The dictionary defines polyglot as someone who speaks many different languages. Â As evidenced by his latest album, Ben Sollee is a musical polyglot. Â Featuring his latest band, Kentucky Native, Ben covers many of the cultural music influences that became the folk music of Appalachia, and eventually bluegrass. Â He then overlaid that with the jazz influences […]
Say What?! Spring/Summer 2017 Edition
One of my favorite things about seeing live shows (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from spring/summer 2017. There was a couple of times that it gave me too much courage. I got an ass whoopin’. Don Henley on drinking tequila […]
Monday Morning Video – Korby Lenker
Typically, artists go on tour to support a new album*. Well, Korby Lenker did it a bit differently for his latest – he toured to record the recent released Thousand Springs. He started by traveling his home state of Idaho recording his vocals and guitar in places that were personally meaningful to him. Then he […]
Jenny Parrott – When I Come Down
Back in the day there was a clear distinction between the sound of a “demo” record and one that the label produced to be released to the public.  Demos were recorded with nothing but a tape machine and a couple of mics and cost virtually nothing to produce.  Records themselves cost a lot of money to […]
Monday Morning Video – Ben Kweller’s Penny on a Train Track
When I’m not surveying potential review material, I tend to hit the shuffle button and see what happens. I’m occasionally rewarded with a forgotten gem, such as this one from Texas wunderkind Ben Kweller. Kweller has been on a self-imposed hiatus but his website hints that there may be some new music in the works. […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2017 (So Far), the Songs
I thought that I’d do something different this year and, with one exception, focus this list on songs that aren’t from my list of favorite 2017 albums (so far). Each of those releases, of course, could contribute songs to this list but let’s highlight some other faves of the year. Hope the High Road, Jason […]
Monday Morning Video – A Lesson for the Week
This video, from a 2013 performance in Germany, is making the rounds again. For the young bands out there, this is how it’s done. For everyone else, ain’t this the joy of music? And a bit more from the Bruce Springsteen glory of rock and roll file. ’cause once you get started, it’s hard to […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2017 (So Far), the Albums
It’s been a good year for music so far this year (and the rest of the year is looking quite nice, too). Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite releases from the first half of 2017. BIG BAD LUV by JOHN MORELAND It’s not too late to get on the Moreland train […]
Back in the Saddle Again – a Special Twangville Playlist, Part 4
Sallisaw Blue, John Moreland (from the 4AD release Big Bad Luv) It speaks volumes when some of Americana’s leading lights are, pardon the pun, singing an artist’s praises. Such is the case with Oklahoma boy Moreland. Perhaps they are captivated with his profound storytelling, simple tales that overflow with emotion and meaning. Or maybe it’s […]
Gerry Spehar – I Hold Gravity
Distances in western America can be vast. Â You have to decide on a philosophy: are you about the journey or the destination. Â Focus on the goal and you can embrace the trance of picket fence telephone poles and the sporadic interruption of small towns. Â A day, two, three and you’re there with no trauma beyond […]