The Boston Music Awards were held in, um, Boston last night. Congrats to all the deserving winners, a list that included several Twangville faves: Kingsley Flood — Album of the Year Girls, Guns and Glory — Americana Artist of the Year + Male Vocalist of the Year (Ward Hayden) Session Americana — Best Live Ongoing […]
Three Recent Gems
Sometimes records find their way to my inbox that I really enjoy, but for some reason I don’t get a review written up.  It could be  they’re an EP and short of material for a full review.  Or they showed up at the same time as a bunch of other good material.  Occasionally it’s the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON Stay Reckless, by Austin Lucas Some may disagree with my classification, but this is my kind of country. It starts with Lucas’s voice, which has just the right amount of relaxed drawl. When he sings, “I don’t want to be alone in Memphis, I don’t want to be alone in New […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON The Death of the Self-Preservation Society, by Two Cow Garage Two Cow Garage have a well-earned reputation as road warriors who put on ferocious live performances. Their shows are always intense, sweaty and raucous, the way rock is meant to be enjoyed. What sets these guys apart, however, is the strength […]
Monday Morning Video: Allen Toussaint
Allen Toussaint is an American institution. The amazingly talented musician has played a part in the careers of so many musicians. Whether arranging horns for the Band’s legendary concert The Last Waltz or producing Labelle’s classic “Lady Marmalade,” Toussaint has a magical touch. As if that weren’t enough, his songs has been performed by just […]
Macy Blackman & The Mighty Fines – I Didn’t Want To Do It
Macy Blackman’s piano playing is a treat for those who enjoy swampy, down home boogie-woogie. His new album, I Didn’t Want To Do It, takes a page from Dr. John’s playbook, featuring spirited New Orleans style boogie-woogie piano – but without the trippier side of the Dr. John experience. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Blackman did […]
The Deadfields – Often Wrong, Never In Doubt
Although by no means a required characteristic, it seems bands that have some sly humor in their songs manage to collect a fan base that sustains them over generations. Â The Austin Lounge Lizards come to mind, as does Southern Culture On the Skids. Â The legendary Little Feat even managed to soldier through the loss of […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON Joy of Nothing, by Foy Vance Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance spent his childhood years traveling the American Midwest and South with his preacher father. He soaked in the rich American musical traditions that he encountered during these travels, which later infused his music upon his return to Ireland. This rich musical […]
Scott Law – Black Mountain
I don’t really recall when I first heard bluegrass music, but I’m certain it didn’t make much of an impression on me until the first time I saw a live show (John Hartford and The Dillards, for what it’s worth). Â At that moment, the speed/death/punk/heavy metal-head in me realized that intensity and unbounded energy in […]
The Howlin’ Brothers – The Sun Studio Session
The Howlin’ Brothers are a three piece acoustic band. I hesitate to call them a “String†band, because they don’t fit the stereotype. While they do play traditional music, their version has many facets. Beyond traditional and Bluegrass, they also employee Blues, Country and you may even hear a little Bourbon Street. Their music can […]