Guitarist Jeff Plankenhorn has become something of an Austin institution, sought after by many artists to lend his musical talents to their albums and performances. Calling him a guitarist doesn’t quite do him justice, though. Sure, he’s designed his very own guitar – a custom lap steel guitar called, perhaps not surprisingly, “The Plankâ€. Give […]
Readers’ Pick: John Prine – The Tree of Forgiveness
You picked The Tree of Forgiveness by legendary country singer-songwriter, John Prine, as your favorite new release for the week of April 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 Winter & Spring […]
Erica Blinn Keeps on Truckin’ (A Video Premiere)
It is perhaps not surprising that the road is a frequent topic for musicians, certainly those that spend many of their days hauling their gear from town to town. The title of this song certainly suggests that it is the focus here. The lyrics, however, veer in a different direction. As Blinn explains: “Suitcases and […]
Ryan Bingham – Wining and Dining
Sitting down to a nice meal at City Winery in Boston, my wife and I were excited about what we had coming. But even we didn’t know that Ryan Bingham was about to perform almost three hours of songs and stories. When it comes to vignettes, Ryan has more than a couple and has lived the […]
Jeff Warren Johnston – Undiscovered Country
Everyone has their favorite suit or set of clothes. Â You wear them and somehow your confidence goes up a notch and invariably the day goes better. Â For Jeff Johnston, that apparel turned about to be his musical identity. Â After trying other styles for a few years he decided to embrace his heritage and upbringing in […]
Monday Morning Video: Hannah Aldridge Will Leave No Heart Behind
Hannah Aldridge‘s 2017 album Gold Rush is still in heavy rotation among my listening selections, especially the song “Ne Heart Left Behind.” Angry electric guitars fuel the studio version; here Aldridge delivers a solo acoustic take that bristles with the same passion and urgency.
Readers’ Pick: Sarah Shook & The Disarmers – Years
You picked Years by alt-country band, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, as your favorite new release for the week of April 6, 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 Winter & Spring 2018 […]
Phoebe Hunt & the Gatherers – “Marching On” Video
Long time Twangville favorite Phoebe Hunt had one of 2017’s best albums.  For 2018 she’s following Mother Nature’s lead and planning to release 4 singles coincident with the seasons.  Starting with spring and its signature rebirth, Marching On layers a bright & airy sound on top of the relentless marching band snare drum.  The result underscores her lyrical […]
Courtney Marie Andrews – Kindness of Strangers
Courtney Marie Andrews has been shifting her sound to a more 70s down-tempo style for a while it seems. On her latest album “May Your Kindness Remain,” Andrews explores slower speeds and luckily her voice is up to the task of holding up the song on its own. Andrews’ voice draws a comparison to Neko […]
Monday Morning Video – The Posies Are Throwing a Party
The Posies are throwing themselves a year-long birthday party and we’re all invited. The group, anchored by Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow, released their first album 30 years ago. They’ve been through a lot in the subsequent years – the ups and downs of being on a major label, rhythm section personnel changes and more […]