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The East Texas native had a tough, poverty-stricken childhood, but overcame adversity and forged a powerful career, first as a singer in the Mannish Boys, and now as a great bandleader with his own records. On this new one, “Suga” once again combines classic soul melodies with funky R&B grooves and raw blues power. The album takes on issues, such as PTSD, civil rights and social justice, but while the subject matter might be hard, he leaves you feeling joyous and inspired.

This band, along with the Infamous Stringdusters and the Punch Brothers, are among our favorite progressive newgrass bands with brand new releases. Also like the ‘Dusters, this new one addresses some of the current events that give us, well, stress dreams. Greensky formed in Michigan in 2000, but they recorded two of the three sessions that make up this new one at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville (the other in Vermont.)

This Kentucky band has bluegrass roots at its core, but they branch out into a variety of more unconventional influences – jam band and Southern rock especially -- with their original songwriting. They’ve got a show at Isis Music Hall in Asheville on Friday the 4th. And many in the area are familiar with Can’d Aid: The Wooks are ambassadors for this great nonprofit, and have helped with fundraising and instrument donations to schools and underserved youth.

The NC singer/songwriter and her band are back with another great collection of the pop-savvy, honky-tonk punk that should make them a household name. Relationships and major life changes are expressed with honesty and humor, three tight minutes at a time. “I’m starting to realize that being an outlier and a weirdo––it doesn’t have to be a bad thing,” says Sarah. Led by Shook on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, The Disarmers are a seasoned powerhouse, featuring Eric Peterson (lead guitar), Aaron Oliva (bass), Jack Foster (drums), and Adam Kurtz (pedal steel).

He’s 83 now, and has a few reflections on life that only come from sound wisdom and experience. “I did things that I’m not proud of / to see if anybody cares” Del sings in the opening verse of the title track. “That’s the wrong kind of attention / I was young and dumb and loud / Now I’m quiet and I’m older / Would you believe I’m almost proud?” But he still sings with the voice of someone half his age, and his band is as tight as ever. Yes, fans of Del & the boys, this is the album you’ve been waiting for, and would expect, from perhaps the greatest bluegrass act today.

The Australian singer/songwriter/guitarist navigates breakup, deaths, and the myriad problems weighing on the world as a whole, from the pandemic to wildfires... but with an air of making peace with it all, and exercising patience. The color blue is in the forefront on this new one – not so much melancholy, but keeping cool, calm, & collected, despite the chaos around us. By all accounts, she delivered a stellar show in Asheville last week!

The Seattle-based soul-jazz trio has a new drummer, Dan Weiss (who is also in the soul/funk collective The Sextones.) The DLO3’s sophomore album I Told You So received numerous accolades, including #60 in WNCW’s Top 100 of 2021. This new one is as tight as ever, and available on February 11th via Colemine Records.

This album, co-produced by Vince Gill, was written between Nashville and Keb’s childhood home in Compton, California, which Keb’ recently purchased and renovated. He often found himself reflecting on the idea of home and contemplating what it means to belong and what it takes to stay true to yourself. “You can’t bring an attitude to Compton,” reflects Keb’. “You can’t pose. You can’t be anything but real when you’re walking down the same streets you used to ride your bike on as a kid. In a lot of ways, coming back there felt like it completed me.”

Did you see the documentary film about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival that had Stevie Wonder, The Staple Singers, Nina Simone, and other greats? The recordings, and legacy, were largely forgotten. Until Questlove and others unearthed them and brought them back to life!

We’ve got a thing for contemporary artists that manage to both channel that classic ‘60s and ‘70s Soul/R&B sound, while delivering something fresh and original. The new singles from these three artists show us that we have a lot to look forward to in 2022!