Roots, blues and Americana releases take center stage

Authentic songcraft fused with real world emotion is at the center of epic roots-minded releases from the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Sonny Landreth, Joan Osborne, and Michael and the Lonesome Playboys. All these wonderful releases are out now.

Artist: Tedeschi Trucks Band
Album: Everybody's Talkin' (Sony Masterworks)
You might be interested in buying this if you like: The Allman Brothers Band, Sonny Landreth, Joan Osborne
Tell me more: For blues lovers who somehow missed hearing the Grammy Award-winning debut Revelator from the Tedeschi Trucks Band in 2011, no worries. The powerful sophomore effort Everybody's Talkin' is an equally-impressive chance to discover the 11-member ensemble. Husband-wife team Derek Trucks (slide guitar) and Susan Tedeschi (lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitar) and their troupe have been tearing up concert halls and festivals with an appealing approach that uses a mix of outstanding songs (original and artful remakes), virtuoso musicianship and an obvious chemistry among the members as they unleash their menu of blues, gospel, soul and R&B on the collection.

Listen to more and get Everybody's Talkin' Here

Artist: Sonny Landreth
Album: Elemental Journey (Landfall Records)
You might be interested in buying this if you like: Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Bruce Cockburn's Speechless
Tell Me more: While it's possible to walk into a Guitar Center retail location on any day of the week and hear speedy finger players run laps on their fretboard, what is equally impossible is to find guitarists whose artistry and command of their instrument can inspire. But inspiration can be found in spades on the latest disc from Louisiana slide virtuoso Sonny Landreth. While Elemental Journey is Landreth's 11th album, it is his first all-instrumental collection. And what a great album Elemental Journey is. From the astounding melodic grace of "Heavy Heart Rising" to the sonic dance of the aptly-titled "Wonderide" and tender "Brave New Girl." Adding icing on the sonic cake are guest turns from fellow guitar wizards Joe Satriani on the breathtaking "Gala Tribe" and Eric Johnson on the neo-jazz blues gem "Passionola."

Listen to more and get Elemental Journey here

Artist: Joan Osborne
Title: Bring It On Home (Saguaro Road Records)
You might be interested in this if you like: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Bonnie Raitt, Etta James
Tell Me More: Music lovers know Joan Osborne for radio hits such as “One of Us,” “Right Hand Man” and “St. Teresa.” But increasingly fans recognize the Kentucky native for her soulful and powerful approach to singing the blues, especially since the release of her latest disc Bring It On Home (Saguaro Road Records). Released in late March, Bring It On Home marks Osborne’s first collection of hand-selected vintage blues and soul songs. Osborne has hit a home run on the 12-track set, offering up powerful versions of material from Willie Dixon (“Bring It On Home,” “I Want to Be Loved”), Ike Turner (“Game of Love”), John Mayall (“Broken Wings”), Otis Redding (“Champagne and Wine”) and others that are a perfect fit with her fervent vocals. Information: www.JoanOsborne.com.

listen to samples and get Bring It On Home here

Artist: Michael and the Lonesome Playboys
Album: Last of the Honky Tonks (Blackwater Records)
You might be interested in buying this if you like: Gram Parsons, the Jayhawks, David Serby
Tell me more: There are millions of modern-day country music fans who love the celebrated likes of Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney. But there is a small, but growing contingent of Americana fans who have been drawn to the authentic sounds of Michael and the Lonesome Playboys. On the group’s commercial debut, the aptly-titled “Last of the Honky Tonks,” singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini and company blend the sound and spirit of Merle Haggard, Hank Williams and the Flying Burrito Brothers across the 14-song disc. From the confessional “Cross Country Ride” and beautiful “Hearts & Flowers” to the rollicking “Shambles” and Delta blues-minded “When a Freight Train Rolls Right Over You,” Ubaldini’s emotive vocals are used in the service of superb material that resonates whether the listener is a bona fide cowboy or simply a city slicker who appreciates great songs.

listen to samples and get Last Of The Honky Tonks here

Michelle Mangione "What Is A Saint" / Music Worth Buying 11/10/09

 

Artist: Michelle Mangione

Album: “What Is A Saint”

Worth Buying: Yes

You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Bonnie Raitt, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Susan Tedeschi

Tell Me More: Some artists set out on a career and become identified with a single sound, before possibly delving in another direction later in life. Michelle Mangione is clearly an artist interested in breaking down barriers from the get go.

From the rollicking Americana-styled folk rock of “Cry to Me” and sparse, acoustic blues of “I Know How It Feels” to the ‘70s rock-minded “Sticky Fingers (the Soul Merchant)” and ambitious title track (co-written by the legendary Grace Slick) that incorporates several styles before drawing to a gospel-winning close, “What Is A Saint” is a fully-realized effort that focuses on Mangione’s stunning blend of blues, soul, pop and alt country.

Despite the far-flung reaches of the musical galaxy positioned across the disc, Mangione and her supporting group of players (notably producer-guitarist-bassist Steve Soest) never sound like they are doing something different “just because.”

Rather, when Mangione plays 6-string ukulele or Soest is featured on mandolin, it makes a great song even better.

Mangione’s skills as a lyricist and singer hit home on “Liberty Jane,” a compelling tale of a woman who flees an abusive relationship. This is an album crafted from the heart that should bring plenty of well-deserved attention to Mangione and her music-anchored songcraft.

ROBERT KINSLER 11/10/2009

What about the packaging? “What Is A Saint” features a dozen songs. Although the CD comes in a standard jewel case, the four-page booklet features lyrics for all of the tracks.

Listen to samples and get the mp3 version for 8.99

CD Version