The Ted Hawkins story is among the most unique in American music. The Biloxi Mississippi native spent years as a street busker, most notably serenading passers-by on Venice Beach, CA while perched on a milk crate. He was “discovered” several times but never found significant success. His graveled voice and insistent guitar were his calling […]
Kevin Gordon – Tilt And Shine
Boredom is a cruel mistress. Â She tempts you to do things you know better than to do, and demands silence and negligence when action is needed. Â Add in the weather-driven, laconic nature of life in the lower Mississippi River basin and it’s a potent mix of attitude. Â Nobody understands that better than Kevin Gordon. Â On […]
Newport Folk Festival 2018: Stars Rising Higher
While this year’s Newport Folk Festival included lots of new acts, it also included those who are dependably brilliant artists for years. Jason Isbell is almost single-handedly elevating country/Americana music to new heights. Sturgill Simpson has brought unabashedly thoughtful country to the discerning listener. Jenny Lewis has a long history of critical acclaim including her […]
Newport Folk Fest 2018: New Arrivals
At Newport Folk Fest 2018, the lineup included both established artists and up-and-coming artists. The up-and-comers were particularly compelling this year. Brand new artists, those coming together as a new band, and those with a totally new sound. This year’s committee did a great job of finding acts coming into their own and all of […]
Carolina Story – Lay Your Head Down
While the economy, meteorology, and isolation of living in rural America is what gets the headlines, there are some good things that come out if, too.  A strong character built on self-dependence while still having a sense of community are what immediately comes to my mind.  It’s those values and emotions that find their way into the […]
The Twangville 2018 Release Preview, Summer/Fall Edition
We’ve already been treated to a number of great new albums in 2018. Read on for some releases expected in the back half of the year. What albums, whether on this list or not, are you most excited to hear? TILT AND SHINE by KEVIN GORDON(27 July on Crowville Media) Gordon returns with another scruffy […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2018 (So Far), the Songs
Here are some of my favorite songs this year. An eclectic lot to be sure. The Fold, Brent Cowles (from the Dine Alone Records release How To Be OK Alone) Easily my favorite song so far this year. Cowles confronts anxiety and self-doubt with a determined and uplifting anthem. Tough Folks, American Aquarium (from the […]
Monday Morning Video – A.J. LeGrand
This certainly isn’t the most uplifting song by which to start the week. Nonetheless it is a wonderful introduction to Texas singer-songwriter A.J. LeGrand. LeGrand is a masterful storyteller, filling his songs with colorful rural characters who try to balance big dreams with arduous realities. There are many more poignant tales to be found on […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2018 (So Far), the Albums
It’s been a good year for music so far this year (and the rest of the year is looking quite nice, too). Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite releases from the first half of 2018. HOW TO BE OK ALONE by BRENT COWLES Cowles shares a debut solo full-length that is […]
Monday Morning Video – The Soulful Side of Langhorne Slim
Langhorne Slim has firmly established himself as one of the leading, albeit criminally lesser-known, lights of roots Americana. The beauty and honesty in his songwriting is captivating; the passion of his live performances, whether solo or full band, is exhilarating. Part of what sets him apart is the soulfulness that infuses his music. Here are […]