Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for May 3rd, 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.
Adeem the Artist
Anniversary (Four Quarters Records)
If only this whole “anti-woke” mess could be dispelled with a simple listening exercise. As I took in Adeem the Artist’s new album, it occurred to me – again – that many of their (yes, we’ll be using neutral pronouns in this piece – get used to it) stories aren’t much different than anyone else’s – just more artfully worded. The record’s title – Anniversary – itself is a tribute to Adeem’s spouse. Along with country love songs and family stories, though, Adeem dives into societal issues – violence, racism, anti-trans bigotry – with equal passion, because these issues aren’t something they can stand to stay silent on. (edited from Americana Highways review)
Chris Smither
All About the Bones (Signature Sounds Recordings)
Chris Smither’s twentieth album is full to the brim with Smither’s distinctive vocals and fully primed with acoustic guitars, a fiddle and a haunting melody giving hints of the bayou and old New Orleans. Chris has been the real deal for decades, as honest as the day is long, and an incredible performer; the kind to hold an audience in the palm of his hand throughout a set. On record, he is, likewise, great company, usually writing most if not all of the material, with his stellar cover of Tom Petty’s Time To Move On here being a brave exception. Chris Smither is an unassuming master of his craft, despite being in his 80th year he still tours as hard as acts sixty years his junior; and shouldn’t be missed if he ever graces your part of the world. (edited from Rocking Magpie review)
Also new this week…
Calder Allen – Dreamers Drifters and Hiders (independent)
The Reverend Shawn Amos – Soul Brother No. 1 (Family Records)
Guy Clark – Truly Handmade Volume 1 (Truly Handmade Records) +
Mac Cornish – Never Made Much of a Lover (independent) +
Deep Dark Woods – Broadside Ballads Vol.III (Victory Pool Records)
Jay Gavin – Road Ready (Good Time Charlie’s Records)
Will Kimbrough – For the Life of Me (Daphne Records) +
Noel McKay – You Only Live Always (McKay Records)
Sarah Gayle Meech – Easin’ On (Good Timin’ Woman Records) +
Ordinary Elephant – Ordinary Elephant (independent)
Emily Nenni – Drive & Cry (New West Records) +
Tylor & the Train Robbers – Hum of the Road (independent) +
Coming out soon … Pokey LaFarge, Grant Langston, Tim Easton, Little Feat, Curtis McMurtry, Ruth Moody, David Myles, Anna Tivel, Kaia Kater, Richard Thompson, Kim Richey, Jim Keller, Willie Nelson, Ana Egge, Swamp Dogg, Yarn, Jesse Dayton, Silverada, The Mavericks, Jesse Daniel and more!
