Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for October 28th, 2022. 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.
Emily Scott Robinson
Built On Bones (Oh Boy Records)
Built on Bones came to life after Robinson became a part of Telluride Theatre’s adaptation of Macbeth, acting on stage in the role of Hecate — the leader of the three witches — and serving as musical director for the entire production. The songwriter wanted to present the play, which dates back to the early 1600s, through a distinctly modern lens. “We envisioned a version of the show where we gave the Witches a powerful voice, and in doing so, belied the history of violence against women and their magic. In making this record, we held in our hearts the intention to heal the lineage of women who came before us and declare that our power and magic cannot be controlled or snuffed out by a violent patriarchy of fearful men.” (edited from The Boot review)
Trampled by Turtles
Alpenglow (Banjodad Records)
In the almost 20 years the members of Trampled by Turtles have played together, they have learned to trust the process, bringing their best to recording sessions while remaining open to the possibilities that unfold. Alpenglow is an artfully curated listening experience that lives up to the band’s live performances. The album title evokes the rosy wash of light in the mountains just before sunrise or sunset, just as the songs play with the tension between nostalgia for the past and uncertainty in the face of change ahead. The melancholy edge to lead singer and songwriter Dave Simonett’s voice strikes a balance between confessional and hopeful. Simonett wrote 10 of the 11 tracks on the project, and credits producer Jeff Tweedy’s influence on songs he thought were finished when he brought them to the project. In particular, Tweedy contributed to the album’s “economy of language and time.” Trampled by Turtles’ personal dynamics also strengthened the final product. (edited from No Depression review)
Also new this week…
Tommy Alexander – Feelings (Fluff and Gravy Records)
Lisa Bodnar & Whistlegrass – 40 Years in the Desert (Deko Music)
Angela Easterling – Witness (self-released)
Flatland Cavalry – Songs To Keep You Warm (self-released)
The Great Divide – Providence (self-released)
Honey Harper – Honey Harper & The Infinite Sky (ATO Records)
Gabe Lee – The Hometown Kid (Torrez Music Group)
Long Mama – Poor Pretender (Frozen Desert Records)
Memphis Kee – Wimberley (self-released)
Native Harrow – Old Kind of Magic (Loose Music)
Coming out in the next few weeks… Sam Bush, Angela Autumn, Melissa Carper, Billy Strings, Seth Avett, Brian Blake, Maple Run Band, Kenny Shore, Caitlin Rose, Vince Herman and more …
