Americana CD Releases for July, 8th, 2008

Below are a selected group of new CD’s released the week of July 8th.  Keep in mind that the CD titles usually are linked to Amazon or CD Baby sites where you can order the CD’s or MP3’s and also hear audio samples of the music.

DONNA THE BUFFALO - Silverlined (Sugar Hill)
This band has been around for 20 years now and have been frequently grouped with jam bands, but they’re better than that. They describe their music as folk-rock original dance music.

DONNIE FRITTS - One Foot In The Groove (Leaning Man)
Donnie is a veteran Muscle Shoals R&B musician ans songwriter who has tour with Kris Kristofferson for many years.

WILLIE NELSON & WYNTON MARSALIS -  Two Men With The Blues (Blue Note)
So just when you were wondering who Willie hasn’t worked with, here he is with Wynton Marsalis. Willie and harmonica player Mickey Raphael joined the jazz trumpeter and his band for a series of shows in New York that were recorded for this CD. The Amazon link has a live video of “Bright Lights Big City” from the show.

BILL MONROE - Father Of Bluegrass Music (MVD Visual)
This DVD features archival footage and rare 1990s performances from Monroe’s final years including many of his greatest songs. In addition it offers unparalleled access to Bill Monroe telling his story in his own words. Other interview subjects include the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia and country music legend Roy Acuff in one of his final film appearances.

RON SEXSMITH - Exit Strategy Of The Soul (Yep Roc)

Various Artists - Moneyland (McCoury Music)
Del McCoury and friends like Merle Haggard and  Chris Knight contribute songs about corporate greed and it’s effect on rural America. Pretty political stuff for the veteran Bluegrass singer. Through the CD title link above you can also order a signed and numbered collectors edition.

Coming soon… JOHN MELLENCAMP, RANDY TRAVIS, DREW EMMITT, THE GRASCALS, ARCHIE FISHER, THE AVETT BROTHERS … more new releases.

New Reviews on the Freight Train Boogie website… EMMYLOU HARRIS, ARLAN FEILES, CROOKED STILL, ALUN PIGGINS,THE BAND OF HEATHENS, ELIZA GILKYSON, GWIL OWEN, FAYSSOUX, RANDY THOMPSON, PETER COOPER, HAYES CARLL…

written by Bill Frater

Americana Releases for July 1st, 2008

Below are a selected group of new CD’s released the week of July 1st, 2008. Pretty slim pickin’ because of the July 4th holiday… Keep in mind that the CD titles usually are linked to Amazon or CD Baby sites where you can order the CD’s or MP3’s and also hear audio samples of the music.

NELS ANDREWS- Off Track Betting (Ignatius)
The followup to his excellent Sunday Shoes shows that Nels has got the goods. Deep, spare, melodic and introspective songs produced by Todd Sickafoose (Ani DiFranco, Erin McKeowen). Recommended.

LOS LONELY BOYS - Forgiven (Epic)

WILLIE NELSON - Stardust: 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition (Sony Legacy)
Two -CD set includes the original classic album plus a 16 track bonus disc of other classics from the Great American Songbook.

ROB ROY PARNELL - Let’s Start Something (Blue Rocket Records) Recognized as one of Americas premier harmonica players, Rob Roy Parnell’s new CD plays like the soundtrack for a Saturday night at a Texas roadhouse. Its a powerful mix of rockin’ blues, boogie woogie, R&B and soul. (From Miles of Music)

Coming soon…  WILLIE NELSON & WYNTON MARSALIS, DONNA THE BUFFALO, DONNIE FRITTS, JOHN MELLENCAMP, RANDY TRAVIS … more new releases.

New Reviews on the Freight Train Boogie website… CROOKED STILL, ALUN PIGGINS,THE BAND OF HEATHENS, ELIZA GILKYSON, GWIL OWEN, FAYSSOUX, RANDY THOMPSON, PETER COOPER, HAYES CARLL…

written by Bill Frater

Americana CD Releases for June 24th, ‘08

Below are a selected group of new CD’s released the week of June 24th, 2008. Keep in mind that the CD titles usually are linked to Amazon or CD Baby sites where you can order the CD’s or MP3’s and also hear audio samples of the music.

CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN - Popular Songs of Great Enduring Strength and Beauty (Cooking Vinyl)
This is a greatest hits collection featuring 13 songs from the band’s Pitch-A-Tent albums and 5 newly-recorded versions of songs from its two Virgin releases. Originally from Santa Cruz, CA, the band has been around off and on for 25 years now.

RY COODER - I, Flathead (Nonesuch/Perro Verde)
CD/novella completing Cooder’s California trilogy after Chavez Ravine and My Name Is Buddy. The CD functions beautifully on its own, but also serves as a sort of soundtrack to the book equivalent. The deluxe limited edition includes the book.

CROOKED STILL - Still Crooked (Signature Sounds)
Lead singer Aoife O’Donovan’s sounds like Alison Krauss, only better. Their music is a unique style of traditional-based acoustic music featuring cello and fiddle. Nice stuff.

LUKE DOUCET - Blood’s Too Rich (Six Shooter)
This Canadian singer/guitarist is quite talented and mixes roots and rock rather nicely.

ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO - Real Animal (Back Porch)
The highly-respected rocker returns with some songs that refer back to his musical roots but sadly nothing very Americana-sounding here. The Amazon link has a cool AE video where he talks about the CD.

THE HACIENDA BROTHERS - Arizona Motel (Proper)
The recent death of lead singer Chris Gaffney, who tragically passed away from cancer, makes this CD all that more poignant. This was his last recordings with this fine band that blends country and soul. Highly recommended!

RECKLESS KELLY - Bulletproof (Yep Roc)
This young Austin band has been kicking around for awhile now. This is their Yep Roc debut and they lose some of the country and rock out a little more.

RUBY DEE & THE SNAKEHANDLERS - Miles From Home (Dionysus)
This Seattle band plays an Americana that encompasses Texas honky-tonk, Bakersfield country, Memphis rockabilly, Western swing and good old-fashioned rock ’n’ roll.

Coming soon…  LOS LONELY BOYS, WILLIE NELSON & WYNTON MARSALIS, DONNA THE BUFFALO, DONNIE FRITTS … more new releases.

New Reviews on the Freight Train Boogie website… THE BAND OF HEATHENS, ELIZA GILKYSON (5 stars!), GWIL OWEN, FAYSSOUX (she used to sing with Emmylou), RANDY THOMPSON, PETER COOPER, HAYES CARLL,…
written by Bill Frater

Americana CD releases for June 17th, 2008

Below are a selected group of new CD’s released the week of June 17th, 2008. Keep in mind that the CD titles usually are linked to Amazon or CD Baby sites where you can order the CD’s or MP3’s and also hear audio samples of the music.

DONAL HINEY - Blue State Boy (Atom)
“Blue State Boy” live at the Bluebird Cafe from You Tube.

HONEYBROWNE - Mile By Mile (Smith Music)
Tihs is the first I’ve heard of these guys. They’re from Texas and they have a good melodic sense… Recommended!

HOLLYWOOD FATS & THE PALADINS - Live 1985 (Topcat)
Dave Gonzales (Hacienda Brothers) led the Paladins and Miles of Music states that this CD is Old School Texas style House-Rockin’ Rockabilly meets Swingin’ West Coast Jump Blues.

RED MOLLY - Love and Other Tragedies (self released)
A female trio who play a variety of stringed instruments, and sing great 3-part harmony. They’ve made a big jump musically since their last release. Good Stuff!

TEDDY THOMPSON - A Piece Of What You Need (Verve Forecast)

DAN TYMINSKI - Wheels (Rounder)

Dan Tyminski takes time off from his gig as vocalist and multi-instrumentalist in Alison Krauss’s band. He’s known for his enduring version of “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” from the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”.

Coming soon…  HACIENDA BROTHERS, ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO, CROOKED STILL, THE WATSON TWINS… more new releases.

New Reviews on the Freight Train Boogie website… ELIZA GILKYSON (5 stars!), GWIL OWEN, FAYSSOUX (she used to sing with Emmylou), RANDY THOMPSON, PETER COOPER, HAYES CARLL, OLD 97′S, PATRICK BLOOM…
written by Bill Frater

Americana CD Releases for June 10th, 2008

Below are a selected group of new CD’s released the week of June 10th, 2008. Keep in mind that the CD titles usually are linked to Amazon or CD Baby sites where you can order the CD’s or MP3’s and also hear audio samples of the music.

SOLOMON BURKE  - Like A Fire (Anti-)
Unfortunately, not as good as his last Buddy Miller-produced release even with the help of notable guests like Eric Clapton, Ben Harper, Jesse Harris, and Keb’ Mo’.

JAKOB DYLAN - Seeing Things (Columbia/Starbucks)
Son of Bob’s first solo disc.

EMMYLOU HARRIS - All I Intended To Be (Nonesuch)
It’s produced by her old husband and producer BRIAN AHERN, and features songs by PATTY GRIFFIN, BILLY JOE SHAVER, MERLE HAGGARD and herself. Recently she was inducted into the CMA Hall of Fame. Here’s an early review from the blog, Line Of Best Fit.

JAMES HUNTER - The Hard Way (Hear Music)
This is the 2nd release from this amazing British R&B singer who sounds like the best of Sam Cooke and James Brown. Original songs, great band. The Amazon link above has a great Hunter video.

THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS - Infamous Stringbusters (Sugar Hill)
Fine young Bluegrass band.

SCOTT KEMPNER - Saving Grace (00:2:59)
He played with the Dictators way back when and The Del Lords in the 90’s.

MY MORNING JACKET - Evil Urges (ATO)

RAILROAD EARTH - Amen Corner (Sci-Fidelity)
Acoustic jam-band from New Jersey.

SISTERS MORALES - Talking To The River (Luna/Dig)
Sisters (well duh!) from Texas, Produced by Steve Berlin (from Los Lobos).

BEN SOLLEE - Learning to Bend (Sonablast/Thirty Tigers)
Very interesting music from a cello player, really, it’s good and quite listenable!

CHIP TAYLOR - New Songs Of Freedom (Train Wreck)
A mini-album with few new political songs along with songs that were on his Black and Blue America CD.

THE BOXMASTERS - The Boxmasters (Vanguard)
The well-respected actor BILLY BOB THORNTON keeps putting out music. This one is a double CD, half original, half covers. He plays drums and sings with this new band. Unfortunately, it’s hard to hear beyond his less-than-spectacular voice!

TONY JOE WHITE - Deep Cuts (Thirty Tigers)
The man who brought us the hit “Polk Salad Annie,” re-cuts it again and some more of his swamp rock songs.

Coming soon… DAN TYMINSKI, RED MOLLY, HACIENDA BROTHERS, ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO, CROOKED STILL, THE WATSON TWINS… more new releases.

New Reviews on the Freight Train Boogie website… GWIL OWEN, FAYSSOUX (she used to sing with Emmylou), RANDY THOMPSON, PETER COOPER, HAYES CARLL (5 stars!), OLD 97′S, PATRICK BLOOM, THE WOOD BROTHERS, FRED EAGLESMITH…
written by Bill Frater

Americana CD Releases for June 3rd, 2008

DR. JOHN - City That Care Forgot (429 Records)
The good doctor’s tribute to his home town, New Orleans. Featuring his always brilliant piano and guests like Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Ani DiFranco and Terence Blanchard join him. The Amazon links to a short video clip about the CD.

GOOSE CREEK SYMPHONY -The Same Thing Again (Bo)
These are early 1970s sessions that were recently unearthed.

THE MOTHER TRUCKERS - Let’s All Go To Bed (Funzalo)
Husband and wife Josh Zee and Teal Collins moved from the Bay Area to Austin a few years ago and the town loves ‘em. They have a rock-tinged brand of roots rock, if that’s not too confusing. Good Stuff!

PINETOP PERKINS - And Friends (Telarc)
Another great piano-pounder, Pinetop is 94 years old and still playing. He played with Muddy Waters and is about the last of the Chicago bluesmen. He’s joined by Jimmie Vaughn, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Leon Smith and others.

RAIN PERRY - Cinderblock Bookshelves (Precipitous)
Singer-songwriter Rain Perry, wrote an  autobiographical multi-media memoir that goes along with this CD. Tom Russell covered her song “Yosemite” and Mark Hallman produced this CD.

JIM STRINGER & THE AM BAND - Triskaidekaphilia (Music Room)
Another Austin resident, Stringer is a hot veteran guitarist who also sings. Me, I like his guitar playing better but there’s some real good country songs here and a few wee-chosen cover tunes.

next week, tons of new CD’s! …  ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO, EMMYLOU HARRIS,  RAILROAD EARTH, CHIP TAYLOR, JAKOB DYLAN, JAMES HUNTER, THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS, MY MORNING JACKET, BILLY BOB THORNTON AND THE BOXMASTERS … more new releases.

New Reviews on the Freight Train Boogie website… GWIL OWEN, FAYSSOUX (she used to sing with Emmylou), RANDY THOMPSON, PETER COOPER, HAYES CARLL (5 stars!), OLD 97′S, PATRICK BLOOM, THE WOOD BROTHERS, FRED EAGLESMITH…
written by Bill Frater

Americana CD Releases for May 27th, 2008

First off, we lost a legendary folk singer last week. U. UTAH PHILLIPS,  Storyteller, Railroad Tramp, Activist and more. He was known as The Golden Voice of the Great Southwest, he died on May 24, 2008 at his home in Nevada City, CA at the age of 73.This photo of Utah with FTB editor Bill Frater was taken last year at the Kate Wolf Memorial Festival.

ANGEL BAND - With Roots & Wings (Appleseed)
Produced by Lloyd Maines, featuring three female voices, Nancy Josephson, Jen Schonwald and Kathleen Weber. All are experienced on lead and backup vocals. Also features David Bromberg on guitar, National Steel guitar and  dobro.

ADAM CARROLL - Old Town Rock and Roll (self released)

ELIZA GILKYSON - Beautiful World (Red House)

TRACY GRAMMER - Verdant Mile (Tracy Grammer Music)
This is a 7-song all-acoustic EP with two originals and five covers.

JOHN HIATT - Same Old Man (New West)
Hiatt produced and recorded Same Old Man at his home studio, with Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars sitting in on guitar and mandolin Generally, it’s pretty laid-back with lots of love songs. Available on CD and LP.

JENNY SCHEINMAN - Jenny Sheinman (Koch)

THE YOUNGBLOODS - Elephant Mountain (Sundazed)
Jesse Colin Young’s band released this influencial masterpiece in 1969. The album includes “Darkness, Darkness”, “On Sir Francis Drake”, “Sunlight, and “Ride the Wind”, plus two bonus tracks. The title is from the hill near Pt. Reyes Station, in western Marin County, which was the band’s adopted home.

coming soon… THE MOTHER TRUCKERS, JIM STRINGER AND THE AM BAND, PINETOP PERKINS, JESSE MALIN, GOOSE CREEK SYMPHONY, EMMYLOU HARRIS, ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO, RAILROAD EARTH, CHIP TAYLOR … more new releases.

New Reviews on the Freight Train Boogie website… PETER COOPER, HAYES CARLL (5 stars!), OLD 97′S, PATRICK BLOOM, THE WOOD BROTHERS, HOLLY LONG, CHATHAM COUNTY LINE, FRED EAGLESMITH…
written by Bill Frater

Americana CD Releases for May 20th, 2008

BAND OF HEATHENS - The Band of Heathens (BOH)
Produced by Ray Wylie Hubbard, this is great stuff, bluesy and rootsy, great songs featuring 3 singer/songwriters. Recommended!

GUY FORSYTH - Calico Girl (Small and Nimble)
Austin slide guitarist/vocalist releases a tasty mixed bag of folk, blues, country and Tin Pan Alley. From the infamous Asylum Street Spankers. His website is very cool too.

I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. - Hallowed Ground (Big Book)
They actually are from LA and this is their 4th CD. They have a polished style with nice harmonies and solid songwriting. Gram Parsons would be proud.

MASON JENNINGS - In The Ever (Brushfire)

SCARLETT JOHANSSON - Anywhere I Lay My Head (Atco)
The actress covers all Tom Waits songs with differing critical results.

JAMES KING - Gardens In The Sky: The Bluegrass Gospel of James King (Rounder)
Traditional bluegrass,  his first entirely gospel collection, some old some new.

SONNY LANDRETH - From The Reach (Landfill)
Louisiana slide guitarist’s first studio album in five years unites his band with other hotshot guitarists Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Robben Ford, Eric Johnson and Vince Gill.

LAURIE LEWIS & THE RIGHT HANDS - Live (Spruce and Maple Music)
Veeran CA bluegrass fiddler and her excellent band release their first live album.

CORY MORROW - Vagrants & Kings (Sustain)

DAN ZANES - Nueva York! (Festival Five)
Children’s favorite Dan Zanes plays with Latino musician friends from New York. These family songs, are all sung in Spanish.

coming soon…  ELIZA GILKYSON, JOHN HIATT, ADAM CARROLL, T BONE BURNETT, THE MOTHER TRUCKERS … more new releases.

New Reviews on the Freight Train Boogie website… HAYES CARLL (5 star!), OLD 97′S, PATRICK BLOOM, THE WOOD BROTHERS, HOLLY LONG, CHATHAM COUNTY LINE, FRED EAGLESMITH, KATHLEEN EDWARDS, JAMES McMURTRY…
written by Bill Frater

Americana CD Releases for May 13th, 2008

PETER BRUNTNELL - Ghost In A Spitfire (Loose)

STEPHEN CLAIR - What Luck (self released)
Produced by Rich Brotherton who plays lead guitar in the Robert Earl Keen band. Nice stuff!

AMOS GARRETT- Get Way Back: A Tribute To Percy Mayfield (Stony Plain)

LOS STRAITJACKETS - Straitjackets In Concert (Yep Roc) (LP & DVD release)
The all-instrumental band that performs in Mexican wrestling masks (and they’re great!) document a 2005 gig at San Francisco’s historic Great American Music Hall.Order the DVD and get a digital download of the show for free from Yep Roc.

MAMA SAID - Take Root (Americana)
A North Carolina quartet led by Nancy Owen and Phil Ruff. They’re from the acoustic/folk end of the Americana pool.

OLD 97′S - Blame It On Gravity… (New West)
“It’s still puzzling to me how the Old 97’s ended up in the alt-country category, because when you strip them down to their essence they are just a great rock n’ roll band that never forgets that it all started with folk music.” (from FTB review by Barry Dugan)

STAIRWELL SISTERS - Get Off Your Money (Yodel-A-Hey)
This all-female old-timey band from the Bay Area mixes vintage Cajun and fiddle tunes with their own fun originals, surprisingly produced by Lloyd Maines.

coming soon… BAND OF HEATHENS, GUY FORSYTH, I SEE HAWKS IN LA, SONNY LANDRETH, ELIZA GILKYSON, JOHN HIATT… more new releases.

New Reviews on the Freight Train Boogie website… HAYES CARLL (5 star!), OLD 97′S, PATRICK BLOOM, THE WOOD BROTHERS, HOLLY LONG, CHATHAM COUNTY LINE, FRED EAGLESMITH, KATHLEEN EDWARDS, JAMES McMURTRY…
written by Bill Frater

Americana CD Releases for May 6th, 2008

CHRISTINE ALBERT - Paris, Texafrance (MoonHouse)
The Texas singer was surrounded by the French language and culture throughout her childhood. She has evolved into the consummate “Texas Chanteuse”, combining her musical influences from Texas to Paris, Haggard to Piaf.

ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS- Momofuku (Lost Highway)
Originally to be a vinyl-only, with digital-download code included in the packaging, but it’s available on CD also. It’s a good mix of styles while still possessing his core sound.

ELEVEN HUNDRED SPRINGS - Country Jam (Palo Duro)
One of the better Texas country bands, these guys do it all here from Western Swing to Rockabilly. Produced by Lloyd Maines and recommended.

MEG HUTCHINSON - Come Up Full (Red House)

JEB LOY NICHOLS - Days Are Mighty (Compass)

ABIGAIL WASHBURN & THE SPARROW QUARTET -The Sparrow Quartet (Nettwerk)
Washburn is the vocalist and banjo player with Uncle Earl. This is her ambituous and talent-stocked side project with Bela Fleck, Casey Driessen, and Ben Sollee on banjo, violin and cello, respectively. Sometimes haunting, classical and even Chinese-sounding.

coming soon… OLD 97′S, AMOS GARRETT, PETER BRUNTNELL, MAMA SAID … more new releases. According to Miles Of Music, the new T BONE BURNETT CD release has been pushed back.

Rest in Peace… Country Music Hall of Fame member EDDY ARNOLD died at the age 89.

New Reviews on the Freight Train Boogie website… PATRICK BLOOM, THE WOOD BROTHERS, HOLLY LONG, CHATHAM COUNTY LINE, FRED EAGLESMITH, JAMES McMURTRY, JIM LAUDERDALE…
Bill Frater