Van Wilks is a Texas-based blues rocker who plays a mean guitar. His newest release, 21st Century Blues, is a solid testament to Wilks’ blazing skills. A longtime fixture in the Austin, Texas music scene, the Galveston-born Wilks recorded his first solo album – Bombay Tears – in 1980. Â His straight-forward blues-rock echoes Texas musical […]
Professor Louie & the Crowmatrix – Music From Hurley Mountain
Americana music encompasses many different strains of homegrown sounds. Professor Louie and the Crowmatrix have tapped into a number of those sounds on their compelling new album, Music From Hurley Mountain. Denizens of Woodstock, NY, the Crowmatrix, featuring Aaron Hurwitz – “Professor Louie” – and his songwriting partner “Miss Marie” Spinosa, grew together in the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2016
ALBUM OF THE MONTH You’re Dreaming by The Cactus Blossoms There was a time when brotherly harmonies dominated the musical airwaves. From the Everly Brothers in pop to the Louvin Brothers in country, it was a sound that was both soothing and satisfying. Despite the fact that this music was a touchstone for many artists […]
Bobby K’s Music Newsletter 2015
Editor’s note: Once a year I receive an email from Robert Klausner, better known to Twangville as Bobby K. The email is an annual newsletter sent to his friends recapping favorite music picks and discoveries from the year. I asked for Bobby’s permission to repost here because it’s just too good not to share. Enjoy! […]
Kathy Kallick Band – Foxhounds
The sound layers over on top of itself, with a decay that maps to the composition of the woods. Rocky outcroppings keep the sustain going, while thick hardwood forests mute it as surely as a blanket. Â It’s tone reflects the excitement and urgency as it builds to what seems an inevitable conclusion, and yet just […]
Photos that ROCK! Girls Guns & Glory’s Tribute to Hank Williams
Hank Williams passed away on January 1, 1953. Over the past few years, Girls Guns & Glory have done their annual tribute to him to ring in the new year and it’s become a Boston tradition. This year, they moved to The Sinclair, which is a far larger venue than the previous Lizard Lounge. This […]
Jeff’s Best of 2015
As we get ready to ring in the new year, I’m going to make a confession: I haven’t listened to much new music this year. With a son who just turned one, a broken leg, and the usual stacks of correcting (I’m an English teacher), I haven’t listened to much new stuff. The Mrs. and […]
Eli’s Favorites of 2015
Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment, Surf Fronted by Chance the Rapper, this Chicago ensemble reminds of how joyful and organic hip hop can be. Courtney Barnett, Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit Dense with words and guitars, Courtney Barnetts’s official debut is a statement record that captures the zeitgeist of 2015. […]
Bill’s Blues-Based Best – 2015
There’s no way we can claim to track all the new music that comes out in a year. But we’re wired to find what we like. While I certainly enjoy the alt. country artists so popular on Twangville (caught Jason Isbell’s show at the Electric Factory last summer – fantastic!) I tend to write more […]
Tom’s Picks: Best of 2015
BRANDI CARLILE, The Firewatcher’s Daughter Every year there’s always one album that blows your mind no matter how many times you hear it. From the time The Firewatcher’s Daughter was released in March to now in December, every song on the album still stuns. At first listen you marvel at the mastery of Carlile herself. […]