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 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 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
 

 
 

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
 

 

 

It Might As Well Be Spring

Although it was not be design, noted jazz drummer-arranger-composer JERRY KALAF seems to have found the essence of Springtime on his pastoral new album, WELCOME TO EARTH
by David McGee
 

 
 

Stirring the Heart, Captivating the Mind

The young order of contemplative nuns based in Missouri and known as BENEDICTINES OF MARY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES stir the heart and captivate the mind on EASTER AT EPHESUS.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Love Remembered, In the Heart and On the Front Lines

In a selection of songs by British composers of the first 50 years of the 20th Century,mezzo-soprano KATHRYN RUDGE, with pianist JAMES BAILLIEU, uncover some lost gems and revitalize familiar ones.
by David McGee
 

 
 

A Beautiful Day in Ms. Rogers’ Neighborhood

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood when KIMM ROGERS dives into her songs on WHERE THE PAVEMENT GROWS and asks: 'Would you be mine? Could you be mine?'
by David McGee
 

 

 

With Carter Hovering Overhead

With friends such as DIERKS BENTLEY, DEL MCCOURY, LEE ANN WOMACK, JIM LAUDERDALE, BUDDY MILLER, RICKY SKAGGS, et al., how could RALPH STANLEY go wrong? He doesn't.
by David McGee
 

 
 

A Final Flowering

ANONYMOUS 4 is closing out its near-30-year career with one of its finest albums, 1865--SONGS OF HOPE AND HOME FROM THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR, the final installment of its Americana Trilogy.
by David McGee