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Showing posts with the label Americana music

Echoing the Soul of Americana in "Midnight Dream Station" – Matthew Alexander Inspires with New Release

In an era where the digital world often overshadows the tactile, Matthew Alexander’s eighth album, “Midnight Dream Station,” emerges as a beacon of the “LP experience.” Released on May 19, 2023, by Caravan Records, this collection is a masterclass in musical storytelling, blending the essence of Americana with contemporary themes that resonate deeply in today’s socio-political climate. The Heartfelt Journey of “Midnight Dream Station” “Midnight Dream Station” is more than just music; it’s a journey through the heart and soul of Alexander’s artistic vision. Built around the enchanting sound of a Yamaha Grand Piano, the album transitions from Alexander’s guitar-focused past to a new, piano-centric future. This shift is not merely instrumental but also symbolic of Alexander’s evolution as a musician and storyteller. The album’s acoustic pop folk vibe, inspired by the likes of Michael Kiwanuka and David Grey, offers listeners a seamless narrative flow, reminiscent of the classic album era

Lost Dog Street Band Embrace Bluegrass Roots on ‘Survived’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

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Lost Dog Street Band has returned with their latest album, ‘Survived,’ showcasing a deep dive into their bluegrass roots. Benjamin Tod’s solo project might have been a detour, but the band’s undeniable chemistry and passion for their music brought them back together for this remarkable release. Table of Contents Introduction Band’s Reunion Recording Process Song Highlights Final Thoughts Introduction Benjamin Tod initially believed he had said all he needed to with Lost Dog Street Band, but the songs he had in store for the band begged to differ. ‘Survived’ stands as a testament to their enduring spirit and commitment to their craft. Band’s Reunion After Benjamin Tod’s solo endeavor, the band regrouped to create ‘Survived,’ a collection of songs that encapsulate their growth and evolution over the years. This album proves that Lost Dog Street Band still has plenty to offer to their audience. Recording Process For ‘Survived,’ the band opted for a more organic approach by recording all p

Good morning, America, how are ya? Quintessential Americana: Arlo Guthrie's "The City Of New Orleans"

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If you’re like me and watch “ Alice’s Restaurant ” each Thanksgiving, the following is for you. If not, read on anyway; you need to know this song. Woody Guthrie’s classic folk song “The City of New Orleans” has long been considered a quintessential piece of Americana music. The song, made famous by Arlo Guthrie in 1972, describes the experience of traveling on the Illinois Central Railroad train known as the City of New Orleans. Through its vivid imagery and evocative lyrics, the song captures the spirit of American travel and the unique culture of the cities along the train’s route. Editor’s Note: It departs from Kankakee, Illinois, less than an hour from my hometown, so, there’s that. Table of Contents Train Travel: A Journey Through America Diverse Cities Along the Route Exploring Themes of Memory and Longing The Power of Music to Unite A Historical Document of American Life Train Travel: A Journey Through America At its core, “The City of New Orleans” is a song about the beauty an

SONG PREMIERE: Dana Cooper Unravels Scenic & Stirring Americana Via “The Ghost of Tucumcari” (Featuring Lyle Lovett)

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https://soundcloud.com/danacoopermusic/the-ghost-of-tucumcari-1 The Northeastern New Mexico town of Tucumcari is best known in song for its destination calling in Little Feat’s “Willin.” Under the radar but highly respected singer-songwriter Dana Cooper has been allowing images to form with his poetic words for decades. Yet, he’s still unraveling new Americana tapestries in his sound with his highly anticipated 32nd studio album, The Ghost of Tucumcari, on May 17, 2024. Table of Contents Introduction Background of the Album Featured Artists Song Premiere: “The Ghost of Tucumcari” Artist’s Inspiration Background of the Album Featuring an All-Star lineup of guest artists, the album marks a major achievement for the veteran musician after over 50 years in the business. Featured Artists Artists lending their voices to this project are Lyle Lovett, Hayes Carll, Susan Gibson, Mando Saenz, Darden Smith, Shake Russell, Libby Koch, and more. Song Premiere: “The Ghost of Tucumcari” Glide is prem

Black Country and Americana music have always been with us

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Beyoncé‘s recent release, “Cowboy Carter,” not only showcases her musical prowess but also sparks vital conversation about the presence of Black musicians in country music. Beyoncé’s journey, as she shared on Instagram, sheds light on the challenges faced by Black artists in a genre historically dominated by white voices. Table of Contents Beyoncé’s Journey Black Opry Residency Championing Black Music Power of Music Beyoncé’s Journey On her Instagram post on March 19, Beyoncé shared her experience at the 2015 CMA Awards and how it influenced the creation of her album, “Cowboy Carter.” She delves into the history of Country music and the importance of inclusivity in the industry. Black Opry Residency Learn about the Black Opry Residency program that aimed to elevate independent Black performers rooted in Americana and Country music. Discover the names of talented musicians who participated in this initiative. Championing Black Music Explore how XPN has been a champion of diverse musical

Americana Music Releases for March

Are you a fan of Americana and roots music? Check out the latest releases hitting the music scene in March. From established artists to rising stars, there’s something for everyone in this diverse genre. Dive into the world of Americana music with these exciting new albums. Read More Here are the main takeaways on Americana music releases for March: 1. Joe Pug’s album “Sketch of a Promised Departure” showcases his literary, working-class songcraft. It is his first album recorded entirely in his home studio in Maryland, allowing him to experiment with his songs and add variation and nuance. 2. Josh Fortenbery’s debut album “No Such Thing as Forever” combines folk, country, and bluegrass elements. The album explores family dynamics and self-examination, leaving a lasting impact on listeners. 3. Other notable releases for the week include Lisa Bastoni’s “On The Water,” The Dust-Ups’ self-titled album, The Hanging Stars’ “On a Golden Shore,” Sam Outlaw’s “Terra Cotta,” Taj Mahal’s “Swingin