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Artists to Watch at Folk Alliance 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:55:37 +0000

Well, the 2012 Folk Alliance Conference is now officially underway in Memphis, Tenn., welcoming hundreds of folksingers and the people who love them to a hotel and convention center where, let's just say, a party is about to happen. For four days, the Folk Alliance Conference honors its own, presenting awards for things like Lifetime Achievement. There are also nightly showcases featuring some of the best talent on the scene - new and old. Then there are the non-official showcases which go well into the wee hours of the night and morning way up in the hotel rooms.

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Happy Mardi Gras!

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:55:06 +0000

It's Mardi Gras time, y'all, which means if you're in the New Orleans area, you've probably already been partying for a couple of weeks at this point. If you're in the rest of the country, however, this is a great time to throw some gumbo in the crockpot and crank up some traditional Mardi Gras Music.

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Review of 'Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan'

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:49:57 +0000

It's been about 50 years since the greater world started discovering Bob Dylan, and as long since Amnesty International opened its doors, working to free political prisoners around the world. This year, Amnesty decided to mark its 50th year by releasing a four-disc compilation tribute album to the great folksinger/rocker/bluesman, featuring an incredible and diverse lineup of artists which includes everyone from Joan Baez to Ke$ha and beyond.

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Important African-American Folksingers

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:22:44 +0000

American folk music is a pretty enormous field, covering regional styles (Cajun, Western swing, etc) and urban trends from topical singer-songwriters to the advent of hip-hop, and beyond. As we tread ever further into the throes of Black History Month, now is a great time to consider some of the most innovative folk music artists from the African-American community. So, without further ado, I give you ten of the best. Is anyone missing who you think should have made the cut? Vote for them here.

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Profile: Sweet Honey in the Rock

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:24:33 +0000

February is African-American History Month, as you may be well aware. Though the stereotype for folksingers usually includes a couple of white-skinned hippies with acoustic guitars, African-American artists as diverse as Harry Belafonte and Odetta have left lasting influence on the craft. And, further, there's no use even talking about African-American history in American folk music without giving considerable mention to the great women of Sweet Honey in the Rock.

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Civil Wars, Emmylou Harris, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Others Lend Songs to 'Mercyland' Compilation

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:06:54 +0000

American folk music has always been full of songs about faith, hymns which have evolved from the church to the picket line, and songs which wrestle with all areas of the human condition. It's nothing new to consider songs people have turned to in times of personal crisis. But, as the press release for this new compilation says (quoting Emmylou Harris), "Not all hymns are found in the pocket on the back of the church pew. Here are some for your consideration from folks who set up their tent out in the left part of the field."

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New Album Coming from Justin Townes Earle in March

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:36 +0000

Justin Townes Earle has been working in the music industry since he was just a kid, playing backup in his dad's band. As a solo artist, though, Earle asserts himself as a far cry from dad Steve Earle's hyper-political social justice anthems. The younger Earle's work is more angled toward honoring tradition and bridging the space between his influences and his own ideas. His last effort Harlem River Blues was easily his finest, most definitive album yet.

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Iron & Wine, Sarah Jarosz, Doyle Lawson Join Old Settlers Lineup

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:38 +0000

I've never been to the Old Settlers Music Festival, but it's always been on my list. This year's lineup raises the bar with even more great artists ranging from bluegrass to indie folk and beyond. In other words, there's clearly something for everyone at this festival, which takes place each April in Austin, Texas.

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Darrell Scott's Spring Tour Dates

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:43 +0000

Perhaps you know Darrell Scott as the multi-instrumentalist playing behind Robert Plant in the Band of Joy. Or maybe you know his songs from the huge country hits he's had via the Dixie Chicks and other pop country stars. Perhaps still you've seen him perform at Telluride or any of the other myriad festivals (the Cayamo Music Cruise?) as a solo artist playing his remarkable folk-country songs. Regardless of how you know his name and music, Scott is a fantastic solo singer-songwriter whose live show is not to be missed. He'll be hitting the road this spring in support of his new album The Long Ride Home (well worth picking up, out Jan. 31).

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Trampled By Turtles Ready New Album, Hit the Road

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:00:24 +0000

Duluth, Minnesota-based power bluegrass troupe Trampled by Turtles will be hitting the road this spring in support of a new album they're releasing on April 10 via Thirty Tigers/RED. The disc, titled Stars and Satellites, will be the follow-up to their 2010 release Palomino, which was quite well-received throughout the indie, folk, Americana, and bluegrass communities.

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