Drayton Farley Announces New Album “A Heavy Duty Heart”
Declared a favorite modern songwriter by distinguishing music fans, Drayton Farley has taken inspiration from fellow Alabaman songwriters like Jason Isbell and amassed a song catalog that is the envy of many. Drayton Farley’s been enjoying national exposure recently through the soundtrack of the hit streaming show Landman on Paramount+. Along with the standalone single […]
Out to Sea
Folksy but hard-rocking, “Le Pêcheur & Le Dôme De Verre” by Hélianthème, a French band that started out as renowned buskers, blends surging rhythms and… Folksy but hard-rocking, “Le Pêcheur & Le Dôme De Verre” by Hélianthème, a French band that started out as renowned buskers, blends surging rhythms and harmonies with the storytelling airs […]
A Lins Through Time: Keberle Honors a Brazilian Icon
Ryan Keberle & Collectiv do Brasil – Choro das Águas (Alternate Side Records, 2025) On Choro das Águas, trombonist Ryan Keberle and his São Paulo-based… The project coincides with Lins’s 80th birthday and reflects Keberle’s deep admiration for the composer, whom he calls “a masterful fusion of sophistication and soul.” The selections highlight lesser-known pieces […]
Rudolstadt Gets A Fresh Spin For 2026: New Stages, Same Big Folk Energy
Rudolstadt Festival will return July 2–5, 2026. The event is set to bring world music concerts, workshops, discussions, and a large children’s program to venues… Austria will be the festival’s country focus in 2026, with around ten ensembles scheduled to represent a wide range of current Austrian music. Confirmed names include RIAN and Agnes Palmisano. […]
Rural Music Saved from Extinction
British writer and musician John Phillpott examines the work of ‘the collectors’ who helped to ensure the survival of a rural tradition… The main reason… The main reason why the varied folk music of America has enjoyed a healthy transition from front porch to concert hall and beyond is arguably down to its enduring and […]
Album Review – Low Gap’s “Geneva”
‘Geneva” feels like their official arrival, a pronouncement of their attempt to put songs first without sacrificing appeal, and to be one of the preeminent new bands boldly striking out of Appalachia to earn listeners around the globe. Country (#500), Appalachian (#519), with some Alt-Country (#564) on the Country DDS. AI = CleanStraddling the border […]
Fela Kuti Grammy Tribute Hits Los Angeles This Saturday Night
Los Angeles will host a live band event that honors Fela Kuti’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, January 31, at The Paramount. The show… Richmond starred as Fela in the Broadway production Fela! in 2012. He also performed in touring versions of the show. Recent runs included Olney Theatre Center near Washington, D.C., in […]
Bernhard Wöstheinrich and Rainer Frey Unveil Polyphony Performance Series 019 20251118
Electronic musicians Bernhard Wöstheinrich and Rainer Frey have released Polyphony Performance Series 019 20251118. The album documents the 19th concert in their ongoing Polyphony series.… The set features guest artist Holger Tretzack, a guitarist, composer, and producer known for combining live playing with detailed loop work to craft his signature sound. Source: worldmusiccentral.org
Song Review – Hardy, Tim McGraw, Eric Church, Morgan Wallen – “McArthur”
A unique collaboration that gets your attention, “McArthrur” matches up slightly strange bedfellows to tell an epic story across generations, while remaining starkly relevant to a contemporary audience. Traditional Country (#510) on the Country DDS. A unique collaboration that gets your attention, “McArthrur” matches up slightly strange bedfellows to tell an epic story across generations, […]
Gail Swanson Salutes Rebel Mom In New Single “My Mama Marched”
(headline image: Gail Swanson – Photo by Bruce Forrester) Maui, Hawaii-based singer-songwriter Gail Swanson has released a new single, “My Mama Marched,” a tribute to… “I’ve always wanted to write a song about my mom and have had lots of ideas over the years but none of them ever felt good enough to represent the […]