2019 News Page
31st December 2019 - Last day of the year is a good time to finish things so I've just uploaded my last c.d review of this month, this year and possibly ever, although it is quite likely that if something really grabs my attention and all of the other dice (time, health, inspiration, etc) fall into place I may still write an occasional review. And, what a belter of an album to finish with, it's title is 'Die Happy' and it's the recent release from Them Coulee Boys. Read the review, purchase the album, meantime Happy New Year to one and all and thanks for the support and feedback for the huge number of reviews I've written for this website and various magazines over the last 20 or so years.
30th December 2019 - Very much later than intended I've uploaded a review of 'Autumn of the World,' the tremendous recent release from the Resonant Rogues.
I'm going to try to upload what will be my final c.d review, at least for the foreseeable future, within the next day or two. I will keep the website running with my radio show and playlists and maybe one or two 'bits and pieces' as I see fit.
15th December 2019 - The third from last review that i'll be writing, at least for the forseeable future, (the other two are almost complete) is the incredible 'Burning the deal' by Erik Koskinen. It was released a few months ago so is readily available and will enhance anyone's Christmas stocking, or any other stocking if it comes to that!
4th November 2019 - As I near the end of my review writing days the first one for about 5 weeks is of a real cracker of an album. It is called 'Warning' and is the debut from an 'unusual country band' called Lasers Lasers Birmingham. On the face of it, contemporary country, in reality anything but!
28th September -A man whose career albums have been even less prolific than my recent c.d reviews is Will Beeley. There is certainly quality in his music though as anyone listening to his new album 'Highways & Heart Attacks' will confirm, something I've reiterated in the review that I've just uploaded!
11th September - I've uploaded a review of yet another incredible album. This one is called 'Pretty little mister' and is by the hugely talented American duo, "Tui."
10th September 2019 - I haven't felt like writing reviews or doing much else recently, although I'm hoping before very much longer to start doing my radio show again. I will be concentrating mainly on the show initially so I would suggest that if you usually send me c.ds or downloads purely for review, you hold off for the time being. I will though, still be selecting tracks from any new recordings that come into my possession for the show and will hopefully return to writing reviews should the energy and 'muse' return. Having said that I'm currently, and very slowly, working my way through a few reviews that were already underway.
25th August 2019 - Final album review of the month is of a recording that will no doubt be in the upper reaches of many best of year lists; it certainly will mine. It is the incredible 'Hush the wild horses' by the hugely talented Rachel Harrington. There is even a possibility it could be her 'career defining' album. It really is that good!
18th August 2019 - The 'Steel Blossoms' self titled new album is simply one of the best albums of the decade so far! I'm still listening to it and still trying to get my head around just how good it is, but didn't let that stop me uploading a review of this truly great song collection!
11th August 2019 - I've uploaded a review of as good a debut album as you will ever hear. It's the tremendous 'Even the Sparrow' by the hugely talented singer/songwriter/banjoist, Kelly Hunt.
1st August 2019 - First c.d review of the month is of 'Last call fro dreamers,' the tremendous new album from The Lowdown Drifters.
24thJuly 2019 - A review of 'Getaway' the beautiful new album by Abigail Lapell has been added to the July c.d reviews page.
17th July 2019 - I've uploaded a review of 'Cletus,' the brilliant new album from Jonathan Warren and the Billy Goats.
4th July 2019 - First review of the month is of 'Dreams about falling,' the tremendous new album from Jamie Freeman.
29th June 2019 - Final review of this month is of yet another great album from The Howlin' Brothers. It is called 'Still Howlin' and rubber stamps this tremendous trio as one of the best and most consistent bands around.
15th June 2019 - I've uploaded a review of what will probably prove to be the best 'live album' of the year. It's 'Live Mules' by Daniel Meade & the Flying Mules and was taken from a 2016 concert in Shetland. It really goes without saying, although I am going to say it, that if you purchase just one live album this year, make it this one!
10th June 2019 - A review of the excellent self titled debut album by 'Nicholas Mudd' has been added to this months reviews page.
4th June 2019 - I've uploaded a review of 'Union,' the new Son Volt album and also a video of a complete concert from their recent 'Union' promoting tour.
26th May 2019 - Two weeks since the last album review but I've just added a new one of a recording that has the potential to be many peoples album of the year! It has a strange title, 'O Bronder, Donder, Yonder' and it's by An American Forrest, a man who leads a rural life that will be the envy of many (me included) and an album that still reveals little nuances months after the first play!
12th may 2019 - I've uploaded a second album review in less than a week! This one is the incredible self titled album by and called 'Allison De Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves.' Believe me, in the case of two young ladies as gifted as this duo, snappy album titles are superfluous!
6th May 2019 - Only just over a week since uploading a review of one great album and now along comes another! This time it's the recent release from the Foghorn Stringband entitled 'Rock Island Grange,' another album that will be on many years end lists, mine included. As a bonus I've also uploaded a 40+ minute youtube video of a recent concert by this talented band.
27th April 2019 - I've uploaded a review of the current front runner for my 'Album of the Year.' It is titled 'The best of the worst kind' by Tylor and the Train Robbers and was released on all of the usual outlets yesterday. I'm finding it literally impossible to come up with a brief, snappy description so read the review to find out why! Great album!
18th April 2019 - Halfway through April and I've only just uploaded my third album review of the year and yet again it's another tremendous recording. This one is The Oldtime Stringband with their new album 'Pretty little horses,' an album that will undoubtedly be in the upper reaches of my 2019 albums of the year!
1st April 2019 - Amber Cross will be arriving here late next week to start her first ever UK tour. Her album, 'Savage on the downhill' is receiving rave reviews following its British release a week or so ago. I reviewed it back in 2017 when it was released in the U.S and it went on to be my 'Album of the year, 2017' and quite possibly 'Album of the decade.' Follow the link below for a reminder of just how great the album is and how much you will need to see one of her gigs! We'll be at the 'Green Note' in good old Camden Town!
https://www.americanrootsuk.com/amber-cross---savage-on-the-downhill.html
27th March 2019 - Hardly prolific, but I've uploaded a second album review this month! It was released late last year and is JP Harris & the Tough Choices tremendous new recording 'Sometimes dogs bark at nothing.' You can purchase it from all of the usual outlets.
9th March 2019 - I've uploaded my first c.d review for five months and what a belter of an album it is! It's 'Carousel,' the tremendous new recording from Carson McHone, an album that will increase the quality of any music collection.
30th December 2019 - Very much later than intended I've uploaded a review of 'Autumn of the World,' the tremendous recent release from the Resonant Rogues.
I'm going to try to upload what will be my final c.d review, at least for the foreseeable future, within the next day or two. I will keep the website running with my radio show and playlists and maybe one or two 'bits and pieces' as I see fit.
15th December 2019 - The third from last review that i'll be writing, at least for the forseeable future, (the other two are almost complete) is the incredible 'Burning the deal' by Erik Koskinen. It was released a few months ago so is readily available and will enhance anyone's Christmas stocking, or any other stocking if it comes to that!
4th November 2019 - As I near the end of my review writing days the first one for about 5 weeks is of a real cracker of an album. It is called 'Warning' and is the debut from an 'unusual country band' called Lasers Lasers Birmingham. On the face of it, contemporary country, in reality anything but!
28th September -A man whose career albums have been even less prolific than my recent c.d reviews is Will Beeley. There is certainly quality in his music though as anyone listening to his new album 'Highways & Heart Attacks' will confirm, something I've reiterated in the review that I've just uploaded!
11th September - I've uploaded a review of yet another incredible album. This one is called 'Pretty little mister' and is by the hugely talented American duo, "Tui."
10th September 2019 - I haven't felt like writing reviews or doing much else recently, although I'm hoping before very much longer to start doing my radio show again. I will be concentrating mainly on the show initially so I would suggest that if you usually send me c.ds or downloads purely for review, you hold off for the time being. I will though, still be selecting tracks from any new recordings that come into my possession for the show and will hopefully return to writing reviews should the energy and 'muse' return. Having said that I'm currently, and very slowly, working my way through a few reviews that were already underway.
25th August 2019 - Final album review of the month is of a recording that will no doubt be in the upper reaches of many best of year lists; it certainly will mine. It is the incredible 'Hush the wild horses' by the hugely talented Rachel Harrington. There is even a possibility it could be her 'career defining' album. It really is that good!
18th August 2019 - The 'Steel Blossoms' self titled new album is simply one of the best albums of the decade so far! I'm still listening to it and still trying to get my head around just how good it is, but didn't let that stop me uploading a review of this truly great song collection!
11th August 2019 - I've uploaded a review of as good a debut album as you will ever hear. It's the tremendous 'Even the Sparrow' by the hugely talented singer/songwriter/banjoist, Kelly Hunt.
1st August 2019 - First c.d review of the month is of 'Last call fro dreamers,' the tremendous new album from The Lowdown Drifters.
24thJuly 2019 - A review of 'Getaway' the beautiful new album by Abigail Lapell has been added to the July c.d reviews page.
17th July 2019 - I've uploaded a review of 'Cletus,' the brilliant new album from Jonathan Warren and the Billy Goats.
4th July 2019 - First review of the month is of 'Dreams about falling,' the tremendous new album from Jamie Freeman.
29th June 2019 - Final review of this month is of yet another great album from The Howlin' Brothers. It is called 'Still Howlin' and rubber stamps this tremendous trio as one of the best and most consistent bands around.
15th June 2019 - I've uploaded a review of what will probably prove to be the best 'live album' of the year. It's 'Live Mules' by Daniel Meade & the Flying Mules and was taken from a 2016 concert in Shetland. It really goes without saying, although I am going to say it, that if you purchase just one live album this year, make it this one!
10th June 2019 - A review of the excellent self titled debut album by 'Nicholas Mudd' has been added to this months reviews page.
4th June 2019 - I've uploaded a review of 'Union,' the new Son Volt album and also a video of a complete concert from their recent 'Union' promoting tour.
26th May 2019 - Two weeks since the last album review but I've just added a new one of a recording that has the potential to be many peoples album of the year! It has a strange title, 'O Bronder, Donder, Yonder' and it's by An American Forrest, a man who leads a rural life that will be the envy of many (me included) and an album that still reveals little nuances months after the first play!
12th may 2019 - I've uploaded a second album review in less than a week! This one is the incredible self titled album by and called 'Allison De Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves.' Believe me, in the case of two young ladies as gifted as this duo, snappy album titles are superfluous!
6th May 2019 - Only just over a week since uploading a review of one great album and now along comes another! This time it's the recent release from the Foghorn Stringband entitled 'Rock Island Grange,' another album that will be on many years end lists, mine included. As a bonus I've also uploaded a 40+ minute youtube video of a recent concert by this talented band.
27th April 2019 - I've uploaded a review of the current front runner for my 'Album of the Year.' It is titled 'The best of the worst kind' by Tylor and the Train Robbers and was released on all of the usual outlets yesterday. I'm finding it literally impossible to come up with a brief, snappy description so read the review to find out why! Great album!
18th April 2019 - Halfway through April and I've only just uploaded my third album review of the year and yet again it's another tremendous recording. This one is The Oldtime Stringband with their new album 'Pretty little horses,' an album that will undoubtedly be in the upper reaches of my 2019 albums of the year!
1st April 2019 - Amber Cross will be arriving here late next week to start her first ever UK tour. Her album, 'Savage on the downhill' is receiving rave reviews following its British release a week or so ago. I reviewed it back in 2017 when it was released in the U.S and it went on to be my 'Album of the year, 2017' and quite possibly 'Album of the decade.' Follow the link below for a reminder of just how great the album is and how much you will need to see one of her gigs! We'll be at the 'Green Note' in good old Camden Town!
https://www.americanrootsuk.com/amber-cross---savage-on-the-downhill.html
27th March 2019 - Hardly prolific, but I've uploaded a second album review this month! It was released late last year and is JP Harris & the Tough Choices tremendous new recording 'Sometimes dogs bark at nothing.' You can purchase it from all of the usual outlets.
9th March 2019 - I've uploaded my first c.d review for five months and what a belter of an album it is! It's 'Carousel,' the tremendous new recording from Carson McHone, an album that will increase the quality of any music collection.
2018 News page
14th October 2018 - I've uploaded the last of my regular album reviews with a few paragraphs about the tremendous new recording from the Hot Seats entitled 'Stupid mountain too big.' Hopefully I will still add reviews as time and inclination allows but not with any great regularity and certainly not in the foreseeable future. I do however have a couple in mind at the moment, so we'll just have to see how things go!
9th October 2018 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album from now New York domiciled Luke Tuchscher. It is simply titled 'Pieces' and the fact that it was released three months ago means that if you have yet to purchase a copy it is readily available from a number of outlets!
29th September 2018 - Rather belatedly I've uploaded a review of Clay Parker and Jodi James wonderful new album 'The lonesomest sound that can sound,' another recording that will be vying for the upper echelons of many peoples (me included) albums of the year!
18th September 2018 - I had hoped to have finished all of my regular reviews by now but still got four more to go after this brilliant new album from Davis Kathriner who were two members of 'Wagon' back in the 1990s. Their first recording for many years is entitled 'Losing Habits' and will enhance any self respecting roots music collection!
8th September 2018 - First review of September is of 'Edgelands,' the tremendous new album from British collective, The Green Rock River Band.
29th August 2018 - Gradually getting towards the end of regular reviews on this website and there certainly won't be any more as long and unwieldy as the The Curse of Lono's magnificent opus 'As I fell.' This tremendous recording continues to reveal even greater depths, despite dozens of playing sessions and is a certainty to slot into the upper reaches of my 'Albums of the year' list.
I should also add that I have 6 more albums to review although they will probably be spread over the next few months, after which there is a lot of uncertainty regarding what and with how much frequency I will be 'putting fingers to computer keyboard,' although the website will continue to be updated with some sort of regularity. The six remaining albums are by the Green Rock River Band, Clay Parker & Jody James, Davis Kathriner, Luke Tushscherer, the Hot Seats and Mean Mary.
21st August 2018 - I've uploaded a review of 'Brand new old-time songs' the incredible new release from Melissa Carper & Rebecca Patek, another contender for my top albums of the year and containing songs that are perfectly described by the album title.
12th August 2018 - A review of 'Stumbler's Business,' the quite stunning new album from Kendl Winter has been added to this months review page. This incredible, nuanced collection is still paying dividends after dozens upon dozens of plays!
4th August 2018 - Better late than never, as they say, I've uploaded a review of Carter Sampson's gorgeous new album 'Lucky.' I had expected to be finishing up all outstanding reviews by now but there are still about 10 of those mentioned in the piece on the homepage on the 10th June that need to be completed, although I won't be taking on any more in the near future.
24th July 2018 - American band, Cold Tone Harvest recently released their tremendous debut album entitled 'After you.' A review can be found on this months c.d reviews page.
22nd July 2018 - I've just uploaded a review of the tremendous self titled album by 'Oliver the Crow,' a hugely talented American duo.
18thJuly 2018 - Several months later than intended I've uploaded a review of Dan Israel's new album 'You're Free.' When an album is this good it's definitely a case of better late than never!
14th July 2018 - I've uploaded a review of 'Texas etc.' the tremendous new double album from Jeb Barry and the Pawn Shop Saints. Unusually for a double album there is absolutely no 'filler,' with every track being essential.
5th July 2018 - It's been a long ten year wait but finally The Mammals have released a new album! Was 'Sunshiner' worth the wait? You bet it was as you'll find when you read the review of this tremendous recording.
30th June 2018 - Final review of the month is of the finest instrumental album you will hear this year (or any other year for that matter) It is 'You were never much of a dancer,' the incredible new recording from Brighton based multi instrumentalist Gwenifer Raymond
26th June 2018 - I've uploaded a review of 'Stolen Horse,' the tremendous new album from the talented 'edgy' country singer songwriter Dusty Rust.
23rd June 2018 - It's been a five years wait but finally The Tillers have released a brand new album, this one self titled. Was it worth the wait? You bet it was but for fans, of which i'm one, a shorter wait would have been most welcome!
16th June 2018 - I've uploaded a new review of the recent 'The invisible comes to us,' the astonishing new album from Anna & Elizabeth.
12th June 2018 - Until recently Wesley Randolph Eader was unknown to me. Now his new album 'Highway Winds' is not only a contender for album of the year but also album of the decade as you will find when you purchase it, having read my overlong review of course!
9th June 2018 - A little later than anticipated I've uploaded a review of the truly stunning 'Time is everything,' the full length debut from Vivian Leva. She and Riley Calcagno have another week (6 gigs) to go on their UK tour so if you're quick you may still be able to get tickets!
6th June 2018 - A debut album at age 81 has to be a joke. Right? Wrong! The tremendous debut album, 'Rolling by,' from Gareth Owen is anything but a joke. Great songwriting, excellent arrangements and evocative vocals mean that this poet has a future in music.
2nd June 2018 - I try not to review albums that are more than a few months old at most and I never ever review anything that is more than a year old. That was, until now! The Local Honeys incredible debut album 'Little girls actin' like men' was first released in the U.S two years ago but I managed to get round this because it was only released in the UK last December! Read the review then get yourself a copy and learn why I think it is so good.
30th may 2018 - There has always been a proliferation of great Canadian bands who play in and around the roots music genre. The Lonesome Ace Stringband are one of them and having been around a while have recently released the exceptional 'When the sun comes up.' Often referred to as a 'bluegrass' band, there is far more to them than that limited label suggests. You can find the review on this months reviews drop down menu.
26th May 2018 - In more than half a century of attending gigs I think the best I ever saw was the Old Crow Medicine Show at the Komedia, Brighton, about 10 years ago. In 20 odd years of making incredible albums they have now made one that I would say matches up to that show. It is called 'Volunteer,' the review of which can be found on the May reviews page.
23rd May 2018 - Better late than never particularly when an album is as good as My Darling Clementine's recent recording 'Still Testifying.' Whilst this review is certainly late it was well worth the effort and more than worthy of the expenditure of some of your hard earned!
19th May 2018 - Hopefully the last of the overlong, unwieldy reviews to appear on this site is appropriately of one of the finest albums to be released so far this century! It is 'Out from under,' the incredible new recording from the hugely talented Michael McDermott, a man who writes about what he knows.
15th May 2018 - 'All at sea,' the tremendous new album from Foghorn Leghorn has recently been released, a review of which has been added to this months reviews page.
12th May 2018 - I've uploaded a review of 'Something wicked this way comes,' the tremendous new album from Norfolk (UK) based band of multi talents, The Vagaband.
8th May 2018 - First c.d review of the month and the first for nearly two weeks is of the unusual but hugely talented Nowhere Brothers with their debut album 'Down Life Boulevard.' You'll need a copy of this tremendous recording if you really want to enhance the quality of your music collection!
25th April 2018 (part 2) - Reviews finished or almost finished are by: Old Crow Medicine Show, Anna & Elizabeth, Foghorn Leghorn, Lonesome Ace String band, Michael McDermott, My Darling Clementine, Nowhere Brothers, The Local Honeys, Vagaband, Vivian Leva, Wesley Randolph Eader, The Tillers.
Reviews Started or soon to be started are by: Cold Tone Harvest, Dan Israel, Dusty Rust, Gareth Owen, Jeb Barry & the Pawn Shop Saints, Western Centuries.
Albums under consideration or yet to be played are by: Dom Flemons, Low Lilly, Caitlin Canty, Green Rock River Band, Hot Club Sandwich, Trent Miller, Will Stewart, Old Salt Union, Rachel Brown, Circus in Flames, Levi Parham, The Fretless, Tracy Grammer, Hyways, Oliver the Crow, The Jellymans Daughter, Jerry leger, Track Dogs, The Mammals, Annie Keating, Craig Gerdes, Dallas Moore, Ross Cooper, Wood & Wire, Eric Corne.
There is also a stack of c.ds that I have yet to go through. That stack includes approximately three times as many discs as the above names combined and doesn't even include those I have written off recently! As you can see from that little lot, so much music and so (relatively) little time to write reviews!
Also: I would like to apologize to anyone who has emailed me at americanrootsuk@gmail.com
Because of the sheer volume of emails I just haven't had time to respond to more than a miniscule percentage of them, a problem that is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Being a 'one man band' I'm trying to devote my time to writing reviews etc and because I have other things in life something has to give and that something is emails! That doesn't mean none will get answered but please don't be too upset if yours doesn't.
25th April 2018 - Last review for 10-12 days is of 'Lonesome as a shadow,' the brilliant new album from Charley Crockett. He is widening the boundaries of soulful roots music in much the same way as one of one of his forefathers who widened the boundaries of the U.S!
21st April 2018 - The incredible new album 'East of Green' by June Star is released on the 27th of this month! Believe me when I say you really don't want to miss such an event and to prove it I've added a review!
I've also included a video from the 'Listen in with Ellen Cherry series on which Andrew Grimm and Dave Hadley played an intimate gig. You should also investigate the hugely talented Ellen Terry's albums, the rewards are there for all to hear.
18th April 2018 - It's always an event to be looked forward to when Daniel Meade releases a new album. The 1st May is the day his tremendous new and intensely personal 'solo' recording 'When was the last time' is made available to all. You will really want a copy of this beautifully conceived album.
14th April 2018 - I've uploaded a review of 'Lord of the Desert' the latest in a short (4 albums) but perfectly formed line of truly great albums by The 3hattrio, a band who can't really be compared to anyone else!
10th April 2018 - Much later than intended (rather than the usual, 'a little later') I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new e.p/mini album by Jamie Freeman entitled 'Hasia Dreams.' If you like memorable melodies, excellent playing and evocative lyrics this is the one for you!
8th April 2018 - I've uploaded a review of another truly great album that will enhance your music collection. This one is 'Don't think about tomorrow night' and it's by The Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers, a hugely talented husband and wife team who are genuinely different to any other duo around!
3rd April 2018 - First review of April is of talented Kent based band Mashville's terrific brand new album 'Another Place.' It's so new it has yet to be released, a situation that will be remedied on 'Record Store day,' Saturday 21st April.
31st March 2018 - Final album review of this month is of 'Southern Wind' the tremendous new recording from talented Scottish troubadour Dean Owens.
27th March 2018 - I've been buried under such an incredible avalanche of great albums and potentially great albums since the turn of the year that I won't even be able to listen to some of them for several weeks yet and that only if I can manage to stem the flow a little!
One terrific recording that I have managed to finish the review of is 'To Elliott, in remembrance of Wolf,' the incredible new album from The Sumner Brothers.
24th March 2018 - It's been out a couple of months but I've just uploaded a review of 'Sorry for the good times,' the incredible new album from the talented Perth, Scotland based Red Pine Timber Company.
17th March 2018 - The tremendous 'Chickenwire,' the new release from Ash Grey was released more than a month ago and it's taken me an age to delve into its intricacies, with the upshot that I've written another long unwieldy review of what I feel is the best album he's made, so far!
10th March 2018 - I've uploaded a review of the recently released debut album, 'On the red' from British alt. country 'supergroup' Orphan Colours.
4th March 2018 - First c.d review of the month is of the stunning 'Daybreak over Jackson Street,' the sophomore album from talented 'singer songwriter' Steph Cameron. It was released a few weeks ago so is ready and waiting to enhance the quality of your music collection.
26th February 2018 - I've added a review of 'High fences' the tremendous new album by Glaswegian roots band James Edwyn & the Borrowed Band. Yet another great album that will enhance your music collection!
20th February 2018 - Three months later than intended I've finally uploaded a review of one of the best e.p's I've heard for a very long time. It is called 'High time' and is by a talented trio, two of them from the U.K and one from the U.S, who genuinely bring a unique originality to 'British Americana!'
13th February 2018 - It must be nearly 10 years since I last wrote a live review but last Thursday in Lewes was as entertaining an evening of quality music as anyone could wish for. It was certainly unusual with the first hour and a half given over to the Orphan Brigades tremendous documentary of 'Soundtrack to a Ghost story,' followed by a live set from this talented trio. Just had to cobble something together so here it is!
10th February 2018 - I've uploaded a review of 'Maintaining dignity in awkward situations,' the terrific new album from the multi national Penny Black Remedy.
3rd February 2018 - First album review of the month and considerably later than intended is of 'Sugar skull,' the tremendous new recording from the talented Canadian band 'Sleepy Driver.'
28th January 2018 - Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards new album, 'California Calling' was released late last year. This review explains why you need a copy!
20th January 2018 - I've uploaded a rather lengthy review of the second full length album, 'Start Believing,' from talented young Colorado 'country' band Thunder & Rain.
16th January 2018 - An album that I've been playing a huge amount of late is The Winterlings excellent new recording 'American Son.' Read the review then purchase yourself a copy and hear why I love it!
13th January 2018 - I've finally uploaded a review of 'Galax,' the tremendous new album from the Wild Ponies, a recording that was one of my favourite albums of 2017, and one of the best of the decade so far!
6th January 2018 - First album review of the year is fairly obviously the front runner for 'Album of the Year,' but in the case of Tyler Childers 'Purgatory' I suspect that many of us will be saying the same at the end of 2018.
He starts a European tour later this month and is playing at the Komedia Studio, Brighton on Monday 29th January. See you there!
9th October 2018 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album from now New York domiciled Luke Tuchscher. It is simply titled 'Pieces' and the fact that it was released three months ago means that if you have yet to purchase a copy it is readily available from a number of outlets!
29th September 2018 - Rather belatedly I've uploaded a review of Clay Parker and Jodi James wonderful new album 'The lonesomest sound that can sound,' another recording that will be vying for the upper echelons of many peoples (me included) albums of the year!
18th September 2018 - I had hoped to have finished all of my regular reviews by now but still got four more to go after this brilliant new album from Davis Kathriner who were two members of 'Wagon' back in the 1990s. Their first recording for many years is entitled 'Losing Habits' and will enhance any self respecting roots music collection!
8th September 2018 - First review of September is of 'Edgelands,' the tremendous new album from British collective, The Green Rock River Band.
29th August 2018 - Gradually getting towards the end of regular reviews on this website and there certainly won't be any more as long and unwieldy as the The Curse of Lono's magnificent opus 'As I fell.' This tremendous recording continues to reveal even greater depths, despite dozens of playing sessions and is a certainty to slot into the upper reaches of my 'Albums of the year' list.
I should also add that I have 6 more albums to review although they will probably be spread over the next few months, after which there is a lot of uncertainty regarding what and with how much frequency I will be 'putting fingers to computer keyboard,' although the website will continue to be updated with some sort of regularity. The six remaining albums are by the Green Rock River Band, Clay Parker & Jody James, Davis Kathriner, Luke Tushscherer, the Hot Seats and Mean Mary.
21st August 2018 - I've uploaded a review of 'Brand new old-time songs' the incredible new release from Melissa Carper & Rebecca Patek, another contender for my top albums of the year and containing songs that are perfectly described by the album title.
12th August 2018 - A review of 'Stumbler's Business,' the quite stunning new album from Kendl Winter has been added to this months review page. This incredible, nuanced collection is still paying dividends after dozens upon dozens of plays!
4th August 2018 - Better late than never, as they say, I've uploaded a review of Carter Sampson's gorgeous new album 'Lucky.' I had expected to be finishing up all outstanding reviews by now but there are still about 10 of those mentioned in the piece on the homepage on the 10th June that need to be completed, although I won't be taking on any more in the near future.
24th July 2018 - American band, Cold Tone Harvest recently released their tremendous debut album entitled 'After you.' A review can be found on this months c.d reviews page.
22nd July 2018 - I've just uploaded a review of the tremendous self titled album by 'Oliver the Crow,' a hugely talented American duo.
18thJuly 2018 - Several months later than intended I've uploaded a review of Dan Israel's new album 'You're Free.' When an album is this good it's definitely a case of better late than never!
14th July 2018 - I've uploaded a review of 'Texas etc.' the tremendous new double album from Jeb Barry and the Pawn Shop Saints. Unusually for a double album there is absolutely no 'filler,' with every track being essential.
5th July 2018 - It's been a long ten year wait but finally The Mammals have released a new album! Was 'Sunshiner' worth the wait? You bet it was as you'll find when you read the review of this tremendous recording.
30th June 2018 - Final review of the month is of the finest instrumental album you will hear this year (or any other year for that matter) It is 'You were never much of a dancer,' the incredible new recording from Brighton based multi instrumentalist Gwenifer Raymond
26th June 2018 - I've uploaded a review of 'Stolen Horse,' the tremendous new album from the talented 'edgy' country singer songwriter Dusty Rust.
23rd June 2018 - It's been a five years wait but finally The Tillers have released a brand new album, this one self titled. Was it worth the wait? You bet it was but for fans, of which i'm one, a shorter wait would have been most welcome!
16th June 2018 - I've uploaded a new review of the recent 'The invisible comes to us,' the astonishing new album from Anna & Elizabeth.
12th June 2018 - Until recently Wesley Randolph Eader was unknown to me. Now his new album 'Highway Winds' is not only a contender for album of the year but also album of the decade as you will find when you purchase it, having read my overlong review of course!
9th June 2018 - A little later than anticipated I've uploaded a review of the truly stunning 'Time is everything,' the full length debut from Vivian Leva. She and Riley Calcagno have another week (6 gigs) to go on their UK tour so if you're quick you may still be able to get tickets!
6th June 2018 - A debut album at age 81 has to be a joke. Right? Wrong! The tremendous debut album, 'Rolling by,' from Gareth Owen is anything but a joke. Great songwriting, excellent arrangements and evocative vocals mean that this poet has a future in music.
2nd June 2018 - I try not to review albums that are more than a few months old at most and I never ever review anything that is more than a year old. That was, until now! The Local Honeys incredible debut album 'Little girls actin' like men' was first released in the U.S two years ago but I managed to get round this because it was only released in the UK last December! Read the review then get yourself a copy and learn why I think it is so good.
30th may 2018 - There has always been a proliferation of great Canadian bands who play in and around the roots music genre. The Lonesome Ace Stringband are one of them and having been around a while have recently released the exceptional 'When the sun comes up.' Often referred to as a 'bluegrass' band, there is far more to them than that limited label suggests. You can find the review on this months reviews drop down menu.
26th May 2018 - In more than half a century of attending gigs I think the best I ever saw was the Old Crow Medicine Show at the Komedia, Brighton, about 10 years ago. In 20 odd years of making incredible albums they have now made one that I would say matches up to that show. It is called 'Volunteer,' the review of which can be found on the May reviews page.
23rd May 2018 - Better late than never particularly when an album is as good as My Darling Clementine's recent recording 'Still Testifying.' Whilst this review is certainly late it was well worth the effort and more than worthy of the expenditure of some of your hard earned!
19th May 2018 - Hopefully the last of the overlong, unwieldy reviews to appear on this site is appropriately of one of the finest albums to be released so far this century! It is 'Out from under,' the incredible new recording from the hugely talented Michael McDermott, a man who writes about what he knows.
15th May 2018 - 'All at sea,' the tremendous new album from Foghorn Leghorn has recently been released, a review of which has been added to this months reviews page.
12th May 2018 - I've uploaded a review of 'Something wicked this way comes,' the tremendous new album from Norfolk (UK) based band of multi talents, The Vagaband.
8th May 2018 - First c.d review of the month and the first for nearly two weeks is of the unusual but hugely talented Nowhere Brothers with their debut album 'Down Life Boulevard.' You'll need a copy of this tremendous recording if you really want to enhance the quality of your music collection!
25th April 2018 (part 2) - Reviews finished or almost finished are by: Old Crow Medicine Show, Anna & Elizabeth, Foghorn Leghorn, Lonesome Ace String band, Michael McDermott, My Darling Clementine, Nowhere Brothers, The Local Honeys, Vagaband, Vivian Leva, Wesley Randolph Eader, The Tillers.
Reviews Started or soon to be started are by: Cold Tone Harvest, Dan Israel, Dusty Rust, Gareth Owen, Jeb Barry & the Pawn Shop Saints, Western Centuries.
Albums under consideration or yet to be played are by: Dom Flemons, Low Lilly, Caitlin Canty, Green Rock River Band, Hot Club Sandwich, Trent Miller, Will Stewart, Old Salt Union, Rachel Brown, Circus in Flames, Levi Parham, The Fretless, Tracy Grammer, Hyways, Oliver the Crow, The Jellymans Daughter, Jerry leger, Track Dogs, The Mammals, Annie Keating, Craig Gerdes, Dallas Moore, Ross Cooper, Wood & Wire, Eric Corne.
There is also a stack of c.ds that I have yet to go through. That stack includes approximately three times as many discs as the above names combined and doesn't even include those I have written off recently! As you can see from that little lot, so much music and so (relatively) little time to write reviews!
Also: I would like to apologize to anyone who has emailed me at americanrootsuk@gmail.com
Because of the sheer volume of emails I just haven't had time to respond to more than a miniscule percentage of them, a problem that is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Being a 'one man band' I'm trying to devote my time to writing reviews etc and because I have other things in life something has to give and that something is emails! That doesn't mean none will get answered but please don't be too upset if yours doesn't.
25th April 2018 - Last review for 10-12 days is of 'Lonesome as a shadow,' the brilliant new album from Charley Crockett. He is widening the boundaries of soulful roots music in much the same way as one of one of his forefathers who widened the boundaries of the U.S!
21st April 2018 - The incredible new album 'East of Green' by June Star is released on the 27th of this month! Believe me when I say you really don't want to miss such an event and to prove it I've added a review!
I've also included a video from the 'Listen in with Ellen Cherry series on which Andrew Grimm and Dave Hadley played an intimate gig. You should also investigate the hugely talented Ellen Terry's albums, the rewards are there for all to hear.
18th April 2018 - It's always an event to be looked forward to when Daniel Meade releases a new album. The 1st May is the day his tremendous new and intensely personal 'solo' recording 'When was the last time' is made available to all. You will really want a copy of this beautifully conceived album.
14th April 2018 - I've uploaded a review of 'Lord of the Desert' the latest in a short (4 albums) but perfectly formed line of truly great albums by The 3hattrio, a band who can't really be compared to anyone else!
10th April 2018 - Much later than intended (rather than the usual, 'a little later') I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new e.p/mini album by Jamie Freeman entitled 'Hasia Dreams.' If you like memorable melodies, excellent playing and evocative lyrics this is the one for you!
8th April 2018 - I've uploaded a review of another truly great album that will enhance your music collection. This one is 'Don't think about tomorrow night' and it's by The Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers, a hugely talented husband and wife team who are genuinely different to any other duo around!
3rd April 2018 - First review of April is of talented Kent based band Mashville's terrific brand new album 'Another Place.' It's so new it has yet to be released, a situation that will be remedied on 'Record Store day,' Saturday 21st April.
31st March 2018 - Final album review of this month is of 'Southern Wind' the tremendous new recording from talented Scottish troubadour Dean Owens.
27th March 2018 - I've been buried under such an incredible avalanche of great albums and potentially great albums since the turn of the year that I won't even be able to listen to some of them for several weeks yet and that only if I can manage to stem the flow a little!
One terrific recording that I have managed to finish the review of is 'To Elliott, in remembrance of Wolf,' the incredible new album from The Sumner Brothers.
24th March 2018 - It's been out a couple of months but I've just uploaded a review of 'Sorry for the good times,' the incredible new album from the talented Perth, Scotland based Red Pine Timber Company.
17th March 2018 - The tremendous 'Chickenwire,' the new release from Ash Grey was released more than a month ago and it's taken me an age to delve into its intricacies, with the upshot that I've written another long unwieldy review of what I feel is the best album he's made, so far!
10th March 2018 - I've uploaded a review of the recently released debut album, 'On the red' from British alt. country 'supergroup' Orphan Colours.
4th March 2018 - First c.d review of the month is of the stunning 'Daybreak over Jackson Street,' the sophomore album from talented 'singer songwriter' Steph Cameron. It was released a few weeks ago so is ready and waiting to enhance the quality of your music collection.
26th February 2018 - I've added a review of 'High fences' the tremendous new album by Glaswegian roots band James Edwyn & the Borrowed Band. Yet another great album that will enhance your music collection!
20th February 2018 - Three months later than intended I've finally uploaded a review of one of the best e.p's I've heard for a very long time. It is called 'High time' and is by a talented trio, two of them from the U.K and one from the U.S, who genuinely bring a unique originality to 'British Americana!'
13th February 2018 - It must be nearly 10 years since I last wrote a live review but last Thursday in Lewes was as entertaining an evening of quality music as anyone could wish for. It was certainly unusual with the first hour and a half given over to the Orphan Brigades tremendous documentary of 'Soundtrack to a Ghost story,' followed by a live set from this talented trio. Just had to cobble something together so here it is!
10th February 2018 - I've uploaded a review of 'Maintaining dignity in awkward situations,' the terrific new album from the multi national Penny Black Remedy.
3rd February 2018 - First album review of the month and considerably later than intended is of 'Sugar skull,' the tremendous new recording from the talented Canadian band 'Sleepy Driver.'
28th January 2018 - Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards new album, 'California Calling' was released late last year. This review explains why you need a copy!
20th January 2018 - I've uploaded a rather lengthy review of the second full length album, 'Start Believing,' from talented young Colorado 'country' band Thunder & Rain.
16th January 2018 - An album that I've been playing a huge amount of late is The Winterlings excellent new recording 'American Son.' Read the review then purchase yourself a copy and hear why I love it!
13th January 2018 - I've finally uploaded a review of 'Galax,' the tremendous new album from the Wild Ponies, a recording that was one of my favourite albums of 2017, and one of the best of the decade so far!
6th January 2018 - First album review of the year is fairly obviously the front runner for 'Album of the Year,' but in the case of Tyler Childers 'Purgatory' I suspect that many of us will be saying the same at the end of 2018.
He starts a European tour later this month and is playing at the Komedia Studio, Brighton on Monday 29th January. See you there!