As good as last year’s electric Dear Lover was, this year’s acoustic companion is even better. The sparse arrangements showcase the tenderness and vulnerability of Ryan’s lyrics without losing any of the intensity. The hushed whisper of “The World Is†illuminates the songs frailty, making Ryan’s quiet optimism that much more evocative. “The world is […]
Shippin’ Up to Boston: A Special Playlist
I’m fortunate to live in a city that appreciates and supports great music. Here are a few of my current favorites. Banks of the Mississippi, Jenee Hastead (from the self-released Hollow Bones) “Baby, if we could go to the banks of the Mississippi, watch out I’ll float your body out to sea,” sings Halstead in […]
Joe Pug’s “Bury Me Far (From My Uniform)”
We’re celebrating Memorial Day in the United States today, a chance for us to pay tribute to the men and women, present and past, of the US military. Their sacrifice in service to country is inspiring and worthy of thanks. Yet the day is also a reminder that war and violence persists around the world. […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2010, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON: Street Songs of Love, by Alejandro Escovedo Alejandro Escovedo is living proof that some things just get better with age. Street Songs of Love rocks with abandon and rolls with purpose. “Anchor†is a fitting opener, electric guitars kicks off a rocker that, although mid-tempo, still packs a forceful punch. “If […]
Twangville Showcase at Heaven Can Wait (NYC) – 15 July 2024
GET TICKETS Mando Saenz (Nashville, TN) Mando Saenz, who grew up in various locales across the US as an Army brat, cut his musical teeth in the Houston alt-country scene of the early aughts, writing in the story-song tradition of Lone Star luminaries like Guy Clark, Ray Wylie Hubbard and Jerry Jeff Walker. His first […]
SXSW 2010: The Sounds, Part 2
Jon Dee Graham My SXSW show list is usually built around bands that I’ve never seen. Jon Dee Graham is the rare exception who makes the list every year. His gruff voice fits well with the bit of his lyrics, not to mention his razor-sharp guitar-playing. And his stories and between song banter, rich with […]
SXSW 2010: The Sounds
Buddy Miller I’ve got a simple rule of thumb: don’t miss a solo Buddy Miller show. Miller’s work with artists ranging from Robert Plant to Solomon Burke to Patty Griffin overshadows his own recordings with his wife Julie. It’s a shame, really, as Buddy and Julie are simply brilliant. Whether playing country, blues or a […]
Old Settler's Music Festival – 2010
As the first night of this year”s Old Settler”s Music Festival was just swinging into high gear, the Infamous Stringdusters took the stage.  Andy Falco marched up to the microphone and said, “Wow, feels like we”ve been cooped up all winter”. That pretty well captured the moment. They then launched into a version of the […]
Mayer’s Playlist from February 2010
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Wings, by Will Kimbrough Nashville’s Will Kimbrough has long been a musical journeyman, lending his [immense] talents to artists ranging from Jimmy Buffett to Rodney Crowell. Yet, despite this heavy schedule, he still finds time to create some striking music of his own. Wings, his latest release, has a gentle and […]
Sharif – Kisses & Lies
Traveling a path that has led him from his native Virginia, to NYC and Los Angeles, singer/songwriter Sharif (Myspace / Official) has honed his skills as an emotive performer that sheds all inhibitions with the vulnerable and excellent slice of pop, Kisses & Lies. The artist known as Sharif, tip-toes a fine line between saccharine […]