The Contractor, John Calvin Abney (from the Black Mesa Records release Familiar Ground) Familiar Ground, like John Calvin Abney’s previous albums, possesses a beautiful spirituality that is comforting and uplifting. Case in point – he opens this latest release with the heartening “When This Blows Over”, a song that serves as a quiet anthem for the […]
Chris Smither on “Real Work” and What Makes Him Happy
Singer-songwriter Chris Smither talks about his cozy and comfy home rehearsal space, early gigs on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and the first song that he wrote (and that he still occasionally plays)
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2020, Part 4
Called Out Your Name, Terra Lightfoot (from the Sonic Unyon Records release Consider the Speed) If you’re anything like me – especially in a year like this one – sometimes you just want a healthy dose of electrifying rock and roll. Thankfully Terra Lightfoot is back to fulfill that desire and, perhaps, melt a few faces […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2020, Part 3
When You’re Gone, Lydia Loveless (from the Honey You’re Gonna Be Late Records release Daughter) Daughter isn’t an easy album. Sure, the album has some strong and engaging melodies, not to mention the wonder that is the singer’s commanding voice. Yet it is also a lyrically and musically dense album, one that finds Loveless continuing […]
Video Premiere: Ben de la Cour – Last Chance Farm
Ben de la Cour is one of my favorite discoveries this year. His album “Shadow Land†oozes raw emotion and was my introduction to one of the most authentic singer-songwriters around. Twangville is pleased to premiere his video from this album, “Last Chance Farmâ€. This song stands out in contrast to the other songs on […]
Dawn Landes on Wisdom Teeth and Taking Things Slow
Singer-songwriter Dawn Landes talks about a favorite NYC bookstore and a tour breakdown in the midst of a blizzard.
Lucy Wainwright Roche on All Day Breakfast Diners and Trying to Get a Tour Vehicle Sponsor
Lucy Wainwright Roche talks about teaching elementary school and the one time that she broke a guitar string (and the guitar tech who fixed it).
Monday Morning Video – Joni, Bob, and Roger
It’s amazing what you can find stumbling around online video archives. Here’s Joni Mitchell her then new song “Coyote”. If that weren’t special enough, she’s accompanied by Bob Dylan and Roger McGuinn while sitting in Gordon Lightfoot’s house.
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2020, Part 2
Fine, Bonnie Whitmore (from the Aviatrix Records release Last Will & Testament) Bonnie Whitmore lulls you in with a chorus of harmonies on the opening track to her latest album. But before one can settle into the lushness, a fuzzy bass, quickly joined by ominous strings and a resonating electric guitar, interrupts to create a […]
Jackson Emmer on the “Get Discovered” Fairytale and Chasing Todd Snider
Colorado-based Jackson Emmer recalls getting paid in French fries at his first gig and talks about making one’s own opportunities.