Since his debut release in 2011, Irish-born and Philadelphia-based John Byrne has walked the line between the sounds of his homeland and the folk-rock side of Americana.  A storyteller at heart, he tells his tales accompanied by a band that includes both strings and horns. What’s not to like about that? He’s also doesn’t shy […]
You, The Dog and Johnny Cash: A Premiere from Goodnight Texas
It’s always a treat when a favorite artist surprises you with new music. All the better if it’s for a good cause, but more on that in a bit. Goodnight, Texas, the group anchored by songwriters Avi Vinocur and Patrick Dyer Wolf, follow up the July release of The Senseless Age with a rollicking new […]
Monday Morning Video – A Dallas House Show Preview
Twangville continues our Sunday Social concert series in Dallas on November 3rd (details HERE) with three incredible artists: John Calvin Abney, Brent Cowles and The Reverent Few. As we eagerly await an afternoon of songs and stories, here is a video playlist to whet our appetites. John Calvin Abney – “Cowboys and Canyon Queens”, the […]
Dallas After Midnight – A Special Twangville Playlist
Glass Bottles, Ottoman Turks (from the State Fair Records release Ottoman Turks) Ottoman Turks, the album, is a debut release that was 10 years in the making. The band’s back story is simultaneously typical and refreshing – four long-time friends who bonded over a love of music. That shared enthusiasm and exaltation resonates across the […]
Bring Back the Boston Rag – A Special Boston Playlist
Pockets Full of Sighs, Lisa Bastoni (from the self-released How We Want to Live) Some of the best albums take both artist and listener on a journey. One need look no farther than the title of Lisa Bastoni’s latest release to appreciate that this is her musical intent. How We Want to Live may speak […]
Americana 2019 – Chip’s Picks
Americanafest brings a plethora of artist and showcases together in Nashville each September to celebrate the year that was; and give a preview of the year to come. Here is my attempt to highlight but a few artists that caught my attention this year, although there are too many special performances to recount. The Vandoliers […]
Americana 2019: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the Americana Music Awards and continuing through several days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances from […]
Americana 2019: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through several days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances […]
Leeroy Stagger on Canadian Taco Joints and How Life Is Meant to Be Lived
Leeroy Stagger talks about his multi-purpose tour vehicle, vague recollections of the first song that he wrote and visiting a Wendy’s drive-thru after his first gig.
Video Premiere – Leroy From the North
A few weeks back I got a chance to hear and review the new EP from LA-based Leroy From the North. Health & Fitness delivers a big dollop of southern rock vibe, with influences from Muscle Shoals to Macon. While the guitar hammers the classic power chords, the lyrics come from current cultural phenomenon. They […]