Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for September 15th, 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.
Margo Cilker
Valley Of Heart’s Delight (Fluff & Gravy Records)
Cilker’s 2021 debut Pohorylle was one of those records that never dredged up a torrential hype storm but became a treasured favorite for many. Produced by Sub Pop alum Sera Cahoone, Pohorylle presented Cilker as a chronicler of the world’s less explored corners, with a knack for smart, funny wordplay and a musical style that blurred the lines between country and folk-rock. Valley Of Heart’s Delight runs it back with subtly spectacular results. Cahoone is once again on board as drummer and producer, as are Cilker’s bandmates, mostly from Portland. As if mirroring the mix of thoughtful precision and cheeky playfulness Cilker brings to her lyrics, the band plays just loose and carefree enough that every meticulously plotted arrangement seems to breathe with spontaneity. But these travelogs just as often blur with the ache that haunts Cilker’s songwriting. (edited from Stereogum review)
Willie Nelson
Bluegrass (CBS)
Bluegrass is one of the hottest commodities in country music at the moment. All the more reason for Willie Nelson to jump on the bandwagon and release twelve of his solo written signature songs interpreted in bluegrass style. It’s quite remarkable when you consider that Willie Nelson has released nearly 100 original albums of one sort or another, but this is the first time he’s veering into the bluegrass realm. Once again produced by long-time collaborator Buddy Cannon and includes top-shelf bluegrass greats like Rob Ickes, Dan Tyminski, Aubrey Haynie, Ron Block and more. Constantly on tour yet still finding time to get in the studio and release two albums a year, Willie Nelson isn’t slowing down any time soon. And fans are here for it. (edited from Saving Country Music review)
Viv & Riley
Imaginary People (Free Dirt Records)
A bittersweet nostalgia lies at the heart of Imaginary People, the new album from indie roots duo Viv & Riley. Over ten tracks, the pair applies an indie folk sheen to pop gems, a reworking of an ancient ballad, and even an original fiddle tune, deftly weaving together the old and new. In contrast to the sunny, lush production, the lyrics lean melancholic. Both musicians trace their original artistic inspiration to the deep roots music they learned in their youths on opposite sides of the country. The duo’s continuing musical expansion is in part the fruition of their new home of Durham, NC which is known for it’s cross-genre collaboration and creatively articulated roots music. However, the track list is still peppered with pedal steel and the rootsy fiddle and banjo trappings the pair employed to acclaim on their previous two releases. As much as Imaginary People looks back to nostalgic yesteryears, it importantly marks the beginning of a new direction for these songwriting virtuosos.
Also new this week…
Briscoe – West of it All (ATO Records)
Buxton – A Family Light (Strolling Bones Records)
Cruz Contreras – Cosmico (Cosmico Records)
Wyatt Edmondson – Made for the Road (self-released)
Mick Flannery – Goodtime Charlie (Oh Boy Records)
Jim Lauderdale and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys – The Long And Lonesome Letting Go (Sky Crunch Records)
Buffalo Nichols – The Fatalist (Fat Possum Records)
John Surge and The Haymakers – Almost Time (Blackbird Record Label)
Dave Sutherland – Dear John (self-released)
Coming out soon… Brent Cobb, Jenny Owen Youngs, Charles Wesley Godwin, Charley Crockett, Owen Temple, Adam Hood, Jeff Plankenhorn, Ray Bonneville, Mick Flannery, Buddy & Julie Miller, The Steel Woods, Ida Mae, John R. Miller, Tré Burt, Robert Rex Waller Jr., Eli Paperboy Reed, Jessi Colter, Jonah Tolchin, Chris Stapleton and more!
