Patty Griffin One listen to a Patty Griffin song and you’ll understand why she has developed an almost cultish following. She is, quite simply, an extraordinary songwriter. New West Records, her new record label, arranged a private showcase at a South Austin mansion called the Castle to celebrate her forthcoming release. It was an event […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2012, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH In the Dusk of Everything, by Matthew Ryan There are many artists who are ambitious. Some pursue the thrill of live performances, others strive for financial success. While I can’t say that Matthew Ryan doesn’t harbor some of those motivations, he possesses a more powerful quality – ambition for his music. […]
Monday Morning Video: 2012 Americana Music Conference Highlights
As we wrap up our 2012 AMA coverage, here is a playlist highlighting some of the official showcases. We kick things off with a special treat — Richard Thompson telling an amusing story about Robert Plant. We move quickly into the tunes with Hayes Carll, Jason Isbell and Patterson Hood paying tribute to Levon Helm […]
Americana 2012: The Sounds, Part Two
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members and artists together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Songs of Big Star As soon as Richard Thompson finished his official showcase, […]
Americana 2012: The Scene
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members and artists together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. The Americana Music Awards Any discussion of the AMA Conference has to start […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Songs of 2011
I posted a best songs list for the first half of 2011 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this the addendum — the best songs from the second half of the year. When My Time Comes, Barnstar! (from the self-released C’Mon!) I somehow missed this song […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Albums of 2011
#1. JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT, Here We Rest (Lightning Rod) I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t hoping for a full-on rock assault from Isbell and crew. What I got was something better — a nuanced musical tour of his home state of Alabama. From the back porch acoustic sway of […]
Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2011, So Far (The Albums)
Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorites from 2011. Here’s to more great music in the back half! HERE WE REST, JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT Isbell continues to mature as a songwriter, exploring the more soulful and acoustic side of his Alabama music heritage. Which isn’t to say that he […]
Jason Isbell – To the Ends of the City
Listening to Jason Isbell’s newest album was a true revelation. A few album’s later and he’s really moved beyond his life with the Drive-by Truckers. Now when I hear about a concert on the other side of DC from me, I think twice about heading out to H street. But when I heard Isbell was […]
Readers’ Pick: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, “Here We Restâ€
READERS PICK: APRIL 2011 Twangville readers picked Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit‘s Here We Rest as their favorite album of April 2011. His third album since parting ways with the Drive-by Truckers and second with band The 400 Unit. The album title, Here We Rest, takes it’s name from the original Alabama state motto […]