Section.
Readers’ Pick: The Jayhawks – Back Roads And Abandoned Motels
You picked Back Roads And Abandoned Motels by americana band, The Jayhawks, as your favorite new release for the week of July 13, 2018. Poll Results New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Summer & […]
Al Basile – Me & the Originator
Al Basile is steady. A founding member in the 1970s of the enduring New England-based jump blues outfit Roomful of Blues, Basile stays busy churning out really good music, including Woke Up in Memphis in 2013, B’s Expression in 2015, Mid-Century Modern in 2016 and last year’s outstanding Quiet Money. But what is surprising about cornet player and […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2018 (So Far), the Songs
Here are some of my favorite songs this year. An eclectic lot to be sure. The Fold, Brent Cowles (from the Dine Alone Records release How To Be OK Alone) Easily my favorite song so far this year. Cowles confronts anxiety and self-doubt with a determined and uplifting anthem. Tough Folks, American Aquarium (from the […]