Here are some of the better new Americana music releases for the week of October 20th, 2009. The artist’s names link to their websites or MySpace pages and the CD title links go to either Amazon or CD Baby for easy ordering.
DANNY BARNES – Pizza Box (ATO)
From the Bad Livers, “banjo player and much more” Barnes got big help from Dave Matthews who not only sings on a few songs but also put out the album on his own label. This is the most developed and realized stuff he’s ever released.
SAM BUSH – Circles Around Me (Sugar Hill)
Sam is a monster mandolinist and he defined “newgrass” over 20 years ago, influencing 100’s of acoustic jam bands. This 14-song set includes appearances by Del McCoury, Edgar Meyer, Jerry Douglas and, thanks to the discovery of an old demo, New Grass Revival co-founder Courtney Johnson (posthumously).
LYLE LOVETT – Natural Forces (Curb)
Lyle is one of the most consistent and quirkiest Americana artists. Always performing with a talented group of musicians. Natural Forces showcases his songwriting alongside songs from such Texas writers as Eric Taylor, David Ball, Vince Bell, Robert Earl Keen, and the legendary Townes Van Zandt. He’s always tasty!
KEB’ MO’ – Live & Mo’ (Yolabelle International)
This a live release on his own label. Four new studio tracks are also included with a nice song called “A Brand New America.”
TIMOTHY B. SCHMIDT – Expando (Lost Highway)
The bass player from the Eagles and Poco hasn’t put out a new release in many years. Joined by guests like The Blind Boys of Alabama, Graham Nash, Dwight Yoakam, Kid Rock, Keb’ `Mo, Van Dyke Parks, and Greg Leisz. It’s mix of nice ballads, over-produced pop and few really nice tracks.
…coming soon: CHIP TAYLOR, THE DEL McCOURY BAND, CHUCK PROPHET … more new releases.
Here’s a link to this week’s Americana Music Association’s Americana Airplay Chart
Bill Frater
Freight Train Boogie
Show #32 features the new CD from CHARLIE ROBISON called Beautiful Day. Also new songs from RITA HOSKING, TODD SNIDER and GEOFF UNION. The full playlist is posted below. Here’s the 
RITA HOSKING
