The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Here are some of my highlights from Americana 2022. CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM Ingram is now in the category of “when you can […]
Drayton Farley – Walk Home
Before I get into his excellent new EP, let me reflect on the near meteoric rise of singer-songwriter Drayton Farley. His is a true DIY story and proof that talent, not publicists, sometimes win the day. He started out recording in his home studio with no publicists or street team and no label. He persists […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2022, Part 2
Nobody’s Coming to Get You, Fantastic Cat (from the Blue Rose Music release The Very Best of Fantastic Cat) It takes some chutzpah to call your debut album “The Best Of” but Fantastic Cat darn sure deliver the goods with their first album. The group’s four singer-songwriters, each talented in their own right, come together […]
Rachel Sumner on Her Band’s “Wellness Wizard” and The Importance of Having Quality Live Videos
Singer-songwriter Rachel Sumner talks about her band’s sweet customized tour vehicle and Kiki the love bird, who occasionally sings along during band rehearsals.
Monday Morning Video – The Dales
I kicked off my weekend with a fine set from L.A.’s The Dales. The trio’s sound is defined by their immaculate harmonies, which were on full display at the show. The set featured songs from the group’s forthcoming Multi Trick Pony. Among the songs on the album is “Jar of Hearts”, co-written by The Dales’ […]
Monday Morning Video – Nick Lowe
Nick Lowe took advantage of an off night while touring with Elvis Costello (“Elvis has a more leisurely work ethic”, he quipped) to play a small club in Queens, New York City. Backed by the mysterious Los Straightjackets, Lowe reminded why he is a revered pop songwriter. The set list included lots of Lowe classics, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2022
Clean Getaway, Caroline Spence (from the Rounder Records release True North) Caroline Spence looks at relationships from a myriad of perspectives on her wonderous new True North. “Blue Sky Rain” and “Clean Getaway” focus on their failure with a thoughtful clarity. “You never see it coming, only see it pass,” she sings on “Blue Sky […]
Newport Folk 2022 – the Twangville Recap
The fog seemed to foreshadow Joni Mitchell as it rolled in, surrounding the peninsula housing the War of 1812-era Fort Adams that makes up the venue of the Newport Folk Festival, after a weekend of intense sun and heat. There had been whispers all weekend about special guests; rumors of Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Jimmy […]
Caroline Spence on Her “Sweet Old Ride” and Achieving Career Goals
Singer-songwriter Caroline Spence talks about her home writing space, recordings of songs she wrote when she was six, and unlearning things learned early in her career.
Three Summer Gems
A lot of good music is coming out this summer. A number of the releases are shorter records or EPs. That sometimes makes it hard to write a full-length review. In no way does that mean you shouldn’t check them out. Three of my favorites are Nick Pagliari, The Early Mays, and Juliana Nash. Nick […]