Twang Nation – The Best In Americana Music
Americana & Roots Music & Culture
At the George Strait show at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Saturday night (5/4) Strait not only confirmed a new album is on the way, he also debuted two new songs from it, including a cut with Chris Stapleton entitled “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame.”.
Strait said during the concert that, “We’ve got a new record that’s called ‘Cowboys and Dreamers. It’s gonna be coming out soon.” (See below)
So Strait fans, it looks like the cowboy won’t be riding away anytime soon, and thank goodness.
Hawthorne says she’s happily married and I’ll take her word for it.
But she’s done a dang good job portraying a troubled woman. Sure her newest cut, “Where Did I Go Wrong,” marks off many country music cliches – a broken heart, sitting in the bar pining on what went wrong – with her Miranda Lambert-belt meets Bonnie Raitt-bluesey swagger she sends the tune into another dimension.
She was obsessed with music since her childhood on the East Coast, Madeline planted roots in Bozeman, MT during college and never turned back. She honed her talents through countless backup and band gigs before going solo amid the Global Pandemic- which put her then band, Hawthorne Roots, on the skids. Balancing Americana, roots, folk, and rock, she introduced herself on the 2021 LP, Boots, co-produced by Brad Parsons and Tyler Thompson in Pittsburgh. In between, she shared the stage with everyone from Jason Isbell, Lukas Nelson, Josh Turner, and Kip Moore to Sierra Hull, John Craigie, and Nathaniel Rateliff.”
Hawthorne’s new album ‘Tales From Late Nights & Long Drives’ (which contains this single) is due out everywhere on June 14 and was produced by the famed Ryan Hadlock (Zach Bryan, The Lumineers, Vance Joy) and recorded at Bear Creek Studios near Seattle, WA.
At this point in country music history Randy Travis has been cast along with some of the greatest voices in the genre. Even now, as this track shows, Travis’ voice can still melt butter on a January morning. In 2013 Travis experienced a stroke in that left him unable to speak or move without assistance. He spent over 2 years in daily therapy to regain the abilities. As this song, first song in a decade, proves the man is back in fine form.
“You’ll hear much more about the special team of folks who came together to help make this magical moment in my career possible in the coming week.In the meantime, just know that when it comes to singing songs for you, there’s always more where that came from.” Travis posted on his Instagram.
The song is a bittersweet recollection of a love that has now gone, delivered in Travis’ signature baritone.
There appears to be some hoopla via AI filling in for much of Travis’ vocal issues. But not from me. As I type this on my laptop, who am I to point a finger and judge a legend. It sounds good and that’s enough for me.
Austin-based singer/songwriter Jesse Daniel releases the incisive duet “Tomorrow’s Good Ol’ Days” featuring Ben Haggard, son of country legend Merle Haggard.
A stomping piece of social commentary, the track comes from Daniel’s upcoming LP Countin’ The Miles, due out June 7 via Lightning Rod Records. It follows the raucous yet reflective first single “Comin’ Apart At The Seams,” which earned praise from Brooklyn Vegan, Holler, No Depression, Whiskey Riff, Country Central, Twang Nation and more. This month, Daniel will support Blackberry Smoke in Houston, TX before supporting Charles Wesley Godwin on a run of dates in July.
Record Store Day has revealed its list of releases for the 2021 season. The releases will follows the 2020 pattern of spreading out releases over multiple days in response to the pandemic which, in this case will be 6/12 and 7/17, instead of the usual one day its usual April occurrence event.
This year’s batch of releases includes the usual mix of reissues, rarities, and notable exclusives.
Highlights include 2 releases by John Prine, one a curated collection of songs from the Oh Boy Records catalog by independent record stores and the other a live recording from New York City’s Other End from December 1975.
So, get to your favorite indy record store early (I’ll be at Good Records in Dallas) and share those great finds with me on Instagram and Twitter.
See the full list of Record Store Say releases here.
June 12th releases
THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA – I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to Be Free
Format: 7″ Vinyl
Label: Single Lock Records
Quantity: 1200
The Blind Boys of Alabama are among the most premier artists of the gospel world. Bela Fleck is among the most premier artists of the bluegrass world. Together, they have earned 20 Grammy Awards and scores of other accolades. For RSD Drops 2021, The Blind Boys of Alabama and Bela Fleck have joined together for a special 7″ 45RPM vinyl release.
On the A-side, they cover “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free”, the Billy Taylor and Dick Dallas classic made famous by Nina Simone. The song continues to be an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. On the B-side, the Blind Boys bring “See By Faith” to a physical format for the first time. A bonus track to their acclaimed LP, Almost Home, “See By Faith” is a previously unreleased Bob Dylan-penned track.
STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES / JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE – The Saint of Lost Causes
ormat: 7″ Vinyl
Label: New West Records
Quantity: 2000
In the winter of 2021, Steve Earle & The Dukes released J.T., an eleven-song recording that consists of ten Justin Townes Earle songs and one Steve Earle original. The album was released to critical acclaim and Steve Earle’s proceeds from the record are continually being directed to a trust for his granddaughter, Etta (Justin’s daughter). In honor of Justin Townes Earle and the record his father recorded, New West is proud to present a split 7″ featuring two versions of an indelible Justin’ Townes Earle song. The double A-side single features “The Saint Of Lost Causes.” as performed by Justin from his 2019 album of the same name as well as Steve Earle & The Dukes’ version from the J.T. release. This split 7†single will be pressed on yellow vinyl and limited to 3,500 copies worldwide.
Side 1A “The Saint Of Lost Causes†– Steve Earle & The Dukes
Side 2A “The Saint Of Lost Causes†– Justin Townes Earle
SARAH JAROSZ – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For/my future
Format: 12″ Vinyl
Label: Rounder Records
Quantity: 1200
Sarah Jarosz puts her own unique stamp on songs by Billie Eilish and U2 on this 12″ single. Side B etching.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For/my future
MARIA MCKEE – High Dive
Format: 2 x LP
Label: Afar
Quantity: 500
Essential re-issue of High Dive, Maria McKee’s post-Geffen return from 2003, pressed on double vinyl. This is the first time this album has been released on vinyl and it is an essential collector’s item for fans of McKee.
The Open Spaces / Life Is Sweet / After Life / Be My Joy / High Dive / My Friend Foe / In Your Constellation / Love Doesn’t Love / We Pair Off / No Gala / Non Religious Building / Something Similar / From Our T.V.Teens To The Tomb / Worry Birds
JONI MITCHELL – Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 1 (1963-1967): Highlights
Format: LP
Label: Rhino / Joni Mitchell Archives
Quantity: 5500
Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 1 (1963-1967): Highlights is an exclusive LP, featuring highlights from the first volume of the ongoing Joni Mitchell Archives series. The release – which has been supervised by Joni Mitchell – features rare home recordings, live performances, and radio broadcasts recorded between 1963 and 1967. Pressed on 180gram vinyl, exclusively for RSD Drops 2021. Strictly limited to 15000 copies worldwide.
July 17th releases
THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND – The Final Note
Format: 2 x LP
Label: Allman Brothers Band Recording Company
Quantity: 9000
Live Recording of Duane Allman’s last performance, from 10-17-71 at Painters Mill Music Fair in Owings Mill, MD
Additional unreleased bonus track, “Stormy Mondayâ€, from Austin, TX, 1971.
Pressed on limited edition Black & White swirl vinyl as part of RSD Drops.
Statesboro Blues/Trouble No More/Don’t Keep Me Wondering/Done Somebody Wrong/One Way Out/In Memory of Elizabeth Reed/Hot ‘lanta/Whipping Post/Stormy Monday
CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG = Déjà vu Alternates
Format: LP
Label: Atlantic
Quantity: 10000
Déjà Vu Alternates from Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young is a recreation of their immensely popular second album, Déjà Vu, featuring alternate versions of songs which appeared on the original album. The iconic album which featured “Teach Your Children,†“Woodstock,†“Our House†and “Helpless†will showcase these alternate versions on vinyl for the first time. It will also feature a cover that mirrors the original album with an alternate photo from the cover shoot. Pressed on 180g black vinyl, exclusively for RSD Drops 2021. Strictly Limited to 10,000 copies worldwide.
DR. JOHN, THE NIGHT TRIPPER – The Sun, Moon & Herbs Deluxe 50th Anniversary Edition
Format: 3 x LP
Label: Run Out Groove
Quantity: 3000
Deluxe and limited 50th anniversary edition of Dr. John’s fourth studio album for Atco Records. Three LP expanded release with deluxe packaging and new liner notes featuring over 70 minutes of previously unreleased material on two discs, recorded during the 1971 album sessions and making a physical debut for RSD Drops. Only one track from the bonus material was previously available on the limited Run Out Groove vinyl release: Dr. John: Professor Bizarre’s Funknology.
1.Black John The Conqueror 2. Where Ya At Mule 3. Craney Crow 4. Familiar Reality-Opening 5. Pots On Fiyo (Filé Gumbo) / Who I Got To Fall On (If The Pot Get Heavy) 6. Zu Zu Mamou 7. Familiar Reality-Reprise 8. Home Boy, Show Me The Way Back Home (take 1)* 9. Free From the Beast (take 1)* 10. Headin’ A Little Closer To My Home (take 2)* 11. Jungle (take 2)* 12. Trip City (edits of takes 4&7)* 13. Strictly Off The Wall, Look What You’ve Done 14. Unknown Jam* 15. Fish Dance* 16. Catfish Soiree Medley* 17. Burning* 18. Numerology* 19. Where Ya At Mule (alternate take)*
*=previously unreleased
BOB DYLAN – Jokerman / I And I Remixes
Format: 12″ Vinyl
Label: Legacy
Quantity: 7000
This 12†features two reggae remixes each of “Jokerman†and “I And Iâ€, by Doctor Dread. The original versions of both tracks appeared on Dylan’s Infidels album, with Sly & Robbie as the rhythm section. The two “I And I†remixes were previously released on Is It Rolling Bob: A Reggae Tribute To Bob Dylan (2003) ,while the “Jokerman†remixes are newly commissioned and previously unreleased. Doctor Dread has worked with Bob Marley, Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, Inner Circle, Gregory Isaacs, Luciano, Mad Cobra, Freddy McGregor, Sly and Robbie, Steel Pulse, The Wailers and many others.
Side A: 1. “Jokerman [Reggae Remix]†2. “Jokerman [Instrumental Dub]â€
Side B: 1. “I and I [Reggae Remix]†2. “I and I [Reggae Dub]â€
JOHN FOGERTY – Blue Ridge Rangers EP
Format: 12″ Vinyl
Label: BMG
Quantity: 2500
This special release combines two key singles from John Fogerty’s 1973 debut solo album The Blue Ridge Rangers on a limited edition Blue vinyl 12†single. The two singles included are the classics “Jambalaya (On The Bayou)†backed with “Hearts Of Stone†Also included are the original B-sides “Workin’ On A Building†and “Somewhere Listening (For My Name)â€
Featuring replications of the original artwork from both singles, one on each side.
BOBBIE GENTRY – The Windows of the World
Format: LP
Label: Capitol Nashville
Quantity: 2500
Bobbie’s journey from country singer-songwriter to blue eyed soul diva stopped off at a hitherto unknown destination along the way. Before she arrived at Muscle Shoals to work her magic with the late great Rick Hall, Bobbie cut a laid back album of classic and contemporary jazz tunes that was abandoned before it had chance to see the light of day. This was a shame, as Bobbie proves herself as adept in this genre as in any other. This self-produced collection first saw the light of day on the Bobbie Gentry boxset, but this lost album deserves to have its own separate release and what better format than vinyl? The set exudes a sophisticated and intimate late-night vibe mostly featuring Bobbie alone with her guitar accompanied by a bass player; occasionally there is a whisper of strings from Jimmie Haskell who famously composed the cello and violin arrangement on Ode to Billie Joe. Gentry fans will find much to love in Bobbie’s short lived but brilliant turn as a jazz singer. The original 8 tracks to be supplemented by the ‘I Didn’t Know’ and ‘Hushabye Mountain’ demos recorded around the same time, this LP also features the previously unreleased Hushabye Mountain [alternate version].
Suppertime
God Bless The Child
Since I Fell For You
Here’s That Rainy Day
I Didn’t Know [demo]
Hushabye Mountain [Demo]
Stormy
Save Your Love For Me
This Girl’s in Love With You
The Windows of the World
Hushabye Mountain (previously unreleased)
THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS – Undercover
Format: LP
Label: Americana Vibes
Quantity: 1200
The Infamous Stringdusters are releasing a compilation of cover songs never-before released on vinyl for RSD Drops 2021. These songs have been played live in many instances, and were at once point released individually, so this will be a treat to band fans and vinyl collectors alike. The Infamous Stringdusters won three awards at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards Ceremony in October 2007: Emerging Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Fork in the Road (in a tie with J.D. Crowe & the New South’s album Lefty’s Old Guitar), and Song of the Year for the album’s title cut. The band was also nominated for 2011 Entertainer of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. In 2011, “Magic No. 9” (from Things That Fly) was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance. In 2018, they won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album.
1. Just Like Heaven
2. Golden
3. Jessica
4. What’s Going On
5. Get Lucky
6. Big River
7. Highwayman
8. Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright
9. Fearless
10. American Girl
JOHNNY PAYCHECK – Uncovered: The First Recordings
Format: LP
Label: Lightning Rod Records
Quantity: 2000
Early in Johnny Paycheck’s pre-fame career, he toured as a sideman and bassist for George Jones in the early 1960s. At that time, he entered a recording studio in an attempt to secure a record deal as a solo artist. The recordings have been long forgotten and unheard until now. The Adams Brothers, who gained notoriety on Mike Judge’s Tales From The Tour Bus episode on Paycheck, produced the songs and worked as Paycheck’s band. These recordings showcase Paycheck’s considerable talent long before the music world took notice. Paycheck performs songs by some of country music’s most iconic songwriters such as Cowboy Jack Clement, Mel Tillis, and Bill Anderson. Step back in time and listen to uncovered country music history.
Family Bible / I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name / A Girl I Used To Know / Me and My Heart and My Shoes / Long Black Limousine / Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold) / Miller’s Cave / Heartbreak Eve
JOHN PRINE – Stay Independent: The Oh Boy Years Curated By Indie Record Stores
Format: LP
Label: Oh Boy Records
Quantity: 3000
A collection of songs from the Oh Boy Records catalog curated by independent record stores.
Side 1: 1) In Spite of Ourselves 2) All The Best 3) Summer’s End 4) Some Humans Ain’t Human
Side 2: 1) Sins of Memphisto 2) Lonesome Friends of Science 3) It’s A Big Old Goofy World 4) When I Get To Heaven
JOHN PRINE – Live At The Other End, December 1975
Format: 4 x LP
Label: Atlantic
Quantity: 8500
In December 1975, Grammy award-winning songwriter John Prine played three nights at The Other End (previously and now known as The Bitter End) in Greenwich Village, NYC. The acoustic performances featured some of his best-known songs such as “Angel From Montgomery†and “Hello In Thereâ€, from his first four studio albums: John Prine (1971), Diamonds In The Rough (1972), Sweet Revenge (1973) and Common Sense (1975). These rare and previously unreleased solo performances—comprising two full sets—will now be made available, pressed on 180g black vinyl, exclusively RSD Drops 2021. Strictly limited to 12000 copies worldwide.
ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES – Half The City Live
Format: LP
Label: St Paul & The Broken Bones
Quantity: 1000
I remember the heat that day burning through my JCPenney’s suit that I bought just the day before for our show at Avondale Brewing Company in Birmingham. 100 degree temperature outside in the dead of summer in Alabama is not uncommon. I was pouring sweat alongside people who had just met that day for the first time to play a show under the name St. Paul & The Broken Bones. I hated my name being in the band’s name but who cared at that point, it was just a fling. Now, over 8 years later, we built a career out of it.
The legendary Marty Stuart will soon release ‘Songs I Sing In The Dark,’ an acoustic 20-song album comprised of 20 “Obscure songs, old favorites” as Stuart describes them in the introductory video below, and was recorded just outside of Nashville.
Stuart will be sharing one tune each month alongside a personal statement about the song’s importance, both personally and in the context of country music history of which Stuart is a participant as well as a student. Whether that means that the album will then be formally released after all 20 songs have been shared once per month which would be October 2022 (!) is unknown as I was unable to find an official release date
About ‘Songs I Sing In The Dark,’ the five-time Grammy winner says “The title tells the story. I have a long line of songs that range from obscure, originals, to old favorites from various musical worlds that I often sing to myself when I’m alone,†He continues. “Until recently, I had never formally made a list of all the titles. When I did, I saw in those titles so many great songs that need to be remembered and passed down. There was a mighty congregation of names of profound songwriters whose presence and lyrics are to be cherished. And, looking into those songs I could hear the music of those brilliant musicians, arrangers, and singers who brought those tunes to life, and gave the world reason to love them. In the wake of these revelations, I was inspired to finally go to work on the idea of Songs I Sing in the Dark.â€
“I love the restless wisdom in the words, and those words are shadowed by a lonesome melody that is served up from the blue side of town,†says Stuart. “As the pandemic raged on, ‘Ready for the Times to Get Better’ became my personal theme song. I can’t seem to quit playing it. Several months later, I’m still at it. The title proclaims what every soul on planet earth undoubtable feels. It is the perfect country song and I consider it an honor to sing such words.â€
Songwriter Allen Reynolds penned the first release “Ready for the Times to Get Better.†The song was originally cut by Crystal Gayle for the 1976 album ‘Crystal,’ and it went on to become a Number One hit for her.
In December of 2020, the Country Music Association announced Stuart would be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the Modern Era Artist category along with Dean Dillon and Hank Williams Jr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1AXPIPf7NM
Nominees for the 2021 Grammy Awards were announced with Miranda Lambert dominating the Country Music Categories (3). The Queen of Americana Lucinda Williams has 2 and ties with The Secret Sisters (Laura Rogers & Lydia Rogers) and John Prine’s last composition , “I Remember Everything, which has been nominated in two categories Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song.
The Grammy Awards for roots music takes place before the televised preceding the 2021 GRAMMY Awards show, the 63rd GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony will take place Sunday, March 14, at noon PT, and will be streamed live internationally via GRAMMY.com.
The 2021 GRAMMY Awards show performer lineup will include performances from Texas’ own neo-soul newcomers Black Pumas, Brandi Carlile, Mickey Guyton, Brittany Howard, Miranda Lambert and more.
Here are the country and roots music nominees:
Best Country Solo Performance:
“Stick That in Your Country Song,†Eric Church
“Who You Thought I Was,†Brandy Clark
“When My Amy Prays,†Vince Gill
“Black Like Me,†Mickey Guyton
“Bluebird,†Miranda Lambert
Best Country Duo/Group Performance:
“All Night,†Brothers Osborne
“10,000 Hours,†Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber
“Ocean,†Lady A
“Sugar Coat,†Little Big Town
“Some People Do,†Old Dominion
Best Country Song:
“Bluebird,†Miranda Lambert (Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby & Miranda Lambert, songwriters
“The Bones,†Maren Morris (Maren Morris, Jimmy Robbins & Laura Veltz, songwriters
“Crowded Table,†The Highwomen (Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby & Lori McKenna, songwriters)
“More Hearts Than Mine,†Ingrid Andress, (Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis & Derrick Southerland, songwriters)
“Some People Do,†Old Dominion (Jesse Frasure, Shane McAnally, Matthew Ramsey & Thomas Rhett, songwriters
Best Country Album:
Lady Like, Ingrid Andress
Your Life Is a Record, Brandy Clark
Wildcard, Miranda Lambert
Nightfall, Little Big Town
Never Will, Ashley McBryde
Best American Roots Performance:
“Colors,†Black Pumas
“Deep in Love,†Bonny Light Horseman
“Short and Sweet,†Brittany Howard
“I’ll Be Gone,†Norah Jones & Mavis Staples
“I Remember Everything,†John Prine
Best American Roots Song:
“Cabin,†The Secret Sisters (Laura Rogers & Lydia Rogers, songwriters)
“Ceiling to the Floor,†Sierra Hull (Sierra Hull & Kai Welch, songwriters)
“Hometown,†Sarah Jarosz (Sarah Jarosz, songwriter)
“I Remember Everything,†John Prine (Pat McLaughlin & John Prine, songwriters)
“Man Without a Soul,†Lucinda Williams (Lucinda Williams, songwriter)
Best Americana Album:
Old Flowers, Courtney Marie Andrews
Terms of Surrender, Hiss Golden Messenger
World on the Ground, Sarah Jarosz
El Dorado, Marcus King
Good Souls Better Angels, Lucinda Williams
Best Bluegrass Album:
Man on Fire, Danny Barnes
To Live in Two Worlds, Vol. 1, Thomm Jutz
North Carolina Songbook, Steep Canyon Rangers
Home, Billy Strings
The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project, Vol. 1, Various Artists
Best Folk Album:
Bonny Light Horseman, Bonny Light Horseman
Thanks for the Dance, Leonard Cohen
Song for Our Daughters, Laura Marling
Saturn Return, The Secret Sisters
All the Good Times, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Great news Turnpike Troubadours fans! footage of Evan Felker surfaced yesterday afternoon showing him taking the stage with the Teague Brothers Band at a charity benefit for Eric Neal at the Pipkin Ranch in Beaumont, TX.
Neal was diagnosed with Sclerosing Epithelioid Fibrosarcoma in 2018, and has since had surgery to amputate his right leg, in addition to having multiple rounds of chemo/radiation as well as surgery on his back. Recently, the deep soft tissues tumor was also found in the lining of the brain.
The benefit was held to raise money for Eric, and the Teague Brothers Band was the musical entertainment for the event. They then interrupted their set to welcome a very special guest… Evan Felker.
This is the first time we’ve seen Evan take the stage in nearly two years, since Turnpike announced their indefinite hiatus back in May of 2019.
Teague Brothers frontman John Teague shared the following regarding the performance:
“Yesterday, February 27, 2021, was truly amazing to be apart of. Eric you are consistently in our thoughts and prayers. I’m proud to call you a friend and it was an absolute pleasure to be there. What a community we have.
Evan Felker of the The Turnpike Troubadours was a true gentleman and performed beautifully for Eric. A dream come true to everyone in the room. Godspeed Eric & Shelby Neal.â€
Even if the Turnpike Troubadours never reunite it’s great to see Felker looking and sounding healthy and happy.
And best to Eric Neal. Here’s how you can help him and his family while he continues his fight.
PayPal : rehatcher16@gmail.com
Venmo: @rachel-touchet
In the mid-‘70s, filmmaker James Szalapski traveled to Texas’ Hill Country and Tennessee to capture musical white lightening in a bottle. From high school gymnasiums, trailer homes, recording studios to a liquor-fueled Christmas guitar pull in Guy and Susanna Clarks dining room, now legendary performers – Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Young, David Allan Coe, a 19-year-old Steve Earle and many others are shown crafting a genre by looking towards country music’s folk roots and away from Music Row’s glitz.
Musical highlights include Clark’s brilliant “Desperados Waiting For A Train,” Steve Earle’s stirring “Mercenary Song†and Townes Van Zandt’s gut-wrenching “Waiting Around To Die.†(see videos below)
Though filmed in the late 70’s the full documentary was not released theatrically until 1981 and has been notoriously difficult to watch in its entirety. If you’ve never seen it in its entirety now you’ll have a chance. Starting Feb 5 Heartworn Highways will be in Virtual Cinemas nationwide via Kino Marquee.
Guy Clark – “Desperados Waiting For A Train”:
Steve Earle – “Mercenary Songâ€:
Townes Van Zandt – “Waiting Around To Die”
Most of 2020 to right now live music is largely put on hold, but plenty of artists are still finding ways to create. Time off the road and spent at home has meant hardship. but it’s also meant creative ways artists delivered performances to you at home and also time to reflect, write and record new music, which in turn means that fans can expect new albums from some of their favorite country, Americana, bluegrass and folk artists in 2021.
Despite 2020 being the worst year in most of our lifetime some great music still released to take a bit of the edge off.
2021 starts off right with releases from Steve Earle honoring the passing of Justin Townes Earle. We can also look forward to new releases from Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Langhorne Slim, Lucero, Aaron Lee Tasjan and many more.
Then there are yet-to-be-announced release dates for James McMurtry and others. Bookmark and check back to this list as we will update those add other releases as they come in.
Also if you know of a release not on the list feel free to add it in the comments below.
Thanks for keeping up with Twang Nation and here’s to a better 2021!
January
Jan. 1: Kandle & Kendel – ‘Birds’ EP (Neil Young Covers)
Jan. 4: Steve Earle & The Dukes – ‘J.T.’ (digital)
Jan. 8: Barry Gibb – ‘Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1’
Jan. 8: The Divorcees – ‘Drop of Blood’
Jan. 22: Jeremiah Fraites (Lumineers) – ‘Piano Piano’
Jan. 22: Justin Moses – ‘Fall Like Rain’
Jan. 29: Langhorne Slim – ‘Strawberry Mansion’
Jan. 29: Lucero – ‘When You Found Me’
Jan. 29: Pony Bradshaw – ‘Calico Jim’
Jan. 29: John Hurlbut & Jorma Kaukonen – ‘The River Flows’
February
Feb. 5: Aaron Lee Tasjan – ‘Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!’
Feb. 5: Aaron Watson – ‘American Soul’
Feb. 5: Andrew Marlin (of Mandolin Orange) — ‘Witching Hour’
Feb. 17 Jim Keller – ‘By No Means’
Feb. 19: Austin Meade – ‘Black Sheep’
Feb. 19: Spencer Burton- ‘Coyote’
Feb. 19: Andrew Marlin (of Mandolin Orange) — ‘Fable & Fire’
Feb. 19: Catherine Britt – Home Truths
Feb. 19: Ian Fisher – American Standards
Feb. 19: The Dead South – Served Live
Feb. 19: David Olney and Anana Kay – ‘Whispers And Sighs’
Feb. 19: John Paul Keith – The Rhythm of the City
Feb. 19: Veronica Lewis –You Ain’t Unlucky
Feb. 26: Willie Nelson – ‘That’s Life’ (Willie’s second release of Frank Sinatra covers.)
Feb. 26: Clint Roberts – ‘Rose Songs’
Feb. 26: David Huckfelt -‘Room Enough
Feb. 26: Sara Petite – ‘Rare Bird’
March
March 5: Ottoman Turks – ‘Ottoman Turks II’
March 5: Jason Ringenberg (Jason and the Scorchers) – ‘Rhinestoned’
March 5: Graham Wilkinson – ‘Cuts So Deep’
March 12: Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno – ‘Vivian Leva & Riley Calcagno’
March 12: Peter Case – ‘The Midnight Broadcast’
March 12:Southern Culture On The Skids – ‘At Home With Southern Culture On The Skids’
March 12 Valerie June – ‘The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers’
March 12 Israel Nash – ‘Topaz’
March 19: Loretta Lynn – ‘Still Woman Enough’
March 19: Austin Meade – ‘ Black Sheep’ (DEBUT)
March 19: Rob Leines – ‘Blood Sweat and Beers’
March 19: Steve Earle & The Dukes – ‘J.T.’ (physical)
March 19: Mike Barnett – ‘+1’
March 19: Melissa Carper – ‘Daddy’s Country Gold’
March 19: Loretta Lynn – ‘Still Woman Enough’
March 19: Mike Barnett – +1
March 19: Sarah King – The Hour
Joe Pug – The Diving Sun (Side A)
March 19: Mandy Rowden – Parachute
March 19: Janet Simpson – Safe Distance
March 21: Allison Russell – ‘Outside Child’
March 25: The Armadillo Paradox – “Out of Gas in Oil Country”
March 26: Sara Watkins – ‘Under the Pepper Tree’
March 26: Esther Rose – ‘How Many Times’
April
April 9: Parker Millsap – ‘Be Here Instead’
April 16: Triston Marez – ‘Triston Marez’
April 20: Coleman Williams – “Son of Sinâ€
April 23: Todd Snider – ‘First Agnostic Church of Hope And Wonder’
April 30: Ashley Monroe – ‘Rosegold’
April 30: Ronnie Milsap – ‘A Better Word for Love’
May
May 7: Ted Russell Kamp – ‘Solitaire’
May 7: Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram & Jon Randall – ‘The Marfa Tapes’
May 7: Travis Tritt – ‘Set in Stone’
May 14: Alan Jackso – ‘Where Have You Gone’
May 14: The Steel Woods – ‘All of Your Stones’
May 28: Ashley McBryde – ‘Never Will: Live From a Distance’ EP
May 28: Blackberry Smoke, – ‘You Hear Georgia’
May 28: Rider & Rolling Thunder – ‘On the Banks of the Tennessee’
June
June 4: Turner Cody & The Soldiers of Love – ‘Friends in High Places’
June 18: Amy Helm – ‘What the Flood Leaves Behind’
June 11: Oak Ridge Boys – ‘Front Porch Singin”
June 11: Cory Grinder and the Playboy Scouts – ‘Honky Tonkin’ Beauty Supreme’
June 18: Rory Feek – ‘Gentle Man’
June 25: JP Harris – ‘Dreadful Wind and Rain’
July
July 9: The Flatlanders – ‘Treasure of Love’
August
August 27: Jason Eady – ‘To The Passage of Time’
August 27: Summer Dean – ‘Bad Romantic’
TBA