LYDIA LOVELESS Loveless played two shows to celebrate a new album, Something Else, a reimagined version of her 2014 release Somewhere Else. The new release is nearly entirely Loveless solo on piano and was the focus of a stunning Thursday appearance at Todd Snider’s Purple Building. The next afternoon Loveless and John Calvin Abney brought […]
“Dead Flowers” – A Premiere From Afton Wolfe and Jaimee Harris
Sometimes you just have to run with the moment. A random conversation between Nashville residents Afton Wolfe and Jaimee Harris about cult movie hit “Big Lebowski” was the spark behind this impressive collaboration. Those familiar with the movie will recall that Townes Van Zandt’s cover of The Rolling Stones’ composition closes out the movie. Harris […]
SXSW 2024: The Sounds, Part 1
Kathleen Edwards I don’t recall this ever happening before, but this year I kicked off SXSW with one of my favorite sets of the week. Kathleen Edwards performed solo (save a brief appearance by Lauren Morrow on harmony vocals), highlighting songs from throughout her illustrious career plus a new one. Attitude, charm, and great music. […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2023, the Albums
11. Somebody’s Child by Somebody’s Child Not the typical Twangville fare but I can’t get enough of the infectious and electrifying rock anthems from the debut album by Somebody’s Child, the Ireland/UK group founded and led by Cian Godfrey. (More coverage) 10. End of the World by Wild Child End of the World is an […]
Americana 2023, 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 […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2023 (So Far), the Songs
Suicide of Town, Ben de la Cour (from the Julian Records release Sweet Anhedonia) Amidst an album of dark and sobering ballads, de la Cour proves that he can rock with the best of ‘em. Simple Things, The Band of Heathens (from the BOH Records release Simple Things) Getting by on simple things, letting go […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2023 (So Far), the Albums
Stand in the Joy by William Prince Stand in the Joy is the kind of album that you can get lost in – Prince’s voice and songs are as soothing as they are poignant. Best listened to with your eyes closed. Sweet Anhedonia by Ben de la Cour Sweet Anhedonia is richly textured and darkly […]
Readers’ Pick: Jaimee Harris – Boomerang Town
You picked Jaimee Harris – Boomerang Town as your favorite new release for the week of February 17, 2023.
Mayer’s Playlist for Jan/Feb 2023
Missing Someone, Jaimee Harris (from the Folk N Roll Records/Thirty Tigers release Boomerang Town) Harris’ eagerly awaited sophomore release has arrived – and it’s a beauty. What makes it even compelling is that its beauty isn’t easy. Harris fills her songs with difficult topics and troubled characters, digging into them with a thoughtful perspective. The […]
FAI Conference 2023 – Musical Highlights
As I noted yesterday, the Folk Alliance International conference is one of my annual highlights. A big reason for that is the vast offering of musical performances; last year there were over 150 official showcases, and over 1000 private showcases in just 4 days. This year probably topped that. Clearly I didn’t make it to […]