Chloe Chadwick - Dustbowl Jukebox (30/06/17)
- Artist: Chloe Chadwick
- Genre: Country, Country-Pop, Americana
- Release Date: 30th June, 2017.
- Record Label: Independent
- Tracks: 10
- Website: https://www.chloechadwick.com/
Filtering by Category: Americana Music
Lauren Housley - The Beauty of This Life (28/07/17)
- Artist: Lauren Housley
- Genre: Americana, Blues, Rock
- Release Date: 28th July, 2017
- Record Label: Absolute Marketing
- Tracks: 10
Saskia - Live At The Roundhouse (28/06/17)
- Artist: Saskia
- Genre: Folk, Americana, Singer-Songwriter
- Release Date: 28th June, 2017
- Record Label: Independent
- Tracks: 10
- Website: http://www.saskiagm.com/
SASKIA is a 24 year old singer-songwriter, known for her pure clear voice and her nu-folk style repertoire: blending the classical simplicity of traditional songs with contemporary moods, melodies and meanings. 'Live At The Roundhouse' sees Saskia share an album of her favourite classics and covers. Artists covered include Sandy Denny, Joan Baez, Sting, The Beatles and Joni Mitchell.
Jamie Francis - The Patient Neighbour (02/06/17)
- Artist: Jamie Francis
- Genre: Americana, Folk Acoustic
- Release Date: 2nd June, 2017
- Record Label: TCR Music
- Tracks: 10
- Website: https://www.jamiefrancismusic.com
Jamie Francis (of Sam Kelly & the Lost Boys, The Changing Room, and Stark) presents his debut solo album. The album is led by Jamie's banjo, but also features fiddle and whistles from Toby Shaer (John McCusker and Heidi Talbot) and cello from Graham Coe (Jellyman's Daughter and Blue Rose Code). The tracks are a mix of Irish and Americian traditional tunes, as well as some original compositions by Jamie.
Sam Outlaw - Tenderheart (14/04/17)
- Artist: Sam Outlaw
- Genre: Country Rock
- Release Date: 14th April, 2014
- Record Label: Six Shooter Records
- Tracks: 13
- Website: http://www.samoutlaw.com
"There's a tender heart beating for you..."
Cynicism comes easy, but having a soft heart takes real guts. Sam Outlaw's new album 'Tenderheart' dares to tread gently and look inward, with unapologetic sentiment and nods to country music's greatest neon rainbow chasers.
Since the release of his 2015 debut 'Angeleno', Sam Outlaw remains one of LA's only modern country singers to earn international acclaim. And with his follow-up 'Tenderheart' he shows an impressive refinement of his artistic identity. Sonically, the album further elaborates Outlaw's "SoCal Country" sound: a sun-bleached, Baja-influenced twang that deftly points to country's neo-traditionalists and LA's legendary singer-songwriters. Thematically 'Tenderheart' is a thesis on self-discovery and the power of love - a course set with the opening chords of "Everyone's Looking For Home." The opening track is a cinematic, mariachi-laced meditation on Outlaw's own conflicted quest for peace among the chaos of his chosen path.
Over the course of these thirteen songs it becomes increasingly apparent why his clever intertwining of country tropes and crisp modernism has so impressed country music fans, critics and songwriters alike. (Alt-country pioneer Ryan Adams just recently praised Outlaw, calling his work "beyond great songwriting".)
Not one to mess with a winning combination, Sam called on many of the same musicians that made 'Angeleno' such a success: harmony singer Molly Jenson, pedal steel pro Jeremy Long and guitarist Danny Garcia, along with Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes) and Bo Koster (My Morning Jacket). Produced by Martin Pradler and Outlaw and recorded in the San Fernando Valley, 'Tenderheart' also features Erwin Vasquez and Mariachi Teocuitatlan, a local mariachi group who appeared in the video for 'Angeleno's' title track.
Now two years into his new life, Outlaw has learned that great dreams can only be achieved at great cost. And at its core, 'Tenderheart; is the outcome of another lesson learned: if your heart stays true, the sacrifice is worth it.
Marty Stuart - Way Out West (10/03/17)
- Artist: Marty Stuart And His Fabulous Superlatives
- Genre: Country
- Release Date: 10th March, 2017
- Record Label: Wrasse Records
- Tracks: 15
- Website: https://www.martystuart.net/
Kronos Quartet - Folk Songs (08/06/17)
- Artist: Kronos Quartet
- Genre: Folk
- Release Date: 8th June, 2017
- Record Label: Nonesuch
- Tracks: 9
- Website:
The cream of the US record label Nonesuch comes together to create a wonderful album of folk songs. Guests include Natalie Merchant, Rhiannon Giddens, Olivia Chaney and Sam Amidon.
The Secret Sisters - You Don't Own Me Anymore (09/06/17)
- Artist: The Secret Sisters
- Genre: Country, Americana, Roots, Rock & Roll
- Release Date: 9th June, 2017
- Record Label: New West Records
- Tracks: 12
- Website: https://www.secretsistersband.com/
"These songs came to be a record accidentally and unintentionally. They were written sporadically over a tumultuous two years riddled with more valleys than mountaintops. We considered it a victory when we could actually make ourselves get together to write, even if we struggled to produce anything of any quality. Creativity was tough amidst half-hearted business relationships, being dropped from our label, inconsistent touring, and filing personal bankruptcy. It took a toll on everything: our confidence, our outlook, our health, our happiness. In late 2015, our friend Brandi Carlile invited us to Seattle to play a couple of shows in her hometown. It was there that we explained all that had transpired with our career, how we were barely staying afloat. It was also there that she told us she would be producing our next record. Once we saw that this fantasy could actually become a reality, the frantic search for enough songs to make an album began. To our surprise, we had many things to say, and though some were difficult to write and slow to reveal themselves, we pushed onward. The songs here carry a common thread of what remained when we felt like we'd lost everything. It was in the hardest times that we saw the core of where our music and our souls originate. We still had our homes, our family, our friends, and our fans. This is not a record about rising from the ashes. Rather, it is a deep look into ourselves in an attempt to put out the flames. These songs are our catharsis; an effort to forgive, an effort to heal, an effort to look back into the darkness with newfound light and undeterred fearlessness, an effort to redeem ourselves. The damage was done, but our hearts remained; this is the product of that damage, for worse and for better." - Laura & Lydia (2017)
Jaime Wyatt - Felony Blues (30/06/17)
- Artist: Jaime Wyatt
- Genre: Country, Folk, Singer-Songwriter
- Release Date: 30th June, 2017
- Record Label: Forty Below Records
- Tracks: 7
- Website: https://www.jaimewyatt.com/
Jaime Wyatt’s newest release 'Felony Blues', whose title is a nod to records like David Allan Coe’s Penitentiary Blue, is largely an autobiographical collection of convict love stories, prison songs, and honky-tonk laments. After completing the record and looking for a label, Jaime met Forty Below Records head, producer Eric Corne (John Mayall, Walter Trout). Corne fell in love with the songs and agreed to remix the record and release via Forty Below Records. Most songs on 'Felony Blues' are inspired by reckless life choices.
The musicians on the record include top notch Americana and country pickers John Schreffler Jr and Ted Russell Kamp from Shooter Jennings band; Gabe Witcher of the Punch Brothers on fiddle; fellow Angelino country songwriter Sam Outlaw (who features on the duet “Your Loving Saves Me”); and long time friend and drummer Freddy Bokkenheuser, now the touring drummer for Ryan Adams.
Sarah Darling - Dream Country (10/02/17)
- Artist: Sarah Darling
- Genre: Country-Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Country. Pop
- Release Date: 10th February, 2017
- Record Label: Be Darling Records (Independent)
- Tracks: 10
- Website: https://www.sarahdarling.com
Already one of my favourite new albums this year is the wonderful and cinematic 'Dream Country'. It was crowdfunded via Kickstarter earlier this year and just shows the superb quality of music available when very talented artists and musicians have full creative control. Already a very well-known name in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee singer-songwriter Sarah Darling has years of experience as a songwriter and a performer behind her. Since moving to Nashville when she was 19, Sarah’s long list of achievements are very impressive. She has supported big stadium artists such as Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Vince Gill and Tim Mcgraw, accumulated over a million downloads and performed at the legendary Grand Ole Opry over 80 times. With US radio successes under her belt, including hit singles ‘Home to Me,’ and ‘Little Umbrellas’ this Iowa native has solidified her place as one of Country music’s breakout performers and elite vocalists. Sarah first came to the public's attention in 2003 after becoming a top three finalist in the TV show 'The Entertainer' hosted by Wayne Newton. Her debut album 'Every Monday Morning' was released in 2009 followed up by her highly acclaimed second album 'Angels & Devils' in 2011. Her new self released third album 'Dream Country' is a beautiful written and arranged piece of 'musical magic' showcasing Sarah's wonderfully pure vocals. This is definitely an album to have on your Christmas list....it's stunning!
Alison Krauss - Windy City (03/03/17)
- Artist: Alison Krauss
- Genre: Americana, Bluegrass
- Release Date: 3rd March, 2017
- Record Label: Capitol Records
- Tracks: 10
- Website: https://alisonkrauss.com/
Before I start I must confess that I'm a huge fan of this lady and her music. Alison Krauss has one of the purest vocals in the music industry and currently has an incredible 27 Grammy awards to her name. This new solo album 'Windy City' has been a long while in the making, but it has certainly been worth the wait. It's her first effort away from her band Union Station since Raising Sand and her debut album for Capitol Records. The album features Alison performing 10 classic songs that she carefully selected with producer Buddy Cannon. Already receiving much critical acclaim, this is certain to be one of the Country albums of the year.
Megan & The Common Threads - Stories To Tell EP (24/02/17)
- Artist: Megan & The Common Threads
- Genre: Country-Pop, Country-Rock, Americana
- Release Date: 24th February, 2017
- Record Label: Megan O'Neil/Megan & The Common Threads (Independent)
- Tracks: 6
- Website: http://meganandthecommonthreads.com/
Already one of the leading young stars of UK Country and Americana, Megan O'Neil together with the core team of Dan Clark and Tom Smith formed a new band called 'Megan & The Common Threads' just under a year ago. Their first band gig was held at the famous 'Troubadour' in West London', which I had the great pleasure of attending. 'Stories To Tell' is their new exciting debut mini album, with it's launch gig planned at the new Sound Lounge in Tooting on 3rd March. It was produced by the legendary Guy Fletcher (Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler, Roxy Music) at British Grove Studios last year. With support from all their friends and fans the album was very successfully crowdfunded through Pledge Music. Featuring six original songs the albums is co-written by Megan along with Dan and two others Corney and Maddox.
Good Harvest - In A Life And Place Like This (31/03/17)
- Artist: Good Harvest
- Genre: Folk, Americana, Singer-Songwriter
- Release Date: 31st March, 2017
- Record Label: Space Station 12 / BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd
- Tracks: 15 or 16 (with extra live bonus track)
- Website: http://goodharvestmusic.com/
Scandinavia has long been a hotbed of great music and musicians and Hanna Enlöf & Ylva Eriksson of Good Harvest are the latest excellent emerging acoustic duo. Based in Falan in Sweden their music has been described as "extraordinary beautiful, emotional and well crafted". They call themselves musical twins, which shines through the inter-weaved harmonies and excellent interaction on stage. Quite simply they have the 'wow!' factor. Conjuring the vibe of modern groups like The Staves and First Aid Kit and Joseph while echoing classic 'Laurel Canyon' musicians like Joni Mitchell and CSNY. To best describe their music, imagine a mix of how Simon & Garfunkel play together add the harmonies of Nick Drake and finish of with the strong approach and narrative style of Gillian Welch.
Rhiannon Giddens - Freedom Highway (24/02/17)
- Artist: Rhiannon Giddens
- Genre: Folk, Americana
- Release Date: 24th February, 2017
- Record Label: Nonsuch
- Tracks: 12
- Website: http://www.rhiannongiddens.com/
Freedom Highway, Grammy Award–winner and 2017 Grammy nominee Rhiannon Giddens’ follow-up to her highly praised debut album Tomorrow Is My Turn includes nine original songs Giddens wrote or co-wrote while she and her band toured after Tomorrow Is My Turn’s 2015 release, along with a traditional song and two civil rights-era songs, ‘Birmingham Sunday’ and Staple Singers’ well-known ‘Freedom Highway’, from which the album takes its name. Giddens’ writing for Freedom Highway is a departure from Tomorrow Is My Turn, which included one original song, with the rest being her interpretations of songs written or performed by a wide variety of female musicians. Giddens co-produced Freedom Highway with multi-instrumentalist Dirk Powell in his Breaux Bridge, Louisiana studio, with the bulk of recording done in wooden rooms built prior to the Civil War. As producers, Giddens and Powell sought to release the stories already in the walls, allowing the space to be a voice in itself. This approach allowed for an emotional fearlessness and presence not always easy to achieve in the studio. Together they assembled the players, which included her superb touring band, local musicians from the bayou, a soulful horn section from New York, and talented family members. The principle recording was done over an intense eight day period. The result is an album that is rawer and more personal than its predecessor. The day after the election, Giddens wrote of the title track: "I am a daughter of the South; of the white working class, of the black working class; of the Democrat, and the Republican; of the gay, and the straight; and I can tell you one thing—we are far more alike than we are different. We cannot let hate divide us; we cannot let ignorance diminish us; we cannot let those whose greed fills their every waking hour take our country from us. They can't take U.S. from US—unless we let them. I recorded this with Bhi Bhiman, all-American singer-songwriter from St. Louis, whose parents are from Sri Lanka. America's strength are her people, whether they came 4,000, 400, or 40 years ago, and we can't leave anyone behind. Let's walk down Freedom Highway together. Written by Pops Staples in 1965."
Martin Simpson - Trails & Tribulations (01/09/17)
- Artist: Martin Simpson
- Genre: Folk, Americana
- Release Date: 1st September, 2017
- Record Label: Topic Records
- Tracks: 13 (+6 Deluxe edition)
- Website: http://www.martinsimpson.com/
World-renowned guitarist, singer and songwriter Martin Simpson releases his 20th solo album ‘Trails & Tribulations’ on September 1st, 2017 via Topic Records. The new studio album is his first new solo work since 2013’s critically acclaimed ‘Vagrant Stanzas.
Emily Mae Winters - Siren Serenade (28/04/17)
- Artist: Emily Mae Winters
- Genre: Indie Folk, Americana, Folk
- Release Date: 28th April, 2017
- Record Label: Emily Mae Winters (Independent)
- Tracks: 11
- Website: http://www.emilymaewinters.com/
Emily Mae Winters' haunting folk songs are quickly permeating the folk scene. A poetic singer songwriter; her music splits the difference between folk, transatlantic and country. Produced by BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner, Ben Walker, 'Siren Serenade' is an 11 track album which features a mixture of contemporary original and traditional and folk songs drawing inspiration from poetry and literature and drawing on themes of love, loss, fate and memory.
The album features a host of top folk names including Ben Walker (Guitar), Evan Carson (Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys- Drums), Ben Savage (Dobro), Hannah Sanders (Additional Vocals), Lukas Drinkwater (Double Bass) and more.
Chris Stapleton - From A Room Vol. One (05/05/17)
- Artist: Chris Stapleton
- Genre: Country, Americana
- Release Date: 5th May, 2017
- Record Label: Decca (UMO)
- Tracks: 9
- Website: http://www.chrisstapleton.com/
2017 album from Grammy Award-winning US singer-songwriter, recorded in the legendary RCA Studio A in Nashville. Includes 'Broken Halos'.
Emily Barker - Sweet Kind Of Blue (19/05/17)
Artist: Emily Barker
Genre: Americana, Folk, Country, Singer-Songwriter
Release Date: 19th May, 2017
Record Label: Everyone Sang
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.emilybarker.com/
Emily Barker's new album was recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis with Grammy winning producer Matt Ross-Spang (Jason Isbell, Margo Price) and an all-star cast of Memphis session players. Sweet Kind of Blue is her first full studio album since 2013's critically lauded Dear River and marks a new sound for Barker as she returns to the soul and blues influences that first inspired her to become a songwriter and musician.
Emily Barker is best known as the writer and performer of the award-winning theme to BBC crime drama Wallander starring Kenneth Branagh. She has released music as a solo artist as well as with various bands including The Red Clay Halo, Vena Portae and Applewood Road. In 2015 she composed her first full feature film soundtrack for Jake Gavin's Hector, which won a Scottish BAFTA for its lead actor, Peter Mullan.
"Blues meets country meets gospel... a sweet and tender distillation of Americana influences" Clash
"Emily Barker has a gift for great melodies" The Guardian
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit - The Nashville Sound (16/06/17)
- Artist: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
- Genre: Country Rock
- Release Date: 16th June, 2017
- Record Label: Southeastern/Thirty Tigers
- Tracks: 10
- Website: http://www.jasonisbell.com/
The Nashville Sound was recorded at Nashville's legendary RCA Studio A and produced by Grammy Award-winner Dave Cobb, who produced 'Something More Than Free' and Isbell's celebrated 2013 breakthrough album 'Southeastern'. 'The Nashville Sound' features 10 new songs that address a range of subjects that include, politics and cultural privilege ("White Man's World") longing nostalgia ("The Last Of My Kind"), love and mortality ("If We Were Vampires"), the toxic effect of today's pressures ("Anxiety"), the remnants of a break up ("Chaos and Clothes") and finding hope ("Something To Love"). Songs such as "Cumberland Gap" and "Hope The Highroad" find Jason and his bandmates going back to their rock roots full force.
Hannah Aldridge - Gold Rush (16/06/17)
- Name: Hannah Aldridge
- Genre: Rock, Americana, Singer-Songwriter
- Release date: 16th June, 2017
- Record Label: Rocksnob
- Tracks: 10
- Website: https://hannah-aldridge.com/
Americana is the perfect concoction of American roots music that comprises our musical ethos as we know it today. It is something so ingrained in our history, folklore, tradition, and mythology that it is not as simple as just "becoming" Americana, but rather, it is something that you are born into. It's that old cast-iron Coca-Cola sign that's been in your neighbor's shed for 50 years, a banjo and a Fender telecaster playing together, a 1955 Chevy with a modern stereo.
There are few artists that can truly encapsulate the essence and true range of Americana like Muscle Shoals artist Hannah Aldridge, whose musical pedigree precedes her and speaks for itself.
Hannah Aldridge is the daughter of Alabama Music Hall of Famer Walt Aldridge, who is one of the most prolific songwriters of the modern musical era. Twice named by Billboard magazine as one of the Top Country Songwriters of the year, ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, and countless Number One and Top Ten hits recorded by the likes of Lou Reed, Reba McEntire, Travis Tritt, Earl Thomas Conley, Ricky Van Shelton, Ronnie Milsap, and Conway Twitty.
With sounds ranging from blues in the Mississippi Delta to the dusty, dixieland jazz sounds from New Orleans, the musical stylings of Muscle Shoals on up to the primitive roots of American Country music, Hannah Aldridge leaves no inspiration or influence untapped.
The excellent 'Gold Rush' is Hannah's second album and our LCM album of the month for July. Hannah is also on tour in the UK this month, catch her if you can.
"Gillian Welch backed by The Stones in their Country influenced days - Fabulous" 4* (Maverick)