Kathleen Edwards I don’t recall this ever happening before, but this year I kicked off SXSW with one of my favorite sets of the week. Kathleen Edwards performed solo (save a brief appearance by Lauren Morrow on harmony vocals), highlighting songs from throughout her illustrious career plus a new one. Attitude, charm, and great music. […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Early 2024
The Heartbreak Store, Lizzie No (from the Thirty Tigers / Miss Freedomland release Halfsies) Lizzie No’s remarkable Halfsies is warmly fulfilling, even as it explores the depth of heartbreak. No sets the tone with the powerful and percussive title track, declaring: Even your love is a one lane roadIt’s honor among thievesDive in head first, […]
Sean Riley & The Water – Stone Cold Hands
One never gets enough zydeco and country blues. If you’re looking for a fix, I recommend New Orleans-based Sean Riley and his band, The Water. Though Riley is a familiar face in the New Orleans blues scene, Stone Cold Hands is the first full-length release from his promising outfit. Riley shows off his chops as […]
Monday Morning Video – Todd Snider
Todd Snider is an American original, a songwriter rooted in folk who has followed his own path since the start of his career more than 30 years ago. In that vein, Snider is embarking on a journey through his entire catalog, storyteller style. Starting with Songs for the Daily Planet, his debut album released in […]
Folk Alliance 2024 – Musical Highlights
As noted in my previous post, a big part of the Folk Alliance International annual conference are the showcases, both official and unofficial. The official performances take place from around 6pm to 10pm in hotel ballrooms, with professional sound and lighting. Depending on the size of the room attendance can go from a few dozen […]
2024 Folk Alliance International Conference
There are many organizations set up to serve the music industry, from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (the Grammy people) and their non-profit, MusiCares, to industry organizations for various segments, to local music societies. I’m certain none of them come close to the broad offerings of Folk Alliance International. FAI is a […]
Monday Morning Video – Joshua Ray Walker
We’re sending all of ours – and I’m sure yours, too – good wishes to Joshua Ray Walker, who is in the midst of a major battle with cancer. Walker has just released an acoustic collection that includes a wonderful new song, “Thank You For Listening”. In conjunction with the release, he has shared a […]
James Talley – Bandits, Ballads and Blues
I count myself a fan of Twangville as well as an occasional contributor. This is mainly because I often discover new music that I hadn’t heard before. But sometimes, Twangville reminds me of forgotten voices that I had embraced long ago. When I was growing up in the Twin Cities, my older sister Peggy turned […]
Crow and Gazelle Song Premiere – Take It Away
Chrislyn Lawrence and Mike McClure first met in 2003. Although they had an instant, soulful connection, life happened, and they continued on parallel paths. Mike gained considerable music credibility as the producer for such Red Dirt acts as Turnpike Troubadours, Jason Boland, and Cross Canadian Ragweed. Chrislyn’s path, besides developing her talent as a poet, […]
Monday Morning Video – Dan Bern
As long-time readers know, I do like me a good kiss-off song. A literal read of the lyrics to Dan Bern’s “Baby Bye Bye” finds it more closure than kiss-off adjacent but I’d like to think there’s a hint of sarcasm in there. And you’re gone, it was time to flyAnd all that’s left is […]