Our annual tour through the songs, albums, artists and live performances that made our year.  In no particular order…

November is traditionally for feasting.  Normally that means some overrated food and sale items that aren’t really that great, but in 2022 it also means with regard to music.  We are in the midst of the most fertile and explosive release calendar I can ever recall for this kind of music.  2022 as a whole has been a boon.  A bountiful flood of quality releases have dotted the calendar dating back to January.   But, this August through October stretch has been particularly heavy-hitting.  New albums from scene heavy weights Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers Band, Adam Hood and Pat Green; new

Courtney Patton is a force of personality.  She makes you feel whatever she is feeling.  Most of the time that is a jovial, life of the party hubris that makes everyone happier than before they saw, heard or listened to her.  Patton also knows how to lean into the sad stuff too.  When you combine this duality with her ability to sing circles around most, you discover what truly makes her a special songwriter and performer. Patton’s one of those artists that has never quite captured her best self on her studio recordings. Her previous efforts have been solid collections

Sad songs make me happy.  That’s not just a slogan you see on a shirt or Uncle Bekah hat.  It’s the truth.  It’s true for me and it’s true for many.  There are parameters on it though.  It’s not an everyday thing.  It’s a when the mood strikes thing.  And it’s not necessarily happy.  But, it is definitely comfort. I received some troubling news recently regarding the health of a close family member.  After the cursory and mandatory calls and texts had been made, I turned to the music.  I alway have.  Through every triumph, struggle, setback, comeback and mundane

Bri Bagwell has carried the torch as the preeminent female Texas Music performer for the last decade.  If there’s a festival bill, you can bet she’s on it.  Far too often she has been the only female on those bills.  Undeterred, Bagwell has always taken advantage of her opportunities.  She and her Banned have won over fans from across Texas, Oklahoma, the country and even Europe.  Bagwell has been featured on TV shows and Texas radios for a decade.  She’s proven to be fearless, driven, humorous, relatable and multi-faceted.  Her career has been built on the strength of her live