Aren’t Fridays the best day of the week? And no, not just because of the five-day work week, but really because it’s New Music Friday, of course!
This week, we’re featuring premieres like a thoughtful and introspective number from singer-songwriter Aisha Badru, a Bonnie Raitt cover from husband-and-wife bluegrass duo Benson with Keith Garrett lending lead vocals, a thoughtful track about cyclical national, cultural, and romantic traumas from Jessye DeSilva, and Lynne Hanson brings a new song about how some folks are just plain rotten.
There’s a little bit of everything for every kind of roots music fan, and if we do say so ourselves, You Gotta Hear This!
Aisha Badru, “Life to Live”
Artist:Aisha Badru Hometown: Yonkers, New York Song: “Life to Live” Label: Nettwerk Music Group
In Their Words: “‘Life To Live’ is a song deeply rooted in my personal journey. It explores the importance of introspection and understanding what truly brings us joy and fulfillment. For me, that meant leaving the traditional path of college to pursue music, even if it wasn’t initially supported by my family. This song isn’t just about following our dreams, it’s about the growth and self-discovery that happens along the way.” – Aisha Badru
Benson, “Louise”
Artist:Benson Hometown: Boiling Springs, South Carolina Song: “Louise” Release Date: March 22, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words:“We’ve always been big fans of Keith Garrett. He’s got such a warm vocal tone and always chooses a great way of delivering the song. We were excited to have him sing a couple and felt really lucky that he said yes.” – Kristin Scott Benson
“Back in the early 1990s, I heard Bonnie Raitt’s album, Luck of the Draw. After becoming a fan and going back to her earlier projects, I came across a live video with her version of ‘Louise.’ I always thought it would make a fun bluegrass song because of the chord progression and I think Keith and Dustin sang it great.” – Wayne Benson
Track Credits: Wayne Benson – Mandolin Kristin Scott Benson – Banjo Cody Kilby – Acoustic guitar Tony Creasman – Drums Kevin McKinnon – Bass Keith Garrett – Lead vocal Dustin Pyrtle – Harmony vocals
Jessye DeSilva, “Gallows Tree”
Artist name:Jessye DeSilva Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts Song: “Gallows Tree” Release Date: March 22, 2024
In Their Words: “‘Gallows Tree’ is all about the ghosts of our traumas and our misdeeds and what happens when we leave things unsaid. In the U.S. particularly, I think there is a sickening and cyclical nature to the things we repress and rebrand in denial. White couples rent plantations as backdrops for their quaint country weddings where Black bodies were broken not so long ago. We refuse to learn from the mistakes of our parents and remain complicit in the face of brutal inhumanity. In ‘Gallows Tree,’ a pastoral scene of a romantic picnic is painted, where two lovers sip iced tea on a blanket beneath the shade of a tree, while something simmers unspoken just beneath the surface. This could easily be a song about love left to dry with the years, but the lovers are all of us who remain reticent with hearts tight as fists. And now a tire swings gently from the gallows tree.” – Jessye DeSilva
Track Credits: Music and lyrics by Jessye DeSilva and Alex Calabrese. Jessye DeSilva – Vocals, piano Alex Calabrese – Acoustic guitar, background vocals Joe Dunn – Producer, bass, electric guitar, banjo, percussion programming
Lynne Hanson, “Outlaw Lover”
Artist:Lynne Hanson Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Song: “Outlaw Lover” Album:Just A Poet Release Date: March 22, 2024 (single); May 24, 2024 (album) Label: Panda Cave Records
In Their Words: “Some people are just rotten to the core. For this song, I really wanted to paint a picture of the ultimate heartbreak artist, someone callous and uncaring who leaves a trail of victims in their wake. The kind of person your mother warned you to stay away from.
“It was a lot of fun to arrange this song in the studio. We chose an almost hypnotic groove to really give it a sexy, black-leather swagger, and the song hits its bad attitude crescendo with the nasty fuzz of Blair Michael Hogan’s guitar solo. I actually wrote this song by starting with the lyrics first, which is the opposite of my normal songwriting process. It was a real challenge to come up with the music, and I had three versions of the song before I finally settled on this one.” – Lynne Hanson
Track Credits: Written by Lynne Hanson.
Lynne Hanson – lead vocal Jim Bryson – acoustic guitar, electric guitars, piano, organ, mellotron Blair Michael Hogan – electric guitar, slide guitar Philippe Charbonneau – bass Marshall Bureau – drums
Jim Bryson – recording engineer Recorded at Fixed Hinge Studios, Stittsville, Ontario. Produced by Jim Bryson. Mastered by Phil Shaw Bova, Bova Lab Studio, Ottawa, Ontario. Mixed by Jim Bryson, Fixed Hinge Studios.
Photo Credit: Aisha Badru by Jeffery Trapani; Benson by Sandlin Gaither.
This week, our premiere round-up is chock-full of amazing new music. From a Chris Stapleton co-write from bluegrass-meets-country supergroup Wood Box Heroes to a Terry Baucom tribute from bluegrasser Ashby Frank, plus songs from Americana singer-songwriter Jack McKeon, guitarist Yann Falquet, and Asheville’s Holler Choir.
Plus, don’t miss exclusive premieres from banjo magnates Alison Brown and Steve Martin, and a posthumous release from Chick Corea with his friend and collaborator Béla Fleck.
It’s all right here on BGS – and really, You Gotta Hear This!
In Their Words: “‘Cannonball’ is a song I wrote a while back with Chris Stapleton. I was trying to figure out a new way to talk about the ‘love and war/love as war/love is war’ theme and of course, Chris helped to bring that to life so well. I never made a demo, just the voice memo. Hearing Chris’s amazing singing on it could be a daunting thing for lots of artists to get past, but I knew Josh Martin could handle it, so I pitched it to the Heroes for this project. It took a while to sink in with them, but I’m beyond thrilled with the treatment they gave it!” – Barry Bales
Track Credits:
Barry Bales – upright bass, vocals Jenee Fleenor – fiddle, vocals Josh Martin – guitar, vocals Matt Menefee – banjo Seth Taylor – mandolin, vocals
Produced by Wood Box Heroes. Recorded by Brandon Bell at Sound Emporium; Nashville, Tennessee. Mixed by Brandon Bell. Mastered by Eric Conn at Independent Mastering; Nashville, Tennessee.
Ashby Frank, “Knee Deep in Bluegrass”
Artist:Ashby Frank Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Knee Deep In Bluegrass” Release Date: March 15, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “‘Knee Deep in Bluegrass’ is a tune written and originally recorded by my friend and former Mashville Brigade bandmate, banjo legend Terry Baucom. Sadly, Terry passed away in December. When we recently gathered to start recording my next album, it happened to be the day after his funeral. All of us had Bauc and his wife, Cindy, on our minds. Remembering this song, I messaged Cindy, asking if it would be ok to record a slightly modified version of ‘Knee Deep’ as a tribute to him and she graciously approved. Bauc was performing at the first festival I ever attended in Denton, NC. His style and persona has been an inspiration to me ever since that first meeting. I think Matt Menefee, Travis Anderson, Jim Van Cleve, Seth Taylor, and Tony Creasman really nailed their parts on the tune. I hope our recording brings back fond memories for anyone who knew Terry and will honor him as he so richly deserves.” – Ashby Frank
Jack McKeon, “Last Slice of Heaven”
Artist:Jack McKeon Hometown: Chatham, New York; currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Last Slice of Heaven” Album: Talking to Strangers Release Date: June 21, 2024
In Their Words: “I was working at a house in Williamson County, on a stretch of road that is flanked by two separate but equally cookie-cutter developments. Across from this house and squarely in the middle of all this new, was a vacant field, a decrepit barn festering in the corner. At some point that field must have meant food, crops, and a living. Now it seems to only conjure the image of an older person sitting on a potential windfall when they sell out to a developer. But with all that money comes the death of the beautiful things that made that life worth living. My boss noticed me looking at this field and facetiously said, ‘Oh, didn’t you know? These developments all come with their own complimentary field to look at.’ I wrote this song to give a voice to the person I imagined holding on to this ‘Last Slice of Heaven,’ a character at odds with the transformation around him who’s fighting to hold on to his own identity in spite of ‘a world that’s always changing what it means to be the same.'” – Jack McKeon
Track Credits:
Jack McKeon – Guitar/vocal Ashby Frank – Mandolin/harmony vocal Vickie Vaughn – Upright bass/harmony vocal Christian Sedelmyer – Fiddle Justin Moses – Banjo Engineered by Sean Sullivan at the Tractor Shed Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Mastered by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering.
Video Credit: Brooke Stevens
Yann Falquet, “Courage”
Artist:Yann Falquet Hometown: Brattleboro, Vermont Song: “Courage” Album:Les secrets du ciel Release Date: March 15, 2024 (single); May 3, 2024 (album)
In Their Words: “I moved from Québec to New England a couple of years ago. My instrumental background was compatible with the fiddle styles I encountered here (Appalachian, Irish, Scottish, etc.), but I quickly realized that I had to rethink the way I approached songs. Back in French Canada, traditional singers often perform unaccompanied, and rely heavily on others in the room to participate in the ‘response’ part of call-and-response songs. For this project, I began reframing these songs into a more English or American ‘folk singer’ format, and had a lot of fun coming up with interesting guitar parts in DADGAD tuning. I then collaborated with producer Quinn Bachand and a bunch of fantastic musicians to add extra musical layers to the song.
“‘Courage’ comes from the repertoire of the Voyageur folks who paddled across North America, using songs to keep paddling in rhythm. It tells the story of a young soldier who abandons war for the pursuit of love, knowing well the consequences if he gets caught.” – Yann Falquet
Track Credits:
Yann Falquet – Guitar, voice Julia Friend – Voice Keith Murphy – Pump organ Trent Freeman – Violin Quinn Bachand – Violin, bass pedal
Quinn Bachand – Producer, engineer Charles-Émile Beaudin – Mixing engineer Philip Shaw Bova – Masterin engineer
Holler Choir, “Hamlet Blues”
Artist:Holler Choir Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina Song: “Hamlet Blues” Album:Songs Before They Write Themselves Release Date: January 12, 2024
In Their Words: “I can’t speak to everyone else’s tastes, but for the purpose of songs that I perform and have written, ‘Hamlet Blues’ is my most timeless song. I know this because 10 years after having written it, it’s just now seeing a definitive release, and it feels no less personally relevant than the day I wrote it.
“There’s a very intentional juxtaposition between the carefree energy of the music and the existential crisis portrayed in the lyrics. It’s a cognitive dissonance that I’ve experienced in different settings many times in life, and I chose to channel that energy into this song. There’s a smiling nihilism that can be found at any college bar. Kids drinking to excess, with little regard for what’s happening tomorrow. Seemingly happy people, sitting on a fault line that is long overdue. I wanted to capture the dread that was the humming drone in my head beneath whatever pop song was blaring over the bar speakers at the time. I don’t find this sentiment any less relevant for bars I go into as an adult.” – Clint Roberts
Alison Brown & Steve Martin, “Bluegrass Radio”
Artist:Alison Brown & Steve Martin Hometown: La Jolla, California (Alison); Waco, Texas (Steve) Song: “Bluegrass Radio” Release Date: March 15, 2024 Label: Compass Records
In Their Words: “This little tune brings a ton of joy to me. Alison’s playing is flawless, and my singing is flaw-full.” – Steve Martin
Artist:Chick Corea & Béla Fleck Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Remembrance” Album:Remembrance Release Date: May 10, 2024 Label: Béla Fleck Productions (Thirty Tigers)
In Their Words: “’Remembrance’ is one of the last pieces of music Chick ever recorded. It’s just one of those perfect Chick Corea tunes. It sounds to me like a New Orleans funeral march, even though it has a Latin component, like everything he did tended to.” – Béla Fleck
Artist:Chick Corea & Béla Fleck Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Remembrance” Album:Remembrance Release Date: May 10, 2024 Label: Béla Fleck Productions (Thirty Tigers)
In Their Words: “’Remembrance’ is just one of those perfect Chick Corea tunes. It sounds to me like a New Orleans funeral march, even though it has a Latin component, like everything he did tended to.” – Béla Fleck
This week, it feels a bit like musical spring has sprung, and new music is truly blossoming in our current edition of You Gotta Hear This – our once-weekly premiere round-up.
Below, you’ll find a new live performance video from the Bacon Brothers (Kevin Bacon and his brother, Michael), plus singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann has brought us a new track and video, “The Tides.” You’ll also enjoy songs from bluegrasser Darren Nicholson, southern rocker JD Clayton, a bespoke line dance from Buckstein, Rosy Nolan, string band Jake Leg, and a tribute to Mississippi John Hurt from the Tennessee Warblers. Don’t miss the latest edition in our Rootsy Summer Sessions series, too, featuring two original numbers by Jackson Scribner.
There’s so much good music to enjoy, You Gotta Hear This!
The Bacon Brothers, “Losing the Night”
Artist: The Bacon Brothers Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Song: “Losing the Night” Album: Ballad Of The Brothers Release Date: April 19, 2024 Label: Forosoco Music / Forty Below Records
In Their Words: “Sitting down with our co-writer, Casey Beathard, took me back to the early ’70s when I was a staff writer at Combine Music: Set a date and time, drink a lot of coffee, and crank out a song. Songwriters rule in Nashville and always will. Casey’s the top of the top. If you can listen to ‘Boys of Fall’ with a dry eye, then ‘Mister, you’re a better man than I…’ (Yardbirds.)” – Michael Bacon
“Yeah, writing with Casey was great. When we were cutting vocals, I kept returning to the recording we made on my phone as we wrote the song because I wanted to sing it like he did. The autoharp idea just came together at the last minute, but I think it’s pretty cool.” – Kevin Bacon
Video Credit: Bradley Wagner Audio Engineer: Juan Soria
Rachel Maxann, “The Tides”
Artist:Rachel Maxann Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee Song: “The Tides” Release Date: March 4, 2024
In Their Words: “‘The Tides’ is a soulful, folk love song that beautifully captures the ebb and flow of emotions in a relationship. With poetic lyrics and melodic acoustic arrangements, this heartfelt ballad explores the depth of love, drawing parallels to the rhythmic patterns of the tides. Each verse unveils a tale of connection, mirroring the gentle waves that bind two hearts together.” – Rachel Maxann
Buckstein, “Addicted to Love”
Artist:Buckstein Hometown: Denver, Colorado Song: “Addicted to Love” Release Date: March 8, 2024 Label: Rock Ridge Music
In Their Words: “When my producer brought this classic to me, I just assumed we’d be doing it for fun, never to be released. Robert Palmer is a TOUGH act to follow. Leave it to a damn good producer like Mr. E to bring out of the best in me. When he played me the rough cut, I got incredibly excited about where it was going. The production on our ‘Addicted to Love’ is some of my favorite I ever sang to, and I hope people consider it a fond tip of the hat to the late Mr. Palmer. He was a legend, and this song is timeless. Thank you for listening. I hope it’s as much fun for you as it was for us.
“P.S. We have a line dance. Check it out in the video while you listen (and there are dance instructions at the end of the video).” – Buckstein
Rosy Nolan, “One of Your Songs”
Artist:Rosy Nolan Hometown: Los Angeles via San Francisco, California Song: “One of Your Songs” Release Date: March 15, 2024 (single) Label: Blackbird Record Label
In Their Words: “‘One of Your Songs’ is a two-tempo song about a woman strung along by a two-timing man. In the first chorus, she protests, ‘Don’t play me like one of your songs,’ only to surprise him later when he becomes one of her songs.
“I was looking to write a song that oscillated between a high energy old-time tune and a traditional country two-step. I wanted the song’s tempo to reflect the extreme highs and lows of a tumultuous relationship.
“My dear friend, Dave, from Grand Ole Country Bunker suggested I shoot my music video at Sassafras Saloon, a bayou-themed bar in the heart of Hollywood. He produces widely-attended country showcases at the venue. It’s New Orleans meets Old West and contains an entire Savannah townhouse inside the bar. The townhouse was shipped out from Georgia and reassembled inside the venue. Word is that it’s haunted by several spirits. It was the perfect backdrop for the video, equipped with a balcony stage, old time relics, and a rotating bottle conveyer belt.
“Our friends, The Cowpokes from Nashville, performed that evening and they graciously allowed us to shoot the crowd shots during their performance. After a 10 hour shoot day, we were fortunate to have a lot of footage to work with.
“Jack Hackett and his crew were fantastic. I used to act when I was younger so it was a thrill to put the guitar down for a bit and get into character. Fellow cast members, Levi Petree and Frankie Lawson, made it easy and fun.” – Rosy Nolan
Darren Nicholson, “Ain’t No Sin”
Artist:Darren Nicholson Hometown: Canton, North Carolina Song: “Ain’t No Sin” Release Date: March 8, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “This is our raucous, tongue-in-cheek story of mountain folk separating sin from survival. I wrote this with Charles Humphrey III, and it’s even more ironic as I’m currently several years into sobriety myself. It is a fictional tale of people (The Baker Boys) who did what they had to do to provide for their families and communities. The moonshiner way of life was embraced and woven into so many rural circles. Heck, my dad made illegal whiskey to survive; and he made it for everyone from the grannies to the politicians to the preachers. In many cases, the quality of liquor and how it benefited both producer and consumer, was a point of pride for certain areas. What many people fail to realize is, historically, corn liquor production was a way for people to earn a living when times were hard, like during the Great Depression. Early on, it wasn’t a hobby so much as a way to supplement one’s income as a necessity.
“Where the ‘sin’ part comes into play is when one can acknowledge that whiskey by itself is not a sin, but rather the overindulgence or the behaviors resulting from too much to drink, which are viewed as sinful. This song speaks to the ones who find it most sinful; the ones who can’t control the distribution of it or profit from it. I hope all who listen have fun with this track. That’s the intention!” – Darren Nicholson
In Their Words: “‘High Hopes & Low Expectations’ tells a story about a young man who is searching for his better self and greener pastures. He finally has a chance and enough money to leave town for the big city, leaving behind his home and family. He meets an older gentleman that gives him a bit of free advice: ‘Live with High Hopes & Low Expectations.’ The perspective changes halfway through the song. The young man grows old and tells the listener that the old man who gave him advice long ago was right. Go live and live well with high hopes and low expectations. Life won’t always work out right but you’ll be able to sleep well at night.
“This is really a song to myself. It makes me think of leaving Arkansas for Nashville to make it in music. I love the song so much. I wanted the song to feel like a blend of James Taylor and Elton John. I think we got close. It tells a really cool story and I especially love the word choices in the lyrics. ‘Ferry ride for western skies,’ ‘Whiskey wisdoms poured over ice,’ ‘It feels like dark chocolate, honey butter, and hot coals in a cast iron stove in a library.’ Come on!! I cowrote the song with Kendell Marvel. He has become such a good friend and has been so kind to me as I have started my career. I think of myself as the young man in this song and Kendell as the older man giving me this sage advice. It felt like we were living out the song literally as we penned it. I am still learning to live everyday with ‘High Hopes & Low Expectations.'” – JD Clayton
The Tennessee Warblers, “Louis Collins”
Artist:The Tennessee Warblers Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Louis Collins” Release Date: March 8, 2024 (Mississippi John Hurt’s Birthday)
In Their Words: “We’ve been warblin’ this mournfully beautiful murder ballad for a number of years and thought it would be fun to release it in celebration of Mississippi John Hurt’s birthday. First recorded in 1928, the tune has become one of Hurt’s most popular and enduring numbers. Perhaps the juxtaposition of melancholy melody and murder is the reason?
“In 2012, I went on a road trip with photographer, Michael Rooney, to trace the Mississippi Blues Trail. We recently regrouped to pore over the images in search of one to represent Louis Collins’ grave to which the ‘angels laid him away.’ Unfortunately, not long after we settled on the photograph we received news that John Hurt’s home and museum in Avalon, Mississippi had burned down.
“We’d like to urge folks to donate to the Mississippi John Hurt Foundation so that they may rebuild a museum celebrating John Hurt’s kind presence, songs and one of a kind guitar style that continues to entertain and inspire all these years later.” – Adam Dalton
Jake Leg, “Fire on the Prairie”
Artist:Jake Leg Hometown: Lyons, Colorado Song: “Fire on the Prairie” Album:Fire on the Prairie Release Date: March 8, 2024
In Their Words: “‘Fire on the Prairie’ is the title track of our upcoming debut full-length album and we loved the energy we captured in the studio so much that we made it the first track on the record. I wrote ‘Fire on the Prairie’ when I was reflecting on a story I’d heard about some individuals whose entire lives seemed to revolve around the coming of the apocalypse, in a way that was almost romanticized. I found myself thinking about how growing up in an environment like that might impact a person and how they relate to the world. It’s a somewhat ominous song, thematically, and we aimed to reflect that musically with the sonic landscape of the song having sort of a looming sense of something unknown lurching toward you. I think Eric’s vocal performance on this one fits the song perfectly and the band plays with a sense of urgency that really drives it home.” – Dylan McCarthy
Rootsy Summer Sessions: Jackson Scribner
Last summer, flanked by roadside flowers and backgrounded by a softly cooing dove, singer-songwriter Jackson Scribner graced the videographers from I Know We Should with two beautiful, original songs. It’s the latest installment of our Rootsy Summer Sessions series, shot at Rootsy Summer Fest ’23 in Falkenberg, Sweden on the banks of the Ätran.
Scribner, who was born and raised in rural Texas, first performed “Front Porch Rain,” a track from his 2021 self-titled album, with backing vocals by his brother and duo partner, Levi Scribner. Jackson’s voice is soft, but confident as he sings, “Though I see it now/ watch for the weather, wanted to kill it to stay/ it’s a front porch rain…” a striking lyric beneath the summer Swedish sun. There’s certainly a familial quality to the harmonies, though Levi leaves plenty of breathing room, allowing Jackson’s lyrics to come forward.
This week, BGS readers enjoyed two brand new, exclusive sessions – one from our friends at Yamaha Guitars featuring JigJam guitarist Jamie McKeogh and the other featuring songwriter/filmmaker Scott Ballew, direct from last summer’s Rootsy Summer Fest in Falkenberg, Sweden.
But that’s not all, we also have a handful of excellent track premieres from songwriters and musicians like Louise Bichan, Alaina Stacey, and Lily Kershaw. It’s all right here on BGS and, honestly, You Gotta Hear This:
Louise Bichan, “Coldstream”
Artist:Louise Bichan Hometown: Orkney, Scotland will always be home, but for now it’s Cornish, Maine Song: “Coldstream” Album:The Lost Summer Release Date: March 4, 2024 (single); April 5, 2024 (album) Label: Adhyâropa Records
In Their Words: “I wrote ‘Coldstream’ for my aunt and uncle and all of my cousins in Aberdeenshire, in the northeast of Scotland. Uncle Syd grew up playing the fiddle, but it was never cool at the time – he hid the fact that he did! Nowadays, he writes songs and plays a lot of tenor guitar, among other things, and it’s always a joy to visit Aberdeenshire and play a few tunes with him.” – Louise Bichan
Track Credits: Louise Bichan – fiddle Ethan Setiawan – mandolin Brendan Hearn – cello Conor Hearn – guitar Produced, engineered, and mixed by Ethan Setiawan. Mastered by Peter Atkinson.
In Their Words: “This is the first song I wrote with my now bandmate and writing partner, Sam Gyllenhaal. First co-writes are sort of like first dates: You go in with hope & expectations and sometimes you find true love, and sometimes it crashes and burns and becomes a great story to tell later. Luckily, I found true songwriter love with Sam. I was trying to create new starts and say yes to new things, so I went into our first write and opened my heart to the possibility of a new beginning. Sam met me there 100%. I think it came out in this song – the desire to make a fresh start, to have a do-over, and to be the best version of yourself that you can be. Of course, you can’t go back in time. With every epiphany comes the mistake that gave it to you in the first place.” – Alaina Stacey
Track Credits: Written by Alaina Stacey & Sam Gyllenhaal. Alaina Stacey – Vocals, background vocals Josh Hunt – Drums & percussion Todd Lombardo – Acoustic guitar, high strung guitar Matt Pierson – Bass Dustin Ransom – Keys, background vocals Evan Redwine – Electric guitar, programming, engineer, mixing, producer
Video Credits: Tiffany Roberts – Female lead Caleb Shore – Male lead Directed, Produced, Edited and Colored by Rob Bondurant.
Lily Kershaw, “Americandream”
Artist:Lily Kershaw Hometown: Los Angeles, California Song: “Americandream” Label: Nettwerk Music Group
In Their Words:“As I started to resurface from years of prolonged depression in my 20s, a friend one day was telling me about her American dreams. When she asked me what mine were, I told her I didn’t have any. She couldn’t believe that I didn’t have dreams of things I wanted to do in my life. I mean, I loved writing music and sharing it with people, but after battling with depression for so long, there was no place I wanted to go or thing I wanted to do. I had sort of given up. I wrote this song after having this conversation with her that very night. I was in the midst of recording my upcoming album, so I brought it in the next day to the studio finished, and it fit the album perfectly. I love the optimism at the end. I was really singing that to myself… the idea that it’s not too late, and I can still have dreams and live them.” – Lily Kershaw
Yamaha Sessions: Jamie McKeogh
It was early fall when we met with JigJam guitarist Jamie McKeogh just outside of Nashville, Tennessee to capture this brand new, exclusive Yamaha Session.
For his first selection, McKeogh picked up his gorgeous custom Yamaha acoustic guitar and performed “Streets of London,” a song written by Ralph McTell and popularized in bluegrass circles by Tony Rice. McKeogh laughs as he plays through a handful of takes of the tune, trying to remember the order of the verses and hoping he’ll do Rice and McTell justice with his slightly Celtic-infused rendition. His voice is warm and cozy, accompanied by free and tender transatlantic flatpicking that references Rice as often as it explores brand new sonic territories. “Streets of London” shines with McKeogh’s – and JigJam’s – classic treatment, processing American roots music through a Celtic and Irish bluegrass lens.
Last summer in Falkenberg, Sweden, videographers from I Know We Should shot a series of gorgeous sessions during Rootsy Summer Fest ’23, peeling off from the festival with artists from the lineup to capture intimate recordings of fleeting live performances. For the latest in our Rootsy Summer Sessions series, singer-songwriter and filmmaker Scott Ballew performed two songs on the banks of the Ätran overlooking the historic Tullbron bridge and fly fishermen stalking their quarry in the fast flowing water.
“Alright, I’ll try a river song…” Ballew says, introducing an original with a perfect subject for the setting. The selection is “Tent Song” from his 2021 critically-acclaimed debut album, Talking to Mountains. He continues with “Blue Eyes,” from 2022’s follow up to Talking toMountains, entitled Leisure Rodeo.
This week, there were just too many exciting releases and new songs to feature, so buckle up for seven excellent premieres – cause You Gotta Hear This! From a John Hiatt cover by modernist banjo player Tray Wellington to a brand new music video from country neo-traditionalist Corb Lund, from Amelia White to the Roe Family Singers, there’s something for every taste and from every style of American roots music.
Tray Wellington, “Lift Up Every Stone”
Artist:Tray Wellington Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina Song: “Lift Up Every Stone” Release Date: February 23, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “For me, ‘Lift Up Every Stone’ encompasses a sense of encouragement to fight through the hard times in life. When I first heard the John Hiatt version of this song, I loved the use of imagery to convey the lifting atmosphere. It was also a chance to try something new musically, which for anything I record, I want to be challenged more and more — and this was the perfect way to step outside of my comfort zone.” – Tray Wellington
Track Credits: Tray Wellington – Banjo, lead vocal Drew Matulich – Guitar, electric guitar Katelynn Bohn – Bass Josiah Nelson – Mandolin, fiddle DaShawn Hickman – Pedal steel guitar Wendy Hickman – Lead vocal, harmony vocal
Corb Lund, “El Viejo (For Ian)”
Artist:Corb Lund Hometown: Alberta, Canada Song: “El Viejo (For Ian)” Album: El Viejo Release Date: February 23, 2024 Label: New West Records
In Their Words: “We dedicated the record to our late friend, Ian Tyson, and the title track is a tribute to him. ‘El Viejo’ was our friendly nickname for him and it means ‘the old man.’ I’m pretty proud of the song, and the video, which uses a lot of cool old stock footage of him. Hope the record is as satisfying to listen to as it was for us to make. I left it all on the field for this one.” – Corb Lund
Video Credits: Noah Fallis – Director, Director of Photography Jamie Campbell – Producer Brendan Schmidt – Camera Operator, Editor Ethan Wournell – First A/C Blair Bourque – Key Grip Alyssa Howland – Gaffer Archival footage of Ian Tyson courtesy of Neil McGonagle
Amelia White, “Love I Swore”
Artist:Amelia White Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Love I Swore” Album:Love I Swore Release Date: February 23, 2024 Label: Thirty One Tigers
In Their Words: “The title track of Love I Swore is a dark and stormy love letter. I wrote it on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh in deep summer on tour when the sky stayed light until midnight. The ghosts of what I wished a love was and how it seemed to be slipping away were talking, and I wondered if a bird that had left the cage would be happy coming back? Kim Richey (producer) called in Eamon McLoughlin to slay our hearts with violin as the track builds. This honestly is one of my favorite guitar lines that has ever come out of me, and I hope all you troubled lovers find some strange comfort here.“ – Amelia White
Stephanie Sammons, “Faithless”
Artist:Stephanie Sammons Hometown: Dallas, Texas Song: “Faithless” Album:Time and Evolution Release Date: May 3, 2024
In Their Words: “What inspired this song was an old friend from high school who died from suicide in 2022. I kept up with her on social media. She would post pictures of her dog and her kids. Her posts seemed joyful and even funny from time to time. How could I have known she was suffering so immensely? If only I would have known! It was heartbreaking. I felt so helpless.
“And then there are the painful feelings with regards to my younger sister, who has had a rough time just doing ‘life’ in general. Even though we’re only 14 months apart, I was absent and oblivious to what she was going through during her darkest days. I’ve wondered, why does she continue to battle demons and dark places and I don’t? And why did it take me so long to realize how her anger was pain turned inward? I have guilt about not being there for my sibling.
“Because of the pain I have seen others endure and I have felt, this song explores my deep questions about faith. I’m asking myself, what do I have faith in? ‘Faithless’ is reflecting on the indiscriminate nature of suffering, generational trauma, and what ultimately happens to our souls when we depart this world.” – Stephanie Sammons
Track Credits: Written and published by Stephanie Sammons
Stephanie Sammons – Vocals, acoustic guitar Mary Bragg (producer) – Background vocals Josh Kaler – Guitars and pedal steel Jordan Perlson – Drums, percussion Jon Estes– Bass, piano, organ
The Roe Family Singers, “Little Trouble”
Artist:The Roe Family Singers Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota Song: “Little Trouble” Album:Sisters And Brothers Release Date: February 2, 2024 Label: Bonfire Music Group
In Their Words: “I’ve long been interested in the folk process; specifically, the idea that newer folk songs borrow melodies and lyrics from earlier songs and repurpose them. ‘Little Trouble’ started life by borrowing part of the melody from the traditional song ‘Little Birdy,’ and reimagines some of the lyrics, too, updating them to deal with modern concerns like urban versus rural, social media, political scare-mongering and manufactured moral panics, and a culture held together through pharmacology.” – Quillan Roe
Wolf Jett, “Tavira”
Artist:Wolf Jett Hometown: Santa Cruz Mountains Song: “Tavira” Album:Time Will Finally Come Release Date: February 23, 2024
In Their Words: “Imagine leaving your cushy pharma job and rent-controlled apartment in SF to travel by bicycle and busk through southern Spain for a year. One day, you lose your wallet skinny-dipping near the Portuguese border and then you come upon the village of Tavira. Upon first glance, the cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings seem unremarkable, until you cross the Roman bridge over the canal, break open your guitar case, and start playing. Next thing you know, a large crowd gathers around, dancing and cheering, and you make more tips than you’ve seen all month. A French expat offers for you to stay on his farm to help with the fig harvest, and next thing you know you’re closer to Eden than ever. This is a love song to Portugal and the wonderful times I spent there.” – Chris Jones, lead singer and songwriter
Pi Jacobs, “Coyote”
Artist:Pi Jacobs Hometown: Los Angeles, California Song: “Coyote” Album:Soldier On Release Date: April 26, 2024 Label: Blackbird Record Label
In Their Words: “The song began one day when a coyote stalked my dog on a walk, following us home, and even jumping our fence that night. It was a terrifying experience, but the metaphor it brought to mind was even more menacing. My best friend had been fighting cancer and every time we thought it was gone, it would spring back up, just like this dang coyote. The image was so powerful, that when I told the story to my co-writer, Ted Russell Kamp, the song just about wrote itself! But even with this bleak backstory, the song sounds ‘happy,’ and I’m happy to report that both my dog and my friend are alive and well. Take that coyote!” – Pi Jacobs
Track Credits: Written by Lisa Marie Jacobs and Ted Russell Kamp
Recorded in Los Angeles at Carriage House & Forty Below Records Eric Corne & Pi Jacobs – Producers Eric Corne – Engineer Mark Chalecki – Mastering engineer Pi Jacobs – Guitar, lead vocal, backing vocal Adam Hall – Dobro, banjo Zack Hall – Upright bass Butch Norton – Drums, percussion Philip Glen – Mandolin
Video Credit: Taylor Hungerford, Director / Silver Spark Printworks
Photo Credit: Tray Wellington by Heidi Holloway; Corb Lund by Noah Fallis.
Artist:The High Hawks Hometown: Boulder, Colorado and All Points Between, USA Song: “This Is What Love Feels Like” Album:Mother Nature’s Show Release Date: February 16, 2024 Label: LoHi Records
In Their Words: “This song sits in a slightly different world than the rest of The High Hawks’ new record. It’s a step into the mind of a hopeless romantic at a show, waiting for the band to come on with his love by his side. Sometimes the world just seems to conspire to make everything just right. This is about one of those nights. The song came out of a co-write with Chris Gelbuda, Shawn Camp, and myself one Nashville summer afternoon. I’m glad it found a home with The High Hawks!” — Vince Herman
Track Credits: Written by Vince Herman, Shawn Camp, Chris Gelbuda
Vince Herman – lead vocals, acoustic guitar Adam Greuel – background vocals, acoustic guitar Tim Carbone – fiddle Chad Staehly – piano, mellotron Brian Adams – bass guitar Will Trask – percussion
This week, BGS readers enjoyed two brand new, original sessions – one from Jesper Lindell at Rootsy Summer Fest ’23 and the other featuring bluegrass singer-songwriter Theo MacMillan for our latest Yamaha Session.
Now, to wrap up the week, we’re celebrating new releases from a host of roots musicians like Caleb Caudle, Zoe Boekbinder, Eddie Sanders, Denmark-based string band Twang, and fiddler Andy Leftwich.
Of all the new music released this week, you gotta hear this!
Caleb Caudle, “Monte Carlo”
Artist:Caleb Caudle Hometown: Germanton, North Carolina Song: “Monte Carlo” Album:Live From Cash Cabin Release Date: January 31, 2024 (single); February 29, 2024 (EP)
In Their Words: “We recorded these songs live at Cash Cabin in the spring of 2022 and had such a great time. It was one of my last memories of playing music with my friend, Alex McKinney, who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. His untimely death hit me like a ton of bricks and I wanted to release this now to showcase what an amazing musician he was. I’m so thankful for these recordings that keep his spirit alive.” – Caleb Caudle
Video Credit: Joseph Cash
Zoe Boekbinder, “Hold My Hand”
Artist:Zoe Boekbinder Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana Song: “Hold My Hand” Album:Wildflower Release Date: February 2, 2024 (single); April 26, 2024 (album) Label: Are and Be Recordings
In Their Words: “‘Hold My Hand’ was written on a farm of rescue horses in the mountains in northern Spain. I was there doing a music residency in the summer of 2017. Myself and another songwriter, Dustin Hamman, co-wrote a collection of songs and recorded them all in one week. We also each wrote one song independent of each other. ‘Hold My Hand’ was mine. We slept in the attic of the horse barn, directly above the horse stalls. One of the horses had digestive issues that caused it to fart very loudly and constantly. It was an interesting soundtrack for sleeping. Somehow in that silliness, I wrote this very painful song about my confused heart.” – Zoe Boekbinder
In Their Words: “The song talks about a musician’s encounter with the audience and the fear that things could go terribly wrong. Despite this fear, the message is to be honest and give everything you have, in order to receive the same honesty and love in return. The chorus goes: ‘Love is honesty, honesty, respect / What you give is what you get.'” – Twang
Video Credit: Hidayet C
Eddie Sanders, “Chasing That Midnight Moon”
Artist:Eddie Sanders Hometown: McAlester, Oklahoma Song: “Chasing That Midnight Moon” Album:Born to Fly Label: True Lonesome Records
In Their Words: “I really love this new single, ‘Chasing That Midnight Moon,’ a song I co-wrote with my producer and good friend, Glen Duncan. Glen, along with an all-star cast of pickers, found a dynamic studio groove on this one right away. Then, when the great John Cowan added his signature harmony, it immediately became one of my favorites on the forthcoming album and locked it in as the debut single. I can’t wait for everyone to check it out on the new True Lonesome Records label!” – Eddie Sanders
“What a pleasure and pleasant surprise to get to participate on Eddie’s ‘Chasing That Midnight Moon.’ Eddie possesses one of the finest voices and songwriting gifts in contemporary bluegrass music.” – John Cowan
Andy Leftwich, “Behind the 8 Ball”
Artist:Andy Leftwich Hometown: Carthage, Tennessee Song: “Behind the 8 Ball” Release Date: February 2, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “The idea of this song was to have an upbeat ‘barn burner’ that could lend itself to some really creative soloing, and I feel like we captured that here. I have to give the credit of the title to my wife, Rachel, who heard me mention this phrase while in the studio recording it. We were moving along, but not at the pace I was hoping, so we were behind on time. At the end of the day, she mentioned naming this song, ‘Behind the 8 Ball.’ I thought it was perfect! It certainly has that anxious spirit we all have from time to time when we get in tough spots, but it’s a fun tune that has great energy and a different sound than you normally hear in bluegrass ‘barn burner’ instrumentals.” – Andy Leftwich
Jesper Lindell, “It Ain’t Easy”
Last summer, on the banks of the Ätran beside Tryckhallen – Rootsy Summer & Winter Fests’ home venue – in Falkenberg, Sweden, Jesper Lindell offered two songs in simple, stripped down, acoustic performances for his Rootsy Summer Session. On a balcony overlooking the rushing water and festival stage, he sings “It Ain’t Easy,” a song of long-suffering and devotion from his 2023 EP, Windows Vol. 1.
For our second original session this week, Theo MacMillan (of Theo & Brenna) and his band performed for an exclusive Yamaha Session at Solar Cabin last fall. MacMillan, who brought along Jed Clark (bass), Harry Clark (mandolin), and Cory Walker (banjo), pulled his Yamaha acoustic guitar out of the case and performed two original numbers. The first, “The One That’s Broken,” leans forward at a breakneck pace, channeling the frustration of a messy relationship’s end with cattywampus stops artfully executed by the band, tight and together.
This week, BGS readers enjoyed a track premiere from California-based string band Moonsville Collective, as well as our very first Rootsy Summer Session featuring an exclusive performance by Israel Nash on the streets of Falkenberg, Sweden. Also, in this week’s edition of Out Now, we highlighted a brand new single from Mary Bragg, too.
Featured in today’s premiere round-up, You Gotta Hear This, is new music from bluegrass supergroup Sister Sadie with their illustrious friend, Ashley McBryde, plus producer, guitarist, musician extraordinaire John Leventhal, Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, the Grackles featuring Kat Edmonson, and North Carolina bluegrass/Americana outfit Unspoken Tradition.
We hope you enjoy a week’s worth of new music and videos; ’cause You Gotta Hear This!
Sister Sadie, “Ode to the Ozarks” (featuring Ashley McBryde)
Artist:Sister Sadie Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Ode To The Ozarks” (featuring Ashley McBryde) Album: No Fear Release Date: January 26, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “This song was originally sent to me by a great songwriter from Nashville that we’re all big fans of, Marcus Hummon. When I heard the demo, I could hear us doing it immediately in my head and sent it around to the band. I thought it would be a great fit for us and had some awesome vocal harmony possibilities. The song was co-written by Ashley McBryde and Kat Higgins, who we’re also big fans of. In the meantime, Dani Flowers had joined Sister Sadie and is very close friends with Ashley. So of course she was an advocate for doing the song as well, and asked Ashley if she would consider singing on it with us in the studio. She graciously agreed and we were so honored to have her join us! We’re grateful to Marcus, Ashley, and Kat for entrusting us to give it the right treatment. It has a very ‘swampy’ feel and is such a FUN song to perform live. We got to perform this song on the Grand Ole Opry with Ashley and that was such a special memory for us all! Hope you love it as much as we do.” – Gena Britt, banjo
“I am so happy with the way ‘Ode To The Ozarks’ turned out. It ended up so funky and dirty with the stellar musicianship of Seth Taylor, Tristan Scroggins, and Tony Creasman added to the Sadie girls. We are so honored that Ashley McBryde agreed to sing on this one with us. The icing on the cake!” – Deanie Richardson, fiddle
John Leventhal, “That’s All I Know About Arkansas” (featuring Rosanne Cash)
Artist: John Leventhal Hometown: New York, New York Song: “That’s All I Know About Arkansas” (featuring Rosanne Cash) Album:Rumble Strip Release Date: January 26, 2024 Label: RumbleStrip Records
In Their Words: “Rosanne had these lyrics. I wasn’t sure what they were actually about, but I loved them and they seemed to fit with a weird West African-bluegrass riff I had. There are two distinct guitar solos, each a tip of the hat to two musicians to whom I owe a debt: Ry Cooder and Clarence White.” – John Leventhal
Grackles, “Top Of The World” (featuring Kat Edmonson)
Artist:Grackles Hometown: Austin, Texas Song: “Top Of The World” featuring Kat Edmonson Album:Grackles Release Date: February 24, 2024 (album)
In Their Words: “‘Top Of The World’ was a beautiful chord structure Jason [Mozersky] had, that we all sat and strummed together on acoustic guitars live in the studio with upright bass and brushes on the drums. It instantly felt so warm and welcoming. I knew I wanted to sing it way lower than normal, so got Kat Edmonson to sing the melody with me. Sort of a Lee Hazelwood and Nancy Sinatra vibe. Lyrically, it’s pretty straight forward. It’s such a short, honest piece, I really tried hard not to let the words get in the way. I’m happily married and with a beautiful daughter and find my own life to be pretty damn great. Meanwhile the world around me crumbles. We bounce from one shit storm to the next, and try desperately to keep it together.” – Noah Lit
Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, “Homesick For Virginia”
Artist:Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road Hometown: Deep Gap, North Carolina Song: “Homesick For Virginia” Album:Yellow Line Release Date: January 26, 2024 Label: Pinecastle Records
In Their Words:“This song (penned by Colton Kerchner) is a story of misadventure and longing for home. Though the song is straightforward and wrapped in a 3/4 bluegrass power waltz, I felt like a lot of folks could relate to the message behind it. Being young, 20-something musicians out there on the road, home is always on our minds along with our friends and family, who we frequently miss. This is one of the more traditional tunes on the album, and I thought the guys really knocked it out of the park with the feel of that old Stanley-inspired sound.” – Liam Purcell
Unspoken Tradition, “Weary Town”
Artist:Unspoken Tradition Hometown: Cherryville, North Carolina Song: “Weary Town” Release Date: January 26, 2024 Label: Mountain Home Music Company
In Their Words: “Our hometown was a great place to grow up. It thrived for decades because of a trucking company founded by some of its citizens. Many locals found work there; it was almost analogous to a mining town. That trucking company was bought by a larger corporation that ultimately closed the terminal, and the town became a shell of its former self in a matter of a few years. It hurts in a way only bittersweet nostalgia can, to know that the town where I made so many memories exists in name only. When John Cloyd Miller sent us this one, it just ripped at my heart, because it makes the struggle and loss of a fading town so real. ‘What’s it gonna take for us to hold on?’ Iris Dement couldn’t have written a better love letter to a fading town!” – Audie McGinnis
Israel Nash, “Lost In America” (Rootsy Summer Sessions)
Last summer, in picturesque Falkenberg, Sweden, Rootsy Music held Summer Fest ’23, a gathering of twenty-some Americana, country, folk, and roots bands – many imported all the way from the United States. BGS video collaborators and contributors I Know We Should were there; they curated, directed, and shot a series of gorgeous live performances in and around the festival and scenic Falkenberg.
The first in the series features Israel Nash – a Rootsy artist, as well as a frequenter of Rootsy stages and festivals – performing an original song, “Lost in America.”
In Their Words: “Friendships are often forged on some highway to nowhere. We left Pappy & Harriet’s, said goodbye to our wives, and drove across the country chasing the rookie leagues…” – Corey Adams
Artist: Mary Bragg Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Song: “Only So Much You Can Do” Release Date: January 23, 2024
In Their Words: “‘Only So Much You Can Do’ is about chasing joy in the company of another person. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about that New York Times article about the secret to happiness – and how relationships are the key to it. We are pack people; we need each other; we need other human beings around us in order to be our best, happiest selves. Friends plus community plus honesty equals joy…” – Mary Bragg
Artist:Moonsville Collective Hometown: Whittier, California Song: “Helen Highway” Album:A Hundred Highways Release Date: January 26, 2024 (single); April 12, 2024 (album) Label: Rock Ridge Music
In Their Words: “Friendships are often forged on some highway to nowhere. We left Pappy & Harriet’s, said goodbye to our wives, and drove across the country chasing the rookie leagues. We cried together, got sideways together, white-knuckled the narrow road in Kentucky through a storm so mean we all just sat quietly, hoping to come through with our teeth intact. This group of guys – we spent five to seven years together or so – we loved each other’s wild. Years gone now, we don’t run together quite as much – and this is an ode to friendships that never die on you.” – Corey Adams
Photo Credit: Sagia Silva
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