Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for May 5th, 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.
Rodney Crowell
Chicago Sessions (New West Records)
Produced by Jeff Tweedy, this cross-generational collaboration finds Crowell delivering an incisive, engaging collection that balances careful craftsmanship with joyful liberation at every turn. Sounding both fresh and familiar, it’s among Crowell’s very best work. As Tweedy puts it, “The way that Rodney writes is deeply connected to a classic era of country songwriters that I’ve always loved. In my estimation, it’s as close as I can get to working with Townes Van Zandt or Felice and Boudleaux Bryant — people who crafted songs with a very specific sensibility. And I like being near that.” While looking at the cover of The Chicago Sessions, listeners might recognize a familiar callback to Crowell’s 1978 debut, Ain’t Living Long Like This. “In a lot of ways, this album feels like that very first record to me,” Crowell reflects. “When my daughter suggested we lay the artwork out similarly, the connection made perfect sense. There’s something very simple, very innocent about it. It’s just me and the band in a room together, loose and live and having fun.” The songs are vital and timely, touching on everything from love and mortality to race and religion, and the performances are nothing short of intoxicating, fueled by raw guitars, honky-tonk piano, and tight, punchy drums. Tweedy wields a light touch as a producer, his influence subtle yet unmistakable. (edited from press release)
Eilen Jewell
Get Behind the Wheel (Signature Sounds)
Eilen Jewell is an individualist. Original as much in her vocalizing as in her songwriting. When both are put together it’s like a salty potato chip with dark chocolate & a kaiser roll. She’s a delight. Loaded with story songs Eilen doesn’t recycle song ideas written & performed countless times before. She goes deeper, digs for the motherlode & reaches for something lesser songwriters don’t seem to grasp.Her word clever choices are colorful & imaginative. She relies more on her storytelling instincts than just adding carbonation to her musical oeuvre. The instrumentation is somewhat laid back but not production-wise – more for atmosphere. (edited from Americana Highways review)
Also new this week…
Babaux And The Peacemakers – Moments In Time (Cristian Basso Music)
Caleb Elliott – Weed, Wine & Time (Single Lock Records)
Vance Gilbert – The Mother of Trouble (self-released)
Logan Halstead – Dark Black Coal (Logan Halstead Records) +
Ward Hayden & The Outliers – South Shore (Faster Horses Records)
Dean Johnson – Nothing for Me, Please (Mama Bird Recording Co.)
Ana Popovic – Power (ArtisteXclusive Records)
Angelica Rockne – The Rose Society (Fluff & Gravy Records) +
David Wax Museum – You Must Change Your Life (Nine Mile Records)
Coming out soon… Marty Stuart, The Milk Carton Kids, Robert Ellis, Caitlin Canty, Bruce Cockburn, Abe Partridge, Leftover Salmon, Parker Millsap, Paul Simon, Special Consensus, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Austin Gilliam, The South Austin Moonlighters, Jess Williamson, Sara Petite, The Rough & Tumble, Lucinda Williams, Shinyribs, Tim O’Brien, Queen Esther, Miles Miller, Rufus Wainwright, Brennen Leigh, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Parker Ferrell, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Caitlin Canty and more!
