Country and Americana

The Americana troubadour evolves into a plumber of the soul on his fine new album. I imagine him sitting back in a cracked leather easy chair, letting out a long slow breath, and surveying the haste and waste of the world around him before starting work on these songs.

Carpenter has always been a master of setting imagistic, earthy, poetic lyrics to deceptively simple melodies that carry emotional meaning of their own.

Bernard McMahon and Allison McGourtey's loving tribute to American musical history doubles as an entertaining concert film.

Wild Iris seems to often be in that soft spot where fans of different genres come together.

This collection of unknown songs by unknown performers captures the country-rock movement of the '70s.

The 30th annual South by Southwest Music Festival takes place March 15-20 in Austin, Texas. First Lady Michelle Obama will give the opening keynote at SXSW Music.

From the get-go, with the weird 5/4 beat of "Mr. Rocket Boots Celery Man," this sly jazz quintet weaves a web of smooth themes and spidery solos, their earthy vibe reinforced by a clean but lo-fi roominess in the recording, uncomplicated arrangements, and tribal rhythms.

This country-infused album will capture the attention of anyone who doesn’t mind a dollop of the genre in their listening experience.

Hard-luck tales of criminals and lost souls drive the lyrics and give the music its wistful flavor, but an acute songwriting sensibility, rich, salty musicianship, and mournful vocals combine magically into an uplifting spirit. That's the magic of good music.

If you're a fan of Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, or American roots music in general, you'll very likely dig the new one from the gritty troubadour.