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It might sound contradictory, but the latest one from Iris DeMent is both jubilant and tragic, hopeful and dire. As Pitchfork magazine says, “Workin’ on a World is like a parade on a stormy day, a celebration beneath increasingly ominous skies”. What a wondrous thing it is to have one of the Midwest’s – one of the nation’s – greatest songwriters back with a whole album of new original material: her first in over a decade. Those familiar with her might also know her husband is singer/songwriter Greg Brown, who has some songwriting contributions here. Brown’s daughter, Pieta Brown, co-produced the album with Richard Bennett and Jim Rooney.

Welcome to Natalie’s 9th full-length album, and first since 2014. An eclectic album, produced by Merchant, it features two duets sung with vocalist Abena Koomson-Davis (Resistance Revival Chorus), contributions from the Celtic folk group Lúnasa and Syrian virtuoso clarinetist Kinan Azmeh, and horn arrangements by jazz trombonist Steve Davis. There are lush orchestrations throughout by seven composers including: Gabriel Kahane, Stephen Barber, Colin Jacobson, and Megan Gould. “Keep Your Courage” comprises nine original songs by Merchant as well as an interpretation of “Hunting the Wren” by Ian Lynch of the Irish band Lankum.

We first got to know Parker’s songwriting with his 2014 self-titled album, with greats like “Truck Stop Gospel”. His Oklahoma Americana roots are still there, but check out his new forays into synth-rock and Afrobeat, too. “This record is all over the place and chaotic because that’s kind of how it feels out here right now,” he says.

It’s a radically different direction for Henry and Rupert Stansall, the brothers from Scunthorpe, England. Their love of noir and neo-western films shows through on this cinematic new album, which will be released on June 2nd. Incidentally, they play each and every instrument heard here!

Legendary soul singer Bettye LaVette’s latest album is a tribute to Georgia great Randall Bramblett, whom we sure love here at ‘NCW. “I think he’s the best songwriter I’ve heard in the past 30 years,” LaVette said of Bramblett. “And I just discovered him eight years ago.” Better late than never, Bettye!

He may have gotten his start among Lester Flatt and Johnny Cash, but the self-described “radical preservationist” of Country music has lately been focused on that Cosmic American side of the Bakersfield/West Coast sound, with this new one that picks up where 2017’s “Way Out West” left off.

Check out this 8th album from the Austin roots-rock band, that has risen to become one of our favorites lately. It’s founding songwriter-guitarists Ed Jurdi (also a member of Trigger Hippy) and Gordy Quist, keyboardist Trevor Nealon, bassist Nick Jay, and drummer Clint Simmons. As Jurdi says, “Good, mid-tempo rock and roll: that’s our breadbasket, and there’s not a lot of that music being made right now. The new songs embody the spirit of our new record: survival, gratitude, resiliency, and a new-found focus on the simple things that make life worth living.”

It’s the 4th album from this wonderful singer/songwriter, this time tackling topics like sexism in the music industry and the looming dread of climate grief…. But also with a twinkle of self-deprecating humor, and joy for the natural world’s beauty. We enjoyed hosting her and her band in Studio B back on May 11th.

We’ve gotten to know a few of these new songs from Asheville’s Natalya Zoe Weinstein and John Cloyd Miller this past year, and now we have the full album to dig into. A loving homage to their bluegrass and klezmer family heritage!

It’s the 2nd venture into the world of the rich Grateful Dead song catalog from saxophonist and flautist Dave McMurray. Also Playing in the Band with him are Don Was an Larry Campbell among others. A little something to get you ready for Tuesday night if you’re headed to see Dead & Co.’s farewell tour Truckin’ through Charlotte!