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The Red Stick Ramblers"Some of These Days"
Made in the Shade - 2007 Sugar Hill Records
This Louisiana-based group brings forth their fourth full-length offering (EP Red Stick Ramblers released earlier this year). Great Cajun-based group who have seasoned quite well through the years. They offer up traditional music with a Cajun flavor while being somewhat experimental at the same time.
http://www.redstickramblers.com/
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Mick McAuley & Winifred Horan"After the Gold Rush"
Serenade - 2006 Compass Records
2/5 of the Irish American group Solas cover this Neil Young song for their first project away from their regular gig.
http://compassrecords.com/mick-mcauley-and-winifred-horan
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Erin McKeown"Born to Hum"
Grand - 2003 Nettwerk Records
Frederickburg, VA native Erin McKeown brings us one of those albums that can't be categorized and its boldly evident that this was intentional. From purely folk to softcore rock to groovy jazz McKeown proves she widely capable when it comes to producing good music.
http://www.erinmckeown.com/
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Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane and Fats Kaplin"Mellow Down Easy"
Lost John Dean - 2006 Compass Records
From their second album as a trio this group offers up an album of mostly beefed-up folk musical ballads. Mellow Down Easy is a cover of Willie Dixons blues tune that closes out an album that showcases this trio's ability to add depth and enthusiasm to works even when the approach is simple. If you are a folk and americana music fan then this album would be a great addition to your library.
http://compassrecords.com/kane-welch-kaplin
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Steve Earle"Sparkle and Shine"
Washington Square - 2007 New West Records
Earle has moved to New York City and his music reflects his new surroundings and the experiences there of a southern soul. This album is more edgy than some of the past few albums from Earle and as always he ruffles a few feathers with cuts like City of Immigrants and Red is the Color. Earle definitely has a refreshed approach to his music whether its his new location lending to that fact or not. Another great album from Earle.
http://www.steveearle.com/
See video's and more from Steve Earle at Twangville.
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Eilen Jewell"Dusty Boxcar Wall"
Letters From Sinners and Strangers - 2007 from Signature Sounds Records
Boise, Idaho native Eilen Jewell now calls Boston home where she is making quite a name for herself. She takes traditional folk and runs it through the paces of an upgraded, modern approach. She's at home with everything from folk to western swing, always traditional at the core even when she throws in modern studio tricks. This is actually Jewell's third release but her first to a national audience and this album definitely buys her a bright future in the industry.
http://www.eilenjewell.com/
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King Wilkie"Wrecking Ball" and "Millie's Song"
Low Country Suite - 2007 on Zoe Records
If your expecting more bluegrass from King Wilkie's new release... well, you will get it but not from start to finish. This album pushes back the boundaries and restraints of just one genre of music and gives the guys some space to explore with their acoustic instruments. This album loses no steam from start to finish, ballad to stomper. Get this album!
http://www.kingwilkie.com/
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Kim Richey"The Absence of Your Company"
Tiny Lilly - 2007 from Vanguard Records
Established songwriter Kim Richey offers up a full field of instrumets to back up her incredibly constructed songs. I can't for the life of me figure out why Richey still rides under the radar because she really knows how to write a song... and deliver it. This is her fifth album and the first from Vangaurd Records. Richey took off for the U.K. to record this project with producer Giles Martin who has worked on projects with artists from Kate Bush to Celine Dion... it's ok, I promise. Another great album from Richey!
http://www.kimrichey.com/
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Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain - "Seven Miles From Wichita"Self Titled Album - 2006 Rural Rhythm Records
Not quite traditional bluegrass but close enough now that bluegrass has gone full-tilt Nashville. It seems more and more the releases from bluegrass get more pop-country flavored of late and follow the same recipe for sales. If you like bluegrass you will like this album just don't expect any Monroe or Flatt and Scruggs reminders here. The band can play and Hassler has a great voice.
http://www.carriehasslerandhardrain.com/
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