Rest in peace to the one and only Willie Colón, the salsa legend, trombonist, singer, arranger, and producer who passed away last weekend at the age of 75. Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, Colón was such a talent that he signed to Fania Records (an independent label founded in 1964 to highlight Latin artists in New York City) at just 15 years old. During his career he collaborated with other musicians like Celia Cruz (ND feature), Rueben Blades, Johnny Pacheco (who co-founded Fania, as well), and more. Head to NPR for a longer tribute.
Two roots musicians have shared positive crowdfunding campaign progress. New Orleans-based folk artist Dusky Waters shared that her new album is 50% funded and Atlanta-based guitarist and songwriter Christopher Paul Stelling launched his Kickstarter this week.
Three roots music artists announced new live albums this week. Hurray for the Riff Raff's first live LP, titled Live Forever, will be available digitally on March 20 and physically on CD and double-LP on May 8 via Nonesuch. As songwriter and frontperson Alynda Segarra said in a press release:
This record is a love letter to the working class musicians out there, we who slug it out on the road against all odds. We deserve so much more from an industry built to exploit us. It's a thank you to all the fans supporting live music, you who believe songs made by human beings are a vital life force.
Bon Iver has announced a new album series titled VOLUMES — inspired by Bob Dylan's Bootleg Series and the Neil Young Archives — which will include live shows, demos, previously unreleased material, and more. The first installment, VOLUMES: ONE "SELECTIONS FROM MUSIC CONCERTS 2019-2023 BON IVER 6 PIECE BAND, is due out April 3 via Jagjaguwar.
After a string of live EP and single releases, I’m With Her will release Sing Me Alive on April 17 via Rounder Records. The 20-track album was culled from eight different shows from the band’s 2025 tour in support of their last studio album, Wild and Clear and Blue (ND feature).
Hiss Golden Messenger has a new album, titled I'm People, coming out May 1 via Chrysalis Records. In conjunction with the record, frontman and songwriter M.C. Taylor has launched the participatory "I'm People Project." Read about it below and submit your own stories here.
Hey everybody, I’m going to try an experiment and I’m hoping you can help me with it. I’m calling it the I’m People Project. It’s a place where you can send videos, photos, Hiss cover songs, art, words, or anything that is keeping your soul lifted and energized in these otherwise chaotic times. Upload your materials here. We’ll be featuring submissions, with your consent, across Hiss socials as well as on the website. Hope through community if what I’m after. Human stuff.
Elizabeth and The Catapult will release Responsible Friend out April 3 via Compass Records. Check out the cut-and-paste visualizer for "50/50" below."
Joy Harjo, 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States and Member of the Muscogee Nation, will make her musical debut for Smithsonian Folkways on April 24. Her new album, Insomnia and Seven Steps to Grace, was produced by jazz bassist and singer esperanza spalding. The spoken word title track is available now.
Emily Sailers of The Indigo Girls makes her theater debut as the composer of a new work titled Starstruck, which premieres at New Hope, Pennsylvania’s legendary Bucks County Playhouse tonight. The world premiere production runs until March 21 and tickets are still available here. Read more at SPIN.
More than 20 musicians including Amanda Shires, John Craigie, Hayes Carll, Aaron Lee Tasjan, and Tommy Prine will gather to honor Todd Snider (ND feature) the day after the 14th-annual Luck Reunion on Friday, March 20. The event, called, "Todd Snider Rules!" will take place at Willie Nelson’s famed Luck Ranch. Tickets are available here.
WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO
Camp Bedford - "24"
The Menzingers - "Nobody's Heroes"
Reese McHenry - Bad Girl
Rodney Crowell f/ Emmylou Harris and Lera Lynn - "Go Light A Candle"
NEW RELEASES - 2/27/26
Buck Meek - The Mirror
Iron & Wine - Hen's Teeth
Lamisi - Let Us Clap
Lil Ed & The Blues Imperial - Slideways
Pert Near Sandstone - Side by Side
Julianne Riolino - Echo in the Dust
Rose's Pawn Shop - American Seams
Ben Sollee - Time On Hold
COMING SOON - 3/6/26
Travis Bolt - Burning Bridges
Bonnie "Prince" Billy - We Are Together Again
Chicago Farmer - Homaid
William Clark Green - Watterson Hall
Hunter Hayes - Evergreen
Trey Hensley - Can’t Outrun The Blues
Jillette Johnson - The Pain, My Friend [EP]
Reese McHenry - Reese McHenry Forever
Sons of Town Hall - Of Ghosts and Gods
Brit Taylor - Land of the Forgotten
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