Roots, rock and reggae shine on new releases

Several new eagerly-awaited returns have been released as well as two new recordings pulled from the early 1980s.

Artist: Joy Williams
Title: Front Porch (Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: The Civil Wars, 
Tell me more: Those missing the enticing Americana style pioneered on the Civil Wars' brief five-year path are in luck. Joy Williams — one half of the popular Grammy-winning duo that also featured John Paul White — has returned from her brief detour into a more electronic-meets-pop style via 2015's Venus to reward listeners with the luxurious Front Porch (available May 3, 2019). The beautiful title track is one of the most lovely songs this writer has heard this year; the better news is that the disc's sonic riches don't end there. The introspective and nuanced Appalachia-painted soundscapes inspire across a dozen-track run that showcases Williams' expressive soprano. The artist delivers probing material with cliche-free depth, as evidenced by mining feelings of loss ("When Does a Heart Move On," "Be With You") and romantic celebration ("One and Only," "No Place Like You") with equal artistry. Information: JoyWilliams.com.

Artist: Nils Lofgren
Title: Blue With Lou (Cattle Track Road Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Lou Reed, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar great Nils Lofgren has returned with his first studio album in eight years, and the 12-song disc reveals it was an ambitious recording project more than worth the wait. Featuring six songs that Lofgren co-wrote with the late Lou Reed, Blue With Lou is an album that would have sounded great in any era while definitely resonating in 2019. While a few of the songs that the two Rock and Roll Hall of Famers co-wrote have appeared on previous Lofgren and Reed releases, Blue With Lou features a handful of songs previously-unheard. The must-hear collaborations include the wry rocker "Attitude City," funk-tinged "Give" (featuring loads impressive and expressive Lofgren guitar work) and the poignant "Talk Thru the Tears." In addition, Lofgren has crafted two beautiful tributes on the LP; "Dear Heartbreaker" casts its magic on the memory of the late Tom Petty while the album's affecting closer "Remember You" is a poignant look at his family's dog Groucho. But at its heart, Blue With Lou a showcase for Lofgren's immense talents as singer, lead guitarist and songwriter. Information: NilsLofgren.com.

Artist: Lone Justice
Title: Live at the Palomino, 1983 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Lindi Ortega, the Blasters
Tell me more: The most celebrated artist on Los Angeles' early '80s cowpunk scene, Lone Justice blended old school country and honky tonk with punk, rockabilly and roots rock with authenticity and firepower during the group's short run. Omnivore Recordings has just released a previously-unavailable "Live at the Palomino, 1983" featuring 12 great songs captured on October 22, 1983. The fast-moving track list includes nuggets from their not-yet-released 1985 debut album ("Working Late," "You Are the Light") and a great take on Merle Haggard's "Working Man's Blues," and an amped up version of the Johnny Cash/June Carter duet "Jackson." The live LP is a winning reminder of the talents of the talents of Maria McKee (lead vocals, guitar), Ryan Hedgecock (lead guitar, vocals), Marvin Etzioni (bass) and Don Willens (drums). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Culture
Title: The Nighthawk Recordings (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Marley, reggae music
Tell me more: Lovers of '70s-'80s roots reggae will love the terrific Culture: The Nighthawk Recordings. Lead singer Joseph Hill, who passed away in 2006, was among the genre's best singers and this collection captures the Jamaican artist at the top of his powers. The first three songs on the collection were recorded in 1981 and feature Culture (Hill, Albert Walker, Lloyd Dayes) backed by the Roots Radics; the timeless "This Time" is a highlight of those sessions. The other four tracks on the disc find Culture backed by the Wailers; several of these tracks were put away in vaults and this 2019 title marks their commercial debut. The driving "Can They Run" is particularly forceful and is bolstered by an interesting mix of vocals on the track. The other previously-unheard song, the infectious "Mr. Music," is a feel good melodic groove. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.


Robert Kinsler