Mark Whitfield

Paul Kelly returns with new album “Nature” – watch the first video

Leaving you this weekend dear readers with news on an Aussie icon who doesn’t get half the recognition he deserves in Americana circles – he supported Dylan on one of his tours over there so he’s quite a big deal and a year ago his album ‘Life Is Fine’ gave him his first ARIA #1 in his 44-year career. Just a year later, he’s announced his return with another album due out October, entitled ‘Nature’. At this rate he’ll be releasing one album every three months by 2023. Tonedeaf notes that: “With most of the songs written over the course of several years and dating back to the recording sessions for albums such as The Merri Soul Sessions, Seven Sonnets And A Song, and Life Is Fine, Paul Kelly’s 24th record focuses on human nature’s small place in the natural world. Continue reading “Paul Kelly returns with new album “Nature” – watch the first video”

Emmylou Harris’ Woofstock benefit to close AmericanaFest 2018

And AUK will be there catering to all your dog/americana related needs. Rolling Stone Country reports: “This year’s AmericanaFest will close out with Emmylou Harris’ Woofstock benefit concert, featuring performances by Jamey Johnson, John Hiatt and Ashley Monroe. The show, which will be held at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater, is an annual benefit for Harris’ animal shelter and dog adoption organization Bonaparte’s Retreat. “Come celebrate the wonderful world of dogs with us,” Harris says of the show in a statement. Continue reading “Emmylou Harris’ Woofstock benefit to close AmericanaFest 2018”

John Hiatt returns with Eclipse Sessions – Listen

John Hiatt is set to return with ‘The Eclipse Sessions’ on 12th October 2018 via New West Records. The 11-track set is the Grammy-nominated artist’s first new album in four years. It was produced by Kevin McKendree (Delbert McClinton) and features Hiatt’s longtime drummer Kenneth Blevins and bassist Patrick O’Hearn, as well as Yates McKendree (Kevin’s 17-year old wunderkind son, who also engineered). Continue reading “John Hiatt returns with Eclipse Sessions – Listen”

Will Hoge announces politically charged new album “My American Dream”

Nashville singer-songwriter Will Hoge has announced details of his new album ‘My American Dream’ which is due out on 5th October via EDLO/Thirty Tigers in the UK. It’s described as “the fiercest, angriest, and most heartfelt collection of songs he’s released… Eight songs of rabble-rousing political commentary that turns a critical eye on the crisis of conscience and culture threatening to tear apart his country, the album is Hoge’s impassioned portrait of what he holds dear — and what we all might risk losing.” If you order the album now you can receive two tracks in advance ‘Thoughts & Prayers’ and the album opener ‘Gilded Walls’. Continue reading “Will Hoge announces politically charged new album “My American Dream””

Album premiere: Owlbiter “Stud Farm”

‘Stud Farm’ might sound like some gay muscle porn flick but it’s also the new album from Brooklyn indie-folk project Owlbiter aka Matt Cascella which Americana UK is delighted to premiere this morning. Influenced by artists such as John Prine, Ivor Cutler & Harry Nilsson, who often tell stories that lead with humour first before sneaking the pathos in there without the listener even realizing, the 12 track album is full of gently plucked acoustic guitars and ukuleles, drowsy brass and the occasional keyboard atmospherics, but very little percussion—a result of the keep-it-simple approach Cascella sought when Owlbiter was in its nascent stages. Continue reading “Album premiere: Owlbiter “Stud Farm””

Drive By Truckers unveil new Adam’s House Cat album – Listen

Which is you have to admit an amazing name for a band. Have a good weekend dear reader – we leave you with news that Drive-By Truckers have announced the long-awaited arrival of ‘Town Burned Down’, the first-ever official release from singer/songwriter/guitarists Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood’s original incarnation as Adam’s House Cat. Continue reading “Drive By Truckers unveil new Adam’s House Cat album – Listen”

David Ramirez announces UK dates – September

David Ramirez has announced details of August and September 2018 EU dates, including four UK headline shows with a stop at London’s Borderline on September 7, 2018, which come in support of David’s latest album ‘We’re Not Going Anywhere’ which is out now via Thirty Tigers. Produced by Sam Kassirer, the album finds Ramirez painting an imagined picture of contemporary America through the songwriter’s own perspective of having dual American and Mexican heritage. Continue reading “David Ramirez announces UK dates – September”

Phosphorescent new album and UK dates, October – Listen

Phosphorescent have announced details of a new album ‘C’est La Vie’ which will be released on October 5th in the UK via Dead Oceans. The album was produced by the band’s Matthew Houck and recorded at his Spirit Sounds Studio in Nashville with an array of musicians including Ricky Ray Jackson on pedal steel, Luke Reynolds on guitar and Jo Schornikow (Houck’s missus) on Wurlitzer and organ. According to Uncut, the album describes “a life-altering period which saw him fall in love, start a family, leave New York, build a studio from the ground up, and battle serious illness. “It’s laughable, honestly, how many life-altering events happened in the last half decade,” Houck says. “The most significant moments in your life make you feel your insignificance.”” Continue reading “Phosphorescent new album and UK dates, October – Listen”

David Crosby joins Isbell on stage at Newport – Watch

RS Country reported over the weekend that David Crosby made a surprise appearance during Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s headlining set at the Newport Folk Festival on Friday to perform two Crosby, Stills & Nash classic songs. They report that “Crosby, who was not on the lineup for this year’s Newport Folk Festival, joined Isbell for “Wooden Ships” and the Neil Young-penned CSNY cut “Ohio.” Crosby and Isbell shared vocals on the former track as the two rockers tacked an extended guitar solo to the 1969 track. Continue reading “David Crosby joins Isbell on stage at Newport – Watch”

Besides Daniel “If You Ask Me To” – Listen

Danny Brewer, the mastermind behind Besides Daniel, pulls from his own experiences and life lessons to craft his songs. His new record, “T E E M I N G” (with the letters spaced out) is set for release on August 24th, described as “a subtle reflection on the adventure of putting roots in the ground, committing to love, healing through long-suffering and the celebration of new life.” On the rather lovely new single, ‘If You Asked Me To,’ tenfold vocals croon of devotion, fidelity, and hope, with a moody groove with deep pockets and creative soundscapes. “It’s a song about giving. The concept is describing a willingness to do whatever it takes,” says Brewer. Although childhood memories of “would you jump off the edge of a cliff…” should give the listener pause for thought.