[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I07zXXtc-d0&w=500&h=305] Though she has dabbled in everything from rock to jazz to pop, Eric McKeown’s new album — in a move perhaps indicative of the times — focuses on folky, protest songs. Not that there aren’t a few fun flourishes along the way. You May Also Like: Joni Mitchell’sRead More

Pete Molinari’s second album found him going electric, with spectacular results. This felt more like a debut album than his all-acoustic low-fi Walking Off The Map. You May Also Like: Bob Dylan, ‘The Bootleg Series Vol. 15: Travelin’ Thru, 1967-1969′ (2019)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mZKY3R1MIQ&w=500&h=305] Tchiya Amet creates this interesting subtext, weaving a mystical tapestry of stories, myths, legends and spells through a varied rhythmic landscape. But even if you aren’t familiar with the source material, Celestial Folk Music charms. You May Also Like: Kind Folk – ‘Why Not’ (2018)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_OJTMD20OI&w=500&h=305] It’s easy to pigeon-hole the Mickey Finns as a New York City-based Celtic band. You’ve got the fiddle, the drinking songs, a reel and a jig on Prayers and Idle Chatter. But there is a lot more going on here. You May Also Like: Mickey Stephens and theRead More

Part 2, Mainstream and Modern Jazz >>> For the sixth straight year, it’s time to look back on the year in music to recollect which albums I really, really liked this year and make a list. You May Also Like: S. Victor Aaron’s Best of 2015 (Part 4 of 4,Read More

In a pitched battle for Canuck supremacy, Neil Young edged out Rush by just one mention, as we imagined what being stranded on an island just off the coast of Canada might be like. You May Also Like: How the Holocaust Shaped One of Rock’s Signature Bands The History ofRead More

Deep Purple axe-wielder Richie Blackmore and previously unheard of vocalist Candace Night released their first collaborative effort, Shadow of the Moon in 1998. At the time, I think most fans thought (hoped?) Blackmore would get over his fascination with Renaissance music You May Also Like: Ian Gillan expounds on hisRead More

Everybody has their own definition of a “chill” record. But if ever there was a time when one was desperately needed, it would likely be when you are stranded on a faraway island — with nothing but a volleyball to keep you company. You May Also Like: Philip Glass TranscendedRead More

The newly released debut album from Andy Jobe and Neeley Bridges seems, at first, to be like an easy peg: Heartfelt, kind of country-ish? Got it: 1970s singer-songwriter. You May Also Like: Richard Thompson, “Beatnik Walking” from Still (2015): One Track Mind With Reggatta de Blanc, the Police kept itRead More

Andrew Bird shelves the intricate alterno-pop vibe of this year’s earlier Break It Yourself for something rootsier, and more real here — delving into Celtic forms, Americana, bluegrass, country and gospel You May Also Like: Andrew Bird’s ‘Noble Beast / Useless Creatures’ Was as Challenging as It Was Gorgeous JJRead More