Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for May 2nd, 2025. 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.
Kassi Valazza
From Newman Street (Fluff & Gravy Records)
Where Valazza’s penchant for the sixties singer-songwriter movement could be subtly detected on her previous album, albeit from a relatively broad musical palette, on this new offering, the influences appear narrower and the source more obvious throughout, in particular the early work of Joni Mitchell. The similarities in writing between Valazza and Mitchell, both more comfortable operating from a deeply personal perspective lyrically, rather than simply telling stories through songs, though it would be fair to say that to date Valazza has yet to match the sagacious level of Mitchell’s poetry. One can’t help but feel that the best is still to come from Valazza, which augurs well for the future, but for now, From Newman Street will do just fine. (edited from Americana UK review)
Webb Wilder
Hillbilly Speedball (Landslide Records)
Long before there were Kings of Leon, Keys of Black or Whites of Jack in Music City there was a riddle spewing prophet of roots rock and roll. A bluesy blast of baritone bombast. Equally versed in two glorious worlds, Rock and Roll with a strong side of Outlaw Country. He is a force on tour and a tour de force. He is the last of the Full Grown Men and Roots Rock Royalty. Combining potent Wilder originals with well-selected cover tunes penned by among others, Chuck Berry, David Grissom, and Willie Love. Hillbilly Speedball showcases Webb’s talent for delivering good old Southern rock and roll in his inimitable style.
Also new this week…
Jedd Hughes – Nightshades (Tiltawhirl Music)
Missy Raines & Allegheny – Love & Trouble (Compass Records)
Esther Rose – Want (New West Records)
Coming out soon … Leftover Salmon, I’m With Her, Watchhouse, The Travelin’ McCourys, Little Feat, Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’, The Talbott Brothers, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, The Shootouts, Sweet Megg, The Faux Paws, Lukas Nelson, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jeffery Broussard & the Nighttime Syndicate, Kelsey Waldon, S.G. Goodman, Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius, James McMurtry, The Wildmans, Hayes Carll and more!