We lost a giant last week with the passing of Garth Hudson, the last surviving member of The Band. The group The classically trained multi-instrumentalist was a quiet force within the group, one whose contributions helped define their sound. Here are a few choice Garth moments. First, “The Genetic Method/Chest Fever” where Hudson’s expansive solo […]
Readers’ Pick: Evan Nicole Bell – Shades of Blue
You picked Evan Nicole Bell – Shades of Blue as your favorite new release for the week of January 17, 2025.
Joel Timmons – Psychedelic Surf Country
I’m generally a fan of debut albums. Without the pressure to follow up an earlier record, or put something out to satisfy the label, an artist can cull from their life’s best work. Sometimes that can go awry, though, when a musician has worked their way through a variety of styles on their way to […]
Dave Murphy Song Premiere – If I Could Fly
Not a lot of Twangville artists call New Jersey home. They may hail from there, but they make their way to Nashville or Austin or LA. For Dave Murphy though, the life and events that inspire the best country and folk songs had no problem finding him in the Garden State. Over the last couple […]
Hattie Webb on Tom Petty, Leonard Cohen, and the Gift of the Moment
English singer/songwriter/harpist Hattie Webb talks about getting advice from tour bus drivers, time spent in Tom Petty’s rehearsal space, and a meaningful non-music day job.
Monday Morning Video – This Land Is Your Land
Back in 2012, Bruce Springsteen made the trek to Austin for SXSW. Aside from giving the keynote address, he and the E Street Band played the 2,750 capacity Moody Theater. He, accompanied by some special guests, led the crowd in an amazing sing-along of Woody Guthrie’s classic “This Land Is Your Land”. Said guests included […]
Readers’ Pick: Todd Snider – Best Of All My Songs
You picked Todd Snider – Best Of All My Songs as your favorite new release for the week of January 10, 2025.
Everett Wren – Cascades
Something I’ve noticed lately is how many musicians identify now as multi-instrumentalists. The idea isn’t new–every professional musician I’ve ever known plays multiple instruments. What is new perhaps is the willingness to showcase those talents in a more public way, whether to play them in a live show or highlight them on a record. An […]
Johnny Hickman of Cracker on Renting Tour Vans and the “Steely Dan” Method
Cracker co-founder Johnny Hickman talks about his strategy for avoiding overpriced breakfasts while on tour, why he enjoyed his last non-music day job, and the song that he wrote for Elvis.
Bonus Monday Video – Peter Yarrow
“Puff the Magic Dragon” is one of folk music’s greatest songs. Sure, songs like “This Land Is Your Land” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” epitomize folk’s socio-political spirit. Yet I ask you this: how many songs have been – and continue to be – sung by generations of children. I’m fairly certain just hearing the […]