One of the recurring characters throughout the history of civilization is the traveling bard. Telling stories, singing songs, and just generally passing along information, the bard was the original influencer, millennia before social networks. Portland’s Mark Tegio and Santa Cruz’s Austin Smith spent a decade modeling that troubadour lifestyle up and down the west coast, […]
Jill Sobule (1959 – 2025)
Jill Sobule was a musician’s musician, a songwriter’s songwriter, revered by peers and fans alike for her singular blend of folk-pop melodies, sharp wit, and fearless social commentary. Sobule died in a tragic house fire on May 1st, leaving behind a remarkable musical legacy of songs that were as funny as they were unflinching, weaving […]
Big Love Car Wash Premiere – 21st Century Telegraph
I guess you could call Austin musicians Taylor Turner and Everett Wren serial band members. Taylor has been in more bands than he can remember; 15 during his college years alone. In addition to his solo projects, Wren has played with the Arkansas Youth Orchestra and formed groups Wagon, Lost & Nameless, and Chalkboard Poets. […]
I’m With Her – Wild And Clear And Blue
Sarah Jarosz, Sara Watkins and Aoife O’Donovan met each other when Jarosz was still in her early teens, and the other two barely in their twenties. By 2014 they were singing together in no less a venue than Telluride’s bluegrass festival. In 2018 they released an album, See You Around, and received a collective Grammy […]
Monday Morning Video – Mike Peters (1959 – 2025)
There are numerous songs about having a rock and roll heart. Mike Peters didn’t need to write one – his rock and roll heart infused every song that he wrote. Peters passed away last week after a 30 – yes 30 – year battle with cancer. If that doesn’t speak to the strength of Peter’s […]
True North Duo – Time And Materials
Folk music has, I think, always had a DIY aesthetic. You strum your guitar, sing into the microphone (if available), and there you have it. Simple enough that more than a few artists have chosen to tour by bicycle. Oregon-based couple Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel have raised that quite a few notches on their […]
Graham Sharp – How Did We Do It
Wishes do come true. Four years ago I wrote about the debut solo album from Steep Canyon Rangers’ banjoist and frequent lead singer, Graham Sharp. I finished the post expressing a hope that, as much as I like the Rangers, the record wouldn’t be his last solo effort. Well, just out is another release from […]
Monday Morning Video – John Prine
Last week marked five years since John Prine left us, leaving behind a songwriting legacy that continues to inspire. Here are two Prine classics, “Lake Marie” and, accompanied by Bonnie Raitt, “Angel From Montgomery”.
Tony Kamel – We’re All Gonna Live
You’ve all heard the saying about death and taxes. Many a songwriter has written a story about someone’s journey to make the most of life given the inevitable end. Grammy-nominated Austin musician (and former front man for Wood & Wire) Tony Kamel took that a few steps further and centered his new album, We’re All […]
SXSW 2025: The Sounds, Part 3
ST. VINCENT It’s hard to beat a surprise set by St. Vincent, all the more so when it takes place at a Rivian showroom. The set was short but potent, including a few from her most recent album. And thanks, Rivian, for the limited edition vinyl of said release. WILLI CARLISLE Although he’s been on […]