New additions to the Americana Music Festival 2015 line-up: Glen Hansard, Jewel, Hot Rize featuring Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers, Jay Farrar, Buddy Miller and Marc Ribot, JD McPherson, Parker Millsap, Joel Rafael, Nellie Clay, Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear and the Watkins Family Hour.
New Releases: Dustbowl Revival, Raging Fire, Auburn
Dustbowl Revival draws on a folk tradition stretching back at least 85 years. With a Lampshade On is a genial album fueled by brass, fiddle and mandolin.
Early Nashville rock: Ronnie and the Daytonas
The new Real Gone Music release of Ronny and the Daytonas’ The Complete Recordings reminds us of the Top 10 success of this Nashville band 51 years ago. Their debut single “GTO” echoed the Beach Boys’ car songs, but had a vitality all its own.
Review: Jason Isbell’s “Something More than Free”
Jason Isbell had quite a challenge in following up his excellent 2013 album, Southeastern, which was a thing of rare power and beauty. Fortunately, he was up to the task.
New releases: Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams
Recent Americana releases: Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams, Jason James, Surreal McCoys
Rosanne Cash among four Songwriters Hall inductees
Rosanne Cash, Mark James, Even Stevens and Craig Wiseman to be inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
“Drifted”: Celebrating the Continental Drifters
“Drifted: In the Beginning and Beyond” is a testament to the Continental Drifters’ range and talent. Like the Band, the group tapped multiple lead vocalists, songwriters and players to creative a compelling collective.
Review: John Moreland’s “High on Tulsa Heat”
High on Tulsa Heat, the latest from Oklahoma singer-songwriter John Moreland, is not quite as much a one-man-band effort as his breakout 2013 album In the Throes, but it’s still a very personal statement.
Reissue: Paul Williams’ “A Little on the Windy Side”
Paul Williams’ “A Little on the Windy SIde” was produced in Nashville with Williams’ brother Mentor, featured some of the era’s finest session players including guitarists Reggie Young and Troy Seals and keyboardist David Briggs
New: Jon Pousette-Dart, Deslondes
Best known for his successful run with the Pousette-Dart Band in the ‘70s, Jon Pousette-Dart continues to write and record rewarding music, as evidenced by his new collection Talk.
Expanded Americana Music Festival lineup
The Americana Music Association has just added a second wave of artists booked for thie fall’s Americana Music Festival and Conference, set for Sept. 15-20 in Nashville, including Band of Heathens, the McCrary Sisters, Luther Dickinson, the Fairfield Four, JD Souther, Doug Seegers, Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale.
Review: Michelle Malone’s “Stronger Than You Think”
A sense of joy pervades Stronger Than You Think, the latest album from Georgia-based folk-rocker Michelle Malone.
Jerry Lawson at the Station Inn
It was a long time coming, but Jerry Lawson’s show at the Station Inn in Nashville June 5 was a spirited and often inspiring evening.
Reissue: “Nils Lofgren”
Nils Lofgren offers a portrait of an absolutely confident young musician.
New releases: Jerry Lawson, Chris Stapleton
Jerry Lawson’s “Just a Mortal Man” is a joyous surprise. The 71-year-old lead singer of the Persuasions has just released his first solo album. His rich voice remains a revelation, and the smart song selection showcases his gifts.
Review: Amy Speace’s “That Kind of Girl”
Amy Speace’s “That Kind of Girl” is an excellent collection – 12 songs full of raw, honest emotion, beautifully conveyed by her powerful, expressive voice.
New releases: Greg Trooper, the Grahams
Due in June is Greg Trooper’s Live at the Rock Room, recorded in Austin with Chip Dolan on keyboards and accordion and Jack Saunders on bass. It’s Trooper’s third live recording and a testament to his exceptional songwriting and performance skills.
2015 Americana Music Awards nominees announced
The Americana Music Association announced this afternoon the nominees for the 2015 ama_logo_button_redAmericana Honors and Awards. The winners will be announced at the association’s annual conference, set for Sept. 10-15 in Nashville.
This just in: 2015 Americana Music Festival line-up
The Americana Music Association has just announced its initial artist line-up for the 16th annual Americana Music Festival and Conference, set for September 15 – 20, 2015, in Nashville.
Review: James McMurtry’s “Complicated Game”
A dozen words into “Copper Canteen,” the first song on Complicated Game, James McMurtry’s ninth studio CD, and you know you want to know more about these people.