Soul is the incorporeal essence of a living being, by one definition. In the case of Ironbark, the latest from Australian music stars The Waifs, it’s the incorporeal essence of 3 living beings; sisters Vikki Thorn and Donna Simpson, plus long time musical partner Josh Cunningham. The Waifs have been together 25 years now, and […]
Future Twangville Residents
Later this week I’m headed to Austin for the 30th edition of Old Settler’s Music Festival. Â In addition to the normal, stellar list of established and up-and-coming acts, there will be a hidden gem late morning on Saturday, the Youth Talent Competition. Â Most major Americana festivals these days have a talent competition, so why do […]
Monday Morning Video – Brent Cowles
Brent Cowles has lived a musical lifetime in his 27 years. The Denver-based singer-songwriter tasted some success with You Me & Apollo before that group’s demise in 2014. A few years down the road he has returned with Cold Times, his solo debut. The ep finds him exploring new ground, trading his acoustic guitar for […]
Readers’ Pick: A World of My Own by Derrick Anderson
You picked “A World of My Own” from LA-based alternative rock artist, Derrick Anderson, as your favorite new release for the week of April 14, 2017. 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 […]
SXSW 2017, The Sounds – Part 3
MATTHEW LOGAN VASQUEZ The former (?) Delta Spirit frontman sure likes to rock. I caught him a few times over the week and it he fired up the crowd each time. He suffered from poor sound at one show, but the energy carried him through. Like many an artist, he was showcasing songs from the […]
SXSW 2017 – The Sounds, Part 2
AUSTIN LUCAS Lucas snuck into Austin to play a single afternoon solo acoustic show. To say that he attacked his guitar wouldn’t be an overstatement. He alternated between channeling Johnny Cash in his fiery moments and Blaze Foley’s mellow stylings. It was a powerful performance from start to finish. RON GALLO Gallo was a contender […]
Monday Morning Video – Drive-By Truckers “Gimme Some Truth”
I caught the Drive-By Truckers over the weekend and, true to form, they delivered an epic guitar-driven onslaught. The setlist leaned heavily on their most recent album, the politically charged American Band, alongside more than a few fan favorites. Among the highlights was this searing take on John Lennon’s “Gimme Some Truth.”
Readers’ Pick: Close Ties by Rodney Crowell
You picked “Close Ties” from Nashville-based singer-songwriter, Rodney Crowell, as your favorite new release for the week of March 31, 2017. 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 2017 BRIGITTE DEMEYER AND WILL […]
SXSW 2017 – The Sounds, Part 1
LANGHORNE SLIM This was the best of the best, my favorite musical moment of the week. Langhorne Slim sitting in a chair on the floor, the audience arrayed cross-legged on the floor around him. A campfire festival without the campfire. His late-night performance was a freewheeling gem that included a few impromptu requests, all delivered […]
Eric Bibb – Migration Blues
The plight of troubled people on the move seeking a new, safe home is the theme of Eric Bibb’s heartfelt Migration Blues. It tells the tale of various peoples – refugees and migrants – who have hit the road to escape violence or grinding hardship. With the album, Bibb says he hopes to “encourage us all […]