Newport Folk Festival Goes Roots-y (But Hasn’t It Always Been So?)

A surprise set by JAMES TAYLOR was the highlight of highlights at this year's NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL. Our man on the scene, IRA MAYER, a festival veteran, reflects on the lineup's not-so-folky flavor.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Past Is Present (And Accounted For)

On COUNTRY GRASS, LORRAINE JORDAN & CAROLINA ROAD bluegrassify old country hits but add a unique twist along the way.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Indomitable

A Civil Rights Movement leader and powerful gospel singer, FANNIE LOU HAMER'S authenticity comes through most clearly on SONGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Art Songs, Folk Texts

In praise of POPULAIRES, a fascinating exploration of art songs with folk texts, by French Algerian soprano AMEL BRAHIM-DJELLOUL and pianist Nicolas Jouve, Reviewed by ROBERT HUGILL of Planet Hugill.
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Bassoon, In Search of Love

DANIEL SMITH enlists a stellar supporting cast and again proves the bassoon's viability as a lead instrument of great expressiveness on his new album, JAZZ SUITE FOR BASSOON
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Eternal Ache in Full, Glorious Flower

The timelessness of CARTER FAMILY songs is underscored in DON'T FORGET ME LITTLE DARLING, an homage by ANTIQUE PERSUASION, a trio of roots veterans that has made one of 2015's finest albums.
by David McGee
 

 

 

No, No Mortal Man This

Finally, a solo album from the legendary lead singer of the Persuasions, JERRY LAWSON. Expertly produced by ERIC BRACE, JUST A MORTAL MAN is a powerful showcase moment for one of the greatest soul singers of all time.
by David McGee
 

 
 

It’s Life, Y’know

It's the centennial year of MUDDY WATERS's birth, and two new tributes mark that special occasion: MUDDY WATERS 100, featuring contemporary Muddy acolytes, and the DVD, BLUES SUMMIT IN CHICAGO, 1974
by David McGee
 

 

 

Way Out Western Swing…

Best known as a jazz singer, SOLITAIRE MILES, in the guise of SUSIE BLUE, makes a convincing western swing chanteuse on her new album.
by David McGee
 

 
 

It Starts With The Heart

Another triumph for MARK O'CONNOR, but this time he's sharing the spotlight with his ferociously talented new bride, MAGGIE O'CONNOR, on DUO.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Live’r Than They’ll Ever Be

From tapes surreptitiously recorded in 1967 comes a smokin' live album featuring JOHN MAYALL'S BLUESBREAKERS with PETER GREEN, JOHN MCVIE and MICK FLEETWOOD supporting Mayall.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Wondrous Incandescence

Two folk veterans are at the top of their games: TOM PAXTON on his new REDEMPTION ROAD album and MICKEY CLARK (with his band THE BLUE NORTHER) on REASONS & RHYMES.
by David McGee