ALBUM REVIEW: Thee Sacred Souls Blend Past Sounds for New Direction
Last year, Daptone Records celebrated its 20th anniversary. But while taking a victory lap on its past, the label was looking ahead to its future: the recently launched California-based Penrose imprint and its promising young act, Thee Sacred Souls.
With the release of their eponymous debut LP, Thee Sacred
ALBUM REVIEW: At 17, Nora Brown Taps Into Past Generations With Her Banjo
From the instruments Nora Brown plays and company she keeps, to the research and knowledge enabling her to fully occupy the music she interprets, it’s evident the bloodlines of banjo lore run thick in this young prodigy’s veins. Just 15 when she recorded Long Time to Be Gone,
ALBUM REVIEW: Valerie June Gives Her Imagination Full Rein on ‘Under Cover’
Valerie June’s sonic alchemy has been on the global radar since Dan Auerbach got involved with her trad/modern song fusions as producer on 2013’s Pushin’ Against a Stone. Black gospel flair and East Tennessee folk leanings came together on that recording with riveting pop ideas, and June
THROUGH THE LENS: Six West Virginia Roots Musicians
While West Virginia may be best known for it its traditional music, it also has spawned some significant roots-based singer-songwriters. Last year Sierra Ferrell, John R. Miller, and Mary Hott all gained national attention (and were among my top albums of the year), with Ferrell being nominated for
ALBUM REVIEW: Anna Tivel Merges Nature and Human Nature on ‘Outsiders’
Anna Tivel has it on lock at this point. With three incredible studio albums behind her and one standout EP, Tivel has many strengths and no flaws. She’s one of the finest storytellers modern folk music has to offer, with lyrics so literary that it’s tempting to think
ALBUM REVIEW: Early James Gets Straight to the Point on ‘Strange Time To Be Alive’
No one can do what Early James does. That wheezy, androgynous vocal shimmy only he can produce is on fine display on his sophomore release, Strange Time To Be Alive. James delivers each phrase with a mischievous glint in his eye, as though he’s letting us in on a