THE READING ROOM: ‘Color Me Country: A Celebration of Black Women Who Shaped Country Music’
In 1970, Linda Martell, the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry, released her album Color Me Country. “Color Him Father,” the first single from the album, hit number twenty-two on the Billboard country charts. Over fifty years later, Beyoncé was the first Black person to win
ALBUM REVIEW: Bella White Exposes Dark Places in the Heart on ‘A Sign in the Weather’
Broken hearts and uncomfortable truths tell the story in Bella White’s unsettling A Sign in the Weather. The powerful third album from the Calgary-bred, New Orleans-based singer examines fatally-flawed relationships with brutal honesty, taking no prisoners. Rejecting sunny outcomes, her unsparing insights ensure memorable listening.
Co-
ALBUM REVIEW: Futurebirds Take Flight on ‘Far Out Country’
Rare is the bar that hasn’t had at least one heated debate about who is the best member of The Beatles. The opinion changes person to person, day to day. While this conversation is warranted and entertaining, it’s probably time to look to the future: Futurebirds, specifically. The
ALBUM REVIEW: On ‘Heavy Thrill,’ Caleb Caudle Mixes Country and Pop Sensibilities
With his seventh album, Caleb Caudle tackles such themes as ageing, feeling like a misfit, and navigating the ups and downs we all endure. His first self-produced project, Heavy Thrill occasionally lacks the depth and mystery that a more strategic use of studio options might render. That said, his
THROUGH THE LENS: Vinyl Update - Uncle Tupelo, Robert Johnson, Tony Rice & Other Legends
Of all the vinyl updates this column has done, this is the one I am most excited about. The reissues featured below come from legends in virtually every music genre that ND covers: Uncle Tupelo (alt country); Tony Rice (bluegrass); Robert Johnson and BB King (blues); Jimmy Scott (jazz); The
In The Deep End With Renée Fleming and Béla Fleck
One of the most astounding, moving collaborations in 2026 traverses the unexpected path between Europe's finest opera halls and America's deepest hollers. Star soprano and actress Renée Fleming and banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck teamed up to release The Fiddle and The Drum, which came out May