CD Reviews on projects by Americana Artists
Grayson Capps, an Americana and blues singer-songwriter from Alabama, returns with ‘The Weight of the World,’ his first full-length album of original material in seven years. Combining personal reflections and topical themes, the album features nine songs that capture Capps’ distinctive voice within American roots music.
The Texas Headhunters’ album “Rise and Shine” showcases ten tracks of bluesy rock infused with Lone Star spirit. Featuring Johnny Moeller, Jesse Dayton, and Ian Moore, the album reflects their extensive musical backgrounds. Each song reveals complexity, blending various influences while addressing socio-political themes, ultimately affirming the band’s distinct sound.
Tokunbo’s album “Lost & Found” features her captivating voice and vivid songwriting across genres, from pop to folk and jazz. Co-produced with Ulrich Bode, the album includes poignant tracks like “Empty Nest” and “70’s Magazine Memory,” reflecting her mixed culture and experiences. The accompanying booklet showcases her lyrics and stunning photographs.
Charlie Parr’s album “Rooming House” features interconnected stories reflecting life in communal living spaces, influenced by his experiences in Minneapolis rooming houses. The songs explore themes of economic insecurity, healthcare struggles, and the resilience found in community compassion. Parr’s heartfelt songwriting reveals the humanity of overlooked individuals while celebrating mutual support in challenging times.
Mary Gauthier Reckoning In The Black Records Mary Gauthier was born in 1962 in New Orleans, to a mother who gave her up for adoption. She was adopted by an Italian Catholic couple from Thibodaux, Louisiana. Her father was an alcoholic. Struggling with a variety of issues, Gauthier had drunk herself unconscious on sloe gin […]
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, a two-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year, makes her solo debut with “Rattlin’ Bones,” showcasing her impressive songwriting and vocal skills alongside stellar musicians. The album features 13 engaging tracks that explore personal themes, blending superb fiddle playing with heartfelt lyrics, achieving a vibrant balance of technique and emotion.
Wesley Stace One Last Heist Pravda Records Wesley Stace was born in Hastings, Sussex, in 1965, and educated at the King’s School, Canterbury, and Jesus College, Cambridge. He released 17 albums under the name John Wesley Harding before switching back to his birth name for more recent recordings, including 2021’s Late Style and the monumental […]
Cedar County Cobras, consisting of Tom Spielbauer and April Dirks, blend Delta blues with Americana influences. Spielbauer, a legally blind guitarist and Iowa Blues Challenge winner, and Dirks, an upright bassist, create authentic storytelling in their music. Their new album showcases original and traditional songs, reflecting their rich musical journey.
Kelley Breiding is a multi-talented musician from North Carolina, known for her roles in various bands and as a solo artist. Her debut album, Nightingale, showcases her diverse musical skills and features collaborations with several artists. Breiding also directs a variety show and teaches traditional music, contributing significantly to her community.
Kaz Murphy’s album “Making Noise: Songs of Rebellion & Redemption” showcases his journey from a musically-inclined childhood to a seasoned artist. Blending folk, Americana, and protest themes, the album addresses social issues with evocative lyrics and diverse musical styles. Collaborating with his wife, Jacque Grad, it reflects personal and political struggles.
Aaron Lee Tasjan’s album “Get Over it Underdog,” released by Blue Elan Records, showcases his unique blend of Americana and alt-country music. The Grammy-nominated artist explores themes of identity and resilience through personal storytelling. With six acclaimed albums, Tasjan’s work remains impactful, reflecting a nuanced perspective on the myth of the American underdog.
David G Smith Hero Street Independent David G Smith is an Americana singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. He has hosted shows at the Bluebird Cafe since the mid-2000s. He released his album debut and received a Robert K. Oermann DisCovery Award in 2011. David’s album “One House” appeared on the No Depression list of “10 […]
Adam Gaffney’s album “Product of Another Sad Song” reflects his emotional journey through loss, sobriety, and self-discovery, influenced by country and folk traditions. With a talented band and poetic interludes, Gaffney’s lyrics explore themes of heartache and redemption, marking a significant turning point in his life and artistry.
Shaun Murphy, a versatile vocalist, transitioned from theater to a Motown contract and gained fame touring with artists like Bob Seger. After 16 years with Little Feat, she released her debut solo album in 2009. Her latest effort, “Brand New Blues,” showcases her blues roots and honors influential mentors. Murphy remains a celebrated figure in the music scene.
Peter Karp, a roots-based blues and Americana musician, blends personal storytelling with a distinctive blues sound. His thirteenth album, “Jersey Town,” pays tribute to New Jersey’s grit. Featuring collaborations with artists like Sue Foley, Karp delivers compelling narratives through his powerful vocals and guitar work, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience.
Tanasi, a band honoring Appalachian heritage, features members Bill Cardine, Mary Lucey, and Anya Hinkle. Their debut album intertwines traditional melodies with personal lyrics, exploring deep cultural roots. Notable tracks include “Mahalia/Let’s Hold On” and “Get Up/Ore Mi Kini Se,” showcasing diverse influences and inviting listeners to connect through music.
Chris Gardner, an Americana vocalist influenced by artists like the Beatles and Eagles, celebrates his musical journey in his ninth album, “Can’t Go Home.” Featuring introspective lyrics and collaborations with various musicians, the album combines humor and somber themes. Gardner’s powerful vocals resonate throughout, exploring nostalgia and the passage of time.
Ruth Rothwell’s album “Empire Child” features her powerful soprano vocals and reflects her positive activism through memorable lyrics. With a blend of pop and spiritual themes, songs like “Trace the Race” and “Negativity Be Gone” showcase her unique style. The album is positioned as pop Worship Music, appealing to broader audiences.
Lester, Winchester, and McKendree’s album “They Got It All” showcases their diverse musical backgrounds, blending roots rock and Americana influences. With engaging lyrics and innovative instrumentation, the album features standout tracks such as “I’m No Amateur” and “Bad Mantras,” reflecting the trio’s collaborative spirit and creative evolution.
Dale Watson, born in Alabama and raised in Texas, is a prominent figure in American roots music known for his fusion of honky-tonk, outlaw country, and rockabilly. His latest album, “Unwanted,” features heartfelt songs reflecting on love and life, showcasing his dedication to preserving traditional country music. Watson’s legacy spans over four decades.
Jim Lauderdale’s album “The Birds Know,” his 39th, showcases ten captivating bluegrass songs in collaboration with the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys. Rooted in Southern values and inspired by various artists, Lauderdale addresses themes of love, hope, and socio-political issues. The songs blend humor and heartfelt lyrics, embodying the essence of Americana.
Aaron Irwin’s “Spark,” featuring the Aaron Irwin Trio, showcases a blend of Americana, folk, and jazz through original compositions. With Irwin on saxophone and bass clarinet, supported by guitarist Mike Baggetta and drummer Bill Campbell, the album emphasizes improvisation and lyrical melodies, highlighting their long-standing camaraderie and musical chemistry.
Ben Musser’s solo debut, “Sentimental Fever,” marks a significant milestone after two decades in music. As a one-man band, Musser wrote all eleven tracks and played multiple instruments, showcasing his artistic evolution. The album blends personal themes with Americana influences, reflecting confidence and authenticity, making it a compelling and heartfelt work.
Dave Vargo’s fourth album, “Ghost Towns,” showcases his roots rock style, blending Americana with catchy melodies. Notable tracks include the reflective “Anything at All” and the hopeful “New Life.” While Vargo excels with inventive guitar work and storytelling, he sometimes falls into overly poppy territory, maintaining an engaging yet complex outlook on life’s challenges.
“Sin & Squalor” is the debut album by Clay Street Unit, blending bluegrass, indie folk, and honky-tonk. Produced by Chris Pandolfi, it features heartfelt storytelling across eleven tracks reflecting longing, love, and resilience. The album captures the band’s journey from Denver roots to notable stages, showcasing their rich harmonies and diverse influences.
Nick Justice’s seventh album, “Rain Dancing,” features collaborations with familiar musicians and introduces new textures through instruments like fiddle and banjo. Addressing themes of patience, performance, and mortality, the album blends Southern California vibes with folk influences. With introspective lyrics, it showcases Justice’s talent and may mark his breakthrough.
Kim Moberg’s fourth album, “All That Really Matters,” showcases her soothing folk music and explores themes of love, betrayal, social justice, and healing. Featuring collaborations with other artists and rich instrumentation by Grammy-nominated producer Jon Evans, the album is both melodious and impactful, emphasizing poignant lyrics and human experiences.
The Lowest Pair, an American folk band, releases their seventh album, Always As Young As We’ll Ever Be, under Team Love Records. This ten-song collection explores life’s uncertainties, emphasizing themes of love, resilience, and emotional confusion. The duo, Kendl Winter and Palmer T. Lee, reflects on life’s imperfections in their heartfelt lyrics.
Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon reunite for their album “Together Again,” expanding on their previous collaboration. Featuring fourteen tracks, the album mixes humor, nostalgia, and socially conscious themes, including gun violence. While the tone is lighter than their last effort, the duo delivers heartfelt storytelling and reflects on aging and friendship.
Diane Coll’s fifth album, Strangely in Tune, marks a sonic evolution in her intimate folk style, incorporating diverse musical influences. Inspired by Kintsugi, the album explores themes of resilience amidst life’s dualities. It features new musicians and highlights the interplay of grief and joy, culminating in a complex yet enriching listening experience.
Ed Harris is a renowned American musician dedicated to Celtic music for over 30 years. His latest album, “Echoes Through The Elderwoods,” features 14 captivating songs blending instrumental and vocal components. Harris’s mastery of multiple instruments enhances his artistry. Importantly, he donates all album proceeds to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Tommy Talton’s album “Seven Levels” reflects his artistic journey, emotional depth, and the context of a fractured America. Collaborating with friends, he produced a rich sound, blending southern rock and blues. Despite health struggles, he completed this project before his passing on December 28, 2023, leaving behind a poignant legacy.
Bahamas, the musical project of Afie Jurvanen, releases his seventh album, My Second Best Last Album, recorded casually in Nova Scotia. The collection showcases his signature blend of warmth and introspection, touching on themes of identity, connection, and personal renewal. Each track reflects his evolution as a songwriter, making it his most personal record yet.
Avi Jacob, born into a Jewish family in Boston, is an emerging folk artist known for his emotional depth and lyrical honesty. His latest album, “Hawk in the Nest,” fuses folk, Americana, and R&B, showcasing his growth as a songwriter. With rich instrumentation and personal themes, it highlights his compelling artistry.
Mark Miller’s album This Bridge showcases his talent as an Americana artist, featuring vivid narratives and poignant lyrics. Collaborating with renowned musicians, Miller explores themes of memory, heartbreak, and resilience. Notable tracks highlight personal experiences and evoke strong emotional imagery, affirming Miller’s status in contemporary music. This is a standout release of the year.
Joselyn Wilkinson and Don Barrozo return with “Lost & Found Highway,” their third album, reflecting their journey through memories, protests, and personal challenges. Collaborating with notable musicians, they combine powerful vocals and skilled guitar work while addressing themes of love, roots, and social issues, culminating in a message of resilience and affirmation.
Bill Scorzari’s double album, “Sidereal Days (Day 1),” showcases his literate songwriting and unique sound. Featuring personal and emotional tracks, it blends various musical elements with deeply reflective lyrics. Collaborating with top musicians, Scorzari’s distinctive voice enhances each piece, inviting listeners to engage fully with the music over multiple listens.
Kara Grainger, an Australian singer-songwriter, blends blues and Americana in her latest album, “That’s How I Got to Memphis.” Featuring six originals and three covers, the album showcases her vocal talent and guitar skills, supported by an accomplished ensemble. Grainger’s music reflects her influences and personal journey, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Mike Miz, a singer-songwriter and guitarist, moved from Northeast Pennsylvania to Nashville, collaborating with notable musicians on his album “Sometimes by Surprise.” This effort features a live band recording and showcases Miz’s songwriting skills across various themes like youth, love, and environmental concerns. The album includes seven standout tracks and a cover of Jim Croce’s “I Got a Name.”
The Wild Iris Brass Band merges New Orleans tradition with diverse influences including Afrobeats, Brazilian carnival, jazz, and Tennessee roots. Led by Jeff Coffin and Ray Mason, their music is energetic and party-like, featuring engaging vocals and special guests like Bela Fleck. This vibrant collaboration celebrates brass band culture joyfully.
Wesley Hanna’s album “Magnolia,” self-released, reflects his Texas roots with authentic country music. Featuring 15 collaborators, it includes emotive tracks about youth and family. Highlights include “Gulf Prairie Blues,” “Life in Three Quarter Time,” and a cover of “Magnolia.” Hanna shows promise, echoing influences from renowned Texas songwriters.
Robert LaRoche, a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Holyoke, Ma, began his career at fifteen. He formed the band ‘The Sighs’ in 1982, achieving success with their debut CD in 1992. LaRoche’s solo work includes “Patient Man” and “Forevermore.” His upcoming album, “Sacred Vow,” releases in September 2025.
Greta Gaines is an accomplished American singer-songwriter and former snowboard champion. “Bird Before Light” is her latest album, featuring themes of midlife transitions and emotional growth. Notable collaborations include musicians like Tim O’Brien. Greta’s career spans music, sports, and cannabis legalization, showcasing her diverse talents and advocacy efforts.
Rebecca Pidgeon, born in 1965, is a talented singer, songwriter, and actress with dual American-British citizenship. Her latest album, “Unillusion,” produced by Fernando Perdomo, offers a minimalistic blend of voice and acoustic guitar. The collection showcases her storytelling prowess and includes various reflective tracks that highlight her artistic evolution.
Stuart Blance is a Scottish singer-songwriter and photographer known for his acoustic music and uplifting lyrics. His new EP, “Fringe Benefits,” features songs like “Shine” and “As Scottish as Haggis,” celebrating themes of life, love, and self-belief. Blance’s work combines folk, Americana, pop, and rock influences, offering optimism and joy.
Remi Goode, a trained classical guitarist from Nashville, draws inspiration from artists like Suzanne Vega. Her debut album, “Things I’ve Said Before,” showcases a blend of folk and pop, featuring introspective lyrics and diverse instrumentation. The record hints at a promising future for Goode in the music industry.
Woody Guthrie, born July 14, 1912, in Oklahoma, revolutionized American folk music with over 3,000 songs, including “This Land Is Your Land.” His legacy, maintained by family members, remains influential in music and social justice. Recorded in 1950, his work highlights the enduring spirit of resilience and introspection among marginalized communities.
James McMurtry’s album, The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy, showcases his lyrical prowess with ten exceptional tracks that blend personal stories with societal critiques. Collaborating with talented musicians, he creates a spontaneous sound. The album’s covers and original songs poignantly explore themes of disillusionment and identity, marking a significant contribution to Americana music.
Susan Anders’s album “Now I’m a Kite” reflects her nomadic experiences, exploring themes of loss, resilience, and new beginnings. Recorded mostly in Santa Fe, the folk-pop sound accompanies deeply emotional lyrics addressing personal struggles, including her father’s passing and her partner’s health issues. Anders’s insightful songwriting showcases vulnerability and perseverance.
Webb Wilder, known for his unique blend of musical genres, releases his first album in five years, “Hillbilly Speedball.” Featuring a mix of original songs and covers, the album showcases his signature rock ‘n’ roll style and collaborations with notable friends. Wilder’s self-deprecating lyrics highlight his journey in music.
You must be logged in to post a comment.