All of our shows start with a simple premise: invite some of our favorite singer-songwriters to share a stage. On June 18th, that stage is the legendary Café Wha? in New York City. Charlie Marie possesses a voice that draws comparisons to country music’s classic era—the kind of singing that stops a room. Her songs […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2025, Boston/Dallas Edition
I live in NYC these days but am fortunate to be connected to the music scenes of two cities in which I previously lived – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY […]
Chestnut Vibes on a Saturday Night – A Boston Playlist
Promised Land, Ward Hayden and the Outliers (from the Faster Horses Recordings release Little By Little) On Little By Little, Ward Hayden and the Outliers take on Bruce Springsteen’s songs with both respect and imagination, reshaping them in their distinctive country style. Hayden’s expressive vocals and the band’s warm, rootsy sound give these classics new […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2025 (So Far), the Songs
Wrong End & Black Snake, Mojave Blues, Balto (from the self-released No Hard Feeling) These two songs represent the scope of Balto’s musical power – the unbridled rock and roll fury of “Black Snake, Mojave Blues” and the powerful emotion of “Wrong End”, the band’s seeming farewell to music: I don’t believe in songs no moreIn the long dead horse […]
Readers’ Pick: Ward Hayden & The Outliers – Little by Little
You picked Ward Hayden & The Outliers – Little by Little as your favorite new release for the week of April 18, 2025.
When It’s Twilight in Boston – a Special Playlist
Enough, Alisa Amador (from the Thirty Tigers release Multitudes) If I’m honest, I’m really skeptical about music competitions. Call me idealist, but I think the music industry is tough enough already and pitting artists against one another is counterproductive. That said, watching Alisa Amador win the NPR Tiny Desk Contest is somewhat reassuring. It’s wonderful […]
Glory Days, a Premiere from Ward Hayden and the Outliers
(Note: Ward Hayden and the Outliers will be playing a Twangville showcase in NYC this Thursday. Details here.) There’s something great about a summer song. Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days” has long been a quintessential seasonal anthem, the perfect, rousing celebration of nostalgic good times. Bar band rowdiness in all its, well, glory. But there’s another […]
Monday Morning Video – Twangville in NYC on June 6th
We may have a show problem. The problem is that we can’t help showcasing great artists, both new and long-time faves, that we’ve encountered on our musical journey. Case in point, we’re taking over New York City’s The Bowery Electric on June 6th for a special showcase featuring Ward Hayden & the Outliers, The FBR, […]
“Brilliant Disguise” – a Premiere from Ward Hayden & the Outliers
Now this is a great way to start the year. Ward Hayden, a talented songwriter in his own right, is a true student of the craft. We’ve long known Hayden as a well-studied disciple of Hank Williams, but it turns out there is at least one other musical poet about whom he has a considered […]
When It’s Twilight in Boston – a Special Twangville Playlist
Bulletproof Man, The Bluest Sky (from the self-released The Bluest Sky) Chuck Melchin first appeared on our radar a number of years ago as the Bean Picker’s Union. Essentially a solo artist surrounding himself with a loose collective of acoustic players, he wrote songs that oozed melancholy and were tied to quiet and captivating melodies. […]