Eclectic Releases To Stir The Sonic Soul: Blackmore's Night, The Black Crowes, Lorenzo Wolff, Melody Duncan, Jody Porter

Any week where I can champion new audio releases covering the far-flung genres of Renaissance music, Southern rock, chamber-pop folk and indie rock is a great one.

Artist: Blackmore's Night

Title: Nature's Light (earMUSIC)

You might like if you enjoy: Ritchie Blackmore, Blackmore's Night, Renaissance music

Tell me more: Those wondering if there is any sonic bridge between the Renaissance era (1400-1600) and modern rock music need listen no further than Blackmore's Night, the troupe led by multi-instrumentalist Ritchie Blackmore and singer/multi-instrumentalist Candice Night. Nature's Light marks the collective's first new album in six years; a long wait to be sure but the new 10-track LP fully immerses the listener in a sound that blends past and present music making with artful sublimity. The range and scope of wonderful songs and instrumental pieces on the LP includes the Celtic-flavored "Feather In The Wind," gorgeous Blackmore-penned instrumental "Darker Shade Of Black" (bolstered by an especially-melodic electric guitar solo), traditional "Going To The Faire," triumphant title track and evocative "Second Element." Those who miss Blackmore's signature rock guitar work with Deep Purple and Rainbow will want to revel in "Der letzte Musketier," an instrumental confirming that the 75-year-old British legend is still one of the world's most gifted guitar heroes. Released on March 12, Nature's Light is available on multiple formats including audio CD, digital, vinyl, as well as a strictly-limited 2CD hardcover media book with a bonus disc of selected songs from the group's extensive back catalogue. Information: blackmoresnight.com.

Artist: The Black Crowes

Title: Shake Your Money Maker (Target Exclusive) (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: The Black Crowes, The Rolling Stones, Humble Pie

Tell me more: One of the first great albums of the '90s and a bona fide rock classic of the era, the Black Crowes' Shake Your Money Maker has been reissued and has never sounded better. Rock radio still features a trio of the album's gems (the rocking "Jealous Again" and "Hard To Handle" along with the sweet Southern blues-rock ballad "She Talks to Angels") in regular rotation, but the disc's strength extend to the ragged British blues cut "Twice As Hard," Rolling Stones-styled "Sister Luck" and "Thick N' Thin" and others. In addition to the original remastered album that occupies disc 1, a second disc includes a number of unreleased songs and B-sides (a cover of Humble's Pie's "3- Days in the Hole" and horn section-draped "Hard To Handle" are particularly notable). Rounding out the 3-disc version I have (available for $20.99 on retail giant's Target.com website) is a previously-unreleased 1990 Atlanta concert recording that fully captures the energy of the quintet led by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson. There are several other configurations of the reissue available including a limited edition money green colored vinyl LP version on sale at Amazon.com. Information: TheBlackCrowes.com.

Artist: Lorenzo Wolff

Title: Down Where the Valleys Are Low: Another Otherworld for Judee Sill (StorySound Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Judee Sill, Courtney Barnett, Lorenzo Wolff

Tell me more: Music aficionados will be forgiven if they are not familiar with the entrancing music of the late singer-songwriter Judee Sill, who passed away in November 1979 at the age of 35. Although Sill was David Geffen's first signing to his Asylum label in the early '70s, her eponymous 1971 debut and 1973's Heart Food failed to achieve the success of titles from other Asylum artists including Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne and Joni Mitchell. Producer/multi-instrumentalist Lorenzo Wolff — who was first introduced to Sill in 2010 on a playlist created by tour-mate Henry Wolfe — has crafted a compelling and affecting tribute to Sill titled Down Where the Valleys Are Low: Another Otherworld for Judee Sill. Wolff has gathered different lead singers for each of the seven songs of the wide-ranging tribute. Singer Mary-Elaine Jenkins' melancholy vocals lift the magnificent title track. Bartees Strange brings his rich baritone to the soaring Americana-styled "The Pearl." The diversity of the selections is electrifying; the experimental "Crayon Angels" (featuring vocalist Grace McLean), lush "The Kiss" (featuring singer Emily Holden) and haunting "There's a Rugged Road" (with Osei Essed on lead vocals) are among the other elegant Sill-penned songs on the Wolff-produced collection. Information: StorySoundRecords.com.

Artist: Melody Duncan

Title: Wolf Song (Melody Duncan)

You might like if you enjoy: Cowboy Junkies, First Aid Kit, Brandi Carlile

Tell me more: A talented singer, songwriter and fiddler, Melody Duncan's newly-released Wolf Song was also recorded and produced by the Atlanta, Georgia-based artist in her home studio. The disc is beautiful throughout, the 11 songs probing the world with an intimate and personal touch. Evoking the feeling of being in the home studio with Duncan amidst the creation of her recordings, the blend of sonic intimacy and personal songcraft is remarkably in tune with our times. "Lonely" shines with elements including vocal layering, piano and whistling surrounding Duncan's slightly raspy (but lovely) vocals. The straightforward acoustic jewel "Over The Hill" is sparse with her voice accompanied by a lone guitar, but the power of her reflective message about facing each and every challenge is a powerful one to be sure. Just as mighty are her introspective baroque folk originals "Reunion" and "Campfire" that follow. The aptly-titled "Rain Storm" is one of the most interesting disc-ending tracks in memory, a reminder of nature's unparalleled power and humanity's own gift to treasure the sounds that lurk all around us. Information: MelodyDuncanMusic.com.

Artist: Jody Porter

Title: Waterways (Rare Rock Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Belltower, The Church, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Doves

Tell me more: Jody Porter — acclaimed as the lead guitarist of Fountains of Wayne — is back with his latest solo effort (Waterways). The sound across the 12-track album is lush and inviting, Porter's euphonious voice is emotive and the musicianship is sharp and stylish. Highlights abound; the dreamy "Moonbeam Reach" draws favorable comparisons with the wistful work of The Church and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. Elsewhere the disc's expansive riches include the driving "Sunsick Moon," indie rocker "Girl From The Other Side," dreamy "Crashland" and power pop-mining "Neverlasting Love." Several stellar cuts round out the set including the swirling "Synching Ships," experimental rocker "Masters At Work" and enchanting "WaterwaysPt2." The wonderful-sounding album was produced by Porter and Fountains of Wayne drummer Brian Young. Information: https://jodyporter1.bandcamp.com.

Robert Kinsler

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New Music: Harry Dean Stanton with the Cheap Dates, Moira Smiley and VOCO, Morgan Wallen

Three outstanding new collections are available now.

Artist: Harry Dean Stanton with the Cheap Dates

Title: October 1993 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Kingbees, Jamie James, Walter Clevenger, Jimmy Reed

Tell me more: Although best known for his parade of memorable television and film roles spanning from 1954 to shortly before his death at age 91 in 2017, the late Harry Dean Stanton was also a gifted singer and multi-instrumentalist. Omnivore Recordings has just rewarded fans of Stanton (who passed away in September 2017 at the age of 91) with the wonderful October 1993 which features Stanton and his terrific band Cheap Dates on a mix of studio recordings and live tracks captured at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood. Having caught Stanton with the Cheap Dates at a Santa Ana, CA club opening (the Roxbury) in early 1993, I was excited to hear October 1993 (released Feb. 12, 2021). The album is a celebration of roots rock and Americana delivered by a top-tier troupe featuring Stanton (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica), Jamie James (guitar, lead and backing vocals), Slim Jim Phantom (drums), Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (pedal steel guitar) and Tony Sales (bass, backing vocals). Among the outstanding studio gems are a countrified take on Bob Dylan's "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight," a freewheeling version of Chuck Berry's "Promised Land" and an emotive rendition of William Bell's soulful "You Don't Miss Your Water." The live tracks keep the momentum moving on the collection with the rollicking Berry-penned "Never Can Tell" (bolstered by Stanton's harmonica play), tender "Spanish Harlem" and hard-charging "Miss Froggie" all celebrating this colorful chapter of Stanton's career. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Moira Smiley and VOCO

Title: In Our Voices (Moira Smiley Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Solas, Tune-Yards, Dead Can Dance, Gypsy Soul

Tell me more: The aptly-titled In Our Voices (set for release on Feb. 19) is the new 12-track album from singer/composer/multi-instrumentalist Moira Smiley, and features her stellar vocal ensemble VOCO. The collective gathered together for three days at Dauphin Street Studios in Mobile, Alabama in March 2020, just before the world shut down in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. The album's luxurious sound is matched by its approach to events playing out across society. Social justice is artfully tackled in the anti-racist anthem "Sing About It" while the beautiful folk-draped "Days of War," vocally-dynamic "Refugee," gospel-tinged "Stand In The River" and confessional "How Can I Cry" are all aimed at exploring issues of empowerment with artful honesty and power. Intimacy and human connections are explored in the gorgeous "Dressed in Yellow," sparse banjo-seasoned "Wiseman" and intimate "Silverlake." Joining Smiley on this ambitious album are Dawn Pemberton, Karla Mundy, Gregory Fletcher, Jake Asaro, and guests Sam Amidon, Caleb Bronze and Seamus Egan. Information: MoiraSmiley.com.

Artist: Morgan Wallen

Title: Dangerous: The Double Album (Big Loud/Republic Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen

Tell me more: Had this writer's review of Dangerous: The Double Album appeared a month ago, a review of country music artist Morgan Wallen's sophomore album effort would have focused strictly on the uniform strength of the 30 tracks that span the two-disc release. But earlier this month, the 27-year-old Sneedville, Tennessee native was recorded using an offensive racial slur which immediately resulted in a suspension from his record label and the removal of his music from many major radio networks and streaming platforms. Wallen has since taken responsibility for his hurtful words via a 5-minute video apology he released on Instagram. "It's on me to take ownership for this. And I fully accept the penalties I am facing," Wallen said in the video. Indeed, he noted that he was wrong and acknowledged how hurtful his language and behavior were when he was recorded yelling the anti-Black slur while intoxicated. 

This writer is hopeful that after a period of continuing reflection to work on issues related to his troubling words and behavior that Wallen will be given another chance. His is already a top-tier singer, songwriter and performer — indeed last year he was named the Country Music Association Awards' Best New Artist of the year — and Dangerous: The Double Album has spent the last five weeks at the number 1 position on the Billboard 200 chart. He has the uncanny ability to blend the best of traditional country, rootsy Americana and modern country with an emotional touch. The slew of wonderful songs on "Dangerous" — many co-penned by Wallen — include the confessional "Wasted On You," tender "Somebody's Problem," genre-defying "Warning," spirited "Wondering' Bout The Wind" and revealing "This Bar." Information: MorganWallen.com.

Additionally, TJR and yours truly have just posted our Feb. 15, 2021 in-depth discussion of issues surrounding Wallen's offensive comments this month and the subsequent fallout. View the episode HERE.

Robert Kinsler