FolkWorld #63 07/2017

CD & DVD Reviews

Short & Sweet

www.moreaccidentals.com

The Accidentals "Odyssey" (CD, Sony Masterworks, 2017). Self-described orchestra dorks (or "orc dorks"), The Accidentals from Traverse City, Michigan, embrace a genre-bending blend of indie folk, pop, jazz, bluegrass, rock and classical music. Check out the lyric video of the jazz infused jam-band "KW" featuring guitar wizard Keller Williams @ YouTube!

www.adamezra.com

Adam Ezra Group "Hurricane Wind" (Download, 2017). Folk rock storytellers Adam Ezra Group have unleashed their 15th album, Hurricane Winds, which has been both fan-funded and fan-produced. Three songs are co-writes with John Oates (best known as half of the rock & soul duo, Hall & Oates), who joined Ezra to sing and play on the album. Download "Hurricane Wind" @ NoiseTrade!

www.kylealden.com

Kyle Alden "Down in the West Volume 2" (CD, Own label, 2017). Images of the American West are spread throughout: rivers running on, old growth redwoods, falling down barns, horse stables... But there are really two Wests in California songwriter Kyle Alden's[49] latest album: the Pacific coast of America and the West of Ireland, the sources of many of his musical inspirations. Thus, Kerry polkas rub shoulders with newly composed cowboy songs. Ft. American-Irish fiddler Athena Tergis (Riverdance, Green Fields of America).[34]

www.jimallchin.com

Jim Allchin "Decisions" (CD, Own label, 2017). Seattle blues rock guitarist and vocalist Jim Allchin describes his third song collection (featuring special guest Keb' Mo') as a study in the decisions we make in our life about identity, relationships, and how to live life authentically. Check out "Bad Decisions" @ YouTube!

www.courtneymarieandrews.com

Courtney Marie Andrews "Heart and Mind" (Video, 2017). Courtney Marie Andrews,[61] once called the best songwriter you’ve never heard of, is announcing that Fat Possum Records and Mama Bird Recording Co. (label of Townes Van Zandt, Al Green and Fred McDowell) are joining forces to support her work. Andrews will be headlining a European tour in the fall 2017. Watch the video of Andrews’ unreleased song “Heart and Mind” @ YouTube! "Only two days or so after the election, this song hit me like a brick. For the first time in my womanhood, I felt powerless, because the man who was supposed to rule our country made some very shocking and hurtful comments about women. It reminded me of all the times I, or someone close to me, had been harassed, sexually abused, cat-called, or body shamed. The song is intended to empower, and to conquer our demons. It is a statement, not a plea or a question. We ARE more than bodies. We are strong, intelligent, capable humans, with our own opinions and thoughts. It's a song that I desperately needed as a reminder, and a song that I hope serves as a reminder to women who feel powerless."

www.chrisantonik.com

Chris Antonik "Monarch" (CD, Own label, 2017). Following up "Chris Antonik" (2010) and "Better For You" (2013, named Blues Rock Album of the Year by Canada's Blues Underground Network), "Monarch" closes a trilogy of self-expression, covering the entire emotional terrain and a varied blues landscape. Check out Chris Antonik live on The Drew Marshall Show @ YouTube!

www.applewoodroadmusic.com

Amy Speace, Emily Barker & Amber Rubarth "Applewood Road" (CD, Linn Records, 2017). Maryland (Amy Speace)[33] meets Australia (Emily Barker)[58] meets California (Amber Rubarth) in Nashville, TN to record original music in old-time style. As they say, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Watch the “Applewood Road” music video @ YouTube!

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Axum "Northern Lights" (EP, Own label, 2017). This 8-piece folk band from Newcastle upon Tyne in the north of England has been formed in 2013 and named after the Axum Reel (aka Eightsome Reel), a Scottish country ceilidh dance for 8 people. Their 5 track EP features both Northumbrian lullabies and rants as well as airs from fiddlers Arto Järvelä and Sven-Erik Eriksson, executed with an affection for jazz and swing music.

www.ronbeer.com

Ron Beer "From Austin with Love" (CD, Own label, 2016). Besides martial arts, Toronto's Ron Beer helps to mentor amateur songwiters (e.g. Songwriters Music Festival (SMF)) and is a well-versed singer-songwriter in his own right. Check out "Your Love" from the Austin Songwriters Symposium @ YouTube!

www.srdjanberonja.com

Srdjan Beronja "Sounds of the East" (CD, ARC Music, 2016). Serbian composer Srdjan Beronja presents here an album of field recordings from remote locations, featuring dawn Chorus, the hissing of cobras, or the creaks of a wooden water wheel. These sounds are combined with newly composed traditional music sounds from India,the Balkans and the Middle East, on darabuka, pud, sitar and other instruments.

www.beyondthefields.com

Beyond The Fields "The Canterbury Tales" (Video, 2017). Beyond The Fields[56] are thrilled to share their brand new official live video. Watch "The Canterbury Tales Part 1: The Traveler's Lament," recorded at 2017's traditional Grabenhalle Irish Night in St. Gallen, Switzerland @ YouTube!

Deben Bhattacharya "Colours of Raga" (CD/DVD, ARC Music, 1967/2017); Deben Bhattacharya "Krishna In Spring" (CD/DVD, ARC Music, 1969/2017). An ancient Sanskrit scholar defined music as the root of joy, the late Indian ethnomusicologist and music collector Deben Bhattacharya (1920-2001) added that joy becomes even more meaningful when shared with others. These two releases are the first in ARC Music's new Musical Exlorers series, curated by Simon Broughton, Songlines Editor-in-chief and author of The Rough Guide to World Music,[14] to make available historical films and audio recordings. The "Colours of Raga" DVD provides a half hour introduction to Indian classical music (with a detour into folk music) presented by violinist and conductor Yehudi Menuhin, made by Deben Bhattacharya in 1967 when the world was discovering Indian Music thanks to Menuhin and The Beatles. The accompanying CD includes rare performances by classical masters, recorded mostly in 1954. The "Krishna In Spring" collection features 8 field recordings, celebrating the Hindu deity Krishna and his importance in daily life, and a 1969 film of the Holi customs, which have stayed intact and can still be seen today.

www.blindlemon-pledge.com

Blind Lemon Pledge and Friends "Backwoods Glance" (CD, Own label, 2017). San Francisco based singer/songwriter Blind Lemon Pledge is looking for the roots of American music on his sixth album, exploring folk and gospel music, Cajun and jugband music likewise. Listen to the waltz ballad "Moon Over Memphis" @ YouTube!

www.blindwillies.net

Blind Willies "Every Day Is Judgment Day" (CD, Own label, 2014). San Francisco-based quintet Blind Willies mix their contemporary Americana folk-rock with eastern European gypsy and klezmer music. Thematically their songs deal with freedom and its enemies; the haunting opener inspired by Tadeusz Borowski's story collection, This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen, and singer/songwriter Alexei Wajchman's visit to Auschwitz. Check out Blind Willies @ BandCamp!

www.jbonamassa.com

Joe Bonamassa "Live At Carnegie Hall – An Acoustic Evening" (CD/DVD, Mascot Label Group, 2017). Last year January 21st and 22nd Joe Bonamassa performed two unique shows at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York City, featuring a nine piece acoustic band and instrumentalists varying from cello, erhu, percussion, mandolin, hurdy-gurdy and saxophone. An evening of extraordinary music with new arrangements of favorite songs as well as brand new, never-before-heard songs. Watch "The Valley Runs Low" from "Live At Carnegie Hall – An Acoustic Evening" @ YouTube!

www.billybragg.co.uk

Billy Bragg "The Sleep Of Reason" (Single/Video, Cooking Vinyl, 2017). Now that we’re finding out the true meaning of the Chinese curse ‘May you live in interesting times!’, Billy Bragg,[61] who has just published his book ‘Roots, Radicals & Rockers’, returns to his full-time career as a protest singer. Watch, download or listen to ‘The Sleep Of Reason’, inspired Francisco Goya’s 1799 etching ‘The Sleep Of Reason Produces Monsters’, @ YouTube! “The title struck a chord with me when trying to understand the events of last year. The lies and hubris of the Leave campaign in our EU referendum were echoed and amplified by Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Only by restoring empathy and reason can we hope to defeat the monstrous forces of nationalism and untruth.” Billy Bragg will tour solo and electric in the UK and Europe in November, under the title ‘Bridges Not Walls’.

www.breabach.com

Breabach "Astar" (CD, Breabach Records, 2016). Over the last five years, contemporary Scots folk band Breabach[48] has had the great privilege of touring across the globe, shaping their music. Astar (tr. journey/distance) is a multicultural celebration, embracing the music of four nations with friends from Norway, Quebec, Australia and New Zealand. Check out "Astar" (tr. journey/distance) @ BandCamp! Watch the album making of @ YouTube!

www.qristinabrooke.com

Qristina Brooke "Hogeyed Foxhunter" (Video, 2016). Canadian fiddler Qristina Brooke[56] is currently running a crowdfunding campaign for her debut solo album "Linger." Watch the live performance of the traditional tunes "Hog Eyed Man" and "Foxhunter's" from the upcoming album, using a loop station to record live loops and layer octave and unison fiddle parts over the original melody @ YouTube!

www.chastitybrownmusic.com

Chastity Brown "Silhouette of Sirens" (CD, Red House Records, 2017). "I write for and from the marginalized experience,” folk/soul/pop songwriter Chastity Brown says, who will be heading to Europe in July. "For the truly triumphant spirit that’s been through some shit, and has fought her/his way through it to maintain a sense of dignity and peace of mind. My hope is like that of Alice Walker’s, ‘Where there are tears, there will be dancing.’” Check out her videos for "Wake Up" & "Carried Away"!

Cie Rassegna "Il sole non si muove" (CD, Buda Musique, 2017). This album explores songs from the 16th century, from different Mediterranean countries as well as from England (the latter ones feeling somewhat out of place on this album). Most of the tracks of this 8 piece ensemble are focussed on vocal arrangements, and while many are based on authentic arrangements, others have more modern arrangements - for example there's a very odd spoken word/rap version of "The three ravens".

www.kathrynclairemusic.com

Kathryn Claire "Bones Will Last" (CD, Own label, 2017). This ten-track collection (five instrumentals and five vocal tracks) of chamber/folk music is encompassing Portland singer-fiddler Kathryn Claire's classical music upbringing with her formative folk influences. Watch the title track "Bones Will Last," speaking about the themes of the album - mortality, loss, love and transformation - @ YouTube!

www.slaid.com

Slaid Cleaves "Ghost On The Car Radio" (CD, Candy House Media, 2017). "Ghost On The Car Radio" is Cleaves' first collection of new songs since 2013's acclaimed "Still Fighting the War."[54] As befits the times we live in, there's a heavy dose of disappointment and disillusion, but ultimately slips into a profound gratitude, as if to say, "Yeah, things are pretty bad out there. But there's still some good stuff if you know where to look." Check out "If I Had A Heart" @ YouTube!

www.daviscoen.com

Davis Coen "These Things Shall Pass" (CD, Soundview, 2017). Coen characterizes his style as “contemporary country-blues”. His tenth album fulfills his long-standing goal of recording an entire spiritual-based album, spanning from traditional American hymns to classic gospel radio hits. The title track, Stuart Hamblen’s These Things Shall Pass, has been famously covered by country legends Hank Snow and Johnny Cash before. Check out Davis Coen's YouTube channel!

www.joedeeganmusic.com

Joe Deegan "Cover and Title Page" (CD, Own label, 2017). Singer/Songwriter Joe Deegan draws on his Alabama roots with a unique blend of Americana folk in his second full-length album, produced and recorded by Joshua Moore (former keyboardist of Caedmon's Call).[50] "Cover and Title Page" is a phrase from C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia, reminding that life is only the beginning of a story, in which every chapter is better than the one before. Watch the official music video for "Cover and Title Page" @ YouTube!

www.deertickmusic.com

Deer Tick "Deer Tick Vol. 1", "Deer Tick Vol. 2" (CD, Partisan Records, 2017). Four years after their last release "Negativity," singer-songwriter John McCauley and Deer Tick return with two twin albums released simultaneously. Vol. 1 showcases their distinguishing folk-rooted rock style; Vol. 2 lets it fly with punk-inspired garage rock. Listen to Deer Tick Vol. 1 & 2 @ SoundCloud! Watch the extremities of both records, the dreamy "Sea Of Clouds" and the growling "It's A Whale"!

www.deltamoon.com

Delta Moon "Cabbage Town Shuffle", "Just Lucky I Guess", "Refugee" (Video, 2017). Delta Moon are headed back to Europe this summer and fall with concerts in Spain, Italy, France, Luxembourg and Germany. Earlier this year they released their latest album, “Cabbagetown”.[62] In support of the release, the band created some videos: “Cabbage Town Shuffle”, “Just Lucky I Guess”, “Refugee”.

www.divanhana.ba

Divanhana "Live in Mostar" (CD, ARC Music, 2017). The band aims to revive the Sevdah music style of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The six musicians feature piano, accordion, bass guitar, drums and percussion, with the music focussed on the vocals of Naida Catic. This live music CDalso features a bonus DVD of a live video recording of the concert plus interviews. Watch "Oj Safete, Sajo, Sarajlijo" live in Mostar 2016 @ Vimeo!

www.dogslovecompany.it

Dogs Love Company "Ballate Folk ed Altre Storie" (EP, Kultmusic Italhouse, 2017). Dogs Love Company (vocalist Danilo Di Giampaolo, guitarist Victor Mazzetta and percussionist Daniele Di Pentima) is an acoustic band from Catignano, Italy, whose EP "Ballate Folk ed Altre Storie" offers five juicy accounts of traditional songs from Central and Southern Italy. Watch the music video for "Mare maje" (also known as "Scura Maje", which has a Balkan origin), filmed in the village of Corvara @ YouTube!

www.jerrydouglas.com

Jerry Douglas "Tour de Jerry: Explorations Via Dobro" (Download, 2017). Dobro master and 14-time Grammy winner Jerry Douglas[60] is to the resonator guitar what Jimi Hendrix was to the electric guitar: elevating, transforming, and reinventing the instrument in countless ways. Watch Jerry Douglas reinvent "Hey Joe" (an American folk standard made popular by Hendrix) with a soul- and bluegrass-melding rendition @ Rolling Stone Country! Download a 3-song sampler, featuring his newest offering from The Jerry Douglas Band's forthcoming album "What If" @ NoiseTrade!

www.dubhlinnband.com

Dubhlinn "Live" (CD, Own label, 2016). Michael Blackie O'Connell is one of the most stirring uilleann pipers from Co. Clare. He has been featured on several recordings, though probably none has captured his raucous piping as this live set from McDermott’s Bar, Doolin, with Eoghan Neff (fiddle)[51] and Cyril O’Donoghue (bouzouki, vocals). Exemplarily, watch Dubhlinn live at The Murray's, Dublin @ YouTube!

www.amyduncan.co.uk

Amy Duncan "Antidote" (CD, Filly, 2017). Scottish singer Amy Duncan is embedding emotional and thoughtful songwriting in a carpet made of folk and acoustic pop music. Listen to "Antidote" @ BandCamp! Watch Amy Duncan live at Edinburgh Fringe 2016 @ YouTube!

www.justintownesearle.com

Justin Townes Earle "Kids in the Street" (CD/Download, New West, 2017). Justin Townes Earle[55] grew up as the son of country-rock icon Steve Earle,[56] who gave him his middle name in honor of the great Texas songwriter Townes Van Zandt.[63] "Life has changed a lot for me in the last few years," Earle reflects on his seventh album. "I got married and am getting ready to become a father. There's definitely an uplifting aspect to this record in a lot of ways, because I'm feeling pretty positive." Download the "Kids In The Street" Singles Pack and PledgeMusic Acoustic Sessions @ NoiseTrade!

www.aaronenglish.com

Aaron English "american [fever] dream" (CD, Own label, 2017). In 2012, Seattle based piano man Aaron English had scored a Top 5 radio hit in Italy with a medley reinvention of The Beatles' and Led Zeppelin's classics "Norwegian Wood" and "Kashmir" (have a look @ YouTube). In 2017, he did a four month tour of Europe to promote his latest album "american [fever] dream". Aaron is currently releasing a new single and video each month (see YouTube), a project that will culminate in a new album release at the end of 2017.

www.fionia-stringband.dk

Fionia Stringband "Råt for usødet / Rough'n ready" (CD, GO Danish Folk Music, 2014). This album transports the listener directly to the Island of Funen in Denmark, with its authentic interpretations of traditional Danish dance tunes, on two fiddles and a piano or trump organ. The stringband is a trio made up of violinists Michael Graubaek and Jens Kroman and Theis Langlands on piano and pump organ.

www.themickifreeexperience.com

Micki Free "Tattoo Burn-Redux" (CD, Mysterium Blues Records, 2017). The mixed blood Comanche-Cherokee Native American is a five-time winner of the Native American Music Award, who beforehand served artists such as Prince and Santana with his blues-based guitar-driven grooves. "Tattoo Burn-Redux" features 11 gritty tracks of R&B, soul, funk, 12 bar blues, gospel and rock, including a cover of Jimi Hendrix' "Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)". However, Gene Simmons of Kiss put it right: Micki Free is a Jimi Hendrix innovator, not a Jimi Hendrix impersonator. Watch Micki Free live at Antone's, Austin, TX with Gary Clark Jr., and the "Mojo Black Coffee" official video!

www.bevgrant.com

Bev Grant "It's Personal" (CD, Own label, 2017). Bev Grant's music, a feminist and social activist who has been creating music for social change since the late 1960's, is ranging from folk to country, jazz and world music. Listen to an album medley @ YouTube!

www.annegirardesposito.fr

Anne Girard Eposito "La flute traversiere" (CD, Bemol productions, 2017). The subtitle "one instrument - one artist" is not quite accurate for this album, as on the majority of tracks this French flautist is joined by one or two guest musicians (on accordion, guitar, violin, bodyran, bouzouki). However, the focus of every single tune is on Anne's skilful playing on her traverse flute. Even though she originally was classical trained, she is now a very confident traditional player. Most of the tunes are traditional Celtic tracks, from Brittany, Scotland and Ireland, and have a haunting beauty about them.

www.benglover.co.uk

Ben Glover & Natalie Schlabs "Fall Apart" (Single, 2017). Ben Glover[49] is in the midst of The Emigrant tour (check out gig review @ Three Chords And The Truth!) He also released a duet with Natalie Schlabs, featured as Song of the Week @ The Bluegrass Situation.

www.lorettahagen.com

Loretta Hagen "Lucky Stars" (CD, Bearfort, 2017). Reviewers have describe Loretta Hagen's alto voice and songwriting as "heart driven, soul filling Folk Americana." Watch "This World Of Ours," a driving Americana song for the times we are living in about taking care of the earth and one another, @ YouTube!

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Lorin Hart "Love Come Back" (CD, Glass Mountain Music, 2015). Tom Waits said, "Lorin Hart is like Buddy Holly's girlfriend, a downtown cowgirl, and her songs sound like the fairgrounds." Check out Lorin Hart's releases with her mix of blues, folk, jazz and country & western @ BandCamp!

Hartyga feat. Andrey Bardin "Фуга для степи с органом /Fugue for steppe with organ" (CD, Sketis Music, 2016). Tuvan psychedelic and progressive rock band Hartyga, with its frontmen Nachyn Choreve being a soloist of the Tuva State Philharmonic, teams up with Andrew Bardin, first organist of the Krasnoyarsk Philharmonic. Check out "Кынгыргай Кон / Kyngyrgay Kon" @ YouTube!

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Hometown Marie "Wild Side" (EP, Own label, 2016). Hometown Marie is a band from the small town of Mariestad in Sweden, formed three years ago by singer-songwriter Oskar Östman and drummer Simon Peterson. In 2016, Hometown Marie released a 4-track EP called "Wild Side", covering old and new rock music styles with a huge proportion of country music. Check out Hometown Marie's YouTube channel!

www.thehootenhallers.com

The Hooten Hallers "Further From Shore" (Video, 2017). Columbia trio The Hooten Hallers cultivate the heritage of their Missouri roots, drawing from the surrounding agricultural lifestyles, the river communities, the college kids and the tweakers that roam in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Watch the B-movie, sci-fi music video of "Further From Shore" @ American Songwriter!

www.hurricaneruth.com

Hurricane Ruth "Ain't Ready for the Grave" (CD, Hurricane Ruth Records, 2017). Hurricane Ruth's incredible blues rock voice is as fresh as a daisy on her fourth album "Ain't Ready for the Grave", including a thrilling take on the AC/DC classic "Whole Lotta Rosie". Check out "Far from the Cradle" (a line of the song delivered the album's title) @ YouTube!

www.jasonisbell.com

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit "The Nashville Sound" (CD, Southeastern Records/Thirty Tigers, 2017). Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist Jason Isbell has announced the release of the highly anticipated new album. The Nashville Sound is the follow up to 2015’s critically acclaimed Something More Than Free, which won two Grammy Awards (Best Americana Album & Best American Roots Song) and two Americana Music Association Awards (Album of the Year & Song of The Year). Check out "Hope The High Road," going back to their rock roots full force @ YouTube!

www.ivorsk.com

Ivor S.K. "Montserrat" (CD, Own label, 2017). After a recent EP, [60] Australian bluesman Ivor Simpson-Kennedy eventually presents his full-length debut album, "Montserrat." Quite unpretentious, Ivor follows all roads that blues music has gone since its inception. Check him out @ BandCamp!

www.oceanorchestra.com

Jennifer Cutting's Ocean Orchestra "Waves" (CD, Own label, 2017). This American band is the brainchild of musician, composer and artistic director Jennifer Cutting. The music is heavily influenced by British folk rock traditions, with the songs largely composed by Jennifer. The band features accordion, bouzouki, guitars, fiddle, bass, drums and on occasions highland bagpipes. Vocals are contibuted by Lisa Moscatiello.

www.jennyandtyler.com

Jenny & Tyler "Fix You" (Video, 2017). Jenny & Tyler[61] are excited to share the video for their cover of Fix You by Coldplay, featuring Dave and Licia Radford of The Gray Havens, @ YouTube. "Fix You" is the second track on their second covers record, For Freedom II. All proceeds from that album fight modern slavery.

www.robbjohnson.co.uk

Robb Johnson (feat. Fae Simon & The Corbynistas) "I'm Voting Labour Next Thursday" (Single/Download, 2017). During an era when political singer/songwriters seem virtually extinct, Robb Johnson[59] as flown the flag against oppression, greed and injustice wherever he can find it. Let's get people singing their way towards a Labour government @ YouTube!

www.brianashleyjones.com

Brian Ashley Jones "Out Of The City" (CD, Own label, 2015). Brian Ashley Jones's guitar grooves and vocal harmonies have supported a diverse batch of artists on stage and in the studio, including Caroline Aiken, Corinne West, Diane Durrett, Wyatt Easterling and Spuyten Duyvil. His bluesy Americana songs have already been recorded by other artists and have found their way into film and television. Watch Brian Ashley Jones performing "Out Of The City" live at Music City Roots @ YouTube!

www.susankane.com

Susan Kane "Mostly Fine" (CD, Own label, 2016). New York based singer-songwriter Susan Kane has been drawn to folk and country music from an early age. Her 4th album "Mostly Fine" represents a departure from her previous recordings - with no electric guitar in the vicinity, but plenty sprinkling of dobro, lap steel, fiddle, mandolin, banjo and accordion.

www.judykass.com

Judy Kass "Beyond the Ash and Steel" (CD, Own label, 2016). Judy Kass effortlessly blends folk, jazz and blues music on guitar and piano. Featuring an interpretation of the traditional "The Snows They Melt the Soonest" and nine original songs including her own personal journey of healing after the 9/11 terror attacks. Watch Judy Kass live @ YouTube!

www.kathymurrayandthekilowatts.com

Kathy & The Kilowatts "Let's Do This Thing!" (CD, Lectro Fin Records, 2017). Call Me Mrs Blues... The Kilowatts, fronted by Kathy Murray, are playing classic Texan roots & blues music for forty years now. The track "Call Me Mrs Blues" won Murray an Australian Chain Award for Song of the Year. Watch Kathy & The Kilowatts performing "Bird In The Hand", "It Hurts Me Too" & "Loveaholic"!

www.mamak-khadem.com

Mamak Khadem & Dzambo Agusevi Orchestra "BBC Persian TV" (Video, 2017). Macedonia's brass band #1, the Dzambo Agusevi Orchestra, performed with Iranian superstar singer Mamak Khadem on BBC Persian TV at a special broadcast for Nowruz (New Day), the Iranian festival celebrating the start of springtime. Check it out @ YouTube!

www.jeremykittel.com

The Jeremy Kittel Band "Award-winning Fiddler Jeremy Kittel Debuts As Bandleader At Telluride Bluegrass" (Podcast, 2017). The Jeremy Kittel[42] Band performed at the 44th Telluride Bluegrass Festival, amongst acoustic music legends such as Edgar Meyer, Bela Fleck, Chris Thile, Punch Brothers and Sam Bush. Telluride Inside published an article and a podcast interview about the band and the music; you can check them both out @ www.tellurideinside.com!

www.dustmyblues.com

Jim Koeppel "RSVP to Paradise" (EP, Jongleur, 2016). The five-track "RSVP to Paradise" EP is the first outing of New York bluesman and guitarist Jim Koeppel since 2009. It has all the essentials – sublime songwriting, singing and support. Watch Jim Koeppel at the dustmyblues YouTube channel!

www.mimsmick.com

Mick Kolassa and Mark Telesca "You Can't Do That" (CD, Own label, 2017). Mick Kolassa and Mark Telesca have teamed up to bring together two of their mutual loves: the blues and the Beatles. On "You Can't Do That," the duo bring bluesy all-acoustic arrangements to eleven of the Fab Four's songs. Check out "Can't Buy Me Love" from Mark Telesca live on BRI TV @ YouTube!

www.lazyeyeband.com

LazyEye "Pocket the Black" (CD, Own label, 2016). LazyEye (Evan Whetter on organ and vocals, Erica Graf on guitar and Mario Marino on drums) is one of the hardest working blues bands in Australia. They had been named Group of the Year at the Australian Blues Music Awards in 2015, recorded the Blues Album Of The Year in 2016 according to the Adelaide Roots & Blues Association, and were nominated for Album of the Year at the 2017 national Blues Music Awards. Check out "Pocket the Black" @ BandCamp, watch Lazy Eye live from B.B. Kings Blues Club, Memphis @ YouTube!

www.emmanuel-lemare.eu

Emmanuel Lemare "L'ile d'Innesfree" (CD, Own/Coop Breizh, 2016). French uilleann piper and flautist Emmanuel Lemare presenting his range of skills, on solo and ensemble pieces, with tunes originating mainly in Ireland, but also from the balkans, Galicia , and by composers such as Tom Waits and Vivaldi! He also provides a few English songs and poetry. He is accompanied on some pieces on guitar, accordion and flute, and violin.

www.lightninwillie.com

Lightnin' Willie "No Black No White Just Blues" (CD, Little Dog Records, 2017). "If you were to sit and talk to Muddy Waters," singer-guitarist Lightnin' Willie muses, "he'd say: Don't play it like me, play it like yourself. Learn from me and take it somewhere else." Lightnin' Willie took his earthy blues grooves from beer joints to London’s Royal Albert Hall. Watch Lightnin' Willie performing "Locked In A Prison" live at the Maui Sugar Mill Saloon in Tarzana California @ YouTube!

www.thelostbrothersband.com

The Lost Brothers, Bill Ryder Jones, Nick Power "The Bird Dogs Tapes Volume 1" (CD, Own label, 2016). "Bird Dogs Tapes" was a limited release, still a few copies are available @ thelostbrothers.bigcartel.com. "Bird Dogs Tapes" happened almost by accident when killing time in the studio and bashing out a few tunes for fun. Among the recordings are songs by Townes Van Zandt, Leonard Cohen, McCartney/Harrison, along with a few originals. Watch "So Long Marianne", "Wild Mountain Thyme" & "Mr Mudd and Mr Gold"!

www.screaminblues.com

Low Society "Sanctified" (CD, Rezonate Records, 2017). Blues and Americana powerhouse Low Society is the brainchild of blues vocalist Mandy Lemons and slide guitarist Sturgis Nikides. The follow-up to Low Society's acclaimed "You Can't Keep a Good Woman Down,"[58] including a cover of John Prine's "Angel From Montgomery," will make some waves. Watch the group's official video for the title track "Sanctified" @ YouTube!

www.carringtonmacduffie.com

Carrington MacDuffie "Rock Me to Mars" (EP, Pointy Head Records, 2017). Singer-songwriter Carrington MacDuffie has developed a sound that she likes to call electronic americana, with songs written on piano and (electric) ukulele. Watch the title track from the EP "Rock Me To Mars," a love letter of sorts to a guitarist, @ YouTube!

www.janivamagness.com

Janiva Magness "Blue Again" (EP, Blue Elan Records, 2017). One of the leading ladies of today's blues music, multiple Blues Music Award winner Janiva Magness[60] revisits six blues classics, made famous by artists such as Bo Diddley, Freddie King, Etta James and Nina Simone. Listen to "I Can Tell" @ YouTube!

www.mandolinorange.com

Mandolin Orange "Take This Heart Of Gold", "Silver Dagger" (Video, 2017). Mandolin Orange is a roots duo from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, blending folk, country, bluegrass, gospel and pop music. The group has toured to general acclaim, including Merlefest's 30th anniversary in 2017. Their latest album "Blindfaller"[61] has recently received nominations from the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) for Album of the Year and Country/Americana/Folk Album of the Year. Mandolin Orange just dropped a music video for "Take This Heart Of Gold"; here's a live cut of one of their favourite traditionals, "Silver Dagger," in the North Carolina Museum of Art's sculpture garden!

www.sandramarielle.com

Sandra Marielle "Six Stories Seven Years" (EP, Own label, 2016). "Every given moment of playing with my fellow musicians, performing and communicating with music is precious to me," says Swedish singer-songwriter Sandra Marielle. "If I somehow touch peoples hearts, get you to forget about all your troubles for a while, connect, get you to move to the music, sing along, clap your hands or just sit and listen and contemplate, then my job as an artist is done and I feel fulfilled. My goal with music is to reach out to people, touch peoples hearts, express myself, try to make a change and have an impact on people and on society." Check out the Behind the Scenes teaser @ YouTube!

www.varganist.ru

Владимир Марков / Vladimir Markov "Вне времён. Русская варганная музыка / Out of time. Russian jew’s harp music" (CD, Sketis Music, 2016). At the time being, the vargan (the Russian name for the jew's harp) undergoes kind of a renaissance: many people are attracted by its sounds and many craftsmen create excellent instruments. One of its revivalists, Irkutsk musician Vladimir Markov, offers here a selection of tunes based on Russian folk music and adopted for the jew's harp. Listen to an improviation featuring Egor Volkov on electronics @ YouTube!

Will T. Massey "30 Years in the Rearview" (CD, Route 61 Music, 2016). Texan singer-songwriter Will T. Massey describes his song collection from 1987-2016 (a time he went from a major label record deal to schizophrenia and eventual recovery) as such: "I traded my shotgun for studio time, to a guy who lived on the edge of town, that was one. Some guys from Austin and I travelled out to West Texas. There was an older fiddle player with me, and a negro woman. That was two. Jesse Taylor and I did some studio work together out in Lubbock. A bunch of other people were involved, that was three. I met Bruce Springsteen, making four, in L.A. I still owe him money for some studio time. 5 and 6 were solo's. The objective was to have some relationship with an audience. I got the Sexton brothers together on 7, back in a big studio. The Eastside Flash and I got together on 8, comfortable, cerebral working, crafted instrumentation, rootsy. Lost a love and made number 9. Lost a friend working on it. Dig it. Others, you know I'm spinning 'em.” Watch "A Summertime Graveyard" & "Letters in the Wind"!

www.johnnymastro.com

Johnny Mastro & Mama's Boys "Never Trust the Living" (CD, Own label, 2016). Though based in New Orleans these days, blues harpist Johnny Mastro formed his Mama's Boys at Los Angeles' Babe's & Ricky's Inn in the mid 1990s. The group is named after the club's owner, Laura “Mama” Gross, who suggested to develop their dirty and tough Chicago blues style, Johnny himself calls sledge hammer blues. Check out "Never Trust The Living" @ YouTube!

www.amy-harp.com

Amy McAllister "String on String" (CD, Own label, 2017). The singer and harpist from County Antrim, Northern Ireland, makes quite an impact with an eclectic selection of instrumental harp music as well as traditional Irish and original folk songs. Please watch some Jigs, the traditional "Over the Mountain" and the original "Mi Amor"!

www.johnmcnamarablues.com

John McNamara "Rollin' With It" (CD, Bahool Records/Black Market Music, 2017). Australian blues guitarist John McNamara is Suffering with the Blues again. Recorded in Memphis TN using larger-than-life Stax Records artists, Australian guitarist John McNamara has induced a thrilling R&B album. Check out the "Rollin' With It" album promo @ YouTube!

www.stevemcnaughton.com.au

Steve McNaughton "Eagles Aloft" (CD, Own label, 2013). Sydney based singer-songwriter Steve McNaughton has moved from easy-listening West Coast rock to mainstream country music with an Eagles song thrown in for good measure. Watch Steve McNaughton performing 'The Navigator' at the album launch @ YouTube!

www.mehmetpolat.net

Mehmet Polat Trio "Live in Bimhuis", "Everything is in you" (Video, 2017). The Mehmet Polat Trio, touring the UK and Ireland in August/September, builds a bridge of sounds from the Middle East and the Balkans all the way to Africa and Latin America. DooBeeDooBeeDoo USA says about their latest album: “As one walks through a garden; one will find a variety of flowers, trees, and rock formations, each different and complete in itself. But they’re all part of the same garden.” Check out "Live in Bimhuis" & "Everything is in you"!

www.chrismurphymusic.com

Chris Murphy "Hard Bargain" (CD, Teahouse Records, 2017). For 25 years, Irish-Italian-American violinist and songwriter Chris Murphy[32] is entertaining with his disparate and eclectic sounds. On his latest live album "Hard Bargain" he pays a visit to a 19th-century murder ballad and the Irish rebellion of 1798 besides conjuring up the spirit of Vassar Clements, Chuck Berry and J.J. Cale. Check out Chris Murphy's official music video, recorded in Boise, Idaho, with just his foot stomp to accompany his fiddle, @ YouTube!

www.aoifeodonovan.com

Aoife O'Donovan "The King of All Birds" (Video, 2017). Aoife O'Donovan[53] is heading to Europe to play solo in Germany, Sweden, the UK and Ireland. Watch Aoife performing "The King of All Birds” from her album In the Magic Hour with the Berklee Instant Strings (rehearsed by Darol Anger), filmed during a recent Berklee College of Music residency @ YouTube!

Seosamh O Flaithearta with Tom Cullivan "Classic Songs" (CD Clo Iar-Channacht, 2016). This album brings together Irish traditional singer Seosamh O Flaithearta and piano player Tom Cullivan. The songs are a collection of traditional songs in English and Gaelic language, presented in a very classic Irish trad style.

www.pollyokeary.com

Polly O'Keary and The Rhythm Method "Black Crow Callin'" (CD, Own label, 2017). Polly O'Keary grew up in a log cabin with no electricity or plumbing and began her musical career as a teen playing bass guitar in Mexican bars. At 19 she had a husband in prison. The perfectly colourful background for a celebrated blues artist. Check out The Rhythm Method (guitarist David Miller and drummer Tommy Cook) performing at Pine Fest Music Festival in Halfway Oregon @ YouTube!

www.bobbyosborne.com

Bobby Osborne "Original" (CD, Compass Records, 2017). Mandolinist-singer Bobby Osborne (*1931) is primarily known for his collaboration with his brother Sonny in their bluegrass band in the 1960s and 1970s. At 85 years of age, he eventually released another solo album, featuring a stellar cast of bluegrass musicians such as Alison Brown, Del McCoury, Dale Ann Bradley, Darrell Scott, Claire Lynch, Vince Gill, Sam Bush, Michael Cleveland, ... Check out "Kentucky Morning" and the Bee Gees cover "I've Gotta Get A Message To You"!

www.leviparham.com

Levi Parham "An Okie Opera" (CD, Horton Records, 2013/2017). His 2016 album “These American Blues” was no. 1 of the Euro Americana Chart year list. Levi Parham's red dirt music draws on the rich songwriting traditions of his home state Oklahoma. In conjunction with his European tour, Continental Record Services will re-release his 2013 debut album "An Okie Opera" as a friendly priced CD (incl. free download of Levi's EP Avalon Drive). You can listen to "An Okie Opera" @ BandCamp!

www.quilesandcloud.com

Quiles & Cloud "Shake me now" (CD, Compass Records, 2017). 2017 Californian singer/songwriter duo, with Maria Quiles providing lead vocals and guitar and Rory Cloud vocal harmonies and guitar. Most of the songs are originals, with the addition of a few traditional American songs and bob Dylan's "You ain't goin nowhere". These are Americana songs blending folk with pop, jazz, blues and more. Watch "Black Sky Lightning" from OneMic sessions @ YouTube!

www.pattyreese.com

Patty Reese "Let In the Sun" (CD, Azalea City Recordings, 2017). Vocalist Patty Reese cooks an awesome sauce from an ancient recipe. "This collection of songs is an honest representation of who I am, where I come from and where my heart is", says Reese. "The Blues remains the rock on which I have built every song I've ever written. I also love to incorporate songs by artists that inspire me and this time it was Steve Earle and Bob Dylan." Check out @ Patty's YouTube channel!

www.theresonantrogues.com

The Resonant Rogues "Hands in the Dirt" (CD, Own label, 2017). North Carolina roots band The Resonant Rogues have travelled all over America and Europe to fuel their music with influences from Guthriesque folk music, New Orleans jazz and Romani brass bands. They even invited Basher Balleh, a Syrian refugee and country singer living in Istanbul, to recount anti-immigration sentiment in the US. Watch The Resonant Rogues' ‘Long Way [from Istanbul] to Galway’ video @ The Boot!

www.mooncat.org

Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind "Approved By Snakes" (CD, Eller Soul Records, 2017). With songs such as "My True Love Is A Dope Whore," singer-songwriter-harpist Jason Ricci doesn't make many friends with his FCC-unfriendly explicit lyrics about whores and faggots. Not the bluesman's intentions anyway. Watch Jason Ricci and The Bad Kind play Knuckleheads Garage in Kansas City @ YouTube!

www.monicarizzio.com

Monica Rizzio "Willie Nelson (Live at The Grand Canyon)" (Video, 2017). 8,827 miles, 23 states, 21 shows, the Back To Texas Tour had been an inspiring 30 days on the road. Enjoy the video of Monica Rizzio and Ben Kushigian playing "Willie Nelson" on the edge of the Grand Canyon @ YouTube!

www.davidrovics.com

David Rovics "Punk Baroque", "Live In Rostrevor" (CD/Download, 2017). "Punk Baroque" is David Rovics'[32] first album that centers around the cello as well as the guitar. The themes of the songs, written in 2016, revolve around current events as well as historical events that seem to have some kind of particular resonance at the moment. Stream + download "Punk Baroque" and "Live in Rostrevor", the latter featuring Glaswegian musician Lorna McKinnon singing harmonies!

www.curtissalgado.com

Curtis Salgado "The Beautiful Lowdown" (CD, Alligator Records, 2016). In May 2017, the Blues Foundation had announced the winners of the 38th Annual Blues Music Awards, the blues world's highest honors, in Memphis, Tennessee. Soul and R&B singer Curtis Salgado received three awards: Soul Blues Album Of The Year for "The Beautiful Lowdown", Song Of The Year for "Walk A Mile In My Blues" and Soul Blues Male Artist of The Year. Watch Curtis Salgado performing "Walk a Mile in My Blues" live at 88.1 KDHX Studios in St. Louis @ YouTube!

www.secretsistersband.com

The Secret Sisters "You Don't Own Me Anymore" (CD, New West Records, 2017). Alabama's The Secret Sisters went from opening for Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and Paul Simon to losing their major label deal and filing bankruptcy. Eventually, sisters Laura and Lydia Rogers came up with a very personal third album, once again showcasing their soulful, crystalline voices in perfect unison. Watch "He's Fine" and "You Don't Own Me Anymore"! Download the "You Don't Own Me Anymore Singles Pack + PledgeMusic Acoustic Session" @ NoiseTrade!

www.edsheeran.com
www.beogamusic.com

Ed Sheeran with Beoga "Galway Girl" (Video, 2017). Irish trad group Beoga[62] were making big waves recently. Ed Sheeran had invited them to record together, including the Top Ten Hit "Galway Girl." Ed Sheeran revealed: “I grew up on Planxty and The Chieftains, and I really like Irish music. I don’t think enough people use it in pop music. For some reason it’s considered twee and old, but it’s such exciting, youthful music, it should be at the forefront of pop culture. Hopefully if these songs are successful, more people will do a bit more like it.” He added: “Galway Girl was based on the fiddle player in Beoga, Niamh Dunne. She’s married to an Irishman, a friend of mine. I had the band in my house for an extra day so I was like, ‘what can I write about? She plays the fiddle in an Irish band ... right, cool, let’s write a song about that.” Watch "Galway Girl" live @ YouTube!

www.shekoyokh.co.uk

She'Koyokh "First Dance on second Avenue" (CD, Riverboat Records , 2017). Another exponent of the thriving impressive London Klezmer scene, this seven piece band combines Klezmer and Balkan music. Celebrated by reviewers as one of the finest exponents of its kind, the band combines often wild dance tunes driven by clarinet and violin with often more solemn songs from Balkan and South Eastern European traditions. Watch "First Dance on second Avenue" trailer @ YouTube!

www.shreemmusic.com

Shreem "Celtic Remixing" (CD, Own label, 2017). Canadian percussionist Jay Andrews had been inspired both by Celtic bands such as Slainte Mhath and Flook, as well as electronic and hip-hop artists to create an awesome blend, incorporating vocal sampling, beat boxing, loops, electronic percussion, and yes! also live musicians. Listen to "Celtic Remixing" @ BandCamp!

www.scottsmithband.com

Scott Smith "Down to Memphis" (EP, Own label, 2016); Scott Smith "The Sum of Life" (CD, Own label, 2015). If a song sums up America's state of mind, it's the Bay Area Scott Smith's piano rocker "The World Is Strange". For a start, Scott gives in - "The Lord’s gone away, he ain’t comin’ back, he’s on his way to Vegas in a new Cadillac" - to revive as a potent blues and county rocker. Watch "The Sum of Life" video @ YouTube!

www.stevesoden.biz

Steve Soden & The Sweet Peas "Welcome to the Asylum" (CD/DVD, PB Music, 2017). Birmingham born poet, playwright and songwriter Steve Soden continually switches styles, including blues, country, psych folk and 50s doo-wop, but at the core of his third studio album "Welcome to the Asylum" (published at the same time as his first collection of poems) lies a deep and romantic thinker. The album comes with a DVD video of the title track, a tongue-in-cheek schlock horror B-Movie experience. Watch it @ YouTube!

www.songhoyblues.com

Songhoy Blues "Résistance" (CD, PIAS, 2017). African rock crossover band Songhoy Blues took a big leap since their 2015 debut, Music In Exile.[58] Listen to the first single, "Bamako" (with the refrain of “Il Ma Fata” which translates as "Let's Go Out”), celebrating the night-life of Mali's capital @ YouTube! Lead singer Aliou said: We just wanted to write something fun and positive about where we come from. So much of what people hear about Africa is negative, bad news stories about war and famine just dominate the common image of Africa. But this track is about dispelling that image by describing something everyone can relate to, going out on a Saturday night.

www.seasonsmusic.com

Mary-Kate Spring Lee & Jim Hancock "A minstrel meets a harpist" (CD, Seasons, 2016). A collaboration of the harpist and singer of American Celtic band Seasons and Texas guitarist and vocalist Jim Hancock, this EP features six largely traditional songs and two tunes, mainly from British Isles origins, finishing off with a piece of Scottish mouth music.

www.devonsproule.com

Devon Sproule "The Gold String" (CD, Tin Angel Records, 2017). “I’m imagining a golden string that is connecting everything but especially, beings where love has been. I’ve imagined it again and again so often, it isn’t even imagining, it is making it happen.” Canadian born singer-songwriter Devon Sproule places herself somewhere inbetween Michelle Shocked and Björk, as someone once had noticed, backed up by Toronto indie poppers Bernice. Check out Devon Sproule's "The Gold String" @ BandCamp!

www.lindsaystraw.com

Lindsay Straw "The Fairest Flower of Womankind" (CD, Own label, 2017). The fate of women in traditional ballads is often rather cheerless and gloomy. Young New England balladeer Lindsay Straw has come up with more uplifting narratives, in which women played a larger, more triumphant role. Watch "Geordie" and "Maid on the Shore"!

www.steviejbluesmusic.com

Stevie J Blues "A Lil' Mo' Love" (Single/Video, 2017). Mississippi guitarist Stevie J. Blues has had enough. Frustrated with nightly news of hatred, violence, division, chaos and confusion, the bluesman has launched a timeless message of unity, justice and love, that if we only try to care a little more for each other, it will make everyone's lives better. See the video for "A Lil' Mo' Love" @ YouTube!

www.jonstrider.com

Jon Strider "Soul Reunion" (CD, New Sky Records, 2016). The Californian Jon Strider eventually celebrates his early love of R&B, soul and blues. Check out Jon Strider @ BandCamp!

www.norajanestruthers.com

Nora Jane Struthers "Champion" (CD, 2017). Nora Jane Struthers'[58] new album "Champion" will be released to the public on October 13th, but you can already subscribe to a streaming link with a new track every other week @ Patreon! This YouTube video tells you all about it!

Subsonic trio "Sonic migrations" (CD, Bafe's Factory, 2016). A Finnish world music project bringing together three musicians, from Finland, Australia and Brazil. Featuring percussion, flutes, liru and double bass, kalimba and Maori and Wagogo flutes, this is experimental world music, often built around shrill flute sounds and hypnotic percussion.

www.seantaylorsong.com

Sean Taylor "Flood & burn" (CD, Own label, 2017). London singer songwriter Sean Taylor[58] has been inspired by artists such as Townes van Zandt, Bob Dylan and Tom Waits. His songs are a cocktail of folk, pop, blues and rock. The musical arrangements are highly appealing and varied; contemporary in style, they feature a pop / rock line up as well as violin, piano, harmonica and sax and trumpet. For me it's the arrangements accompanying the mellow and somewhat coarse singing of Sean Taylor that make this album. Watch the title track "Flood & Burn" @ YouTube!

www.toxic-frogs.com

Toxic Frogs "The Mermaid's Song" (EP, Own label, 2017). Toxic Frogs are a female Celtic punk band from France, challenging this male dominated musical genre. Their first video clip, titled “Toxic Frogs,” mocks man's macho behavior. Check it out @ YouTube!

www.thetwotracks.com

The Two Tracks "Postcard Town" (Video, 2017). Sheridan, Wyoming. The Two Tracks, ft. Dave Huebner,[54] want to pass along their new country rock video. Watch "Postcard Town" @ YouTube! Read a review of the new album @ No Depression!

www.unseenstrangers.ca

The Unseen Strangers "Stranger Places" (CD, Stranger Music, 2016). Canadian bluegrass outfit The Unseen Strangers are exploring Stranger Places on their latest album with an eclectic mix of old-fashioned and contemporary bluegrass music. Check out The Unseen Strangers perform "Square Trance" at Soundstill Studio in Toronto, ON. @ YouTube!

www.vataffproject.com

Vataff Project "Solьmen" (CD, Fusion Embassy, 2016. Bulgarian trio providing experimental electronic world music soundscapes composed by Victor Marinov featuring duduk, flugelhorn, guitar, mouth music and sound effects. A mix of ethnic music and electronics, the music is ambient and space-y, tribal and repetitive, and may lead the listener into a state of trance. You can listen to the complete album @ YouTube!

www.vintage18.net

Vintage #18 "Grit" (CD, Own label, 2017). Vintage #18 are taking off after their participation at 2016's International Blues Challenge. Inspired by Stax and Chess artists, they made a name for spirited live shows with driving blues & soul grooves you can dance to and the passionate vocals by Robbin Kapsalis. Watch Vintage #18 videos @ www.vintage18.net!

www.vipercentral.ca

Viper Central "The Spirit of God & Madness" (CD, Own label, 2017). Vancouver bluegrass band Viper Central will be touring the UK and Ireland in August and September 2017. Their third album "The Spirit of God & Madness" boldly embraces western swing and blues music and even klezmer and Métis fiddle music. Full album stream @ BandCamp! Watch ‘The Mission’ @ YouTube!

www.antonwalgrave.com

Anton Walgrave "Where Oceans Meet" (CD, Own label, 2017). The "Where Oceans Meet" album has been recorded live in an 18th century chapel just outside of Brussels with the help of a string quartet and electronics. Anton Walgrave is touring together with Jelle Van Den Bergh from living room to living room, every time being able to actually meet his audience and connect. Watch the title track "Where Oceans Meet" recorded live in Dilbeek, Belgium, June 2016 @ YouTube!

www.seanwatkins.com

Sean Watkins "Kool Aid" (Song, 2017). »Times of great change (especially perceived negative changes) evoke in us a more urgent and fervent kind of soul searching and questioning. This song was written as a necessity for me. Writing it was a cathartic act that helped me start to try to wrap my head around a very confounding and confusing subject.« Sean Watkins accounts for Day 79 of the Our First 100 Days project, which aims to help preserve the causes that are under threat from the current US presidential administration. All profits raised will go directly to organizations working to protect the climate, women's rights, immigration and fairness. "Kool Aid" was released @ bandcamp.com! Listen to the full Our First 100 Days playlist!

www.willaandcompany.com

Willa and Company "Better Days" (CD, Building Records, 2016). Before launching her own band, Willa Vincitore was a member of the Chris O'Leary Band (O’Leary himself was a longtime member of the late Levon Helm's Barn Burners). O’Leary has said, “she’s my favorite person in the whole world to sing with.” Stepping out on her own, Willa's songwriting is an exciting blend of blues, soul and funk music Watch Willa and Company performing the title track "Better Days" live at Daryl's House Club @ YouTube!

www.woodscream.com

Woodscream "Octastorium" (CD, Adulruna Records, 2017). Woodscream from St Petersburg incorporate various European folk music traditions and several medieval Russian legends into their chosen metal genre. Now Valentina Tsyganova (vocals & recorder), Alexander Klimov (guitar & screams), Ivan Budkin (bass & growls) and Pavel Malyshev (drums) offer a varicoloured full-length album. Watch Woodscream live in ClubZal (St Petersburg) @ YouTube!

www.mikeyounger.com

Mike Younger "Little Folks Like You And Me" (CD, Divinerum Publishing, 2017). "I've always been affected by things that seem unjust or out-of-balance. Artists have nothing to lose by speaking their truth, and to do so unapologetically...especially now. That's what I aim for." Nova Scotia born, Nashville based Mike Younger, who started out as an acoustic folkie but has gradually leaned towards blues and rock'n'roll, weaves together excellent songwriting with environmental and humanitarian issues to captures a Guthrie-esque message of unity and a spirit of defiance. Watch "Poisoned Rivers," reflecting that a large corporate entity with all its money, influence and power tries to force itself upon a rural community (Davidson County Gas Compressor fight) @ YouTube!

www.theyounguns.co.uk

The Young'uns "Be The Man" (Single/Video, Hereteu Records, 2017). Teesside trio The Young’uns[57] announce their new album "Strangers" (including a cover of Maggie Holland’s A Place Called England). Listen to the album's first single "Be The Man" @ YouTube! The song, featuring ex Bellowhead’s Rachael McShane on cello and fiddle and Chumbawamba’s Jude Abbott on flugelhorn, was inspired by the story of Matthew Ogston, who founded the Naz and Matt Foundation (www.nazandmattfoundation.org) to tackle religious and cultural homophobia. In April 2015 he had embarked upon The Journey to Find Acceptance and walked 130 miles from London to Birmingham.

bandcamp.com/...

Zaindiveli "Sagar" (CD, Sketis Music, 2017). The electric-acoustic project Zaindiveli (meaning “got enchanted with Indian music”) by Moscow musicians Gennady Lavrentiev and Kirill Parenchuk combines a broad variety of styles, from jazz and progressive rock to ambient and psychedelic music. Although classical Hindustani music remains the general line, the boundaries are expanded in all possible directions (“sagar” means “ocean”). Read the interview with Gennady Lavrentiev about the "Sagar" album @ sketis-music.com! Listen @ YouTube!

Various Artists

www.facebook.com/...
www.rosa-production.com

"Balkan Trip" (Video, 2017). Rosa Production and its director Svetlana Dramlić were starting a new project: The »Balkan Trip« is a multimedia music show inspired by Balkan traditional music, featuring prominent professional musicians from the Balkan region such as Vesna Zornik (vocals), Saša Jovičić (vocals, accordion), Konstandin Radenković (guitar), Predo Perić (drums) and Božidar Radenković (keyboards). The show premiered on Ibiza and at Cannes Film Festival in May. Watch "Verka Kaludjerka" & Lijepi li su mostarski dućani!

Various Artists "Best of Cuba" (CD, ARC Music, 2017). This is a collection of some of the greatest Cuban Buena Vista Social Club and post Buena Vista musicians and groups, including tracks performed by Son Cubano master Luis Frank and his Soneros de Verdad,[51] singer Mayito Rivera[55] and pianist César Pedroso.

www.yeproc.com

Various Artists "YR20: Celebrating 20 Years of Yep Roc Hits" (Download, 2017). Yep Roc Records is turning 20 and they are hosting three days of music-fueled celebration in their hometown of Hillsborough, North Carolina, complete with an artist lineup of the best Yep Roc has to offer. This NoiseTrade EP is the perfect antidote for those who can’t join them and to give you a taste of what the last 20 years at Yep Roc have been all about. Ft. The Stray Birds,[51] Jeremy & The Harlequins, Mandolin Orange,[61] Tift Merritt, Dressy Bessy, Chatham County Line,[61] The Minus 5, Chuck Prophet. Download @ NoiseTrade!

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