If John Prine’s music seduced you back in the 1970s, you probably get it, and you’ll love The Tree of Forgiveness, his first album in 13 years presenting any new original music. He has released a collaboration with Mac Wiseman (Standard Songs for Average People), a couple of compilations of early music (including The Singing Mailman […]
Monday Morning Video – A Heavenly Premiere from Jeff Plankenhorn
Guitarist Jeff Plankenhorn has become something of an Austin institution, sought after by many artists to lend his musical talents to their albums and performances. Calling him a guitarist doesn’t quite do him justice, though. Sure, he’s designed his very own guitar – a custom lap steel guitar called, perhaps not surprisingly, “The Plankâ€. Give […]
Erica Blinn Keeps on Truckin’ (A Video Premiere)
It is perhaps not surprising that the road is a frequent topic for musicians, certainly those that spend many of their days hauling their gear from town to town. The title of this song certainly suggests that it is the focus here. The lyrics, however, veer in a different direction. As Blinn explains: “Suitcases and […]
Jeff Bryant – “Addie” Video
Austin musician Jeff Bryant is one of those guys you’ve probably seen a lot, playing keyboard for a number of high profile bands in town, but not necessarily heard. Â All his talented friends finally convinced him to do a record on his own and he released Sleeping With the Lights On earlier this year. Â It’s […]
Jeff Warren Johnston – Undiscovered Country
Everyone has their favorite suit or set of clothes. Â You wear them and somehow your confidence goes up a notch and invariably the day goes better. Â For Jeff Johnston, that apparel turned about to be his musical identity. Â After trying other styles for a few years he decided to embrace his heritage and upbringing in […]
Monday Morning Video: Hannah Aldridge Will Leave No Heart Behind
Hannah Aldridge‘s 2017 album Gold Rush is still in heavy rotation among my listening selections, especially the song “Ne Heart Left Behind.” Angry electric guitars fuel the studio version; here Aldridge delivers a solo acoustic take that bristles with the same passion and urgency.
Jeff Przech & The Outfit – Jeff Przech & The Outfit
When I was an impressionable youth, one of the things that drew me deeply into rock and roll was the twin guitar and Hammond B-3 combo popular with the southern rock crowd. Â Whether it was Dicky, Duane and Gregg, or the front line of Skynyrd, the sound went to the depth of my soul. Â When […]
Phoebe Hunt & the Gatherers – “Marching On” Video
Long time Twangville favorite Phoebe Hunt had one of 2017’s best albums.  For 2018 she’s following Mother Nature’s lead and planning to release 4 singles coincident with the seasons.  Starting with spring and its signature rebirth, Marching On layers a bright & airy sound on top of the relentless marching band snare drum.  The result underscores her lyrical […]
Kris Delmhorst on the Art of Making an Album
One of the things that most impressed me about Kris Delmhorst’s 2017 album The Wild was its evocative and cohesive feel. It was clear that Delmhorst was pursuing a specific vision and captured it brilliantly on the record through both song and performance. The album’s 12 tracks present an enthralling meditation on the passage of […]
Monday Morning Video – The Posies Are Throwing a Party
The Posies are throwing themselves a year-long birthday party and we’re all invited. The group, anchored by Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow, released their first album 30 years ago. They’ve been through a lot in the subsequent years – the ups and downs of being on a major label, rhythm section personnel changes and more […]