Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for April 14th, 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.
William Prince
Stand In The Joy (Six Shooter Records)
William Prince is a descendant of preachers, and in his own way, he is carrying on that legacy in his music. With his singular velvet baritone, Prince envelops in his songs messages of forgiveness and acceptance, even amid inner turmoil and when the world feels like too brutal a place. His latest album, Stand in the Joy, finds him looking back on the sweetest parts of the hardest times, recalling in detail the sights, smells, and sounds that helped him smile through grief and difficulty — the adrenaline of new love begun in secret, the shared sky that makes you feel closer to someone far away, or the subtle changing of the seasons bringing new life. The gospel influences that raised him in the Peguis First Nation reservation in Manitoba, Canada, are easy to see on Stand in the Joy. But with this record, Prince is also proving himself a true craftsman of melody when it comes to a chorus. These songs start quiet, but then catch you off guard as they swoon and levitate, each emanating its own warm, rosy glow. (edited from No Depression review)
The Wood Brothers
Heart is the Hero (Honey Jar Records)
The Wood Brothers have learned to trust their hearts. For the better part of two decades, they’ve cemented their reputation as freethinking songwriters, road warriors, and community builders, creating a catalog of diverse music and a loyal audience who’ve grown alongside them through the years. That evolution continues with Heart is the Hero, the band’s eighth studio album. Recorded analog to 16-track tape, this latest effort finds its three creators embracing the chemistry of their acclaimed live shows by capturing their performances in real-time direct from the studio floor with nary a computer in sight. “We love records that come from the era of less tracks and more care,” explains co-founder Oliver Wood. “When you use a computer during the tracking process, you have an infinite number of tracks at your disposal, which implies that nothing is permanent, and everything can be fixed. Tape gives you limitations that force you to be creative and intentional.” “We are never satisfied if we are not searching for new musical recipes,” says Jano Rix, nodding to the uncharted territory that Heart is the Hero covers. Chris Wood agrees, adding, “We are one of those bands that isn’t easily categorized. We know what our strengths are, but we can’t help but push the envelope, as well. It’s too much fun.” (edited from Home Grown Music network review)
Also new this week…
Ben Bostick – The Rascal Is Back (Simply Fantastic Music)
Sol Chase – The Eclectic Life of an Only Child (self-released)
Julie Christensen – The Price We Pay for Love (Wirebird Records)
Ben de la Cour – Sweet Anhedonia (Julian Records) +
Chris Duarte – Ain’t Giving Up (Provogue Records)
Natalie Merchant – Keep Your Courage (Nonesuch Records)
Mike Miz – Only Human (Blackbird Music Group)
Watty Thompson – Watty Thompson (Cheatin’ Hearts Records)
Coming out soon… Joey Frendo, Cinder Well, Taj Mahal, Marty Stuart, Rickie Lee Jones, The Milk Carton Kids, Robert Ellis, Caitlin Canty, Tommy Emmanuel, The Infamous Stringdusters, Rodney Crowell, Bella White, Bruce Cockburn, Abe Partridge, Parker Millsap, Eilen Jewell, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, The Rough & Tumble, Lucinda Williams, Shinyribs, Tim O’Brien, Miles Miller, Brennen Leigh and more!
