Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for November 17th, 2023. 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.
Luther DickinsonMagic Music For Family Folk (Antone’s/New West Records)
“As a father and touring musician I made this album to keep my kids company in my absence, hopefully for them to sing along with in their mom’s car. These songs evoke memories of my mother playing her Martin parlor guitar and of my father, at the family turntable, telling stories about Furry Lewis and Gus Cannon or explaining a song’s meaning. I wanted to share these childhood favorites with my kids. This collection of childhood favorites was recorded for fun, at home, with family and friends in the spirit of sharing. I wanted to share these songs with my kids and my friend’s kids as well as expose my daughters to the joy of learning, performing and recording music that my father shared with me. The recording was largely done in 2017 during dinner parties, sleep overs and play dates, either in a family style social setting or while the kids slept.” (from press release)
Dori Freeman
Do You Recall (Blue Hens Music)
Dori Freeman would likely make a good friend in real life. Do You Recall, her compelling fifth LP, features vivid tales of romantic friction that will inspire nods of recognition, introspective monologues sure to ring true for anyone used to self-interrogation, and righteous declarations of outrage at the lousy state of society today. This lovely album is like catching up with a pal who understands life’s ups and downs, and helps you make sense of its daily challenges. Recorded at Freeman’s home in Galax, Virginia, the album downplays her Appalachian roots, with producer Nicholas Falk (also her drummer and spouse) keeping textures light and poppy. Rootsy signifiers like banjo and pedal steel are present, but the focus is on her sweet, appealing voice and smooth country-folk tunes, all written or co-written by Freeman. (edited from No Depression review)
Also new this week…
Trevor Bahnson – Anything Beautiful (independent)
Stephen Clair – The Presentation of Self In Everyday Life (independent) +
Wyatt Flores – Life Lessons (OEG Records) +
Jared Dustin Griffin – Battle Cry Mercy (Singular Recordings)
Iron and Wine – Who Can See Forever Soundtrack (Sub Pop Records)
Pete Mancini and Rich Lanahan – Silent Troubadour: The Songs of Gene Clark (Paradiddle Records)
Vinnie Paolizzi – The Vinnie Paolizzi LP (Gold Rush Records)
The Wilder Blue – Super Natural (Hill Country Music) +
Wood Belly – Cicada (Americana Vibes)
Coming out soon… Amos Lee, Zach Russell, John Craigie, Chatham County Line, Sarah Jarosz, John Leventhal, Corb Lund, Joe Pug, Anna Moss and more!
