30th December 2014 - I've uploaded the final c.d review of 2014 and what a beauty to end the year with. It is the new album by the hugely talented Oh Susanna (Suzie Ungerleider) and is her sixth recording but her first 'covers' album and what a great album 'Namedropper' is! I've given very little thought to my albums of the year as yet but don't be surprised if this recording is in there somewhere!
20th December 2014 - The Trailerpark Idlers are probably the most prolific recording band around although their current offering 'Fifty gallons of Lightning' is the first I have explored in any depth. On the strength of this tremendous album, of which I've just uploaded a review, I 'm hoping to explore more of their back catalogue of Gothic, alt. country and much more. Great songs, great playing and an incredible atmosphere. Treat yourself to it for Christmas!
13th December 2014 - I've added a review of an album that will not only be in my top albums of the year but is actually a very strong contender for top spot! It is 'Going down the river,' the debut album by Doug Seegers and it's a recording that pretty much defines 'real country music!' A truly great album.
10th December 2014 - I've uploaded a review of as good a string band album as you will hear anywhere! It is called 'Chicken Crows For Day' and is by The Oldtime Stringband. What makes it even more unusual is the fact that the nucleus of the band is all Dutch, plus the addition of a talented American!
6th December 2014 - A review of yet another contender for best albums of the year has been uploaded. This one is 'Songs in the war' by American Thread, an album that virtually defines alt. country and is certainly one of my favourite albums so far this year!
3rd December 2014 - First album review of this month is the re-release of a recording that made it's debut in 2007. The album is called 'Hard Luck Hittin' and is by former Weary Boys mainstay Mario Matteoli. Amazingly it passed almost unnoticed on it's first release but I can't see the record buying public making that mistake twice! Four tracks have been added to this beautifully written and sung and sparsely instrumented recording.
29th November 2014 - A review of another album that will definitely be in my top 20 of 2014 has been added. It is called 'Thinking of you ....... Staring at the power lines' and is by just about the most original roots singer songwriter around, J.P. Whipple (a.k.a John Whipple) No collection can really call itself complete without at least a few of John's astounding recordings!
26th November 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the newest release from At The Helm Records. With all due respect to their roster of talented artists this is probably the best album they have ever put out. That is no insult because very few companies have ever put out a better recording than this! It is Good Luck Mountain's incredible new release simply titled 'Good Luck Mountain Too' and simply writing a few superlatives here can't really sum up it's quality. At least the review tries to!
22nd November 2014 - Better late than never, i've added a new review of the tremendous 'Back to the camper' the recent release from 'real country' musician Bob Wayne.
19th November 2014 - A review of the incredible 'Lonesome Ghosts,' the new release by hugely talented Canadian jazzy blues duo Blue Moon Marquee has been added.
15th November 2014 - A few months later than I hoped, i've uploaded a review of Joseph Huber's
incredible recent album 'The Hanging Road.' Ten tremendous, atmospheric high lonesome songs.
12th November 2014 - I've added a review of the incredible debut album by 'Hook and Anchor.' It's impossible to sum up in just a couple of sentences so I won't try! Read the review then buy the album. Easy!
8th November 2014 - Finally managed to upload 'Not the beginning, not the end' the extraordinary new album by Mr. Plow. Fans will know what they are getting but for the uninitiated this is your starting point for getting into the deepest darkest country tinged music! Tremendous album that I never tire of!
5th November 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the beautifully flowing and unforced 'Watershed' by Grifters and Shills, a hugely talented duo who play some lovely deep and reflective American folk music.
1st November 2014 - First c.d review of the month is of the incredible new album by the Barnyard Stompers. It is called 'Highway Gospel' and as fans might expect carries some excellent, dark, often spooky backwoods country songs beautifully played and sung by this hugely talented duo.
29th October 2014 - A review of the tremendous new album 'The High Stepping Music of Sheesham, Lotus and Son' has been added to the October reviews page. As usual there is also a video, this time a one and a half hour concert that should go some way to showing what this extraordinary trio is all about!
25th October 2014 - I've uploaded a review of what will surely be a contender in many peoples 'Album of the year' lists. It is the self titled 'debut' by The Loudermilks, a band whose core members were previously known as the Lou Fords, one of the best alt. country bands around. With the quality of this recording their peer group is now very much diminished!
22nd October 2014 - A review of a 7 track album by 'country' superstar of the very near future, Cale Tyson has been added. It is called 'High on lonesome' and is released on Clubhouse Records in Britain on Monday 27th October. To say this young man is talented is an understatement of epic proportions, so just buy a copy and lose yourself in seven great songs beautifully arranged and played with vocals that are quite stunning. Cale is the first 'country singer' for a long time who can be genuinely referred to as 'the real deal!
18th October 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album 'Good Luck' by Girls, Guns and Glory! They are currently on tour in Britain with Sarah Borges and the band and Sarah are co-headliners at the Prince Albert, Brighton this Monday, 20th October. Should be a great evening!
17th October 2014 - For Portsmouth area readers there is a great gig at The Square Tower in Old Portsmouth on Saturday 25th October. You will be treated to a tremendous performance by The Jamie Freeman Agreement, a band that has been written about on this website! Click on the following link to be taken to the site that has all the information. http://www.squarerootspromotions.co.uk/jamie-freeman-agreement/
A review of their new album can be found here: http://www.americanrootsuk.com/jamie-freeman-agreement---100-miles-from-town.html
15th October 2014 - A review of 'Ignatius,' the brilliant new album by Canadian band Sleepy Driver has been uploaded to the October reviews page. They are generally slotted into the alt. country genre but there is a lot more to their melodic music and great songs than just a limiting label!
11th October 2014 - I've added a review of one of the most beautiful albums so far this year. It is the new recording by the Locust Honey String Band entitled 'Never let me cross your mind.' Gorgeous traditional songs mixed with a few of their own originals and several by other writers all blended beautifully in the melting pot of American 'folk music!'
8th October 2014 - A review of the excellent new album 'All Dies Down' by Fire Mountain has been added to the October reviews page. This is their debut full length album following on from an e.p and promises much for the future of this talented five piece band.
4th October 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the truly extraordinary new recording by Betty and the Boy. It is titled 'The Wreckage' and is one of the most unusual if addictive albums of 'roots music' you are likely to hear any time soon!
1st October 2014 - First full album review of the month is a real belter from Red Molly. It is simply titled 'The Red Album' and contains a few excellent covers as well as their own beautifully written and performed songs. I've just started investigating their back catalogue and this recording actually ups the quality a little from their previous excellent works!
27th September 2014 - I've just added a review of another album that is so good and so difficult to define that yet again it was almost impossible to edit the review, as a consequence of which it rambles interminably! Having said that, 'Fish & Bird's extraordinary 'Something In The Ether' will be a contender for many year end lists as 'Album of the year.' It really is that good!
24th September 2014 - A review of the tremendous new album by Ben Glover has been added. It is titled 'Atlantic' and contains a beautifully varied lyrical content and Ben's excellent and highly evocative vocals plus his excellent guitar playing. He is also a friend of and collaborator with Mary Gauthier and this album as well as Mary's recent release contain a song they wrote together. Need I say more?
20th September 2014 - At last I've uploaded a review of the extraordinary 'Inside Of You,' the new album by Petunia, with his Vipers amongst others! Is it as good as his previous recording 'Petunia and the Vipers?' Read the review (if you have time!) and find out, then buy the album!
17th September 2014 - I've uploaded a review of 'Love Songs, Vol. 1' by The hugely talented Canadian Troubadour Ben Rogers. It contains ten sparse beautifully evocative tales of life, often from the darker side!
13th September 2014 -Some albums are just so good that everyone should know about them and have their albums in their collections. Such an album is 'Trouble' the incredible new recording by the Howlin' Brothers, just about the most talented and versatile trio you are ever likely to stumble across. The album was released in May and it's taken me this long to edit to something more manageable a review of this incredible recording and i've finally uploaded that review today. 'Trouble' is of such astounding quality that I won't even try to sum it up in these few brief sentences but as a bonus their debut album was of similar quality so buy both!
10th September 2014 - A review of the absolutely gorgeous 'Before machines,' the stunning new album by Anna Tivel has been added to the September c.d reviews. It has an almost serenely mellow feel with Anna's lovely breathy vocals but at the same time is an album that has plenty of rural dramatic impact lyrically. A real beauty of a recording that will grace any collection whatever your musical preference.
6th September 2014 - I've uploaded a review of yet another brilliant album! This one is incredibly unusual in as much as it is based on band leader Jesus Angel Garcia's extraordinary novel, 'Badbadbad.' The band is Three Times Bad (hopefully you won't need me to explain how the band name originated!) and the album is called 'American Sojourn.' It is raw, atmospheric and superbly arranged and played and thanks to its huge originality will almost certainly be in many best of the year lists!
4th September 2014 - First review of September is of an e.p. something that I rarely do, but 'Slow Room Bar' by Vagabondage is just so good it had to be done! They come from a broad musical community in San Francisco and are a highly skilled band of roots musicians who imbue their songs with depth, power and often a great degree of darkness, but at the same time are hugely entertaining! Give yourself a treat and purchase this e.p, in fact while you're at it buy their 2 full length albums as well. You can get them on Bandcamp.
31st August 2014 - I finally got some sort of a grip on 'Cool your jets,' the incredible new album by Patrolled by Radar. It is one of those multi faceted recordings that constantly reveals more depth, culminating in any review being out of date thanks to the tremendous and enigmatic songs revealing more depth with every play. Anyone with a love of 'roots music' really needs a copy of this recording in their collection.
22nd August 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the debut solo album by the Whybirds Luke Tuchscherer and what a debut it is. The title is 'You get so alone at times it just makes sense' and it consists of twelve of Luke's original songs and whilst there are differences, but not in quality, if you need a guide probably the nearest comparison could be Lyle Lovett. A high quality album that grabbed my attention on first play!
19th August 2014 - A review of the tremendous new album by Melody Walker and Jacob Groopman has been added to the August c.d reviews page. It is a gorgeous melodic album called 'We made it home' and is full of lovely melodies, tremendous lead and harmony vocals and great playing of music that ranges from bluegrass to old timey!
16th August 2014 - I've uploaded a review of an incredible new album that is impossible to sum up in a few words, so I won't try! It is called 'Riding Mercury' and is by Melissa Ruth and the Likely Stories.
13th August 2014 - A review of a brilliant blues debut album has been added to the August c.d reviews page. It is called 'Introducing Fife & Drom' and is only seven songs long but what a seven songs they are. It updates several blues sub genres and in Abby Ahmad has one of the best blues vocalists around. Her lovely smoky vocal style is supported by three talented musicians who allow plenty of space around the songs with the tremendous guitar playing of Abby's husband Mark Marshall being the icing on the cake.
8th August 2014 - I've finally managed to upload a review of the new album by a man who is starting to get a lot of attention in roots music. It is called 'Life & Love' and is the tremendous 'difficult second album' by Hans Chew. It consists of all Hans originals, played with a rare fire, power and skill.
3rd August 2014 - I thought it would be a good idea to start the August c.d reviews page with a great album so i've uploaded an in depth review of the tremendous debut recording by The New Madrids. The album is called 'Through the heart of town' and is chock full of great alt. country songs, some of the best vocals around, tremendous playing and all from an almost peerless Scottish based band.
31st July 2014 - It's probably a bit late in the year for reviewing 2013 releases but 'After Church' by Scott "Snake" Miller is so good and so different that I just had to make it the last full review of July!
25th July 2014 - One of the highlights of this years Maverick Festival, in the village of Easton, Suffolk was an absolutely wonderful set by Hannah Aldridge. Should you get the chance to see her live, take it, she is a truly great singer songwriter for whom stardom surely beckons. If you can't see her live buy her new album, a review of which has been added to this website today!
19th July - I've uploaded a review of 'The World Outside' by Mark Harrison. It is a tremendous recording of some highly original folksy blues songs by a master singer, songwriter and guitarist who really should be a household name.
12th July 2014 - A review of the hugely evocative and diverse album that has its tap root in 'old timey,' by and titled 'The Annie Ford Band' has been uploaded to the 2014 c.d reviews page. There is beauty as well as an edginess to an album that is a stylistic update for the 21st century and would grace the music collection of any 'roots music' fan.
3rd July 2014 - Off to the Maverick festival in (hopefully!) sunny Suffolk tomorrow morning so thought I would make time to upload a new c.d review today! What an incredible first album for July it is too. The title is 'Stardust' and it's by the uniquely talented Bronwynne Brent, someone who i'm certain is destined for stardom. Bronwynne is a hugely talented songwriter and the possessor of a captivating, almost mesmerizing, voice that everyone really should hear, irrespective of musical tastes.
27th June 2014 - Better late than never I've uploaded a review of the brilliant 'Incident on Willow street' by Greg Trooper. It really is a terrific recording and although it was released late last year is more than worthy of a full review and is another addition to my growing list of years best albums!
21st June 2014 - I've added a review of 'Nothin' But Blood,' the incredible new album by Scott H. Biram to the June 2014 c.d reviews page. The raw power of the album is quite breathtaking. Also added a track from the album and some live video footage.
14th June 2014 - A review of 'Here on earth,' the terrific new album by Canadian bluesman Brandon Isaac has been added to the 2014 c.d reviews page.
7th June 2014 - I've uploaded a review of much in demand sidesman Scott Smith's project, 'Just A Season' an excellent solo debut album from a hugely talented musician.
1st June 2014 - Didn't manage to get this beautiful recording uploaded at the end of last month so Ellie Ford's gorgeous 'Show Night In' gets the June reviews off to a dificult to follow start! It is ethereal folksy music of the very highest quality.
23rd may 2014 - I've uploaded a review of 'The Morning Key,' the brilliant 'difficult' second album by Hatful of Rain. Everything about this album suggests an almost unsurpassable quality, be it the songwriting, vocals, harmonies or playing. The album is released on Monday 26th May on the Union Music Store label.
16th May 2014 - I've just uploaded the review of an album that is not only a contender for album of this year, but also album of the century so far! It is called 'New Pound Coin' and is by The Knights of Mentis. This has to be one of the best debut albums ever and all this from a nine piece from Oxfordshire! Any music fan really needs a copy of this superb album in his/her collection.
10th May 2014 - A review of 'Once I Got Burned,' the new album by Ash Gray has been added to the May c.d reviews page. It's his first solo album and as far as i'm concerned the best he has been involved in by some distance. Terrific album!
3rd May 2014 - First album review of the month at www.americanrootsuk.com is of the tremendous new self titled album from Jacob Miller & the Bridge City Crooners. It blends a number of musical threads that include vaudeville, jazz, blues, old timey into a hugely entertaining, high quality roots stew!
26th April 2014 - There can have been few better debut albums than 'Appalachian Blues' by The Deer Run Drifters, a hugely talented quintet from the Appalachians. Even at this relatively early stage of the year it's easy to say this will feature in mine and many other 'Albums of the year' lists!
20th April 2014 - I've added a review of the tremendous new album by Paul McClure. It is called 'Smiling From The Floor Up' and contains great 'roots' songs and tremendous vocals and playing. You really do need a copy of this terrific album!
17th April 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the new album by Candian trio, 100 Mile House. It is a real beauty of a recording titled 'Wait With me' and contains all tremendous band originals. The songs were all written by husband and wife team Peter Stone and Denise McKay whilst the couple of excellent instrumentals were penned by third member Scott Zubot.
12th April 2014 - Another new c.d review, another contender for 'Album of the year!' This time it is the brilliant new recording by Britains own Redlands Palomino Company. It's called 'Broken Carelessly' and is an album you really need in your collection, a statement that can also be applied to their previous recordings!
5th April 2014 - First review of April is of the brilliant new album by Texas's own Holy Moly. It is called 'Brothers Keepers' and whilst it contains their usual 'cowpunk' edginess it is full to the brim with some tremendous 'pure country' songs and just as pure country sounds, but always with a powerful edge. This is an album so good that I suspect it will be on many end of year 'best of' lists! It will certainly be on mine.
29th March 2014 - Final c.d review of the month is of 'Sweet the love that meets return' the gorgeous debut album by Britains own Peter James Millson. It is an album that is both mellow of sound and beautifully melodic!
22nd march 2014 - I've uploaded a review of one of my favourite albums of the year so far. It is by and is titled 'The Don Darlings,' an album full of excellent writing and playing on some incredibly deep dark songs that are accompanied by equally deep dark vocals! Terrific album.
15th March 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the terrific debut album by a taleneted group of musicians from the wilds of Dartmoor! They are called The Kestor Stringband and they've released an excellent album that blends local folk music with American roots music into a stew that is very much their own. The album is called 'The Moorgrass Album' and is well worth spending some of your hard earned on and thereby enhancing your c.d collection!
8th March 2014 - I've uploaded a review of another terrific album, this one of indeterminate genre, although it is certainly 'roots music.' It's 'The map of above the map below' by Gregory Hoskins and Gary Craig, two talented Canadian musicianss who have recorded some tremendous songs with little more than guitar, drums and vocals, and it works beautifully!
2nd March 2014 - First album review of this month is 'The Rivers call' the tremendous new recording by Austrian domiciled American troubadour, Chuck LeMonds. He is a great singer/ songwriter/guitarist who just about covers the whole American Roots field!
22nd February - A review of 'Pistol in my pocket,' the tremendous new album by Dan Baker fas been added to the February c.d reviews page. It is a great album of dark, haunting roots music.
15th February 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the much anticipated new album by Nathan Bell. It's called 'Blood Like A River' and it's a real pleasure to report that not only was it well worth the wait but it could be a career defining recording as well!
8th February 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the new album by Possessed By Paul James. It is called 'There will be nights when i'm lonely' and to my ears is his best yet!
2nd February 2014 - First album review of this month is of one of my albums of the year 2013. It is the incredible debut, 'Wreckin' Yard' from Scotlands own Stevie Agnew. His father was a member of 'Nazareth' and it's nice to say that nthe tremendous new recording by ot only has the musical talent been passed on but has been magnified considerably!
24th January 2014 - A review of what would have been one of my albums of the year in 2013, had I uploaded it a little earlier, has been added. It is called 'Stripped To The Root' and is by another incredibly talented musician who seems to fly just beneath the radar, certainly in the U.K. His name is J.B. Beverley, a man who usually tours and records with his regular band 'The Wayward Drifters,' but on this occasion chose to make this varied and diverse solo album that will almost certainly be a career defining recording. A great album that thanks to it's quality will be carried over as a contender for the 2014 years end list.
16th January 2014 - I've uploaded a review of 'Rust Bucket,' the tremendous new album by talented Canadian blues man Sean Pinchin.
9th January 2014 - First c.d review of the year is of an album from a man who is building his career on consistently excellent music in pretty much his own roots sub genre. His name is James Keyes and the album is called 'The Middle,' and consists of his deep dark vocals on some deep dark songs, all beautifully written, arranged and played.
20th December 2014 - The Trailerpark Idlers are probably the most prolific recording band around although their current offering 'Fifty gallons of Lightning' is the first I have explored in any depth. On the strength of this tremendous album, of which I've just uploaded a review, I 'm hoping to explore more of their back catalogue of Gothic, alt. country and much more. Great songs, great playing and an incredible atmosphere. Treat yourself to it for Christmas!
13th December 2014 - I've added a review of an album that will not only be in my top albums of the year but is actually a very strong contender for top spot! It is 'Going down the river,' the debut album by Doug Seegers and it's a recording that pretty much defines 'real country music!' A truly great album.
10th December 2014 - I've uploaded a review of as good a string band album as you will hear anywhere! It is called 'Chicken Crows For Day' and is by The Oldtime Stringband. What makes it even more unusual is the fact that the nucleus of the band is all Dutch, plus the addition of a talented American!
6th December 2014 - A review of yet another contender for best albums of the year has been uploaded. This one is 'Songs in the war' by American Thread, an album that virtually defines alt. country and is certainly one of my favourite albums so far this year!
3rd December 2014 - First album review of this month is the re-release of a recording that made it's debut in 2007. The album is called 'Hard Luck Hittin' and is by former Weary Boys mainstay Mario Matteoli. Amazingly it passed almost unnoticed on it's first release but I can't see the record buying public making that mistake twice! Four tracks have been added to this beautifully written and sung and sparsely instrumented recording.
29th November 2014 - A review of another album that will definitely be in my top 20 of 2014 has been added. It is called 'Thinking of you ....... Staring at the power lines' and is by just about the most original roots singer songwriter around, J.P. Whipple (a.k.a John Whipple) No collection can really call itself complete without at least a few of John's astounding recordings!
26th November 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the newest release from At The Helm Records. With all due respect to their roster of talented artists this is probably the best album they have ever put out. That is no insult because very few companies have ever put out a better recording than this! It is Good Luck Mountain's incredible new release simply titled 'Good Luck Mountain Too' and simply writing a few superlatives here can't really sum up it's quality. At least the review tries to!
22nd November 2014 - Better late than never, i've added a new review of the tremendous 'Back to the camper' the recent release from 'real country' musician Bob Wayne.
19th November 2014 - A review of the incredible 'Lonesome Ghosts,' the new release by hugely talented Canadian jazzy blues duo Blue Moon Marquee has been added.
15th November 2014 - A few months later than I hoped, i've uploaded a review of Joseph Huber's
incredible recent album 'The Hanging Road.' Ten tremendous, atmospheric high lonesome songs.
12th November 2014 - I've added a review of the incredible debut album by 'Hook and Anchor.' It's impossible to sum up in just a couple of sentences so I won't try! Read the review then buy the album. Easy!
8th November 2014 - Finally managed to upload 'Not the beginning, not the end' the extraordinary new album by Mr. Plow. Fans will know what they are getting but for the uninitiated this is your starting point for getting into the deepest darkest country tinged music! Tremendous album that I never tire of!
5th November 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the beautifully flowing and unforced 'Watershed' by Grifters and Shills, a hugely talented duo who play some lovely deep and reflective American folk music.
1st November 2014 - First c.d review of the month is of the incredible new album by the Barnyard Stompers. It is called 'Highway Gospel' and as fans might expect carries some excellent, dark, often spooky backwoods country songs beautifully played and sung by this hugely talented duo.
29th October 2014 - A review of the tremendous new album 'The High Stepping Music of Sheesham, Lotus and Son' has been added to the October reviews page. As usual there is also a video, this time a one and a half hour concert that should go some way to showing what this extraordinary trio is all about!
25th October 2014 - I've uploaded a review of what will surely be a contender in many peoples 'Album of the year' lists. It is the self titled 'debut' by The Loudermilks, a band whose core members were previously known as the Lou Fords, one of the best alt. country bands around. With the quality of this recording their peer group is now very much diminished!
22nd October 2014 - A review of a 7 track album by 'country' superstar of the very near future, Cale Tyson has been added. It is called 'High on lonesome' and is released on Clubhouse Records in Britain on Monday 27th October. To say this young man is talented is an understatement of epic proportions, so just buy a copy and lose yourself in seven great songs beautifully arranged and played with vocals that are quite stunning. Cale is the first 'country singer' for a long time who can be genuinely referred to as 'the real deal!
18th October 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album 'Good Luck' by Girls, Guns and Glory! They are currently on tour in Britain with Sarah Borges and the band and Sarah are co-headliners at the Prince Albert, Brighton this Monday, 20th October. Should be a great evening!
17th October 2014 - For Portsmouth area readers there is a great gig at The Square Tower in Old Portsmouth on Saturday 25th October. You will be treated to a tremendous performance by The Jamie Freeman Agreement, a band that has been written about on this website! Click on the following link to be taken to the site that has all the information. http://www.squarerootspromotions.co.uk/jamie-freeman-agreement/
A review of their new album can be found here: http://www.americanrootsuk.com/jamie-freeman-agreement---100-miles-from-town.html
15th October 2014 - A review of 'Ignatius,' the brilliant new album by Canadian band Sleepy Driver has been uploaded to the October reviews page. They are generally slotted into the alt. country genre but there is a lot more to their melodic music and great songs than just a limiting label!
11th October 2014 - I've added a review of one of the most beautiful albums so far this year. It is the new recording by the Locust Honey String Band entitled 'Never let me cross your mind.' Gorgeous traditional songs mixed with a few of their own originals and several by other writers all blended beautifully in the melting pot of American 'folk music!'
8th October 2014 - A review of the excellent new album 'All Dies Down' by Fire Mountain has been added to the October reviews page. This is their debut full length album following on from an e.p and promises much for the future of this talented five piece band.
4th October 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the truly extraordinary new recording by Betty and the Boy. It is titled 'The Wreckage' and is one of the most unusual if addictive albums of 'roots music' you are likely to hear any time soon!
1st October 2014 - First full album review of the month is a real belter from Red Molly. It is simply titled 'The Red Album' and contains a few excellent covers as well as their own beautifully written and performed songs. I've just started investigating their back catalogue and this recording actually ups the quality a little from their previous excellent works!
27th September 2014 - I've just added a review of another album that is so good and so difficult to define that yet again it was almost impossible to edit the review, as a consequence of which it rambles interminably! Having said that, 'Fish & Bird's extraordinary 'Something In The Ether' will be a contender for many year end lists as 'Album of the year.' It really is that good!
24th September 2014 - A review of the tremendous new album by Ben Glover has been added. It is titled 'Atlantic' and contains a beautifully varied lyrical content and Ben's excellent and highly evocative vocals plus his excellent guitar playing. He is also a friend of and collaborator with Mary Gauthier and this album as well as Mary's recent release contain a song they wrote together. Need I say more?
20th September 2014 - At last I've uploaded a review of the extraordinary 'Inside Of You,' the new album by Petunia, with his Vipers amongst others! Is it as good as his previous recording 'Petunia and the Vipers?' Read the review (if you have time!) and find out, then buy the album!
17th September 2014 - I've uploaded a review of 'Love Songs, Vol. 1' by The hugely talented Canadian Troubadour Ben Rogers. It contains ten sparse beautifully evocative tales of life, often from the darker side!
13th September 2014 -Some albums are just so good that everyone should know about them and have their albums in their collections. Such an album is 'Trouble' the incredible new recording by the Howlin' Brothers, just about the most talented and versatile trio you are ever likely to stumble across. The album was released in May and it's taken me this long to edit to something more manageable a review of this incredible recording and i've finally uploaded that review today. 'Trouble' is of such astounding quality that I won't even try to sum it up in these few brief sentences but as a bonus their debut album was of similar quality so buy both!
10th September 2014 - A review of the absolutely gorgeous 'Before machines,' the stunning new album by Anna Tivel has been added to the September c.d reviews. It has an almost serenely mellow feel with Anna's lovely breathy vocals but at the same time is an album that has plenty of rural dramatic impact lyrically. A real beauty of a recording that will grace any collection whatever your musical preference.
6th September 2014 - I've uploaded a review of yet another brilliant album! This one is incredibly unusual in as much as it is based on band leader Jesus Angel Garcia's extraordinary novel, 'Badbadbad.' The band is Three Times Bad (hopefully you won't need me to explain how the band name originated!) and the album is called 'American Sojourn.' It is raw, atmospheric and superbly arranged and played and thanks to its huge originality will almost certainly be in many best of the year lists!
4th September 2014 - First review of September is of an e.p. something that I rarely do, but 'Slow Room Bar' by Vagabondage is just so good it had to be done! They come from a broad musical community in San Francisco and are a highly skilled band of roots musicians who imbue their songs with depth, power and often a great degree of darkness, but at the same time are hugely entertaining! Give yourself a treat and purchase this e.p, in fact while you're at it buy their 2 full length albums as well. You can get them on Bandcamp.
31st August 2014 - I finally got some sort of a grip on 'Cool your jets,' the incredible new album by Patrolled by Radar. It is one of those multi faceted recordings that constantly reveals more depth, culminating in any review being out of date thanks to the tremendous and enigmatic songs revealing more depth with every play. Anyone with a love of 'roots music' really needs a copy of this recording in their collection.
22nd August 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the debut solo album by the Whybirds Luke Tuchscherer and what a debut it is. The title is 'You get so alone at times it just makes sense' and it consists of twelve of Luke's original songs and whilst there are differences, but not in quality, if you need a guide probably the nearest comparison could be Lyle Lovett. A high quality album that grabbed my attention on first play!
19th August 2014 - A review of the tremendous new album by Melody Walker and Jacob Groopman has been added to the August c.d reviews page. It is a gorgeous melodic album called 'We made it home' and is full of lovely melodies, tremendous lead and harmony vocals and great playing of music that ranges from bluegrass to old timey!
16th August 2014 - I've uploaded a review of an incredible new album that is impossible to sum up in a few words, so I won't try! It is called 'Riding Mercury' and is by Melissa Ruth and the Likely Stories.
13th August 2014 - A review of a brilliant blues debut album has been added to the August c.d reviews page. It is called 'Introducing Fife & Drom' and is only seven songs long but what a seven songs they are. It updates several blues sub genres and in Abby Ahmad has one of the best blues vocalists around. Her lovely smoky vocal style is supported by three talented musicians who allow plenty of space around the songs with the tremendous guitar playing of Abby's husband Mark Marshall being the icing on the cake.
8th August 2014 - I've finally managed to upload a review of the new album by a man who is starting to get a lot of attention in roots music. It is called 'Life & Love' and is the tremendous 'difficult second album' by Hans Chew. It consists of all Hans originals, played with a rare fire, power and skill.
3rd August 2014 - I thought it would be a good idea to start the August c.d reviews page with a great album so i've uploaded an in depth review of the tremendous debut recording by The New Madrids. The album is called 'Through the heart of town' and is chock full of great alt. country songs, some of the best vocals around, tremendous playing and all from an almost peerless Scottish based band.
31st July 2014 - It's probably a bit late in the year for reviewing 2013 releases but 'After Church' by Scott "Snake" Miller is so good and so different that I just had to make it the last full review of July!
25th July 2014 - One of the highlights of this years Maverick Festival, in the village of Easton, Suffolk was an absolutely wonderful set by Hannah Aldridge. Should you get the chance to see her live, take it, she is a truly great singer songwriter for whom stardom surely beckons. If you can't see her live buy her new album, a review of which has been added to this website today!
19th July - I've uploaded a review of 'The World Outside' by Mark Harrison. It is a tremendous recording of some highly original folksy blues songs by a master singer, songwriter and guitarist who really should be a household name.
12th July 2014 - A review of the hugely evocative and diverse album that has its tap root in 'old timey,' by and titled 'The Annie Ford Band' has been uploaded to the 2014 c.d reviews page. There is beauty as well as an edginess to an album that is a stylistic update for the 21st century and would grace the music collection of any 'roots music' fan.
3rd July 2014 - Off to the Maverick festival in (hopefully!) sunny Suffolk tomorrow morning so thought I would make time to upload a new c.d review today! What an incredible first album for July it is too. The title is 'Stardust' and it's by the uniquely talented Bronwynne Brent, someone who i'm certain is destined for stardom. Bronwynne is a hugely talented songwriter and the possessor of a captivating, almost mesmerizing, voice that everyone really should hear, irrespective of musical tastes.
27th June 2014 - Better late than never I've uploaded a review of the brilliant 'Incident on Willow street' by Greg Trooper. It really is a terrific recording and although it was released late last year is more than worthy of a full review and is another addition to my growing list of years best albums!
21st June 2014 - I've added a review of 'Nothin' But Blood,' the incredible new album by Scott H. Biram to the June 2014 c.d reviews page. The raw power of the album is quite breathtaking. Also added a track from the album and some live video footage.
14th June 2014 - A review of 'Here on earth,' the terrific new album by Canadian bluesman Brandon Isaac has been added to the 2014 c.d reviews page.
7th June 2014 - I've uploaded a review of much in demand sidesman Scott Smith's project, 'Just A Season' an excellent solo debut album from a hugely talented musician.
1st June 2014 - Didn't manage to get this beautiful recording uploaded at the end of last month so Ellie Ford's gorgeous 'Show Night In' gets the June reviews off to a dificult to follow start! It is ethereal folksy music of the very highest quality.
23rd may 2014 - I've uploaded a review of 'The Morning Key,' the brilliant 'difficult' second album by Hatful of Rain. Everything about this album suggests an almost unsurpassable quality, be it the songwriting, vocals, harmonies or playing. The album is released on Monday 26th May on the Union Music Store label.
16th May 2014 - I've just uploaded the review of an album that is not only a contender for album of this year, but also album of the century so far! It is called 'New Pound Coin' and is by The Knights of Mentis. This has to be one of the best debut albums ever and all this from a nine piece from Oxfordshire! Any music fan really needs a copy of this superb album in his/her collection.
10th May 2014 - A review of 'Once I Got Burned,' the new album by Ash Gray has been added to the May c.d reviews page. It's his first solo album and as far as i'm concerned the best he has been involved in by some distance. Terrific album!
3rd May 2014 - First album review of the month at www.americanrootsuk.com is of the tremendous new self titled album from Jacob Miller & the Bridge City Crooners. It blends a number of musical threads that include vaudeville, jazz, blues, old timey into a hugely entertaining, high quality roots stew!
26th April 2014 - There can have been few better debut albums than 'Appalachian Blues' by The Deer Run Drifters, a hugely talented quintet from the Appalachians. Even at this relatively early stage of the year it's easy to say this will feature in mine and many other 'Albums of the year' lists!
20th April 2014 - I've added a review of the tremendous new album by Paul McClure. It is called 'Smiling From The Floor Up' and contains great 'roots' songs and tremendous vocals and playing. You really do need a copy of this terrific album!
17th April 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the new album by Candian trio, 100 Mile House. It is a real beauty of a recording titled 'Wait With me' and contains all tremendous band originals. The songs were all written by husband and wife team Peter Stone and Denise McKay whilst the couple of excellent instrumentals were penned by third member Scott Zubot.
12th April 2014 - Another new c.d review, another contender for 'Album of the year!' This time it is the brilliant new recording by Britains own Redlands Palomino Company. It's called 'Broken Carelessly' and is an album you really need in your collection, a statement that can also be applied to their previous recordings!
5th April 2014 - First review of April is of the brilliant new album by Texas's own Holy Moly. It is called 'Brothers Keepers' and whilst it contains their usual 'cowpunk' edginess it is full to the brim with some tremendous 'pure country' songs and just as pure country sounds, but always with a powerful edge. This is an album so good that I suspect it will be on many end of year 'best of' lists! It will certainly be on mine.
29th March 2014 - Final c.d review of the month is of 'Sweet the love that meets return' the gorgeous debut album by Britains own Peter James Millson. It is an album that is both mellow of sound and beautifully melodic!
22nd march 2014 - I've uploaded a review of one of my favourite albums of the year so far. It is by and is titled 'The Don Darlings,' an album full of excellent writing and playing on some incredibly deep dark songs that are accompanied by equally deep dark vocals! Terrific album.
15th March 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the terrific debut album by a taleneted group of musicians from the wilds of Dartmoor! They are called The Kestor Stringband and they've released an excellent album that blends local folk music with American roots music into a stew that is very much their own. The album is called 'The Moorgrass Album' and is well worth spending some of your hard earned on and thereby enhancing your c.d collection!
8th March 2014 - I've uploaded a review of another terrific album, this one of indeterminate genre, although it is certainly 'roots music.' It's 'The map of above the map below' by Gregory Hoskins and Gary Craig, two talented Canadian musicianss who have recorded some tremendous songs with little more than guitar, drums and vocals, and it works beautifully!
2nd March 2014 - First album review of this month is 'The Rivers call' the tremendous new recording by Austrian domiciled American troubadour, Chuck LeMonds. He is a great singer/ songwriter/guitarist who just about covers the whole American Roots field!
22nd February - A review of 'Pistol in my pocket,' the tremendous new album by Dan Baker fas been added to the February c.d reviews page. It is a great album of dark, haunting roots music.
15th February 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the much anticipated new album by Nathan Bell. It's called 'Blood Like A River' and it's a real pleasure to report that not only was it well worth the wait but it could be a career defining recording as well!
8th February 2014 - I've uploaded a review of the new album by Possessed By Paul James. It is called 'There will be nights when i'm lonely' and to my ears is his best yet!
2nd February 2014 - First album review of this month is of one of my albums of the year 2013. It is the incredible debut, 'Wreckin' Yard' from Scotlands own Stevie Agnew. His father was a member of 'Nazareth' and it's nice to say that nthe tremendous new recording by ot only has the musical talent been passed on but has been magnified considerably!
24th January 2014 - A review of what would have been one of my albums of the year in 2013, had I uploaded it a little earlier, has been added. It is called 'Stripped To The Root' and is by another incredibly talented musician who seems to fly just beneath the radar, certainly in the U.K. His name is J.B. Beverley, a man who usually tours and records with his regular band 'The Wayward Drifters,' but on this occasion chose to make this varied and diverse solo album that will almost certainly be a career defining recording. A great album that thanks to it's quality will be carried over as a contender for the 2014 years end list.
16th January 2014 - I've uploaded a review of 'Rust Bucket,' the tremendous new album by talented Canadian blues man Sean Pinchin.
9th January 2014 - First c.d review of the year is of an album from a man who is building his career on consistently excellent music in pretty much his own roots sub genre. His name is James Keyes and the album is called 'The Middle,' and consists of his deep dark vocals on some deep dark songs, all beautifully written, arranged and played.