What originated as a long weekend, AmericanaFest now has official events beginning on Tuesday. However, the apex of the music festival remains the Americana Music Awards on Wednesday evening in the wonderful Ryman Auditorium. After last year’s long event padded with speeches and awards to complementary organizations, this year marked an appreciated return to focus […]
Rodney Crowell Talks About Pawn Shop Drums and a Tour Bus Fire
Legendary singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell shares a few favorite Texas restaurants, talks about legislating music in the internet age, and declines to reveal a state secret.
Readers’ Pick: Rodney Crowell – Triage
You picked Rodney Crowell – Triage as your favorite new release for the week of July 23, 2020. New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Summer & Fall 2021 Shannon Clark & The Sugar – […]
Readers’ Pick: Close Ties by Rodney Crowell
You picked “Close Ties” from Nashville-based singer-songwriter, Rodney Crowell, as your favorite new release for the week of March 31, 2017. Poll Results New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Winter 2017 BRIGITTE DEMEYER AND WILL […]
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 […]
Readers’ Pick: The Traveling Kind by Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell
EMMYLOU HARRIS & RODNEY CROWELL, The Traveling Kind beats out RHETT MILLER WITH BLACK PRAIRIE, The Traveler by 1 vote as your favorite for the week of May 12, 2015. Poll Results Readers’ Top 25 – Spring 2015 THE SIDESHOW TRAGEDY, Capital (50) RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, Ruffian’s Misfortune (22) DWIGHT YOAKAM, Second Hand […]
Monday Morning Video – Rodney Crowell’s “Still Learning How to Fly”
Crowell sure knows how to write ’em. Here is one of my favorites by the man, with an opening verse that seems tailor made for a Monday morning. The hour is early The whole world is quiet A beautiful morning’s about to ignite I’m ready for danger I’m ready for fire I’m ready for something […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2014
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2014. And the War CameShakey Graves The Shipwreck From the ShoreAnthony D’Amato HealStrand of Oaks Parker MillsapParker Millsap All or Nothin’Nikki Lane Common Ground: Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill BroonzyDave Alvin and Phil Alvin Eli Paperboy […]
Mayer’s Playlist for June 2014, Part 1
ALBUM OF THE MONTHS Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, by Sturgill Simpson It’s easy to take pot-shots at what passes for country these days. You know what I’m talking about: the feel-good, truck-drivin’, beer-drinking music makes for great stadium concert sing-alongs. If that’s your scene, then more power to you. Some of you, like me, […]
Americana Music Conference 2013: The Awards Show
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 four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Any discussion of the Americana Music Conference has to begin with […]