For every artist who has found critical and commercial success, there are countless others of immense talent who sit just under the radar. Count Pinto Bennett among them. The Idaho native has been plying the songwriting trade for decades, including a stint in Nashville where he was befriended by the likes of Chet Atkins, Lyle […]
Monday Morning Video – Shinyribs
If you’ve never seen Shinyribs, well, I feel sorry for you. Kevin Russell and his lively crew know how to put on a party, as they demonstrate at this Austin City Limits performance. Conga line, anyone? Shinyribs spoke with us last year about his music and career. Check it out here!
Video Premier: Emily Zuzik – Trouble
Monday Morning Video – David Olney
I wish that I could tell you that I was well-versed in David Olney’s music. I’m certainly familiar with him, both via his songwriting reputation and his relentless touring and festival appearances. Olney passed away this weekend while performing at the 30A Music Festival. The outpouring of memories from the Americana community has been heart-wrenching. […]
Kevin Daniel “City That Saves” – A Twangville Premiere
There’s something about city life that shapes and reshapes a person’s perspective. Sights, sounds, smells – really the totality of a city environment – have an influence, whether instilling a sense of excitement and wonder or causing anxiety and unhappiness. Few cities have a more dramatic effect than New York City. Just ask singer-songwriter Kevin […]
Monday Morning Video – Eleven Hundred Springs
Eleven Hundred Springs are something of a Dallas institution. Heck, they’re country music stalwarts, mining the depths of the genre’s traditions and legacy. The group is gearing up to release a fine new album, entitled Here ‘Tis., this Friday . For those in Dallas, come join me for the album release party at the Granada […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2019, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2019 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Have You Seen My Girl, Todd May (from the self-released Let’s Go Get Lost) […]
Monday Morning Video – Lost Bayou Ramblers
Want to start the new year off right? How ’bout some of Louisiana’s finest – The Lost Bayou Ramblers – taking over the legendary Preservation Hall in New Orleans to perform the song “Granny Smith”. And in case you missed it, group founders Louis and Andre Michot recently talked with us about Ramblers life past, […]
Remembering Sleepy LaBeef
One of my fondest musical memories was the time that Sleepy LaBeef got under-aged me and my younger brother into a club to see his show. I had been recently introduced to Sleepy’s music by a cousin, who himself was introduced to Sleepy’s music by music historian Peter Guralnick. I thought it would be fun […]
Monday Morning Video – A Slaid Cleaves New Years
There are a few occasions where I allow myself to re-post songs and New Years is one of them. I’ve always enjoyed Slaid Cleaves’ “One Good Year,” a magical blend of melancholy and hopefulness. Happy New Year everyone!

