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The eldest son of Muddy Waters is back with another album steeped in the electric Chicago blues tradition he was literally raised on. The three-time Blues Music Awards nominee released his first album in 2008.

Recorded live at New York City’s Power Station with longtime collaborator Dom Monks, the album captures the energy of Big Thief’s communal sessions. Over three winter weeks, the band — joined by friends and fellow musicians including Alena Spanger, Caleb Michel, Hannah Cohen, Jon Nellen, Joshua Crumbly, June McDoom, Laraaji, Mikel Patrick Avery, and Mikey Buishas — created together in long improvisatory stretches, tracking simultaneously and leaving minimal overdubs. "[‘Words'] is one of the best songs in Big Thief’s oeuvre, catchy and memorable from first play, and it would have been brilliant even in an unplugged setting. But Mr. Monks’s studio tweaking elevates it further, injecting an extra dose of dreaminess into Ms. Lenker’s tale of searching for meaning through language.”

Lake Street Dive singer Rachael Price and guitarist/songwriter Vilray Bolles have their 3rd collaboration out, and this time it’s an out-of-time vision of their beloved New York City, inspired by Vilray’s recent fascination with classic musicals. Recorded at Sear Sound in New York City, West of Broadway features saxophonist Steve Wilson (Chick Corea’s Origin sextet) and drummer John Riley (Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie). Comedian and late-night TV host Stephen Colbert, a longtime fan, also appears on the album version of “Off Broadway.” “There’s so much imagery in the lyrics,” says Price. “I think a fun way to listen to the record would be to go for a walk and let the songs play out like a little movie in your mind.”

Over 50 years! That’s how long Ray Benson and his band Asleep at the Wheel have been together in Texas, continuously finding that balance between preserving the original magic of Western swing, while freshening it up with each new album and personnel change. As a result, they remain the most important force in keeping the sound of Western swing alive. They’re celebrating with an extra-big emphasis on their love for the Lone Star State here, with help from folks like Billy Strings and (fellow Texan) Lyle Lovett.

As Glide Magazine writes, whenever an established group releases a self-titled album in the middle of their career, it acts as a symbol of rebirth, a new direction, course correction, or perhaps a last gasp. St. Paul & The Broken Bones’ self-titled release finds them centering their sound and style, as frontman Paul Janeway states, “I think the band in general feels reignited”.

This is the third album for Cunningham, on Verve Forecast Records, following her wonderful collaboration with Andrew Bird when they reworked the classic ‘70s Buckingham Nicks Fleetwood Mac precursor (which has recently been reissued, by the way.) Ace is another example of Cunningham’s wonderful blend of pop, rock, folk, and jazz, with rich layering and texture thanks to production work from her and Robbie Lackritz.

We are excited to share our latest compilation of live session highlights of the past year with you, featuring recordings from artists ranging from Anya Hinkle to Yarn, BERTHA to the SUSTO String Band. Intimate acoustic numbers, full-blown rock and R&B jams, and all styles in between that you hear at WNCW. We’ll be sending the double-CD collection to members who request it as a thank-you gift during our Fall Fund Drive; reserve your copy at our special pre-drive rate of $100, beginning October 18th. Until then, enjoy the tracks we’ll preview for you on New Tunes at Two and throughout the weeks!

We are excited to share our latest compilation of live session highlights of the past year with you, featuring recordings from artists ranging from Anya Hinkle to Yarn, BERTHA to the SUSTO String Band. Intimate acoustic numbers, full-blown rock and R&B jams, and all styles in between that you hear at WNCW. We’ll be sending the double-CD collection to members who request it as a thank-you gift during our Fall Fund Drive; reserve your copy at our special pre-drive rate of $100, beginning October 18th. Until then, enjoy the tracks we’ll preview for you on New Tunes at Two and throughout the weeks!

“Eight and a half years separated Total Freedom and its predecessor, Voyageur, so the five years between albums for Kathleen Edwards now feels like the blink of an eye. For her new one, Billionaire, the Ottawa musician teamed up with producers Jason Isbell and Gena Johnson for 10 tracks of chugging rock and razor-sharp songwriting.” -Pitchfork

Nicki’s recordings have wonderfully blurred the borderlines between country-soul and cosmic rock & roll. Although her Northern California roots remain, this new one reflects her time spent settling down along the Cumberland River in Tennessee, where she has connected with her music community. “I’ve been through a few dysfunctional romantic relationships,” Nicki admits. “I’m still in one with the music industry, and that’s the only dysfunctional relationship that I’ll still allow in my life. ‘Taking Chances’ is about that.”