If John Prine’s music seduced you back in the 1970s, you probably get it, and you’ll love The Tree of Forgiveness, his first album in 13 years presenting any new original music. He has released a collaboration with Mac Wiseman (Standard Songs for Average People), a couple of compilations of early music (including The Singing Mailman […]
Monday Morning Video – A Heavenly Premiere from Jeff Plankenhorn
Guitarist Jeff Plankenhorn has become something of an Austin institution, sought after by many artists to lend his musical talents to their albums and performances. Calling him a guitarist doesn’t quite do him justice, though. Sure, he’s designed his very own guitar – a custom lap steel guitar called, perhaps not surprisingly, “The Plankâ€. Give […]
Erica Blinn Keeps on Truckin’ (A Video Premiere)
It is perhaps not surprising that the road is a frequent topic for musicians, certainly those that spend many of their days hauling their gear from town to town. The title of this song certainly suggests that it is the focus here. The lyrics, however, veer in a different direction. As Blinn explains: “Suitcases and […]
Jeff Bryant – “Addie” Video
Austin musician Jeff Bryant is one of those guys you’ve probably seen a lot, playing keyboard for a number of high profile bands in town, but not necessarily heard. Â All his talented friends finally convinced him to do a record on his own and he released Sleeping With the Lights On earlier this year. Â It’s […]
Jeff Warren Johnston – Undiscovered Country
Everyone has their favorite suit or set of clothes. Â You wear them and somehow your confidence goes up a notch and invariably the day goes better. Â For Jeff Johnston, that apparel turned about to be his musical identity. Â After trying other styles for a few years he decided to embrace his heritage and upbringing in […]
Phoebe Hunt & the Gatherers – “Marching On” Video
Long time Twangville favorite Phoebe Hunt had one of 2017’s best albums.  For 2018 she’s following Mother Nature’s lead and planning to release 4 singles coincident with the seasons.  Starting with spring and its signature rebirth, Marching On layers a bright & airy sound on top of the relentless marching band snare drum.  The result underscores her lyrical […]
Kris Delmhorst on the Art of Making an Album
One of the things that most impressed me about Kris Delmhorst’s 2017 album The Wild was its evocative and cohesive feel. It was clear that Delmhorst was pursuing a specific vision and captured it brilliantly on the record through both song and performance. The album’s 12 tracks present an enthralling meditation on the passage of […]
SXSW 2018 – The Sounds, Part 3
TERRA LIGHTFOOT If there was one artist on my “do not miss” list this year it was Terra Lightfoot. I first saw her at SXSW a few years back and she just keeps getting better and better. The combination of her voice, songs and guitar playing makes for a potent rock and roll cocktail. JAIMEE […]
Monday Morning Video – A SXSW Sampler
Sure, there’s plenty of musical diversity at SXSW. There’s also variety in the venues, not to mention the time of day. This video playlist is a sampler of the performances that happen in hotel ballrooms (Nathaniel Rateliff, SMYL, The Lost Brothers), chapels real (Quiet Slang at St. David’s) and not (Margo Price at Luck Ranch […]
SXSW 2018 – The Sounds, Part 2
RUBY BOOTS I’d previously only seen Nashville by way of Australia songwriter Ruby Boots play acoustically. SXSW offered the perfect time to remedy that as she had band in tow. It represented a better reflection of the recently released Don’t Talk About It, which rumbles with electrified melodies and a healthy back-beat. Boots and company […]