Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for October 18th, 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.
Eric Bibb
In The Real World (Stony Plain Records)
Bluesman Eric Bibb needs little introduction for he has already chalked up getting on for forty albums. Bibbs’ silky tones and the precise nature of the arrangements partner his ability to form melodies that grow more powerful with every note. Here, Bibb is able to generate a big number from the humblest of beginnings and shows that he has a great ear, listens to others and observing those around him, and takes note of what’s happening in the world period. Songs of a social consciousness are the result. “There’s a wholeness about In The Real World that deeply moves me,” Bibb reflects. “It feels like Glen Scott (producer, arranger and musician) and I have reached a milestone on our collective journey. Musically, the album feels like a self-portrait because it truly represents my influences”, he adds. There’s lots of wonderful material on offer here as Eric Bibb continues to stagger people with his unassuming style of Blues/ Folk etc. (edited from Rocking Magpie review)
Twisted Pine
Love Your Mind (Signature Sounds Recordings)
There are those that may accuse Twisted Pine of tampering with tradition. That may be so, but in the process, the quartet infuses a youthful vibe and an expressive approach that bridges musical boundaries while opening the doors to more mainstream pop appeal. Granted, the group takes considerable liberties as far as the bluegrass blueprint is concerned, especially due to the prominent placement of flute, and the group’s giddy approach. In that regard, Twisted Pine’s effusive vocals and a decidedly youthful vibe distinguish them in general. Again, purists may come away with mixed feelings about the liberties purveyed in the process. After all, this isn’t your parent’s bluegrass band. Ultimately, Love Your Mind offers only sparing references to bluegrass’ archival origins. On the other hand, it points the way to possible future potential, breaking the barriers while bringing other audiences into the fold. And if that’s what it takes to spread the word, it can certainly prove to be positive. (edited from Bluegrass Today review)
Various Artists
Can’t Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney (New West Records)
Originally from Rhode Island, Olney moved to Nashville in the early ‘70s and fell in with a group of songwriters including Townes Van Zandt, John Hiatt, Steve Earle, Guy Clark, and Rodney Crowell. He went on to release a string of brilliant albums and his songs were recorded by Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Del McCoury, Linda Ronstadt, and many others. But the bright lights of stardom never shone on David, and he died the way he lived: onstage in a club, far from home, singing a song. This album features new versions of David Olney songs recorded by Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Willis Alan Ramsey, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Mary Gauthier, Jim Lauderdale, and Buddy Miller among others. The tracklist is also highlighted by a never-before released live recording by Townes Van Zandt, and produced by Gwil Owen.
Also new this week…
Another Glory – Another Glory (Paradiddle Music)
Andrew Bird & Madison Cunningham – Cunningham Bird (Wegawam Music Co)
Finn – The Waterfall (independent)
Tim Heidecker – Slipping Away (Bloodshot Records)
Noeline Hofmann – Purple Gas (La Honda Records) +
Jerron Paxton – Things Done Changed (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings)
Wyatt Flores – Welcome To The Plains (OEG Records)
Liv Greene – Deep Feeler (Free Dirt Records) +
Joy Oladokun – Observations from a Crowded Room (Amigo Records)
Amy Speace – The American Dream (Windbone Records) +
Benjamin Tod – Shooting Star (independent)
Various Artists – Tonight I’ll Go Down Swingin’: A Tribute To Don Heffington (Nine Mile Records)
Coming out soon … Yonder Mountain Stringband, Caleb Klauder & Reeb Wilms, Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson, Amythyst Kiah, Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams and more!
