As a newbie to AMERICANAFEST I have to say that looking at the schedule beforehand I was a bit overwhelmed. Throw in the fact that it had been about 10 years since I’d been to Nashville and that made it even more so. But once I got there and settled into the pace and learned […]
Americana 2018: Shawn’s Picks
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual 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 […]
Americana 2018: 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 annual 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 […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2018, Part 1
Right On Time, Kevin Gordon (from the Crowville Media release Tilt And Shine) Kevin Gordon has long been one of contemporary music’s most compelling storytellers. He fills his songs with colorful characters and literary tales, all set to music that has more than a few gloriously jagged edges. Tilt And Shine steps beyond the more […]
Kevin Gordon – Tilt And Shine
Boredom is a cruel mistress. Â She tempts you to do things you know better than to do, and demands silence and negligence when action is needed. Â Add in the weather-driven, laconic nature of life in the lower Mississippi River basin and it’s a potent mix of attitude. Â Nobody understands that better than Kevin Gordon. Â On […]
The Twangville 2018 Release Preview, Summer/Fall Edition
We’ve already been treated to a number of great new albums in 2018. Read on for some releases expected in the back half of the year. What albums, whether on this list or not, are you most excited to hear? TILT AND SHINE by KEVIN GORDON(27 July on Crowville Media) Gordon returns with another scruffy […]
Authors’ Pick: Best Album of 2015: Jason Isbell, “Something More Than Free”… Plus More
Official Twangville Best New Album of 2015: JASON ISBELL, Something More Than Free Here it is. Our official pick for Best New Album of 2015 is Something More Than Free by Jason Isbell. Isbell beats out Josh Ritter’s Sermon on the Rocks which is eerily reminiscent of 2013 when Isbell and Ritter also came in #1 and #2.This list […]
Shawn's Picks – Best Albums of 2015
The Mavericks – Mono  More than their previous albums I felt like Mono showcased the band more than the individuals in it.  They”re not breaking any new ground here, but that”s like dinging someone for being the best in the world at something.  This stayed in the disc changer in my car for about 6 […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2015
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2015. All A Man Should DoLucero Maudlin DaysOcean Carolina Adventures in Real TimeDylan Gardner The Firewatcher’s DaughterBrandi Carlile Positive Songs For Negative PeopleFrank Turner The Spirit MovesLanghorne Slim and the Law Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night SweatsNathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats High On […]
Americana 2015: The Sounds, Part 3
Mayer has given us his thoughts on favorite performances at the AMA conference and festival; time for me to weigh in with mine. The Traveling Minstrel Show – One of my two favorite surprises from the festival was central Wisconsin-based Horseshoes & Hand Grenades. They were the first band I saw outside the awards show […]