CD Reviews
Reviews are listed in alphabetical order by the first name of the artist.
Notable Folk and Americana Releases for Fall 2009
The fourth quarter of 2009 doesn't look incredibly chock full in the folk, bluegrass, and Americana end of the music industry. It's hard to complain, since so many great records have already dropped this year. Nonetheless, here's a look at six of the best albums due out in the last few months of 2009.
The fourth quarter of 2009 doesn't look incredibly chock full in the folk, bluegrass, and Americana end of the music industry. It's hard to complain, since so many great records have already dropped this year. Nonetheless, here's a look at six of the best albums due out in the last few months of 2009.
The Almanac Singers - 'Songs of Protest'
The Almanac Singers were one of the first, most influential groups of protest singers in the history of contemporary American folk music. Singing labor songs in union halls and daring to use music to speak out against oppression, the Almanacs have moved generations of topical singers to action. Their 'Songs of Protest' is easily one of the best recordings in the history of folk music.
The Almanac Singers were one of the first, most influential groups of protest singers in the history of contemporary American folk music. Singing labor songs in union halls and daring to use music to speak out against oppression, the Almanacs have moved generations of topical singers to action. Their 'Songs of Protest' is easily one of the best recordings in the history of folk music.
Andrew Bird - 'Noble Beast'
Andrew Bird has many talents as a songwriter, but fiercest among them is his ability to layer and arrange instruments and sounds. 'Noble Beast' is not a story-telling album, nor is it an envelope-pushing, boundary-testing creative masterpiece. It is, however, a collection of exquisitely arranged music whose instrumentation is tasteful and well-timed.
Andrew Bird has many talents as a songwriter, but fiercest among them is his ability to layer and arrange instruments and sounds. 'Noble Beast' is not a story-telling album, nor is it an envelope-pushing, boundary-testing creative masterpiece. It is, however, a collection of exquisitely arranged music whose instrumentation is tasteful and well-timed.
Asa - Self-Titled
Asa has already started turning heads around the world with her thought-provoking, energetic songs and now she's releasing her self-titled debut in the States. It's about time, really, since Asa's conscientious topical tunes are not just smart and timely, but also inspiring and catchy.
Asa has already started turning heads around the world with her thought-provoking, energetic songs and now she's releasing her self-titled debut in the States. It's about time, really, since Asa's conscientious topical tunes are not just smart and timely, but also inspiring and catchy.
Avett Brothers - 'I and Love and You'
The Avett Brothers are a good band. They pull from so many different styles of music, integrating elements of pop and country, bluegrass and rock into their music. Their live shows are hugely energetic community bouncefests.
The Avett Brothers are a good band. They pull from so many different styles of music, integrating elements of pop and country, bluegrass and rock into their music. Their live shows are hugely energetic community bouncefests.
Bob Dylan - 'Christmas in the Heart'
Bob Dylan made a Christmas album. Now he can hopefully check that one off his list and go back to folk, rock, jazz, and the blues. There has been quite a bit of discussion and anticipation surrounding 'Christmas in the Heart'.
Bob Dylan made a Christmas album. Now he can hopefully check that one off his list and go back to folk, rock, jazz, and the blues. There has been quite a bit of discussion and anticipation surrounding 'Christmas in the Heart'.
Bobby Osborne & the Rocky Top X-Press - 'Bluegrass & Beyond'
Bobby Osborne is a fixture in the modern bluegrass scene, and has earned his place among the genre's greatest legendary contributors. His latest album with the Rocky Top X-Press, 'Bluegrass & Beyond' is, for the most part, an excellent collection of traditional-style bluegrass and fiddle-heavy gospel tunes.
Bobby Osborne is a fixture in the modern bluegrass scene, and has earned his place among the genre's greatest legendary contributors. His latest album with the Rocky Top X-Press, 'Bluegrass & Beyond' is, for the most part, an excellent collection of traditional-style bluegrass and fiddle-heavy gospel tunes.
The Bottle Rockets - 'Lean Forward'
The Bottle Rockets know how to rock out. Excuse me for stating the obvious, but sometimes it needs to be said. On their latest album, 'Lean Forward', the St. Louis-based alt-country band wastes no energy leaning full throttle into some remarkable shredding guitar solos straight-up danceable rhythms.
The Bottle Rockets know how to rock out. Excuse me for stating the obvious, but sometimes it needs to be said. On their latest album, 'Lean Forward', the St. Louis-based alt-country band wastes no energy leaning full throttle into some remarkable shredding guitar solos straight-up danceable rhythms.
Bryan Sutton and Friends - 'Almost Live'
Bryan Sutton is in good company. That he was able to get the artists represented on this album together in one place at one time is, in itself, a feat. From Almost Live's opening notes on "Morning Top," it's clear that this is a collection of some of the finest instrumentalists in contemporary bluegrass and Americana.
Bryan Sutton is in good company. That he was able to get the artists represented on this album together in one place at one time is, in itself, a feat. From Almost Live's opening notes on "Morning Top," it's clear that this is a collection of some of the finest instrumentalists in contemporary bluegrass and Americana.
Claire Holley - 'Hush'
Claire Holley's soft, easy, soothing songs pull together all elements of American folk music from alt-country to folk-pop, resting heavily on the influence of her Mississippi roots. There's something about [i]Hush[/i] that evokes a light, quiet breeze through live oak trees. Like the creak of an old rocking chair on some southern porch, there's sweet music in every turn of the disc.
Claire Holley's soft, easy, soothing songs pull together all elements of American folk music from alt-country to folk-pop, resting heavily on the influence of her Mississippi roots. There's something about [i]Hush[/i] that evokes a light, quiet breeze through live oak trees. Like the creak of an old rocking chair on some southern porch, there's sweet music in every turn of the disc.
Dale Ann Bradley - 'Don't Turn Your Back'
Dale Ann Bradley has been voted the IBMA's favorite female vocalist a number of times, and with good reason. Her sweet soprano is honest and nuanced. She throws in a little flourish here and there but mostly sticks to the notes as written, managing to deliver considerable feeling through them.
Dale Ann Bradley has been voted the IBMA's favorite female vocalist a number of times, and with good reason. Her sweet soprano is honest and nuanced. She throws in a little flourish here and there but mostly sticks to the notes as written, managing to deliver considerable feeling through them.
Danny Schmidt - 'Instead the Forest Rose to Sing'
Danny Schmidt has a knack for using the tools of traditional music in new and innovative ways. Pulling from classic-style country and the blues, he opens his second disc, 'Instead the Forest Rose to Sing,' with one of the album's best tracks, the timely tune "Better Off Broke." It's an easy entry point to what becomes a tour through stellar topical tunes and heartbreaking love songs.
Danny Schmidt has a knack for using the tools of traditional music in new and innovative ways. Pulling from classic-style country and the blues, he opens his second disc, 'Instead the Forest Rose to Sing,' with one of the album's best tracks, the timely tune "Better Off Broke." It's an easy entry point to what becomes a tour through stellar topical tunes and heartbreaking love songs.
Dave Rawlings Machine - Friend of a Friend
Dave Rawlings has, for years, been one of the most respected instrumentalists in contemporary folk and roots music. As Gillian Welch's collaborative music partner, Rawlings has charmed and impressed audiences with his dexterity on guitar. Now with his own outfit, the Dave Rawlings Machine, he's released one of the finest "debut" albums of recent note.
Dave Rawlings has, for years, been one of the most respected instrumentalists in contemporary folk and roots music. As Gillian Welch's collaborative music partner, Rawlings has charmed and impressed audiences with his dexterity on guitar. Now with his own outfit, the Dave Rawlings Machine, he's released one of the finest "debut" albums of recent note.
David Wilcox - 'Open Hand'
David Wilcox has long been one of contemporary folk music's highly respected singer-songwriters. His lyric-driven compositions tell stories about life's struggles and surmounting obstacles. Wrought with heartache, transcendence, compassion, and confusion, Wilcox doesn't shy from touching on the wide breadth of human emotion. His latest disc, 'Open Hand' is no exception.
David Wilcox has long been one of contemporary folk music's highly respected singer-songwriters. His lyric-driven compositions tell stories about life's struggles and surmounting obstacles. Wrought with heartache, transcendence, compassion, and confusion, Wilcox doesn't shy from touching on the wide breadth of human emotion. His latest disc, 'Open Hand' is no exception.
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver - 'Lonely Street'
Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver are one of the most respected bands in contemporary bluegrass. They're highly decorated with awards and accolades, and they've earned every single one. 'Lonely Street' is a welcome addition to the band's canon of albums, spotlighting their skillful vocal harmonies and exceptional instrumental performances.
Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver are one of the most respected bands in contemporary bluegrass. They're highly decorated with awards and accolades, and they've earned every single one. 'Lonely Street' is a welcome addition to the band's canon of albums, spotlighting their skillful vocal harmonies and exceptional instrumental performances.
Dry Branch Fire Squad - 'Echoes of the Mountains'
Dry Branch Fire Squad have been making music together since 1976 and they've only gotten better with age. Their instrumentation is undeniably incredible, energetic, and impressive. The songs they've chosen for 'Echoes of the Mountains' include traditional bluegrass and old timey songs, as well as more contemporary numbers and classic style country music.
Dry Branch Fire Squad have been making music together since 1976 and they've only gotten better with age. Their instrumentation is undeniably incredible, energetic, and impressive. The songs they've chosen for 'Echoes of the Mountains' include traditional bluegrass and old timey songs, as well as more contemporary numbers and classic style country music.
Eilen Jewell - 'Sea of Tears'
Eilen Jewell's 2007 breakthrough album, 'Letters from Sinners and Strangers' (actually her second release), introduced an incredible songwriting talent to the world. The buzz around her third effort has been long and loud, and 'Sea of Tears' easily meets those expectations.
Eilen Jewell's 2007 breakthrough album, 'Letters from Sinners and Strangers' (actually her second release), introduced an incredible songwriting talent to the world. The buzz around her third effort has been long and loud, and 'Sea of Tears' easily meets those expectations.
Emmitt-Nershi Band - 'New Country Blues'
Emmitt-Nershi Band is one of those all-star troupes you can't really fault for anything. Their musicianship is tight, their songs hop and bound in the most intuitive and engaging ways. 'New Country Blues' is a testament to the unending evolution of contemporary bluegrass, pulling influence from traditional and modern forms.
Emmitt-Nershi Band is one of those all-star troupes you can't really fault for anything. Their musicianship is tight, their songs hop and bound in the most intuitive and engaging ways. 'New Country Blues' is a testament to the unending evolution of contemporary bluegrass, pulling influence from traditional and modern forms.
Gregory Alan Isakov - 'This Empty Northern Hemisphere'
Gregory Alan Isakov has been up-and-coming for some time, but his third self-released album, 'This Empty Northern Hemisphere', is poised to be his breakthrough. With original lyrics which straddle longing, nostalgia, and heartache, Isakov delivers songs that defy categorization and speak to more universal truths.
Gregory Alan Isakov has been up-and-coming for some time, but his third self-released album, 'This Empty Northern Hemisphere', is poised to be his breakthrough. With original lyrics which straddle longing, nostalgia, and heartache, Isakov delivers songs that defy categorization and speak to more universal truths.
Gurf Morlix - 'Last Exit to Happyland'
Gurf Morlix isn't hugely well-known. He's not exactly a household name, but his career as both songwriter and producer has distinguished him among industry insiders. Now on his latest solo album, 'Last Exit to Happyland,' he distinguishes himself further as a singer-songwriter.
Gurf Morlix isn't hugely well-known. He's not exactly a household name, but his career as both songwriter and producer has distinguished him among industry insiders. Now on his latest solo album, 'Last Exit to Happyland,' he distinguishes himself further as a singer-songwriter.
Indigo Girls - 'Poseidon and the Bitter Bug'
Indigo Girls Emily Saliers and Amy Ray have been playing together for 20 years, and 'Poseidon and the Bitter Bug' is their 13th album. By now, they've learned how to anticipate each other's artistic direction and that long-nurtured synergy shows on 'Poseidon'.
Indigo Girls Emily Saliers and Amy Ray have been playing together for 20 years, and 'Poseidon and the Bitter Bug' is their 13th album. By now, they've learned how to anticipate each other's artistic direction and that long-nurtured synergy shows on 'Poseidon'.
Justin Townes Earle - 'Midnight at the Movies'
Justin Townes Earle's second album, 'Midnight at the Movies' delivers more of that classic country-infused new folk goodness we saw from his debut 'The Good Life'. Read more about Justin Townes Earle's new CD 'Midnight at the Movies'.
Justin Townes Earle's second album, 'Midnight at the Movies' delivers more of that classic country-infused new folk goodness we saw from his debut 'The Good Life'. Read more about Justin Townes Earle's new CD 'Midnight at the Movies'.
Meaghan Smith - 'The Cricket's Quartet'
Meaghan Smith's Sire Records debut may, at first listen, remind folks of old timey jazz vocalists or newer singer-songwriters like Norah Jones, but her musical sensibilities call together a slew of other disparate Americana elements. This four-song EP showcases Smith on vocals and keys, while clarinet solos, whistling and well-timed horns and strings round out the sound.
Meaghan Smith's Sire Records debut may, at first listen, remind folks of old timey jazz vocalists or newer singer-songwriters like Norah Jones, but her musical sensibilities call together a slew of other disparate Americana elements. This four-song EP showcases Smith on vocals and keys, while clarinet solos, whistling and well-timed horns and strings round out the sound.
Michelle Shocked - 'Soul of My Soul'
When Michelle Shocked burst on the scene now nearly 20 years ago, her earnest narrative folk songs spoke of personal struggles, longing, love, and other universal themes. While she's since explored various world music styles, gospel, rock, and now folk-soul-rock, her songs have retained a certain honest clarity about life's greater truths.
When Michelle Shocked burst on the scene now nearly 20 years ago, her earnest narrative folk songs spoke of personal struggles, longing, love, and other universal themes. While she's since explored various world music styles, gospel, rock, and now folk-soul-rock, her songs have retained a certain honest clarity about life's greater truths.
The Mickeys - 'Walk Along'
The Mickeys' greatest asset on their debut, 'Walk Along,' are the exquisitely tight harmonies and vocal layering throughout the disc. On this collection of highly personal songs about love and dedication, the sisters display an innate intuition that can only come from a well-rehearsed family band.
The Mickeys' greatest asset on their debut, 'Walk Along,' are the exquisitely tight harmonies and vocal layering throughout the disc. On this collection of highly personal songs about love and dedication, the sisters display an innate intuition that can only come from a well-rehearsed family band.
Paleface - 'The Show Is on the Road'
Paleface told me in a recent interview that this record was focused on songs that are fun to play on the road, and that level of live energy is easy to find throughout the aptly titled 'The Show Is on the Road'.
Paleface told me in a recent interview that this record was focused on songs that are fun to play on the road, and that level of live energy is easy to find throughout the aptly titled 'The Show Is on the Road'.
Sam Baker - 'Cotton'
Sam Baker has been working on a trilogy of albums about mercy, and 'Cotton' is the final remarkable entry in that project (his 2004 debut 'Mercy' kicked it off, followed three years later by 'Pretty World'). Indeed, it's an ambitious project for a songwriter to commit to one theme for three albums, but Baker delivers swimmingly yet again.
Sam Baker has been working on a trilogy of albums about mercy, and 'Cotton' is the final remarkable entry in that project (his 2004 debut 'Mercy' kicked it off, followed three years later by 'Pretty World'). Indeed, it's an ambitious project for a songwriter to commit to one theme for three albums, but Baker delivers swimmingly yet again.
Sara Watkins - Self-Titled
Sara Watkins may still be best known as the fiddling third of the prodigious trio Nickel Creek, but her solo album draws a solid line between what she has to offer as a solo artist and the work of her former band mates (although both Chris Thile and her brother Sean are all over this disc).
Sara Watkins may still be best known as the fiddling third of the prodigious trio Nickel Creek, but her solo album draws a solid line between what she has to offer as a solo artist and the work of her former band mates (although both Chris Thile and her brother Sean are all over this disc).
Sarah Jarosz - 'Song Up In Her Head'
Sarah Jarosz is still a teenager - a fact that makes her debut more remarkable. Joining a line of teen talents to hail from bluegrass, Jarosz draws influence no doubt from the teenagers who preceded her. She's also managed to surround herself with the same folks who helped launch those folks' careers.
Sarah Jarosz is still a teenager - a fact that makes her debut more remarkable. Joining a line of teen talents to hail from bluegrass, Jarosz draws influence no doubt from the teenagers who preceded her. She's also managed to surround herself with the same folks who helped launch those folks' careers.
Shawn Colvin - 'Live'
Shawn Colvin is one of contemporary folk music's finest live performaers. She doesn't dance about or shred on her instrument. Instead, she stands (or sits) still, calmly delving into the deepest - and frequently darkest - reaches of her psyche.
Shawn Colvin is one of contemporary folk music's finest live performaers. She doesn't dance about or shred on her instrument. Instead, she stands (or sits) still, calmly delving into the deepest - and frequently darkest - reaches of her psyche.
Slaid Cleaves - 'Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away'
Slaid Cleaves has long been considered one of the finest under-appreciated, under-known singer-songwriters on the contemporary folk/Americana scene. His latest effort, 'Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away' only adds to his excellent canon of work.
Slaid Cleaves has long been considered one of the finest under-appreciated, under-known singer-songwriters on the contemporary folk/Americana scene. His latest effort, 'Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away' only adds to his excellent canon of work.
Steep Canyon Rangers - 'Deep in the Shade'
Steep Canyon Rangers were named Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2006 IBMA Awards. Not only are they a great live band, but their recordings have generally captured that energy quite well. Not so with the latest, 'Deep in the Shade'. It's not that it misses the mark or comes off poorly, the album simply hangs still.
Steep Canyon Rangers were named Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2006 IBMA Awards. Not only are they a great live band, but their recordings have generally captured that energy quite well. Not so with the latest, 'Deep in the Shade'. It's not that it misses the mark or comes off poorly, the album simply hangs still.
Steve Earle - 'Townes'
Steve Earle's tribute to his songwriting hero Townes Van Zandt seems to have been a very long time coming, even though it's only been talked about for a little while. Considering Earle's reverence for Van Zandt's extraordinary body of work, it's hardly surprising that this tribute disc is one of the best of the year.
Steve Earle's tribute to his songwriting hero Townes Van Zandt seems to have been a very long time coming, even though it's only been talked about for a little while. Considering Earle's reverence for Van Zandt's extraordinary body of work, it's hardly surprising that this tribute disc is one of the best of the year.
Todd Snider - 'The Excitement Plan'
Todd Snider has, for more than two decades, been one of the best mostly-under-the-radar singer-songwriters in contemporary folk music. His songs have ranged from hilarious, endearing narratives about workaday life to hard-biting protest songs.
Todd Snider has, for more than two decades, been one of the best mostly-under-the-radar singer-songwriters in contemporary folk music. His songs have ranged from hilarious, endearing narratives about workaday life to hard-biting protest songs.
Various - 'Singing Through the Hard Times: A Tribute to Utah Phillips'
Utah Phillips was one of the most remarkable contributors to the long history of topical song. After Phillips passed away in 2008, an all-star group of his friends, fans, and collaborators joined together to pay tribute on this excellent double-disc collection.
Utah Phillips was one of the most remarkable contributors to the long history of topical song. After Phillips passed away in 2008, an all-star group of his friends, fans, and collaborators joined together to pay tribute on this excellent double-disc collection.
Woody Guthrie - 'My Dusty Road'
Woody Guthrie was, without question, one of the greatest artists to ever lend his talents to the evolution of American folk music. He wrote thousands of songs in his lifetime and recorded hundreds of them.
Woody Guthrie was, without question, one of the greatest artists to ever lend his talents to the evolution of American folk music. He wrote thousands of songs in his lifetime and recorded hundreds of them.