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 […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2021
Foregone Conclusion, Zach Schmidt (from the Boss Dawg Records release Raise a Banner) Zach Schmidt has been waiting awhile for the release of his sophomore full length album. Not Chinese Democracy long, but long enough. Schmidt recorded the album, backed by producer Sadler Vadan and the 400 Unit (yes, that one), then saw the album […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2021 (So Far), the Songs
Breaking a Heart/The Wind’s Just Gonna Blow, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall (from the Sony Music Nashville release The Marfa Tapes) If you thought their song “Tin Man” was achingly beautiful, they’ve got a few more from their time in Marfa that just might make your eyes a little misty. I couldn’t decide […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2021 (So Far), the Albums
J.T. by Steve Earle & The Dukes Steve Earle’s moving tribute to his late son Justin Townes Earle is an emotional gut punch. Yet beyond the tragedy of the younger Earle’s passing, the elder Earle’s performances of his son’s songs highlight their shared gift of songwriting and storytelling mastery. Be warned, though, that the closing […]
Nobody’s Girl – Nobody’s Girl
Back in 2017 three friends (BettySoo, Grace Pettis & Rebecca Loebe) decided to do a tour together as set of singer-songwriters, you know, just a few weeks, a one-time shot. Long story short, they had so much fun the trio decided to temporarily set aside their personal projects and form a group, Nobody’s Girl. They […]
Quit Breaking My Heart – A Premiere from Chris J. Norwood
Chris J. Norwood has been known to tackle some serious and personal topics in his songs. He takes a slightly different tack on the latest single from his forthcoming I Am Not Cool. Well, sort of. “I Need You (To Quit Breaking My Heart)â€, a duet with his wife Carrie, captures the back and forth […]
Tommy Dunbar of the Rubinoos on The Blue Whale and the Importance of Pre-Production
Rubinoos guitarist Tommy Dunbar talks about empty Dannon yogurt containers and dissects the first song that he wrote.
Monday Morning Video – Hothouse Flowers “Give It Up”
Long-time readers may recall that I like to listen to my iPod on shuffle. I love the surprise when it randomly reminds me of a favorite song from years gone by. Last week it pulled out this gem from Ireland’s Hothouse Flowers. I’m particularly enamored with this live version circa 2014, complete with a horn […]