Andrew Combs Paints ‘Dream Pictures’ in Blues and Gold
Andrew Combs’ new album serves as the robin in spring, a sign that seasons have changed. It’s not a chronicle of happiness as much as a statement of normalcy.
folk
Ugandan Master Storyteller Ekuka Morris Sirikiti Is Spellbinding
Ekuka Morris Sirikiti’s work reminds us that he and his traditions are very much still here, not artifacts of old media but flesh and blood, spirit and sound.
The Best Artists of the Newport Folk Festival 2024
The esteemed Newport Folk Festival has consistently challenged the notion of folk music. The 2024 edition continued to defy traditions.
Nathan Bowles Trio Create Cosmic Americana on ‘Are Possible’
On their first official album as a trio, the Nathan Bowles Trio forsake egotism in favor of collective world-building with warm, inviting acoustic music.
Okaidja Afroso Nurtures Living Tradition on Acoustic ‘Àbòr Édín’
Okaidja Afroso’s Àbòr Édín delivers a genuinely seamless blend of different styles and unplugged sounds, with each track dense with color and meaning.
AJ Lee & Blue Summit Take Bluegrass to the ‘City of Glass’
AJ Lee & Blue Summit’s City of Glass consistently showcases the distinctive gifts of each performer and the magic that happens when they all play together.
Gabriel Birnbaum’s New LP Is Filled with Deep Emotion
Gabriel Birnbaum takes many aspects of rock, folk, and indie music that everyone is familiar with and subtly rearranges them in ways we never thought possible.
Rising Appalachia Offer a Tantalizing Collection of Covers
Rising Appalachia’s harmonies on “I Need a Forest Fire” are downright mesmerizing, as they deliver a zeitgeisty performance for one of 2024’s top tracks.
Laurie Lewis Knows We Are Just a Blink Compared to ‘Trees’
Folk singer-songwriter Laurie Lewis reminds us to be kind to each other and appreciate the good things in life, like trees and the natural world—and John Prine.
Steve Dawson Brings a Direct Feel to ‘Ghosts’
Now armed with a full band, Steve Dawson’s songs have more musical heft on Ghosts, resulting in one of his best and more streamlined solo works.
Jessica Pratt Addresses the Mystery Found in the Pitch
On Here in the Pitch, indie folk’s Jessica Pratt offers an aural world where opposites are part of the whole. The best interpretation is to accept the mystery.
The Bird Calls’ ‘Old Faithful’ Is a Deeply Felt Folk Gem
Under the name the Bird Calls, Sam Sodomsky infuses his songs with warmth, gravitas, and the musical wisdom of a well-traveled music fan.