This month’s roundup has me thinking about geography and its influence on music. The Mammals are quintessential representatives of the Northeast’s deep folk roots, with a sound that acknowledges those roots while pushing them forward. Rosie Flores and David Jimenez are both native Texans of Mexican descent, but the distinct differences in their styles reminds us that such demographics are hardly monolithic. The Cowboy Junkies hail from Canada, but their signature hushed-tones approach to country-folk-rock reminds us that Americana music might more accurately be called North Americana. And then there’s Terry Klein, whose tongue was planted firmly in cheek when he titled his album Hill Country Folk Music — but it’s also a pretty apt description of how he blends country and folk from his perch on the edge of the Texas hill country. Join me on this journey across a land that is yours, and mine.
FOUNDERS KEEPERS: Fresh Favorites Reaching Beyond Borders
