At Newport Folk Fest 2018, the lineup included both established artists and up-and-coming artists. The up-and-comers were particularly compelling this year. Brand new artists, those coming together as a new band, and those with a totally new sound. This year’s committee did a great job of finding acts coming into their own and all of […]
Monday Morning Video – Professor Longhair
Sometimes it’s fun to just get lost in the YouTube rabbit hole. I did so this weekend and stumbled across this incredible pair of videos featuring legendary New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair backed by the Meters (with special cameo by Dr. John). ’cause what better way to start the week with a double dose of […]
Rebekah Rolland – Seed & Silo
Music sometimes does a really good job of building a visual image for the listener. Â On her debut solo album, Seed & Silo, Rebekah Rolland paints a number of vivid pictures inspired in part by her experience as a National Parks Artist-In-Residence. There’s the pioneering homestead from Willa Cather’s Midwest on Hole In the Earth. […]
Newport Folk Fest 2018 Feature – Artist You Should Know: Hiss Golden Messenger
Ever had that moment when you discover a musical artist and you’re just hooked? I’ve been listening to talented artists for a long time but when I come across someone new whose amazing music opens my eyes, I immediately go into a phase. When I started “studying” for Newport Folk Fest this year I found lots […]
Monday Morning Video – a Brent Best Double Play
One of the great things about spending time in Dallas has been the opportunity to see some of the local legends, not the least of which is Denton’s Brent Best. I saw him two weeks ago and he played this tremendous unreleased gem called “Footnote.” What’s not to like about a chorus that goes, “I […]
Carolina Story – Lay Your Head Down
While the economy, meteorology, and isolation of living in rural America is what gets the headlines, there are some good things that come out if, too.  A strong character built on self-dependence while still having a sense of community are what immediately comes to my mind.  It’s those values and emotions that find their way into the […]
The Twangville 2018 Release Preview, Summer/Fall Edition
We’ve already been treated to a number of great new albums in 2018. Read on for some releases expected in the back half of the year. What albums, whether on this list or not, are you most excited to hear? TILT AND SHINE by KEVIN GORDON(27 July on Crowville Media) Gordon returns with another scruffy […]
Monday Morning Video – Flagship Romance
Ok, so last week’s selection was somber, albeit moving. Let’s start this week at the other end of the spectrum. Flagship Romance is the duo of Shawn Fisher & Jordyn Jackson. They offer up some inspiring life lessons in “Scare Yourself,” from their most recent release entitled Tales from the Self-Help Section.
Al Basile – Me & the Originator
Al Basile is steady. A founding member in the 1970s of the enduring New England-based jump blues outfit Roomful of Blues, Basile stays busy churning out really good music, including Woke Up in Memphis in 2013, B’s Expression in 2015, Mid-Century Modern in 2016 and last year’s outstanding Quiet Money. But what is surprising about cornet player and […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2018 (So Far), the Songs
Here are some of my favorite songs this year. An eclectic lot to be sure. The Fold, Brent Cowles (from the Dine Alone Records release How To Be OK Alone) Easily my favorite song so far this year. Cowles confronts anxiety and self-doubt with a determined and uplifting anthem. Tough Folks, American Aquarium (from the […]