One of the threads that bind us here in Twangville is love for a soaring vocal, screaming guitar, driving rhythm, rock and roll song. Â Not the over-produced kind you get in some arena show, but one that has roots in a dimly lit bar in Memphis or Austin or Muscle Shoals. Â My latest find along […]
Joey McGee – El Camino Real
Although he wrote the rest of the songs on his new album, El Camino Real, the one that most epitomizes the record is a cover of Susanna & Guy Clark’s The Cape. Â Clark told the story, in his homespun way, of one of the crazy characters that inhabited his world. Â McGee adds an electric guitar […]
Legendary Musician Dennis Coffey On Proving His Record Label Wrong and a Tip For Flying With Guitars
Detroit musician Dennis Coffey, a member of the Funk Brothers and a distinguished solo artist and producer, talks about taking a break from music and the lesson to be learned from the experience.
Mary Bragg on Changing the Oil and Being True to Herself
Singer-songwriter Mary Bragg discusses her approach to rehearsals, touring with a French press and why she listens closely to her guitar strings.
Monday Morning Video – ZZ Top
Many of us may be dealing with some cold weather but here’s something to warm you up. How about some vintage ZZ Top to raise the temperature? Here’s “Just Got Paid” from a 1980 live performance.
Mayer’s Playlist for January/February 2019, Part 2
Jingle and Go, Ryan Bingham (from the Axster Bingham Records release American Love Song) Ryan Bingham stretches out on American Love Song, offering up a roadhouse full of of songs about on love, political commentary and boisterous escapades. Opener “Jingle and Go” kicks things off playfully, recalling Little Feat with its intertwined piano and slide […]
Melissa Ruth – Meteor
Starting a few miles north of the Golden Gate and lasting all the way to Canada, the coastal redwoods make their way to the very edge of the ocean. Â The climate that supports them cycles from the omnipresent fog in the summer to the waves of rain that blur the distinction between sea and land […]
Hayes Carll Recalls a Memorable First Gig and the Time His AAA Card Was Revoked
Hayes Carll discusses the problem with guitar strings being sold in sets and shares the lyrics to one of the first songs that he wrote.
Trapper Schoepp on Getting Creative With His Merch and A Tour Van Called “Dick Van Dyke”
Milwaukee singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp shares a tip for touring and talks about celebrating Christmas with sad bastard songs.
Monday Morning Video – Fruition on Fire
Portland Oregon’s Fruition had a busy 2018. They started their year with the release of Watching It All Fall Apart, their 5th full length album and closed it out with Fire, a 5 song EP. In between (and continuing into 2019) they blazed the highways to bring the songs to life on stages across the […]