dancing day saint thomas

Angels We Have Heard on High

DANCING DAY: MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS, the last recording JOHN SCOTT made with the SAINT THOMAS CHOIR OF MEN & BOYS before his tragic death this past August, is a reverent seasonal classic.
by David McGee
 

 
 
song of banjo

The Big Land

Ever more ambitious, ALISON BROWN returns with THE SONG OF THE BANJO, with KEB' MO outstanding on 'What's Going On,' and our reviewer likening the instrumental portions to Smetana's 'The Moldau.' Really.
by David McGee
 

 

 
sam butler raise

Tested In the Furnace of Affliction

SAM BUTLER, former lead guitarist with the Blind Boys of Alabama, makes his solo debut with a most unusual spiritual album--with songs by Springsteen, Waits, Curtis Mayfield, Johnny Cash, et al.
by David McGee
 

 
 
ulisse hard cry

Journey To the Healing Moment

Bluegrass singer-songwriter DONNA ULISSE maintains the glide in her stride with another strong album, HARD CRY MOON
by David McGee
 

 

 
delta reign sky

Extra-Savory Bluegrass

The finest in contemporary bluegrass is coming to you from Mobile, Alabama's DELTA REIGN. The band is back, following up its superb Calm Before the Storm with another top-notch outing, NOTHING BUT SKY.
by David McGee
 

 
 
ian tyson carnero

Of Life and Hearts in the Balance

The earth and the hearts of people living on it are in the balance in the potent songs on IAN TYSON's memorable new album, CARNERO VAQUERO. It's a Tyson classic.
by David McGee
 

 

 
fannie lou songs

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
 

 
 
populaires cover1

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
 

 

 
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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
 

 
 
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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
 

 

 
mark maggie spotlight small

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
 

 
 
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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