The Americana Music Association officially kicks off with its annual awards show at the inspiring and beautiful Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Â The show ran a bit long this year, clocking in at over 3 hours. Â On the other hand, if you’re going to go to the church, you may as well get the […]
Americana 2015: The Scene
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 at the legendary Ryman Auditorium and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. East, West and Parts In-Between The conference expanded […]
Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2015 (So Far) the Songs Part 2
Everybody Talkin’ ’bout the All American, JD McPherson (from the Rounder Records release Let The Good Times Roll) Let’s just call this the dance hit of the year. One listen and you’ll know what I mean. You Got To Me, James McMurtry (from the Complicated Game Records release Complicated Game) On a given day I’d […]
Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2015 (So Far), the Songs Part 1
For me, at least, this year has been more about songs than albums. Here are just a few of my favorites from the first half of 2015. If Still It Can’t Be Found, Joe Pug (from the Lightning Rod Records release Windfall) A melancholy ode to perseverance and pursuing one’s dreams. Simply magical. Don’t Let […]
Readers’ Pick: Best of Spring 2015
THE SIDESHOW TRAGEDY, Capital beats out RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, Ruffian’s Misfortune by 28 votes as your favorite for the Spring of 2015. Readers’ Official Top 25 – Spring 2015 THE SIDESHOW TRAGEDY, Capital (50) RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, Ruffian’s Misfortune (22) DWIGHT YOAKAM, Second Hand Heart (21) EILEN JEWELL, Sundown Over Ghost Town (20) THE GRAHAMS, […]
Monday Morning Video – B.B. King (1925 – 2015)
We lost one of the greats last week. B.B. King was an inspiration to generations of musicians, from the weekend warriors who shows up for the sunday afternoon blues jam to the touring musicians who regularly sell out performances in arenas and stadiums. His personality was infectious, able to light up a room with his […]
Dwight Yoakam CD Giveaway!!!
The kind folks over at Yoakam’s digital marketing team (Girlilla) have sent us a copy of Dwight’s latest Second Hand Heart to give away to one lucky Twangville denizen. It’s definitely a killer album. I’ve see advance clips with things such as “Best album from Dwight in years!†etc. etc., but I’m kind of the […]
SXSW 2015 — Say What?!
One of my favorite parts of SXSW is the crazy things you see and hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections. This song is called “I’ll Tell You How It’s Gonna Be.” It’s about you not telling me what to do. Best Coast singer Bethany Cosentino responding to an annoying fan who […]
SXSW 2015 — the Sounds, Part 2
THE STONE FOXES This San Francisco-based rock band added a new drummer since the last time that I saw them. The change enabled original drummer Shannon Koehler to step out as the band’s primary front-man. It’s a role that suits him well as he fired up an afternoon crowd, bounding around the stage and through […]
SXSW 2015 — The Sounds, Part 1
TRAPPER SCHOEPP The Milwaukee-based rocker used a raucous early afternoon set to preview songs from a forthcoming album. With Hold Steady guitarist Steve Selvidge in tow, Schoepp and his band the Shades provided an electric jolt to all those in attendance. Count me among those eagerly awaiting Schoepp’s new release — it’s gonna be a […]