The Ted Hawkins story is among the most unique in American music. The Biloxi Mississippi native spent years as a street busker, most notably serenading passers-by on Venice Beach, CA while perched on a milk crate. He was “discovered” several times but never found significant success. His graveled voice and insistent guitar were his calling […]
Monday Morning Video – Professor Longhair
Sometimes it’s fun to just get lost in the YouTube rabbit hole. I did so this weekend and stumbled across this incredible pair of videos featuring legendary New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair backed by the Meters (with special cameo by Dr. John). ’cause what better way to start the week with a double dose of […]
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 […]
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.
Monday Morning Video – A.J. LeGrand
This certainly isn’t the most uplifting song by which to start the week. Nonetheless it is a wonderful introduction to Texas singer-songwriter A.J. LeGrand. LeGrand is a masterful storyteller, filling his songs with colorful rural characters who try to balance big dreams with arduous realities. There are many more poignant tales to be found on […]
Monday Morning Video – The Soulful Side of Langhorne Slim
Langhorne Slim has firmly established himself as one of the leading, albeit criminally lesser-known, lights of roots Americana. The beauty and honesty in his songwriting is captivating; the passion of his live performances, whether solo or full band, is exhilarating. Part of what sets him apart is the soulfulness that infuses his music. Here are […]
Monday Morning Video – Ted Russell Kamp
Bassist Ted Russell Kamp is a mainstay of the Los Angeles Americana community. Check the liner notes of many an album emerging from that vibrant scene and there’s a good chance you’ll find his name. When he is not playing, producing or performing with the likes of Shooter Jennings, Sam Morrow and countless others, Kamp […]
Monday Morning Video – Garrett Owen
Twangville hosted a house concert in Dallas/Ft Worth several weeks back. Ft Worth’s Garrett Owen was one of our featured artists that day. The reaction of the audience you see in this video matches that of the audience at our show. Owen captivated with the purity of his voice and guitar-playing, not to mention the […]
Monday Morning Video – Tom Waits
Ah Tom Waits, arguably one of American music’s most idiosyncratic artists but unequivocally one of its most distinctive voices. Here’s a 1986 live performance from Italy that includes so many of his “hits” – “Jersey Girl”, “Looking for the Heart of Saturday Night” and “Tom Traubert’s Blues (Waltzing Mathilda)” to name just a few. Classics […]
E.Z. Shakes/ The Wolf video
If you’re an NPR junkie like me you probably know about their Tiny Desk Concert Series. If not, check it out. Here’s an entry from a couple of months back from one of the best singer/songwriters here in South Carolina, Zach Seibert, these days going under the moniker E.Z. Shakes. He has a new album dropping […]