Southern swamp funk-blues band JJ Grey & Mofro have a unique sound forged in the backwaters of Florida. Grey, the band’s leader, is well established as a songwriter, and the band’s recordings and live performances are among the most dependably enjoyable in the business. Grey & Mofro’s reputation grew steadily since the band recorded its first […]
Mike Farris On A First Gig Playing a Drug Dealer’s “Club” and the Future of Live Music
Mike Farris reflects back on his first gig at a drug dealer’s “club” and offers his view on where the value of music, both live and recorded, is headed.
Monday Morning Video – Mike Farris
A week ago Sunday Mike Farris was walking on stage in sunny Los Angeles to accept a Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. Three days later he braved the cold and snow to play a small club in Boston. To say that he wowed the crowd would be an understatement. For more than two hours […]
Tinsley Ellis – Tough Love
Tinsley Ellis came up as a hard-rocking guitar slinger in the mold of Stevie Ray Vaughan. He was always known as a great axe-man, but as the decades passed and his art matured, he also became an accomplished songwriter and interpreter of the many shades of blues. Kanye West might even be a little impressed with […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2015
ALBUM OF THE MONTH Fear and Saturday Night, by Ryan Bingham Bingham sets the tone for his latest album right out of the gate. “I’ve been carrying my troubles in this pack strapped to my shoulder,” he confesses in the opening “Nobody Knows My Trouble.” What follows are twelve songs that are filled with life […]
The Twangville 2015 Release Preview
There is already an impressive collection of releases on the docket for 2015, with plenty more sure to follow. Here are a handful that the Twangville crew are eagerly anticipating. What albums, whether on this list or not, are you most excited to hear? ABSENT FATHERS by JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE(13 January on Vagrant Records) Earle […]
Chip’s Best of 2014
As usual it was a tough year to pick the top albums. This year was particularly tough; in that there were a number of top notch releases, but no clear standouts. Thus the conundrum, how to separate albums that are all deserving and uniquely their own. Here is an attempt to rank my top ten. […]
Shawn’s Top 10 Live Sets Of 2014
I’m fortunate enough to live in an area with a tradition of supporting live music. Â It’s not Austin or Nashville, but Santa Cruz holds its own when it comes to getting some great Americana tour stops. Â I’m also lucky enough to be able to travel to some music festivals every year. Â So while I don’t […]
Monday Morning Video — Dobie Gray's "Drift Away"
As we begin Thanksgiving week here in the US, here”s a song for which I”m thankful. Thanks for the joy that you”ve given me I want you to know I believe in best online casino your song And rhythm and rhyme and harmony You”ve helped me along Makin” me strong Oh, give me the beat […]
Sean Costello – In The Magic Shop
Sean Costello was a great talent who left us too soon. After taking the blues world by storm, Costello was found dead of an apparent overdose in his Atlanta hotel room on April 15, 2008, the day before his 29th birthday. After his death, his family confirmed that the troubled artist had suffered from bipolar […]