By William Michael Smith (LSM March/April 2011/vol. 4 – Issue 2) Austin producer, picker and songwriter Gurf Morlix has been waiting 20 years to record …

By William Michael Smith (LSM March/April 2011/vol. 4 – Issue 2) With the February release of Blaze Foley’s 113th Wet Dream, a stellar new tribute …

By William Michael Smith (LSM March/April 2011/vol. 4 – Issue 2) The Austin roots music community was shocked and saddened when Gary Claxton (50) committed suicide …

By William Michael Smith (LSM March/April 2011/vol. 4 – Issue 2) Austin roots-music favorites the Gourds have just signed a deal with prestigious folk label …

By William Michael Smith (LSM March/April 2011/vol. 4 – Issue 2) After a 22-year hiatus, the Austin alt-country outfit the Wagoneers are reforming. Notified of …

HACIENDA Big Red & Barbacoa Alive Records This fledgling San Antonio rock band’s sophomore release, Big Red & Barbacoa, bursts upon listeners just like the …

They Came to Nashville By Marshall Chapman Vanderbilt Univ. Press By William Michael Smith (LSM Jan/Feb 2011/vol. 4 – Issue 1) Marshall Chapman’s half-memoir/half-interview book They …

Chinaberry Sidewalks By Rodney Crowell Alfred A. Knopf  By William Michael Smith (LSM Jan/Feb 2011/vol. 4 – Issue 1) Jacinto City, Texas native Rodney Crowell has …

AMES HYLAND & THE JOINT CHIEFS Celestial Navigation Ananaki Records South Austin Jug Band fans may be a bit blindsided by group leader James Hyland’s …

SHINYRIBS Well After Awhile Nine Mile Records I’ve watched Kevin Russell develop his Gourds alter-ego Shinyribs at a Wednesday residency once a month for the …