After being nominated for a Grammy in early 2020 for the debut album of his group, Che Apalache, Joe Troop had plans. When the pandemic hit, though, he pivoted to work alongside the everyday heroes he writes songs about, most notably a migrant assistance program on the border with Mexico. In his spare time he […]
Ryan Curtis – Rust Belt Broken Heart
A few weeks ago I reviewed the Jeremy James Meyer album that had been recorded at the OK Theater in Enterprise, OR. Not long after, another release crossed my earbuds that was recorded there. The first solo effort from Boise resident Ryan Curtis, it also seems blessed with some magic from that venue. Entitled Rust […]
Herrick Song Premiere – Old Bridges
Personal lives in the music business can take a back seat to the music itself, so there tends to be plenty of material for the classic country music break-up song. Running against the current of that are husband and wife Donna and Kerry Herrick, known collectively as the band Herrick. Theirs is a story of […]
Rob Waller of I See Hawks in LA on Waffle House and Cobra Kai
Singer and guitarist Rob Waller of I See Hawks in LA talks recalls a memorable day job and having to climb out a window to escape from his first gig.
Afton Wolfe on The Hustle Economy and Embracing Inconveniences
Nashville musician Afton Wolfe talks about his perfect first gig, an after-hours party at Baskin Robbins, and what music does best.
Bonus Monday Video – Tom T. Hall & Don Everly
We lost two giants in the past few days – Tom T. Hall and Don Everly. Let’s celebrate their legacies in video fashion. First, a 1970 Everly Brothers tv appearance. The segment is a bit hokey but it speaks to the depth of the talent that Don and his late brother Phil possessed. Then, Tom […]
Monday Morning Video – Mavis Staples & Friends
Let’s continue with the “and friends” theme that we started last week. Next up is a three-fer from the great Mavis Staples. First, a 1988 performance of the Staples Singers classic “I’ll Take You There” that features Dr. John and Jeff Healey. Second, a 2011 backstage rehearsal of the Band’s “The Weight” with Wilco and […]
The Northern Belle’s “Kaleidoscope Dream” – A Twangville Premiere
Earlier this year Norway’s The Northern Belle honored John Prine with an exquisite version of the late singer-songwriter’s “Summer’s Endâ€. Now that summer really is coming to an end, the group is marking the occasion with the release of a new mini-album called The Women In Me. The album’s opening track really sets the tone for the collection. […]
Matthew Stubbs of GA-20 on the “Road Condo” and How the Band Has Evolved
Guitarist Matt Stubbs of blues band GA-20 talks about bringing t-shirts to the people, selling cell phones, and rehearsing in a renovated hair salon. And he has a request of you, dear reader.
“Indiana” – A Premiere from Ward Hayden and the Outliers
Boston’s Ward Hayden has never been one to pull his punches, especially in recent years. On the band’s forthcoming Free Country, he directs it somewhere unexpected: at the state of Indiana. We’ll let Hayden explain: This is the meanest song I’ve written. I’ve spent 15 years of my life touring and traveling the country. I […]