Jeff Tweedy and Wilco are big fans of the LP: the “long play”, full album release of a dozen or so songs that capture some semblance of where they’re at at the time of recording, whether with an actual theme, or just a vibe. So it’s a bit unusual to see a new EP of just 6 songs, which are previously unreleased tracks from the Cousins sessions. There’s a bit of a summertime theme here. Enjoy!

Do you remember Madeleine Peyroux’s wondrous 2004 classic Careless Love, which evoked the Parisian streets where she came of age as a singer, and seamlessly blended originals alongside sublime covers from the likes of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen? Well she’s back with her 9th studio album, and back in top form, with themes on this album ranging from the confessional to the political, from whimsy to yearning. In every note, Peyroux digs deep, making for another sensuous, sinewy, deeply rich release.

Introducing some soul-jazz-funk musicians that may need no introduction: guitarist Eddie Roberts (The New Mastersounds), organist Robert Walter (The Greyboy Allstars), bassist Chris Stillwell (The Greyboy Allstars), and drummer Zak Najor (Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, and formerly Greyboy Allstars). They first met in the UK in 1996, and have played with each other in various formations over the years since. Now we have this official collaboration of 8 great grooves, courtesy of Color Red Records, released on July 26th.

They’ve become international stars lately, and this year they play some of the most coveted stages in the country: Colorado’s Red Rocks, L.A.’s Greek Theatre, NYC’s Madison Square Garden, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. But we still remember their 2010 debut jazz-folk CD in a two-tone cardboard sleeve, and gigs at smaller venues like the Flat Rock Music Festival and the WNCW Air Studio… They’ve always been quite the tight, collaborative band, and this time they’ve perhaps gelled even further, by writing together in drummer Mike Calabrese’s Vermont home. “In the past we’d written pieces of songs and shared them with each other and built them up from there, but we always had the space to listen and reflect in total privacy,” details singer Rachael Price. “At first it was terrifying to write together in the same room, but as soon as we got started it felt so fun. We very quickly realized, ‘Oh, we need to do this again and again.’”

We’ve got the band’s 4th studio record, courtesy of Stax/Concord/Fantasy Records. Produced by Brad Cook (Waxahatchee, Bon Iver, Kevin Morby) it blends both sides of Rateliff’s immense talent: emotionally potent, vivid storytelling and the rugged, R&B revivalism that has powered the band to worldwide acclaim over the past decade.

It’s the follow-up to his album Almost Proud, which we’re awfully proud to play for you! 13 great bluegrass tunes here, including tributes to icons Kenny Rogers, Roy Orbison, and Elvis Presley. Molly Tuttle also guests here on a song, too, and Del and his son Ronnie produced it. "I get a big feeling of accomplishment when I get a new record out," says the 85-year-old legend. "I never get tired of it."

We’ve come to expect greatness with every release from the soul/jazz/R&B label Colemine Records. This one is certainly no exception, due to the trio of guitarist Jimmy James (Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio), organist Adam Scone (The Sugarman 3), and drummer Tim Carman (GA-20.) Eleven tracks, ten originals, two sides. All killer, no filler, recorded straight onto a Tascam 388 tape machine. Out on July 19th, and featured here beforehand on WNCW!

Happy Independence Day Week! Our New Tunes at 2 features this week spotlight two of the most American of art forms, Jazz and Country. Today’s comes from renowned saxophonist, composer, and educator Jeff Coffin of the Flecktones and the Dave Matthews Band. This collection of original compositions showcases Coffin’s extraordinary compositional vision and arranging prowess, blending traditional African rhythms with contemporary composition.

The bassist for Acoustic Syndicate has this to say about his first solo album: “This record has been years—even decades—in the making, with some compositions dating as far back as 1994. It is at once a meditation on impermanence and an exploration of my motivations and influences as an artist. Seven original compositions are accompanied by a tone poem dedicated to the Voyager spacecraft. My music is animated by my immensely talented friends and collaborators including Zack Page, Steve Alford, Jacob Rodriguez, Justin Ray, Evan Martin, Tyler Housholder, Casey Driessen, Julian Dreyer, and Clay Miller.” Jay celebrates the release of this album on Friday the 12th at AyurPrana Listening Room in Asheville.

No doubt you’ve always noticed that Southern (Gainesville, Florida) drawl of one of America’s greatest rockers. But have you ever thought of his music as Country? See what you think after hearing some of these new covers, from the likes of Dierks Bentley, Dolly Parton, Margo Price, Marty Stuart, and Willie & Lukas Nelson.