Just what is the “Red Dirt” sound? Think traditional country, without the modern Nashville sound, and with elements of Southern rock, Americana rock, and just plain ole’ rock n’ roll. It grows out of the musically fertile soil of Texas and Oklahoma, the latter of which Boland hails from. This is their 11th album, and it was produced by Lloyd Maines, who also produced their debut.

It’s the 10th album for MMJ, but for the first time, they’ve handed the reins to an outside producer, the accomplished Brendan O’Brien (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam.) This is a solid, mostly straight-ahead rock album, getting quite positive reviews so far. As London music critics Mystic Sons writes, “There’s a tension between chaos and clarity, between abandon and control. The band leans into their psychedelic tendencies without losing sight of emotional core, each song anchored by Jim James’ lyrical introspection and unmistakable vocal glow.”

Brevard singer/songwriter Sarah Siskind has this solo, acoustic-oriented album coming out April 18th, appropriately called Simplify. It highlights well the intimacy and honesty with which she writes and sings. The North Carolina native has had covers by Alison Krauss, Wynonna, Randy Travis, Bon Iver and many others. Over 20 of her songs were featured on the hit TV series Nashville including the unofficial theme song “A Life That’s Good.” Upcoming shows for her include the Flat Rock Bistro Cinema on April 16, the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in Asheville opening for Bonnie Raitt on the 23rd, and the Purple Onion in Saluda on May 1st. And not to be overlooked: Live in Studio B on Tuesday April 29th!

Belgian-Chilean singer Marylene Corro has this manifesto of empowerment and resilience, with songs that shed light on the need to break free from destructive patterns and rise above them. Each track represents a step in a journey towards self acceptance, solidarity and enlightenment. Musically, 'Crossover' blends Soul, Pop, Jazz & R'n'B with trademark guitar riffs that bring a raw, organic energy.

The follow-up to her fourth full-length album from five years ago, 25 Trips, this new one from the mandolinist, singer and songwriter is more of an independent release, though it also includes integral collaborations with the likes of Béla Fleck, Tim O’Brien, Aoife O’Donovan, Lindsay Lou, Ronnie Bowman, and her husband Justin Moses. Sierra herself seems to admit this one marks a significant chapter of self-realization and expression for her.

Attention, Celtic music fans! Check out this new release of original and traditional instrumental tunes, featuring Will MacMorran on the Scottish smallpipes. Will is a musician, audio engineer, and educator based in Johnson City, TN. He has had the honor of touring with The Chieftains as their guitar player during their last 4 years of touring and has spent 15 years touring nationally and internationally with well-known artists in the Celtic, pop, and country genres.

The legendary band that formed in the Washington, DC area back in 1971 is still going strong, with new additions to match their consistently strong caliber. The album is the first to be released since the passing of founding member and trailblazing banjo player Ben Eldridge, who contributes liner notes to the release. It is also the last album with singer/guitarist Dudley Connell, as he has announced his retirement. The Scene are known for including bluegrass/roots classics amongst interesting non-trad songs, and in this case they include covers from the likes of The Kinks, Bob Dylan, and Jim Croce.

This Welsh-born guitarist and singer first burst onto the scene in Britain in 1967 with his band Amen Corner, then sought a solo career in the ‘70s. But most of his time has been spent backing well known acts like Roger Waters, The Who, George Harrison, and perhaps most famously, Eric Clapton. You can hear the similarities he and Clapton share in Low’s solo albums, including this new one of blues classics. The album features material recorded since he left Clapton’s band. Among the key players with him are Dave Bronze and Ian Jennings on bass, Chris Stainton or Richard Milner on keyboards and Paul Beavis and Henry Spinetti on drums.

“For an artist to get in the studio and record an entire set in just a few days on a single acoustic guitar, one might assume the music is calling with some urgency. But for Jason Isbell’s latest solo outing Foxes in the Snow, there’s a slow and steady focus across its spare 11 tracks. It’s no salacious breakup album (though some might have been anticipating it following his 2024 divorce from longtime partner Amanda Shires), but it’s got heartbreak seeping from every pore. Still, somehow, it listens like a respite, a return to something starkly simple, reminiscent of Isbell’s foundational, 2013 breakthrough Southeastern. For Isbell, it’s always been about the songs, but without his backing band the 400 Unit, the emphasis here is very much on pristine songcraft and excellent picking.” (Maeri Ferguson, No Depression) Isbell performs at the Peace Center in Greenville, SC on Sunday, April 13th.

He struggled through a couple of health scares last year, but on his 29th(!) album, the Flatlander himself sounds as strong as ever, with covers from Guy Clark, Woody Guthrie, and Townes Van Zandt blended well with originals that pay tribute to the Texas Troubadours and other features of his home state. He lives in Taos, NM these days, but this was recorded at his home studio outside Austin. The musicians you’ll hear are Joe Ely (vocals/guitars/synth/electric drums/harmonica/percussion), Joel Guzman (accordion), Ryan Bingham (vocals/guitar), Lloyd Maines (low acoustic/bass/acoustic guitar/acoustic steel & slide/percussion) & David Grissom (guitar).