It was 32 years ago that drummer John Convertino first met multi-instrumentalist Joey Burns, and they relocated to Tucson, Arizona to dive into their new band Calexico. Like their namesake border town, the band has grown and evolved over the years, but all the while they’ve fostered that great blend of influences from California and Mexico. El Mirador is a heartfelt tribute to the people and places of the Southwest that make up the band’s roots.

After a couple albums with the band Sons of Fathers, “Big Velvet” (a nickname courtesy of his deep, smooth baritone) is now releasing his third solo album. His love for outlaw country (Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, etc.) is still there, but this time he’s a little more adventurous with synthesizer, a bit of a funk and even disco groove, and a whole lot of sneering satire. A couple of the songs, we can’t even name on the radio. Count on us to turn it up for the others, though!

He achieved the rare distinction of ranking TWO albums in WNCW’s Top 100 last year. There’s no doubt his genuine reverence for that classic sound of Nashville’s golden era of Country music resonates, perhaps especially thanks to his “Gulf & Western” sound of blues, Cajun, and western swing from his Texas/Louisiana/Gulf Coast origins. Crockett shines once again with this fourth installment in his “Lil’ G.L. Presents” series, with renditions of Jerry Reed, George Jones, Tom T. Hall, and others.

Steve Earle, James McMurtry, Hayes Carll, Ringo Starr…. Ray hangs with the best! There also probably some new discoveries for you here, too, for some serious rockers and Ray’s classic wit and wisdom. This is his 2nd in a series of collaborations.Listen on Apple Music

On Friday the April 29th, Willie celebrated his 89th birthday! And he also celebrated the release of this touching album of co-writes with Buddy Cannon and covers from the likes of Leonard Cohen, Lennon/McCartney, and even Asheville’s own Charles Humphrey III!

We fell in love with his 2019 album “Between the Country”, with its beautiful imagery and warm sound reminiscent of early John Prine. This new one also centers for the most part around his Eastern Kentucky homelands, and was recorded on reel-to-reel tapes in short spurts over the course of two years, with producer Andrija Tokic (Phosphorescent, Alabama Shakes, Hurray For the Riff Raff.)

Ketch Secor and company are back, with the vigor and passion that is certainly an Old Crow trademark! Appalachian stringband meets roots rock and even punk on this album that features a few new members, new production, and a new label (ATO). New songs address abolitionist John Brown, early-20th Century Black harmonica Country great DeFord Bailey, the new Mississippi flag, environmental desecration, and a lil’ “urban revitalization”.

It’s her 21st album, and she’s sounding as strong as ever on this collection of soulful blues and rock that includes covers from Toots & the Maytals, Brothers Landreth, and NRBQ’s Al Anderson. She says she’s also grateful as ever to be making music, contributing to causes, keeping her crew working, and connecting with her audience. “I’m really aware of how lucky I am,” she says, “and I feel like it’s my responsibility to get out there and say something fresh and new for me and for the fans. But I need to have something to say or I won’t put out a record.”

Violin, harmonium, drums, tight harmonies, intelligent songwriting….and roots in Asheville and Boone… No wonder they’re one of our favorite bands here! Their new album comes out April 8th, and we predict it will be very well received, not just around here but throughout the music-loving world. Congratulations, Alex, Daniel, Halli & Ryan.

This has been one of our most highly anticipated new releases this year, not only for this great new band she’s got backing her up, but guests like Old Crow Medicine Show, Billy Strings, and Gillian Welch. Beautiful songs here, too.