It’s one thing to host a song premiere, it’s quite another when that song is a debut single. In that vein, Twangville is thrilled to introduce you to Dev Wulf & the Midnight Howl. The group announce themselves with style – “Doghouse” is a ripping R&B jam, filled with swirling organ and tenacious electric guitar […]
Robbie Fulks / Bluegrass Vacation
What I’ve come to expect from Robbie Fulks is good songs. So when I saw an album advertising all of the guest stars on his latest, Bluegrass Vacation, I started to get a little nervous. A lot of times I’ve found advertising the guest stars means, “I don’t have anything to say, but boy look […]
Taj Mahal – Savoy
At 80, Taj Mahal is more than an elder statesman for the blues. Like his namesake is to India, he is a national treasure. With the old-timey Savoy, Mahal revisits his youth while continuing his lifelong habit of never being pigeonholed in a particular style. After a run with Ry Cooder in an underrated band […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2023, Part 1
Rockaway, Brian Dunne (from the Kill Rock Stars release Loser on the Ropes) Brian Dunne sets a clear tone for his latest album with its title. Loser on the Ropes chronicles life in a troubled world, focused on the personal rather than the geo-political. The characters in his songs are often taking stock of their […]
Old Settler’s Music Fest 2023 – The Music
Yesterday I wrote about the history and vibe of Old Settler’s Music Festival. But the driving reason most Twangvillians would go to this event is the music. OSMF has a rich tradition of using a broad definition of Americana music when booking their acts, and 2023 was no exception. A new format allowed festival goers […]
Old Settler’s Music Festival 2023
April means springtime, and with it the beginning of festival season. There are many choices, from the multi-weekend, party-with-half-a-million-friends behemoths to the local and regional celebrations of singular musical styles. Falling closer to the latter is one of my favorites, Old Settler’s Music Festival. Held an hour southeast of Austin, it leans heavily toward string […]
The Wood Brothers – Heart is a Hero
Since their formation, the Wood Brothers have produced some of the most eclectic and vibrant music on the Americana scene. In addition, they have taken it on the road with energetic and entertaining live shows. Their reputation will only continue to grow with the release of “Heart is a Hero”. The band’s eighth studio album […]
Eric Bibb – Ridin’
Eric Bibb isn’t trying to impress anyone. As one of the world’s preeminent living bluesmen, he doesn’t have to. But he does want you to know what he thinks, what he values. And he does just that with Ridin’, the powerful follow-up to his open letter to all of us, Dear America, which was released […]
Austin Gilliam Premiere – A Little Dirt
Growing up in a musically-inclined family in south Texas, Austin Gilliam was probably exposed to every genre and sub-genre of music that falls under the Americana umbrella. It wasn’t until he moved to New Braunfels and fell in with a singer-songwriter crowd that he found his voice and style. That voice is perfect for heartfelt […]
Marc Broussard – S.O.S. 4, Blues for Your Soul
If a tornado came through and took my home and all my possessions, and all that the wind had decided to leave me was the shirt on my back, I’d be alright. That’s the feeling I got from the sounds of Marc Broussard’s S.O.S 4, Blues For Your Soul. This album is a potpourri of […]