The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Going back through the schedule to consider the highlights is always a frustrating experience. Not only is it tough to feature just […]
Mike and Bob Delevante on Truck Stops and Good Intentions
The Delevantes talk about their legendary New Year’s Eve parties and playing “Foggy Mountain Breakdown”
Martin Sexton on His Last Day Job and Finding Great Food While on Tour
Martin Sexton talks about thumpy, muted guitar tones and why he switched his solo tour vehicle from a Land Cruiser to a Suburban.
Wesley Stace on Busking, Bingo, and Eating Well on the Road
Songwriter and author Wesley Stace talks about the freedom of touring in his car and starting his career as a busker covering Loudon Wainwright, John Prine, Steve Goodman and John Hiatt songs.
Bonus Monday Video – Celebrating Summer With Dinty Child and Mark Erelli
Where the heck did summer go?  It seems like after the past year and a half we should get an extra month of summer this year (and not in a climate change kinda way…).  Well, Dinty Child and co-conspirator Mark Erelli wrote a rocking celebration of the season.  Even better, they invited friends, family, and […]
Dominique Pruitt on Getting a Compliment from Billy Gibbons and Rehearsing In a Car
Singer-songwriter Dominique Pruitt talks about the Mountain Stage after-party and some advice that she received early in her career.
Bonus Monday Video – Tom T. Hall & Don Everly
We lost two giants in the past few days – Tom T. Hall and Don Everly. Let’s celebrate their legacies in video fashion. First, a 1970 Everly Brothers tv appearance. The segment is a bit hokey but it speaks to the depth of the talent that Don and his late brother Phil possessed. Then, Tom […]
Monday Morning Video – Mavis Staples & Friends
Let’s continue with the “and friends” theme that we started last week. Next up is a three-fer from the great Mavis Staples. First, a 1988 performance of the Staples Singers classic “I’ll Take You There” that features Dr. John and Jeff Healey. Second, a 2011 backstage rehearsal of the Band’s “The Weight” with Wilco and […]
The Northern Belle’s “Kaleidoscope Dream” – A Twangville Premiere
Earlier this year Norway’s The Northern Belle honored John Prine with an exquisite version of the late singer-songwriter’s “Summer’s Endâ€. Now that summer really is coming to an end, the group is marking the occasion with the release of a new mini-album called The Women In Me. The album’s opening track really sets the tone for the collection. […]
Monday Morning Video – Randy Newman and Friends
Randy Newman is an American treasure. Whether cynical or sentimental, his songs brilliantly capture the characters and moments that inhabit them. Here’s Newman, accompanied by Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, John Fogerty, and an all-star band performing his classic anthem “I Love L.A”. I wish they alternated the verses that Jackson Browne and John Fogerty sang […]