For me, a certain style of bluegrass instantly brings back random memories of sunny, summer days outside listening to music. Many call that style front-range, or Colorado bluegrass. I suppose that all makes sense since, aside from John Hartford, much of my early bluegrass influence came from Hot Rize and New Grass Revival. That, in […]
Frenchie’s Blues Destroyers – a Twangville Premiere
Don’t let the name deceive you: Frenchie’s Blues Destroyers are more than a blues band. Sure, Kevin “Frenchie†Sciou is well-studied in the genre and can unleash a heavy – and heavenly – blues riff with his guitar. That being said, Praise, the sophomore release from the duo of Frenchie and drummer Brother Pete Coatney, […]
James Hunter on Rube Goldberg, Tour Haircuts, and Avoiding Second Thoughts
R&B singer-songwriter James Hunter recalls working on the railroad and talks about sweaty guitar strings.
Monday Morning Video – Hannah Aldridge
Here’s another installment of my informal trip down memory lane to savor favorite songs from the past few years. This time it’s a pair from Hannah Aldridge, whose Gold Rush was a favorite from 2017. Here’s “Burning Down Birmingham” from that release, plus a bonus cover of Jackson Browne’s “These Days”.
Avi Kaplan – I’ll Get By
Sometimes a voice comes along that has the potential to carry an entire album. No instrumentation needed. Avi Kaplan has such a voice. This probably shouldn’t be a surprise given his background in the uber-popular acapella group Pentatonix. I must admit to not being much of a fan of them or acapella groups in general. […]
Danny Barnes on Comic Books, Motorcycles, and Kitchen Table Rehearsals
Self-proclaimed “legacy cat” banjoist Danny Barnes talks about the words of “encouragement” that he received from a former day job boss and talks about why he still plays shows.
The Mastersons on Curated Tour Bus Treats and the Non-Financial Riches of Music
Eleanor Whitmore and Chris Masterson talk about the importance of self-care and not sweating the small shit.
Monday Morning Video – Going to New York City
Ain’t it fun when a favorite song suddenly rings out with even greater personal relevance? As Steve Earle said, “I’m going to New York City, I just like the way it sounds.”
Pi Jacobs – Two Truths And A Lie
“Divorce…whiskey…legal problems…cheaters…lies. I’m a pro at what not to do.” Whatever story comes next, it’s going to be a good one. That line comes from Broken Cup, the opening cut on Pi Jacobs’ latest release, and what comes next is indeed good. Two Truths And A Lie is collage of stories about female characters that […]
Sonny Landreth – Blacktop Run
Louisiana slide guitarist Sonny Landreth is a great musician who doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Blacktop Run is a great addition to Landreth’s prolific output. Originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, Landreth got his first gig in the 1970s as a sideman to zydeco king Clifton Chenier. It was that job that prepared him for a lifetime […]