Singer and flutist Nuala Kennedy has released a lovely holiday song just in time for Christmas. When John McCutcheon wrote “Christmas in the Trenches” many years ago, he captured the poignant joy and generous warmth that are so often associated with this season. It commemorates the Christmas truce held during World War 1 in 1914 — the 100th year anniversary of which is this… Continue reading Nuala Kennedy: Christmas in the Trenches
The new record from moira smiley and VOCO hits the streets today. Laughter Out of Tears (Whim Records) is a beautifully transcendant creation that boldly spans Appalachian, Eastern European, and choral traditions with a tasty dash of Moira’s original material and covers from folk stalwarts Woodie Guthrie and Gillan Welch. Having followed and enjoyed Moira’s… Continue reading moira smiley and VOCO: Laughter Out of Tears
The folk music community lost flatpicker Doc Watson two years ago. “Here’s a man who’s carrying the torch of Doc Watson!” I thought, as I spun Bryan Sutton’s brand new release Into My Own (Sugar Hill, April 29). Sutton knows his way around his Martin flattop like no one else… but also like Doc, he… Continue reading Bryan Sutton: Into My Own
Fiddlefreak first became aware of Jimbo Mathus through his membership in the South Memphis String Band, an acoustic side project for members of the North Mississippi Allstars. Jimbo Mathus is perhaps best known for his leadership (with his ex-wife Katharine Whalen) of the now-defunct Squirrel Nut Zippers, who appeared at many prestigious events, including Prairie… Continue reading Jimbo Mathus and the Tri-State Coalition: Dark Night of the Soul
Tomorrow marks the American street date for Small Town Heroes, the first release from Hurray for the Riffraff on ATO Records (31 March in Europe). If you’re not yet familar with the rising star of Alynda Lee Segarra, here’s your chance to catch up. With twelve new, original songs all written or co-written by Segarra,… Continue reading Hurray for the Riff Raff: Small Town Heroes
Many thanks to Devon at Hearth Music for turning me on to the third album from Calahen Morrison and Eli West. We heartily recommended their first two releases, and this one raises the bar. I’ll Swing My Hammer with Both Hands is the fruit of veteran guidance from producer Tim O’Brien and contributions from crack… Continue reading Cahalen Morrison and Eli West: Swing My Hammer
Dirk Powell’s fourth solo record is set for official release on February 4 on Sugar Hill Records. Dirk is a guy who has appeared everywhere you want to be if you’re an aspiring sideman in the realm of traditional acoustic Americana. He has worked on various projects with the likes of Jack White, Loretta Lynn,… Continue reading Dirk Powell: Walking Through Clay
