Every city has one or two: local bands that are the go-to choice for a weekend party. Bob Marston got an appreciation for being that band when he was asked to re-open one of Birmingham’s clubs after the Covid shutdown. With time for introspection again a few months later when he went through his own […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2022
Southern Intentions, Wood Willow (from the self-released Southern Intentions) Oklahoma’s Wood Willow – the duo of Becca Herrod and Joel Parks – introduce themselves in fine fashion with Southern Intentions, Wood Willow (from the self-released Southern Intentions). Their debut’s ten tracks shift effortlessly between between sweet (“You’ve Got Me”, “Birds”) and brooding (“On With the […]
Monday Morning Video – Rosie Flores
Over the weekend I was reminded of our interview with Rosie Flores. It’s one of my favorites, filled with stories of a career more than four decades long – and one that’s still rollin’. Here’s Flores performing “You Tear Me Up” for Ditty TV back in 2019.
The Americans on Venice Beach Rehearsals and Day Jobs Old and New
Rock band The Americans share photos from the road and reflect on what they’ve learned so far in their musical career.
Monday Morning Video – Allison Russell and Hozier
How about a little more Allison Russell to kickstart the week? In this live video she is joined by Hozier for a great cover of the Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty duet “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”.
Aaron Skiles – Wreckage from the Fire
It is always nice to unearth a hidden gem from an under the radar artist. Aaron Skiles is a Bay area musician and former front man of Bourbon Therapy. His new solo album, “Wreckage from the Fire”, was co-produced and co-written by Matt Patton, bass player for the Drive-By Truckers. For the project, Patton assembled […]
Monday Morning Video – Dave Alvin, David Hidalgo, and Friends
Dave Alvin, David Hidalgo, and Flaco Jimenez are music institutions. What happens when you bring them together with one another and a group of other talented musicians? You get one heck of a party, as this raucous take on Alvin’s “Marie Marie” demonstrates.
Charlie Winton – The Soul And the Shadow
Imagine that you’re 66 years old, and the last of your kids have left for college. You’ve had a successful career as a publisher, including collaborating with music industry veterans from Dee Dee Ramone and Richard Hell to legendary artist Stanley Mouse and historian Dennis McNally. Furthermore, you’ve been a part-time musician all your life, […]
Speedfossil “Disconnected” – A Twangville Premiere
I’m a sucker for power pop and am always excited to discover a new artist who possesses a great melodic touch. In that vein, meet Boston’s Speedfossil. Singer-songwriter Garret Vandermolen took an extended hiatus nearly two decades ago but couldn’t escape his musical calling. No Anesthesia, his third album since returning to music, finds Vandermolen just […]
SXSW 2022 – The Sounds, Part 2
ALLISON RUSSELL Seeing Allison Russell was a transcendental experience. Her songs and performance were glorious in their intensity and emotion. While she brought out the clarinet and banjo for a few songs, she mostly relied on the talented trio of musicians to support her on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and cello. Simply magical. BER One […]