New releases from BR5-49, Paul Kelly and Neil Finn, Kyle Frederick, Brandy Zdan, Dave Zobl
Category: New releases
New releases: Peter Cooper, Drive-By Truckers
We knew Eric Taylor’s work primarily from recordings by Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett, but this collection is a revelation.
Seth Timbs sets “New Personal Record”
Nashville singer-songwriter Seth Timbs has just released a fine new album called New Personal Record
New releases: Andrea Zonn’s reflective “Rise”
Andrea Zonn’s “Rise” is a truly beautiful album from a fine vocalist and violinist who has played with some of music’s best.
Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s “So Familiar”
Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s “Familiar” album
New releases: Jim Lauderdale, Ted Hawkins tribute
Music should always be about quality and not quantity, but there’s something astonishing about Jim Lauderdale’s output over the years. In a 30-year span, he’s released 28 albums of real merit.
Review: Steppenwolf’s ABC/Dunhill Singles Collection
A new collection from Real Gone Music reminds us of the depth and impact of Steppenwol. The ABC/Dunhill Singles Collection includes largely mono recordings of the band’s output for the label, plus all of John Kay’s solo singles.
Class of ’82: Marshall Crenshaw and Tommy Keene
In 1982, two promising young talents released debut albums. Marshall Crenshaw’s self-titled record drew considerable attention, fueled by airplay of “Someday Someway.” Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., Tommy Keene released Strange Alliance, largely unnoticed until his breakthrough EP Places That Are Gone two years later.
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.
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
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.