Nick Lowe took advantage of an off night while touring with Elvis Costello (“Elvis has a more leisurely work ethic”, he quipped) to play a small club in Queens, New York City. Backed by the mysterious Los Straightjackets, Lowe reminded why he is a revered pop songwriter. The set list included lots of Lowe classics, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2022
Clean Getaway, Caroline Spence (from the Rounder Records release True North) Caroline Spence looks at relationships from a myriad of perspectives on her wonderous new True North. “Blue Sky Rain” and “Clean Getaway” focus on their failure with a thoughtful clarity. “You never see it coming, only see it pass,” she sings on “Blue Sky […]
Newport Folk 2022 – the Twangville Recap
The fog seemed to foreshadow Joni Mitchell as it rolled in, surrounding the peninsula housing the War of 1812-era Fort Adams that makes up the venue of the Newport Folk Festival, after a weekend of intense sun and heat. There had been whispers all weekend about special guests; rumors of Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Jimmy […]
Lydia Luce on a Favorite Songwriting Gig and Working as a Session Violinist
Songwriter and musician Lydia Luce talks about touring in a school bus, making smoothie bowls on the road, and growing up in the classical music world.
“Good Day” – a Premiere from Calling Cadence
Los Angeles-based Calling Cadence have been a pleasant earworm for my this year. The songs on their debut album are acoustic-based but with an inherent funkiness that comes from smooth organ and electric piano and plenty of bass grooves. And then there are the vocals of band leaders Oscar Bugarin and Rae Cole, each strong […]
A Little Boston in Your Attitude – A Special Boston Playlist
Follow, Susan Cattaneo (from the Jersey Girl Music release All Is Quiet) It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that Susan Cattaneo taught songwriting at Berklee School of Music for many years. Her songs are wonderfully crafted, filled with meaning and musical grace. Her latest album may be stripped down in terms of arrangements, […]
The Twangville Summer/Fall 2022 Release Preview
All This Life by Parker Twomey (15 July) Parker Twomey’s debut has a freewheeling and airy vibe, not to mention a maturity that belies his age. Lava Lamp by Jonah Tolchin (15 July) Tolchin steps away from his more restrained and often acoustic-based previous work to serve up one heck of a rock album. Nation […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2022 (So Far), the Songs
Meant to Be, BER & Charlie Oriain (from the self-released And I’m Still Thinking About That) A wonderful discovery at this year’s SXSW… and one of my favorite songs so far this year. But I think you’re the one for someone else And that shit’s hard to say It’s okay, you feel the same and I can […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2022 (So Far), the Albums
Twilights by Jesper Lindell Sweden’s Lindell makes true Americana that channels the spirit of the Band, a point he emphasizes with a great cover of that group’s “Twilight”. It’s Lindell’s own compositions and the arrangements that bring the songs to life, however, that make Twilights such a memorable experience. How Long Will It Take Them […]
Box O’ Wine – A Premiere from Wood Willow
Fresh from dazzling the crowd at the Twangville Sunday Social in Dallas earlier this month, Wood Willow are back to premiere the latest video from Southern Intentions, their debut album. The song, with its jazzy vibe, demonstrates the band’s versatility while also showcasing the interlaced vocals of Joel Parks and Becca Herrod Parks. The video, […]