Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for April 7th, 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.
Robbie Fulks
Bluegrass Vacation (Compass Records)
This could be considered Robbie Fulks‘ return to his roots, both theoretically and in terms of practical purposes. Fulks’ initial entry into singer/songwriter realms was preceded by a stint with Greg Cahill and his band, Special Consensus, but even before that, he found himself entertained and enthralled while accompanying his father to concerts by such singular stars as Doc and Merle Watson, John Hartford, Hot Rize, David Grisman, and any number of others. That, according to the liner notes accompanying the new album, is what helped Fulks blaze his way into the realms of Americana. Here he enlists an able cast of fellow travelers, among them, Sam Bush, John Cowan, Chris Eldridge, Ronnie McCoury, Jerry Douglas, Brennen Leigh, and Shad Cobb. Not surprisingly then, practically every song reflects that singular devotion to Bluegrass. Ultimately, Bluegrass Vacation is more than a mere respite. It’s a reboot of sorts, one that brings Fulks back to his beginnings and seminal status. A sweet sojourn, one suspects he may be about to prolong his stay. (edited from Bluegrass Today review)
Carter Sampson
Gold (Horton Records)
Carter has an incredible sensibility to her songwriting. It’s heartfelt, sincere, and honest. Whether it’s intended or not, there’s an inherent happiness that populates a Carter Sampson record and it’s something I’ve truly come to look forward to with each album she’s released. Sampson’s music is a little folksy, and a little country. There’s a smidgen of pop and a whole bunch of rootsy rock-n-roll, and it seems she’s always pushing the boundaries of her own comfort zones in an effort to find the “right” sound. Gold was co-produced by Sampson and longtime collaborator, Kyle Reid. Throughout the album, Reid lends his talents on pedal steel, guitar, synths and whatever else was needed or handy. In fact, Sampson and Reid recorded the majority of Gold themselves, with the exception of a couple of upright bass tracks by Johnny Carlton and one fiddle track by Lane Hawkins. As a result, I think it’s the most Carter Sampson-y album she’s released to date. (edited from Americana Highways review)
Also new this week…
Cimarron 615 – Brand New Distance (Blue Elan Records)
Ian Jones – Results Not Typical (independent)
Stephanie Anne Johnson – Jewels (independent)
Adam Klein – Holidays in United States (Cowboy Angel Music)
Mike Spine And The Underground All Star Band – Guided By Love (Global Seepej Records)
Jake Ybarra – Something In The Water (independent)
Coming out soon… Joey Frendo, The Wood Brothers, William Prince, Taj Mahal, Marty Stuart, Natalie Merchant, The Milk Carton Kids, Robert Ellis, Caitlin Canty, The Infamous Stringdusters, Rodney Crowell, Bella White, Bruce Cockburn, Abe Partridge, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, The Rough & Tumble, Lucinda Williams, Shinyribs and more!
