Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for May 17th, 2024. Click the artist or album links to find out more. The artist’s names link to their websites and the CD title links go to either Amazon, iTunes, Bandcamp or the artist’s site for ordering or downloading. A + sign means although not a featured release, it’s a notable album that’s still worth checking out. Also, this page will be updated as I find out about other new releases so check back again.
Kaia Kater
Strange Medicine (Free Dirt Records)
This album is deeply engrossing musically. And thematically it’s about struggling through abject darkness, often using historical references, to a place of balance. Kaia named this album after her favorite Herbie Hancock quote:“the only way we can grow is to experience situations as they are. To take whatever situation we have and make something constructive with it—to turn poison into medicine.” These words resonate throughout the album, and, as Kaia says: “In this case, the bloodletting for me was to sort through my most raw feelings about colonialism, sexism, racism, and misogyny.” This album runs cold and dark, but always truthful, with mysterious banjo and fiddle and themes of revenge for unspeakable wrongs – against women, people of color, and in shadowy moments in history, and right now. The music is compelling and takes your hand to lead you down the twisted pathways that lead to cathartic release. (edited from Americana Highways review)
Little Feat
Sam’s Place (Hot Tomato Productions)
Most people don’t associate Little Feat with the blues. But the West Coast band, who started in 1969, typically tapped into the genre as part of their diverse gumbo which also included funk, folk, and country, along with rock and roll. Those who go way back will remember that their debut included covers of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Forty-Four Blues” and “How Many More Years.” Still, it comes as a surprise that the current edition of Little Feat, would release an entire set dedicated to the genre, the first such recording in their lengthy career. Even more unusual is that veteran conga player Sam Clayton, whose name is referenced in the Sam’s Place title, handles all the vocals. The now 78-year-old percussionist would previously chime in occasionally, but seldom sang lead. Yet here he is the only vocalist, delivering the bluesy goods with a raw, gravely baritone that makes even the gruff Wolf sound as smooth as Robert Cray in comparison. Even if this just buys time until they write another batch of originals, the rollicking and wonderfully energetic Sam’s Place is well worth putting on your sailin’ shoes for and following Little Feat’s side road into the blues. (edited from Rock & Blue Muse review)
Also new this week…
The Avett Brothers – The Avett Brothers (Ramseur Records/American Recordings) +
Becky Buller – Jubilee (Dark Shadow Recording)
Chris Castle – Long Way to the Bottom (Dirtsandwich Music Company)
Dana Cooper – The Ghost of Tucumcari (self-released) +
Ani DiFranco – Unprecedented Sh!t (Righteous Babe Records)
Tim Easton – Find Your Way (Black Mesa Records) +
Ana Egge – Sharing In The Spirit (StorySound Records)
The Mavericks – Moon & Stars (Mono Mundo) +
Dom McLean – American Boys (BFD Records)
Ruth Moody – Wanderer (Blue Muse Records) +
Pete Muller – More Love (independent)
John Oates – Reunion (Jasper Productions)
Rising Appalachia – Folk & Anchor (self-released)
Martha Spencer – Out in La La Land (Music Maker Records) +
The Twins of Franklin – This Life (independent)
Monte Warden and the Dangerous Few – Jackpot! (Break A Leg Records) +
Christopher Weir – Ten Feet Tall (Edgewater Music Group)
Coming out soon … Richard Thompson, Kim Richey, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Curtis McMurtry, David Myles, Anna Tivel, Jim Keller, Willie Nelson, Swamp Dogg, Yarn, Jesse Dayton, Silverada, Laurie Lewis, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, Jesse Daniel, Jim Lauderdale, Melissa Carper and more!
