September 29, 2009
Avett Brothers -
I and Love and You
(SonyBMG)
This is the major label debut of North Carolina's The Avett Brothers after being on the indie Ramseur Records. Ric Rubin, the head of SonyBMG, produced the isc.
September 22, 2009
Guy Clark -
Some Days the Song Writes You
(Dualtone)
Texas songwriter Guy Clark is back with 11 songs with Clark producing himself. His last disc was "Workbench Songs" in 2006.
September 15, 2009
Bomshel -
Fight Like A Girl
(Curb)
Female group Bomshel releases their debut. They previously had released singles.
September 8, 2009
James Hand -
Shadows in the Ground
(Rounder)
Texas honky tonker James Hand release his third disc for Rounder. An enhanced CD includes a 15-minute documentary.
September 1, 2009
Cross Canadian Ragweed -
TBD
(Universal South)
Oklahoma band Cross Canadian Ragweed returns with a new set.
August 25, 2009
Phil Vassar -
TBD
(Universal South)
Phil Vassar releases his second CD for the label.
August 18, 2009
Reba McEntire -
Keep on Loving You
(Valor Music)
Reba McEntire makes her label debut. Strange is the first single of the project. The album will include Keep on Loving You, co-written by Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn.
August 11, 2009
Bottle Rockets -
Lean Forward
(Bloodshot)
Bottle Rockets bring their roots rock to the fore.
June 30, 2009
Brad Paisley -
American Saturday Night
(SonyBMG)
Brad Paisley offers his eighth album, which is once again produced by Frank Rogers. Then, which hit number one, was the first single.
The Parks -
Born Into It
(Carolwood)
Father and son duo Johnny and Clint Parks release their debut disc for the new label digitally. Johnny was once a member of the duo Archer Parks. The duo wrote or co-wrote all the songs.
Levon Helm -
Electric Dirt
(Vanguard)
Levon Helm follows up his very well received "Dirt Farmer" with 11 more songs produced by guitarist Larry Campbell. Helm starts with Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter's Tennessee Jed, a Grateful dead tune. Helm also covers two Muddy Waters tunes, Carter Stanley, Randy Newman and the Staples. Helm also wrote one song with Campbell.
Tanya Tucker -
My Turn
(Saguaro Road)
Tanya Tucker covers classics by male artists including George Jones (Walk Through This World With Me) and Hank Williams (Lovesick Blues.). Working with producer Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakam, Michelle Shocked), Tucker selected songs from her childhood that inspired her career. Tucker reworked classics such as Buck Owens' Love's Gonna Live Here, featuring Jim Lauderdale, You Don't Know Me by Eddy Arnold, George Jones' Walk Through This World With Me and invited The Grascals to join her on a flip-flop of the Conway Twitty/Loretta Lynn duet After The Fire Is Gone.
Brandon Rickman -
Young Man, Old Soul
(Rural Rhythm)
Brandon Rickman, lead singer and guitarist for bluegrass band Lonesome River Band, releases his first CD. He co-wrote 10 of the 12 songs on the disc he and Jimmy Metts produced. The first single is Always Have, Always Will, written by Chris Stapleton of The SteelDrivers and Rickman.
June 23, 2009
Charlie Robison -
Beautiful Day
(Dualtone)
Charlie Robison comes out of hibernation for his first album since "Good Times" in 2004. On the new disc, Robison covers Bruce Springsteen's Racing in the Street. This is the first self-produced album for Robison, who recorded at his brother Bruce's Austin studio. The electric guitar work throughout was by Charlie Sexton, while the acoustic guitars were by Robert Earl Keen's guitarist and producer Rich Brotherton.
Larry Jon Wilson -
Larry Jon Wilson
(Drag City)
Texas singer Larry Jon Wilson releases his first disc in about 30 years. Wilson hung out with Townes Van Zandt and Mickey Newbury in the 1970s. The disc was first put out in the United Kingdom, but not in the U.S. until now. Wilson plays solo acoustic throughout the 12songs.
Patterson Hood -
Murdering Oscar (and other love songs)
(Ruth St.)
Drive-By Truckers front man Patterson Hood releases his second solo CD, this time on his own label. The release was 15 years in the making. The album was produced by Hood and long-time DBT producer David Barbe (Sugar). Most of his DBT band mates join him on the album as well as Don Chambers, Will Johnson and Scott Danbom from Centro-matic/South San Gabriel. This is also the first time Hood's father David Hood, famed Muscle Shoals bass player, joins him on a record.
Sons of Bill -
One Town Away
(Thirty Tigers)
The Sons of Bill are a Texas-based band featuring James, Sam and Abe Wilson plus Seth Green and Brian Caputo. Greg Leisz helps out on pedal and lap steels and electric guitar. Jim Scott (Wilco, Tom Petty, Whiskeytown) produced the disc, which mines country, alt.-country and more rocking sounds.
June 16, 2009
Hank Williams Jr. -
127 Rose Avenue
(Curb)
Hank Williams Jr. may get rowdy again with his new album, the first since "That's How They Do It In Dixie" from 2006.
Rhonda Vincent -
Destination of Life
(Rounder)
Rhonda Vincent records solely with her backing band The Rage for her latest effort. The band is: Berry (Fiddle, Mandolin, & Harmony Vocal), Mickey Harris (Acoustic Bass, WEBER Resophonic Guitar, & Harmony Vocals), Ben Helson (Guitar & Harmony Vocals), and Aaron McDaris (Banjo, 3-finger style Guitar, & Harmony Vocals). Vincent co-wrote 3 of the 12 songs.
Holly Williams -
Here With Me
(Mercury)
Holly Williams makes her label debut. Williams, the daughter of Hank Jr., recorded 11 songs for the project including He's Making a Fool Out of You. She and her sister Hilary were involved in a car wreck near Memphis in March 2006, which both survived. She also has enjoyed non-musical interests. In 2007 she opened H. Audrey, a high-end clothing and accessories boutique. Last year, she opened H. Audrey Home, another retail store in Nashville.
Daryle Singletary -
Rockin' In The Country
(E1)
Traditional country singer Daryle Singletary returns to action with his first album in several years and a new single, Love You With The Lights On. E1 used to known as Koch Records. Written by the hit songwriters Chris DuBois (We Danced, Mud Tires, Your Man, 19 Somethin') and David Lee (I Need You, A Better Rain, It Just Comes Natural Love You With The Lights On is the first single.
Sarah Jarosz -
Songs Up in Her Head
(Sugar Hill)
Texas teen Sarah Jarosz makes her label debut. She produced the 13 songs with Gary Paczosa. She wrote all but two songs with Shankill Butchers from The Decemberists' Colin Meloy.
June 9, 2009
Trailer Choir -
Off the Hillbily Hook
(ShowDog Nashville)
The humorous trio is back with a six-song EP starting with Rockin' the Beer Gut. Toby Keith produced four of the six songs. The group actually went serious on What Would You Say about the West Virginia coal mine disaster.
Darryl Worley -
Sounds Like Life
(Stroudavarious)
Darryl Worley had success earlier in his career on DreamWorks, but then the label fell apart. he signed with another label, which also folded, and now he's with one started by music veteran James Stroud. Worley self-produced and had a hand in writing eight of the songs, including the title track and first single. Worley cut a majority of the tracks with his own band, The Krew.
Todd Snider -
The Excitement Plan
(Yep Roc)
Nashville-based left of center singer Todd Snider explores everything from Dock Ellis' no-hitter while on LSD in America's Favorite Pastime to Money, Compliments, Publicity (Song Number Ten)" in his humorous style.
Tracy Lawrence -
The Rock
(Rocky Comfort)
Tracy Lawrence goes the inspirational route on a disc he co-produced with Julian King. Lawrence made the promise to his parents that he would one day record an inspirational album. "My mom and dad have been coaxing me for years to record an inspirational country CD," Tracy Lawrence introduced. "I promised them I would, but kept pushing it off because it just didn't 'feel' like the right time. I had to grow, personally and artistically to get here. 'The Rock' is where I am today." This is the first project he has recorded with his road band. The music was recorded in two days.
June 2, 2009
Barry Scott & Second Wind -
In God's Time
(Rebel)
Barry Scott & Second Wind release their debut for Rebel. The group consists of Scott on guitar and lead vocal, Jason Leek on bass and low-tenor, Matthew Munsey on mandolin and baritone vocal, Travis Houck on Dobro and Zane Petty on banjo. The band produced the 14 songs.
Ray Charles -
Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music, Volumes 1 & 2
(Concord)
As a child in Florida, Ray Charles listened to the Grand Ole Opry's radio broadcasts. Thus his 1962 gold-certified album "Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music" and its follow-up "Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music, Volume 2" represented a lifelong dream. The two albums, which featured the hits I Can't Stop Loving You, Take These Chains From My Heart and You Don't Know Me, are reissued together. The set includes new liner notes by Bill Dahl plus original notes by Rick Ward and Charles' longtime recording supervisor Sid Feller.
Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses -
Roadhouse Sun
(Lost Highway)
Texan Ryan Bingham is back with his second disc, this time with The Dead Horses as his backing band. The sound is gritty with Marc Ford of Black Crowes fame producing the 12 songs.
Elvis Costello -
Secret, Profane & Sugarcane
(Hear Music)
Elvis Costello is back exploring country and America. He first did so with "Almost Blue" in 1981, which received a mixed reception. T Bone Burnett produced the new disc. Helping out are Dennis Crouch on bass, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, Jerry Douglas on Dobro, Mike Compton on mandolin and Jim Lauderdale on harmony vocals.
May 26, 2009
Dave Alvin -
Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women
(Yep Roc)
Dave Alvin usually records with his Gulity Men. But following the death of Chris Gaffney due to cancer, he switched it up. The disc was recorded with Christy McWilson, Cindy Cashdollar, Nina Gerber, Laurie Lewis, Amy Farris, Sarah Brown and Lisa Pankratz. The Cd starts with Marie Marie and concludes with Que Sera Sera.
David Serby -
Honkytonk and Vine
(Harbor Grove)
West Coast country singer David Serby releases his third disc. Among those helping out on the 13 songs penned by Serby are Gary Ferguson, Skip Edwards, Jay Dee Maness and Rick Shea.
Various Artists -
The Man of Somebody's Dreams: The Songs of Chris Gaffney
(Yep Roc)
A tribute disc to the late Chris Gaffney, who released solo albums and also was a sideman to Dave Alvin and member of the Hacienda Brothers, died April 17, 2008 at 57 of liver cancer. Among those paying homage are Alvin, John Doe, Peter Case, Los Straitjackets, Los Lobos, The Iguanas and Olabelle.
May 19, 2009
Dale Ann Bradley -
Don't Turn Your Back
(Compass)
Bluegrasser Dale Ann Bradley is back with a disc produced by label owner Alison Brown. Songs include Fleetwood Mac's Over My Head and Tom Petty's I Won't Back Down.
Kenny Chesney -
Greatest Hits Two
(BNA)
This is obviously the second greatest hits package for the country superstar. Out Last Night, a hit for Chesney, is the first single from the disc, his first greatest hits package in nine years.
IIIrd Tyme Out -
IIIrd Tyme Out
(Rural Rhythm)
Bluegrass vets iiird Tyme Out make their label debut after going their own route. The band consists of Russell Moore, Steve Dilling, Wayne Benson, Justen Haynes and Edgar Loudermilk.
Mike Herrera's Tumbledown -
Mike Herrera's Tumbledown
(End Sounds)
Mike Herrera is better known for being lead vocalist of pop punk band MxPx. But he shows his country side here on this 11-song album. Social Distortion's Mike Ness is a reference point.
Red Stick Ramblers -
My Suitcase Is Always Packed
(Sugar Hill)
The Red Stick Ramblers sing in English and Cajun French on their second release for the label. The disc contains 13 songs of honky tonk, swing and Cajun music. Gary Paczosa and Brandon Bell produced the Baton Rouge, La. band.
The Tractors -
Trade Union
(Koch)
The boogie woogie boys from Tulsa are back with a 10-song CD. Steve Ripley, Mr. Tractors himself, produced.
May 12, 2009
Del McCoury -
Celebrating Fifty Years of Del McCoury
(McCoury Music)
The CD celebrates the length and breadth of Del McCoury's bluegrass career. The 5-CD set features more than 30 new recordings of songs from McCoury's first 40 years of performing and an additional 18 from the Del McCoury's Band most essential tracks of the past 10 years.
Alecia Nugent -
Hillbilly Goddess
(Rounder)
Bluegrass and country singer Alecia Nugent releases her third disc. Helping out on the 11 songs are producer Carl Jackson, duet partner Bradley Walker (on The Writing's All Over the Wall), J.D. Crowe, members of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Blue Highway, The Dan Tyminski Band and The Infamous Stringdusters. The disc from the Louisiana native was originally planned for a January release.
Chuck Mead -
Journeyman's Wager
(Thirty Tigers)
Chuck Mead was one of the leaders of BR549, but he with the cool, retro sounding band on hiatus, he is going solo for now. Ray Kennedy produced the 11-song release. Mead co-wrote two songs with Mark Collie.
Li'l Mo & the Monicats -
On the Moon
(Cow Island)
New York City country singer Lil Mo and the Monicats returns with her first disc in about 10 years. Mo', aka Monica Passin, produced with Hank Bones. She also wrote all 11 songs.
The Belleville Outfit -
Time to Stand
(Self-released)
The Belleville Outfit offers his second disc, the sextet's follow-up to "Wanderin'." The band mines swing, country, jazz, jamgrass and blues.
Steve Earle -
Townes
(New West)
Townes Van Zandt was always one of Steve Earle's greatest influences, and now the fellow Texas native is giving the late TVZ, considered a great songwriter, the tribute tribute through 15 songs. Among those helping out are wife Allison Moorer and son Justin Townes Earle. Van Zandt died in 1997 at 52.
May 5, 2009
Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver -
Lonely Street
(Rounder)
Doyle Lawson celebrates 30 years of recording with Quicksilver with his 34th release. The album, produced by Lawson, features 12 bluegrass and gospel tracks. This is Lawson's third album for Rounder and first with new vocalist Darren Beachley.
Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band -
Outer South
(Merge)
Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band release their second disc. The Mystic Valley Band are Taylor Hollingsworth, Nik Freitas, Macey Taylor, Nathaniel Walcott and Jason Boesel, who also played on the well-received first disc of country and roots music.
David Davis and the Warrior River Boys -
Two Dimes & A Nickel
(Rebel)
Bluegrass veteran David Davis records a dozen songs for his new project. The Boys include Robert Montgomery on banjo, Marty Hays on bass fiddle, Adam Duke on guitar and Owen Saunders on fiddle.
Spring Creek -
Way Up on a Mountain
(Rebel)
This is the label debut from Spring Creek, a Colorado-based bluegrass quartet. The band consists of Chris Elliott on banjo, Jessica Smith on bass, Taylor Sims on guitar and Alex Johnstone on mandolin. All sing on the dozen-song disc produced by Jeff White.
April 28, 2009
Dean Brody -
Dean Brody
(Broken Bow)
Canadian artist Dean Brody releases his debut. The first single was Brothers.
Jason Michael Carroll -
Growing Up Is Getting Old
(Arista Nashville)
Jason Michael Carroll is out with his second CD. He had a lot of success on his debut with three hits, including Alyssa Lies. Music veteran Don Gehman produced the 10 songs. The first single is Where I'm From.
King Wilkie -
King Wilkie Presents: The Wilkie Family Singers
(Casa Nueva)
King Wilkie will release their third disc on a new label. David Bromberg, Robyn Hitchcock, John McEuen, Sam Parton (Be Good Tanyas), Peter Rowan and Abigail Washburn help out. The CD is themed as it's about the fictitious Wilkie Family, a household containing the six Wilkie children, their shipping magnate father and matriarchal mother, a pair of house pets, a distant cousin, two family friends and a music therapist. The CD contains no plot, dialog or storyline. Born in Charlottesville, Va. in 2003, King Wilkie debuted with "Broke" the following year as a hard driving bluegrass band. They won Emerging Artist of the Year from the International Bluegrass Music Association. They followed that with 2007's "Low Country Suite."
NewFound Road -
Same Old Place
(Rounder)
Bluegrass band NewFound Road puts out their second set for Rounder. The dozen songs include instrumentals, religious songs, country and traditional bluegrass. The group consists of Tim Shelton (vocals), Junior Williams (banjo), Joe Booher (mandolin) and Randy Barnes (bass).
Samantha Crain -
Shivers in the Night
(Ramseur)
Samantha Crain and her backing band The Midnight Shivers are out with their first full-length. They released an EP last year. The band includes Andrew Tanz on bass, Stephen Sebastian on guitar and Jacob Edwards on drums. The song Devils in Boston has gained airplay.
Paleface -
The Show is on the Road
(Ramseur)
Palceface has not been heard from for many yesrs, but returns with an 11-song set. He gets help Set Avett and Bob Crawford of the Averts band. Paleface was discovered at an New York open mic in 1990 by Danny Fields (The Stooges, The Ramones, MC5). He soon became the first Antifolk (Neofolk/Modern Folk) artist signed to major labels (Sire Records, Polydor Records), followed by tours with the likes of Billy Bragg and The Breeders.
April 21, 2009
Bearfoot -
Doors and Windows
(Compass)
Bearfoot may be about the best bluegrass band that ever started in Alaska. After putting out music on their own, they teamed with a new label. The music is not straight bluegrass, but definitely incorporates that into the mix along with folk and softer sounds. The band is comprised of Kate Hamre on bass/vocals, Odessa Jorgensen on fiddle/lead vocals, Angel Outdean on fiddle, Mike Mickelson on guitar and Jason Norris on mandolin.
Slaid Cleaves -
Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away
(Music Road Records)
Five years passed since Texas-based singer/songwriter Slaid Cleaves put out a disc of originals. Gurf Morlix produced the CD, the first since "Wishbones" in 2004 and "Broke Down" in 2000. The Maine native was on Rounder at one point in his career. The new label is a coop formulated by fellow performer Jimmy LaFave.
The Greencards -
Fascination
(Sugar Hill)
The Greencards make their label debut. Jay Joyce, who has worked with Patty Griffin, produced the release. The Austin-based trio - singer/bassist Carol Young and multiple stringed-instrument master Kym Warner from Australia, and violinist/violist Eamon McLoughlin from the U.K - released their first three albums on Dualtone.
Tommy Webb -
Heartland
(Rural Rhythm)
Tommy Webb is releasing his third disc and first for the label. Ron Stewart produced the 12 songs, several written by Webb, a Langley, Ky. native. Musicians on the disc include Webb (lead vocals, guitar, clawhammer banjo); Chris Goble (banjo, harmony vocals); Kenny O'Quinn (mandolin, harmony vocals); Danny Stiltner (bass, harmony vocals); Ron Stewart (fiddle, mandolin, resonator guitar, bass, harmony vocals); and Sherri Stewart (harmony vocals).
The Boxmasters -
Modbilly
(Vanguard)
The Boxmasters don't waste any time as this is their third release. Produced by W.R. "Bud" Thornton, aka actor Billy Bob Thornton, and J.D. Andrew, "Modbilly" follows two releases in 2008. This is also a two-CD set.
Webb Wilder -
More Like Me
(Blind Pig/Landslide)
This is the second disc on the label for Webb Wilder, mixing roots rock and bluesy sounds.
Eilen Jewell -
Sea of Tears
(Signature Sounds)
Eilen (ee-lin) Jewell is out with her second CD for the label. The Idaho native sang a dozen songs, including Shakin' All Over.
Dale Watson -
The Truckin' Sessions: Volume Two
(Hyena)
Texas honky tonk veteran Dale Watson releases the second installment of trucking songs. Songs include Jack's Truck Stop and Cafe, Truck Stop in LaGrange, 10-4 and Truckin' Man.
Wayne Hancock -
Viper of Melody
(Bloodshot)
Wayne "the Train" Hancock is back with the 13-song disc done with Hancock's touring band.
April 15, 2009
Scott Miller -
For Crying Out Loud
(F.A.Y.)
Scott Miller sang, played guitar and wrote songs for the late 1990s rootsy band The V-Roys. Since then, he has recorded solo discs and performed with The Commonwealth. After three studio releases and a live disc on Sugar Hill, this self-released recording continues his penchant for country and rock influences.
April 14, 2009
John Doe and The Sadies -
Country Club
(Yep Roc)
A post show hang-out between X and The Knitters' John Doe and The Sadies produced the idea to team up to make an album of country songs. Songs include Husbands and Wives, Till I Get It Right, Fool Such As I, The Cold Hard Facts of Life and
The Handsome Family -
Honey Moon
(Carrot Top)
The Handsome Family, aka Rennie and Brett Sparks, put out a discu apaprently in connection with their 20th anniversary. Sparks' ultra deep vocals remain firmy intact.
Jeremy Garrett -
I Am a Stranger
(Sugar Hill)
Jeremy Garrett is the fiddler player for the Infamous Stringdusters and makes his debut with this disc.
April 7, 2009
Ramblin' Jack Elliott -
A Stranger Here
(Anti-)
Ramblin' Jack Elliott veers towards country blues and away his country folk sounds. Joe Henry produced the music. Van Dyke Parks and David Hidalgo of Los Lobos play on the disc, Elliott's follow-up to his 2006 Anti- Record debut "I Stand Alone."
Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddys -
Back on the Rail
(Cow Island)
Baltimore honky tonker Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddys ran out of copies of the CD and then decided to press some more for their current label. Hill wrote 11 of the 12 songs. Dave Chappell is on Telecaster and Craig Stevens on drums.
Billy Ray Cyrus -
Back To Tennessee
(Lyric Street/Walt Disney)
Billy Ray Cyrus may be better known as the father of Miley these days. The title track and current single is in "Hannah Montana: The Movie," our April 10. Mark Bright produced the set, which includesa duet with Miley on Butterfly..
Sara Watkins -
Sara Watkins
(Nonesuch)
Sara Watkins is one-third of Nickel Creek, and since that band is on hiatus, Watkins is releasing her first solo disc. John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin fame produced the disc of 14 songs. The two became familiar through an association in a Nickel Creek side project, Mutual Admiration Society, which released a disc in 2004.
Rascal Flatts -
Unstoppable
(Lyric Street)
Rascal Flatts offers their sixth studio CD. "Unstoppable," co-produced by Dann Huff and Rascal Flatts, is the band's first studio album since 2007's multi-platinum "Still Feels Good."
Jason Aldean -
Wide Open
(Broken Bow)
Jason Aldean returns with his third set for the label. The first single from the Georgian is She's Country.
