Title: Okie (MCA Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Vince Gill, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen's "Western Stars"
Tell me more: Vince Gill's new album Okie (set for release on Aug. 23, 2019) is an album that fully captures the Oklahoma native's towering talents as singer, songwriter and master guitarist. The songs here exude the authentic spirit of real people immersed in the day-to-day struggles and joys of real life, and to be sure the songs (all written or co-written by Gill) have a uniform depth wonderfully at odds with the majority of contemporary country music hitmakers. There are gorgeous ballads ("What Choice Will You Make," "When My Amy Prays"), as well as probing gems with lovely choruses ("Black And White," "The Red Words"). From the album's incredible opening song "I Don't Wanna Ride The Rails No More" to the disc-closing tribute to Merle Haggard ("A World Without Haggard"), Okie astounds. On "An Honest Man" Gill's voice echoes the enduring themes captured across Okie as he sings "Come put your arms around me / Put your heart in my hand / Let them cowboys be the heroes / I'm still an honest man." Editor's note: Gill is set to perform “Forever Changed” on NBC’s Today Show on Tuesday, August 27. Later that day he will perform an exclusive 60-minute set at the iHeartRadio Theater NY to celebrate the release of Okie. Information: VinceGill.com.
Title: Santa Ana Winds (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: John Denver, John Prine, Andrew Gold
Tell me more: Omnivore Recordings' wonderful series of Steve Goodman reissues is reintroducing the world to the singer-songwriter great who passed away at the age of 36 in September 1984 following a long battle with leukemia. Santa Ana Winds was completed in the span of a week (including the recording, mixing and mastering), and 35 years later it proves to be a timeless masterpiece. Remastered and expanded in 2019, the LP features all 10 songs featured on the original 1985 release as well as eight bonus tracks (including solo acoustic versions and several previously-unissued songs). Best known for his song "City of New Orleans," Goodman's rich mix of styles is displayed in all its brilliance across Santa Ana Winds. Armed with a distinctive and emotive voice and keen observer of the world around him, the material never falters; penetrating insights abound ("Face On The Cutting Room Floor," "The One That Got Away") and humor is used with a master's touch just as convincingly (on the country-styled "Telephone Answering Tape," the rock 'n' roll flavored "Queen Of The Road" and Chicago blues tune "Hot Tub Refugee"). Guests on the disc include Kris Kristofferson, Herb Pedersen and Emmylou Harris (whose soprano shines on the beautiful "Fourteen Days"). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Unfinished Business (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Steve Goodman, John Denver, John Prine
Tell me more: Originally issued in 1987, Unfinished Business ultimately proved be much more than a collection of demo recordings, outtakes and unissued material from Steve Goodman. That 10-track album – which earned a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 1988 – has now been further expanded with nine bonus tracks. The strength of the songs and recordings that span Unfinished Business are equal to his previous releases. The nuanced "In Real Life," acoustic "The Dutchman," uptempo "Mind Over Matter" and "Millie Make Some Chili," and previously-unreleased "Kidstown U.S.A." showcase the diverse approach of Goodman's gifts as a tunesmith and recording artist. Both Unfinished Business and the previously-mentioned Santa Ana Winds feature new liner notes from music journalist Lee Zimmerman along with interviews and remembrances from family members, band members and friends. OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Long Beach Calling (Mike Jacoby Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Brian Setzer, Nick 13, Haymaker
Tell me more: Roots rocker Mike Jacoby's keen and often-wry observations combined with a multi-instrumentalist's top-tier talents are used to good effect across his newly-released third album Long Beach Calling. A multi-layered and winning tribute to life, love and his own musical heroes, Jacoby's style explores a diverse range of musical areas associated with roots and Americana music. Handling lead vocals as well as the majority of instruments heard on the 12-track disc. The driving tribute to his hometown is chronicled in the title cut; the countrified "Pine Box" takes an insightful look at how little life we have ahead once we reach middle age; the tender ballad "Know Right Away" is bolstered by a burgeoning arrangement with Jacoby's stellar lead guitar work. The playful "Hangers (A Christmas Tale)" is sure to bring a smile to the face to anyone with a sense of humor; before you catch the Rolling Stones on the band's current "No Filter" tour catch up with the band's 55-year sonic aesthetic courtesy of "Play Like Richards." Information: www.MikeJacobyMusic.com.
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