The legendary John Prine pays tribute to fellow Chicago songwriter Steve Goodman in this 1997 performance at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” has a unique history, from Prine’s original insistence that his name not be listed on the credits to the final verse that Goodman […]
Dinty Child on Wine, Wifi, and The Flying Circus
Boston singer-songwriter Dinty Child recalls starting a house renovation business, names some of the many bands in which he’s played (The Aluminum Egg Corporation, anyone?), and explains why he feels pretty good and music and life.
Monday Morning Video – Aretha
If this isn’t a testament to the power of music – and Aretha – than I don’t know what is. The crowd reactions to this performance of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” from the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors say it all.
James Mastro on Owning a Guitar Store and Why Musicians Should Be Loud and Proud
James Mastro talked about avoiding restaurants whose names ends in “’s” and reveals who the best customer is at his Hoboken, NJ guitar store.
Monday Morning Video – A Tribute to Nirvana
Thought we’d kick off the week with a great memory from last year. Back in September 2023, along with NYC musician (and friend of Twangville) Elisa Winter, we produced a tribute to Nirvana. Centered around the 30th anniversary of their classic In Utero, the show also featured other songs from their legendary catalog. Making the […]
“Brilliant Disguise” – a Premiere from Ward Hayden & the Outliers
Now this is a great way to start the year. Ward Hayden, a talented songwriter in his own right, is a true student of the craft. We’ve long known Hayden as a well-studied disciple of Hank Williams, but it turns out there is at least one other musical poet about whom he has a considered […]
“Over the Radio Waves” – A Premiere from Paisley Fields
Songs are about the music, yes, but they are also about the storytelling. Great songs capture characters, both real and imagined, as they navigate life’s trials and tribulations. They paint a picture with an eye for detail, emotion, and meaning. The best ones uncover the core significance of the story to make them broadly relatable. […]
Chad Staehly of The High Hawks on First Impressions and One of Touring’s Great Rewards
Chad Staehly, vocalist and keyboardist for The High Hawk’s, talks about Billy Joel, the band Americana, and getting to tour with a band of super friends.
Monday Morning Video – Michael McDermott “New Year’s Day”
I love that this song from Michael McDermott isn’t specifically about New Year’s Day, but rather that any day can be the start of something new. Listening to it on New Year’s Day, however, makes it all the more inspiring. Happy New Year everyone! Let’s make a list and we’ll write it all downEverything we […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2023, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2023 back in June (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. Whatever Helps You Sleep, Abby Hamilton (from the Blue Gown Records release #1 Zookeeper (of the San […]