New Music: John Lee Hooker, Michael Gurley, Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche, Evan Wardell, Bob Gentry

A parade of news releases including a multi-format celebration of the late blues hero John Lee Hooker as well as new studio albums from Michael Gurley, Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche, Evan Wardell and Bob Gentry are available now.

Artist: John Lee Hooker and the Coast To Coast Blues Band

Title: John Lee Hooker Live at Montreux 1983 & 1990 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: John Lee Hooker, Otis Taylor 

Tell me more: The late John Lee Hooker was one of blues music's most beloved and important voices. A new stellar collection celebrates the work of the Mississippi native with two significant appearances at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. John Lee Hooker Live at Montreux 1983 & 1990 has just been issued as a 2-LP set, digital video & digital audio release. Hooker (who died in June 2001) was notable for his innovative style of breaking away from the 12-bar format and developing a hypnotic style of driving boogie blues where he used his hammering style on his fretboard and deep baritone vocals to sing powerfully of romance — be it lust, bliss or loss. The 1983 set features plenty of enticing moments, including the simmering opener  "Serves Me Right To Suffer," propulsive "Boom Boom" and the set-ending cut "Boogie Chillen," the latter an extended jam where a number of musicians (including guitar great Luther Allison, harmonica master Sugar Blue and a killer three-man horn section) join Hooker and his own amazing band on stage. 

The 1990 concert is just as impressive; for this outing an additional guitar player, sax player and female vocalist Vala Cupp provided even greater depth to the Coast To Coast Blues Band's sonic arsenal. Tracks performed included classics from his appearance six years earlier as well as the heartfelt soulful blues ballad "Mabel" and playful "I'm In The Mood" along with a couple of winning selections from his seminal 1989 Grammy® winning album return "The Healer" ("Baby Lee" and the inspired title track). Blues fans will want to get this release for its historical significance, as well as the excellent audio and video quality of the title. Indeed, the two-concert showcase is the perfect addition — or introduction — to the artistry of the four-time Grammy® Award winner and Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Information: JohnLeeHooker.com and eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Michael Gurley

Title: Ultrasound (Smoke Street Records)

You might like if you enjoy: dada, Jason Falkner, Blur's "The Magic Whip," the Beatles' "Abbey Road" and "Magical Mystery Tour"

Tell me more: As a member of the groundbreaking American rock trio dada, Michael Gurley's gifts as a top-tier vocalist, songwriter and guitar virtuoso have been impressing audiences since the early '90s. Along the way, the talented SoCal artist has also showcased his wide-ranging music abilities in a number of other projects including modern rock outfit Butterfly Jones, the jazz standards ensemble Mike Gurley and the Nightcaps — and until recently — lead guitarist for country music great Kiefer Sutherland. Now Gurley has released a full-length solo album Ultrasound, one of my favorite albums of 2020. As listenable as it is inventive, Ultrasound is filled with songs bolstered by soaring melody, dynamic choruses, nuanced lead vocals and Gurley's incredible lead guitar work. The atmospheric "I Don't Know Much" is an ambitious and spectacular opening, mixing folk and art rock styles along its alluring run. The stylish title track is a super cool rocker albeit with an exhilarating power pop-styled chorus that explodes amidst a sea of lush harmonies. The driving "Yes Yes Yes" boasts a dazzling British blues rock vibe complete with a searing guitar solo backed by the strong rhythm section of bassist Sean Hurley and drummer Victor Indrizzo. Turning on a dime, the gentle Baroque folk offering "Good Morning Girl" is enhanced by Gurley's subtle work on guitar as well as piano, organ, Mellotron and Wurzlitzer. "I Had A Dream Last Night That I Had A Dream" is flat out amazing; similarly the chamber pop gem "Madison Ellington" finds Gurley singing to the accompaniment of keyboards and a string section. Other standouts on this brilliant LP include the psychedelia-tinged "I Love Your Guitar," hypnotic rocker "Everything All The Time," '60s-mining "Tibetan Proverb" and beautiful guitar-anchored ballad "Under The Moon." Make sure to listen to this album with headphones everybody! Information: michaelgurleymusic.com.

Artist: Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche

Title: I Can Still Hear You (StorySound Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Suzzy Roche, Lucy Wainwright Roche, the Indigo Girls, Martha Wainwright, folk music

Tell me more: Suzzy Roche and her daughter Lucy Wainwright Roche have recorded an album of immense depth and beauty created amidst a year of challenges and uncertainty. I Can Still Hear You is filled with songs that help the listener decipher the myriad of emotions that came crashing in throughout 2020 along with an even more universal look at loss and the human will to persevere even in the darkest of times. Indeed, Suzzy Roche lost both her sister Maggie and mother in 2017, and that loss was reflected in a number of songs that she penned and planned to record with her daughter in spring 2020. The sessions with producer Jordan Brooke Hamlin had just started when the growing COVID-19 pandemic mandated the women return to their homes in New York for the lockdown. The duo were able to ultimately complete I Can Still Hear You, which is bound by the two artists' beautiful voices and wonderful songs that tackle pain, love, evil, mortality and joy with candor and courageousness. The mix of originals, poignant covers and even a traditional Irish song ("Factory Girl") are magnificent; Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls lend their vocal and instrumental talents on several of the album tracks. Information: storysoundrecords.com.

Artist: Evan Wardell

Title: In Like A Lion // Out Like A Light (Moo Moo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Color Theory, John Carrillo, The Lucy Show 

Tell me more: Written, recorded and produced by San Francisco-based artist Evan Wardell, his solo debut In Like A Lion // Out Like A Light is a chronicle of a single artist's view on the world and the rich musical translation of that vision as captured over the past seven years. Indeed, Wardell even created the album cover artwork! From the decidedly indie rocker "Gettin Across" and '80s-flavored New Wave ballad "Love Song" to the eager electronica-meets-pop romp "Get By" and zealous title cut, Wardell's album is an electrifying listen. Other highlights across the impressive 11-track disc include the indie rockers "Healthy Wise Free" and "Giving Up," evocative "With Teeth" and eerie "Like A Ghost." Information: moomoorecordsmusic.com/evanwardell. 

Artist: Bob Gentry

Title: Back On The Horse (Blue Élan Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Andrew McMahon, America, Toad the Wet Sprocket

Tell me more: After a 10-year hiatus from the music industry, Palm Springs-based singer-songwriter Bob Gentry is back with the aptly-titled Back On The Horse. A number of fateful decisions led to the artist's exit from his path as a recording artist, but his new EP makes a clear and compelling case his original music has a welcome place in the here and now. The breezy "20 Years To Life," lovely "My Mistake" (featuring guest Roan Yellowthorn), probing piano-anchored jewel "Now That You're Gone" and affecting tale of loss "Living With Your Ghost" are among the solid originals on the new set. Information: BobGentry.com.

Robert Kinsler

"Sweet Caroline" single from the upcoming "Neil Diamond With The London Symphony Orchestra, Classic Diamonds" out today

Here is a timely announcement going into the weekend...

“SWEET CAROLINE,” FROM DIAMOND’S UPCOMING ALBUM

NEIL DIAMOND WITH THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, CLASSIC DIAMONDS

ON NOVEMBER 6^th

 

SINGLE TO BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON ALL DIGITAL OUTLETS

 

CLASSIC DIAMONDS ALBUM TO BE RELEASED ON CAPITOL RECORDS, NOVEMBER 20^th

PRE-ORDER HERE

Recorded At The World Famous Abbey Road Studios In London And Diamond’s Studio In Los Angeles

 

NEW YORK: On Friday, November 6^th Capitol Records will release one of the world’s most favorite songs, “Sweet Caroline,” a new version of the beloved classic from Neil Diamond’s upcoming new album Neil Diamond With The London Symphony Orchestra, Classic Diamonds. “Sweet Caroline” will be available for purchase on all digital outlets on November 6^th, two weeks before the release of the album. 

 

Sweet Caroline Listening Link - https://NeilDiamond.lnk.to/classicsweetcarolinePR

 

The 14-classic song collection Classic Diamonds features new vocals from Neil Diamond paired with a new interpretation of Diamond’s most celebrated chart-topping hits performed by The London Symphony Orchestra. Recorded at both the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London and Neil Diamond’s studio in Los Angeles, the album was produced by Grammy®-winning producer/arranger Walter Afanasieff and co-arranged by Afanasieff and Grammy® winning conductor/arranger William Ross, who also conducted The London Symphony Orchestra for the recording. 

 

“Neil Diamond is simply one of the most important vocalists and songwriters in the history of popular music, and this majestic new album shines a beautiful spotlight on some of his greatest works.  Classic Diamonds is a glorious addition to Neil’s body of work, and we are proud to be presenting it to listeners around the world,” says Steve Barnett, Chairman & CEO of Capitol Music Group.

 

Neil Diamond’s towering artistic achievements have carried him far, from Brooklyn Roads, to Glory Road, to Melody Road and now to Abbey Road.  As a wordsmith and melodist, he is second to none and his music has touched generations in ways that are deeply personal, yet universally understood.  These are songs of their time…and for all time.  They are Classic Diamonds.

 

Classic Diamonds With The London Symphony Orchestra Track Listing Here

Beautiful Noise

Hello Again

I Am…I Said

I’m A Believer

Song Sung Blue

September Morn

America

Holly Holy

You Don’t Bring Me Flowers

Play Me

Love On The Rocks

Heartlight

I’ve Been This Way Before

Sweet Caroline

 

About Neil Diamond

Throughout his phenomenal and wide-ranging career, Neil Diamond has performed and sold-out stadiums and arenas around the world, dominated the charts for more than five decades, sold over 130 million albums worldwide, and  has charted 37 Top 40 singles and 16 Top Ten albums both in the U.S. and internationally.  He has achieved record sales and written some of the most memorable songs of the past two centuries. 

 

The Grammy Award winning artist is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and The Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has been presented with The Johnny Mercer Award, The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and The Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, three of the highest honors bestowed on songwriters and artists.  He has also been the recipient of the NARAS Music Cares Person of the Year Award and the prestigious Kennedy Center Award for his contributions to American culture.

Barry Gibb's 'Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1' out January 8, 2021

NEW ALBUM FEATURING ALISON KRAUSS, BRANDI CARLILE,

DAVID RAWLINGS, DOLLY PARTON, GILLIAN WELCH, JASON ISBELL,

JAY BUCHANAN, KEITH URBAN, LITTLE BIG TOWN, MIRANDA LAMBERT,

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN, SHERYL CROW AND TOMMY EMMANUEL

Album cover 

November 6, 2020—A lifelong bluegrass and country music fan, legendary singer, songwriter and producer Barry Gibb has long dreamed of a project that would bring him together with some of the artists he admires the most. With the help of Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb, that dream has become a reality with GREENFIELDS: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1—out January 8 on Capitol Records (pre-order/pre-save). Watch the album’s official trailer HERE.

Across twelve of the Gibb Brothers beloved songs reborn, the album features collaborations with Alison Krauss, Brandi Carlile, David Rawlings, Dolly Parton, Gillian Welch, Jason Isbell, Jay Buchanan, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Olivia Newton-John, Sheryl Crow and Tommy Emmanuel. In advance of the release, “Words of a Fool,” featuring Grammy Award-winning Jason Isbell, is out today (listen HERE).

Of the experience, Barry Gibb shares, “From the first day we stepped into RCA Studios in Nashville (the very place where Elvis, Willie, Waylon, Roy, the Everly Brothers and so many other legends made their magic) the album took on a life of its own. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to work with Dave and all the artists who stopped by. They were all incredibly generous with their time and talent. They inspired me more than words can express. I feel deep down that Maurice and Robin would have loved this album for different reasons. I wish we could have all been together to do it…but I think we were.”

Dave Cobb comments, “It was truly an honor to work with one of my heroes. The Bee Gees’ first album has always been a staple for me and it was surreal to get to witness the genius of Barry Gibb in the studio—he’s one of the greatest of all time!”

Jason Isbell adds, “Barry Gibb is one of the greatest songwriters and singers in popular music history, and I’m happy to say he still has that beautiful voice and that magical sense of melody. Working with him on this project has been one of the great honors of my career. He’s a prince.”

Photo credit: Desiree Prieto

With a career spanning more than five decades, Sir Barry Gibb stands as one of the most renowned and celebrated musicians of the modern era. As co-founder and creative leader of the Brothers Gibb—better known to the world as the Bee Gees—Barry with his brothers, Maurice and Robin, represent one of the most successful vocal groups in rock and roll history, having sold more than 200 million albums to date. With nine #1 singles as a performer, Barry is also amongst the most successful songwriters of all-time (with sixteen #1 singles) and is seventh on the list of most successful producers (with fourteen #1 singles). He is also tied with John Lennon and Paul McCartney for most #1 singles in a calendar year with seven. Among his many awards and honors are eight Grammy Awards, the Grammy Legend Award and, most recently, the 2015 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also the recipient of the American Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, the BMI Icon Award, four BMI Songwriter of the Year Awards, four BMI Song of the Year Awards and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2004, Barry received one of Britain’s highest honors when the Bee Gees were made Commanders of the British Empire and, in 2018, was Knighted “Sir Barry Gibb” by Prince Charles for his services to music and charity.

GREENFIELDS: THE GIBB BROTHERS SONGBOOK, VOL. 1 TRACK LIST 

 1. “I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You” with Keith Urban

   2. “Words of a Fool” with Jason Isbell

   3. “Run to Me” with Brandi Carlile

   4. “Too Much Heaven” with Alison Krauss

   5. “Lonely Days” with Little Big Town

   6. “Words” with Dolly Parton

   7. “Jive Talkin’” with Miranda Lambert, Jay Buchanan

   8. “How Deep Is Your Love” with Tommy Emanuel, Little Big Town

   9. “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” with Sheryl Crow

   10. “To Love Somebody” with Jay Buchanan

   11. “Rest Your Love On Me” with Olivia Newton-John

   12. “Butterfly” with Gillian Welch, David Rawlings

Joe Bonamassa receives 24th #1 on Billboard Blues chart; #5 Top Current Albums, #41 Top 200

Congratulations to modern-day blues rocker Joe Bonamassa on the success of his latest album. It is a terrific listen.... You can read my review of Bonamassa's Royal Tea HERE...Robert Kinsler

JOE BONAMASSA TOPS THE BILLBOARD CHARTS WITH CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED NEW STUDIO ALBUM ‘ROYAL TEA’ GUITAR HERO BREAKS HIS OWN RECORD WITH 24TH #1 BLUES ALBUM, MORE THAN ANY OTHER ARTIST #1 BLUES #5 TOP CURRENT ALBUMS #6 TOP ALBUMS #6 INDEPENDENT ALBUMS #7 ROCK #41 BILLBOARD TOP 200 #48 TOP ARTIST 100 RECORDED AT LEGENDARY ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS, GUITAR HERO NODS TO HIS BRITISH INSPIRATIONS JEFF BECK, LED ZEPPELIN, JOHN MAYALL, ERIC CLAPTON, AND CREAM

Photo credit: Jim Herrington

“One of the top blues artists of the modern era... his latest projects have one foot in the past while showcasing his talents in the here and now.” American Songwriter 4/5   “Bonamassa is reaching back to his influences, but, as he does with everything, is doing it on his own terms.” American Blues Scene   “Even with the world in a tangle, Bonamassa is moving steadily forward...[’Royal Tea’] features ten originals full of amazing guitar tones and arrangements full of dazzling sonic textures.” Blues Blast Magazine   “Joe Bonamassa proves his worth every time he hits a guitar string or belts out a note, but there is so much more to the man…Keeping the blues alive, one record at a time.” Elmore Magazine   “All [the tracks on ‘Royal Tea’] feature the guitar god at the top of his game, as a musical artist and as a songwriter.” Glide Magazine   “This is a strong album, and Bonamassa fans will love it.” Blues In Britain   “Joe Bonamassa hits the bullseye with Royal Tea. Stunning” Blues Matters   “If Royal Tea is tipping his trucker’s cap to Eric Clapton and John Mayall, some of its best moments, including Savannah’s rolling, tumbling Lynyrd Skynyrd-style grooves, are steeped in ‘70s Americana.” Mojo Magazine   “Royal Tea feels modern and vibrant.” Rock Candy Magazine    “The best thing about Royal Tea is that every track could easily drop into Bonamassa’s live show… back on track in every sense.” Classic Rock 8/10   “On ‘Royal Tea’, Blues rock maestro Joe Bonamassa plays a battery of guitars, including a vintage Telecaster he’s coveted since he was a teenager. The man from Nerdville is also showing his love for progressive rock.” Total Guitar Magazine

STREAM / BUY ROYAL TEA:     http://joeb.me/RoyalTeaAlbum

Wednesday, Nov 4, 2020 - Joe Bonamassa’s highly-anticipated new solo studio album Royal Tea hit the Billboard charts this week with record-breaking numbers, as the blues-rock titan landed his 24th #1 album on the Blues Chart; an incredible feat and more than any other artist in the history of the chart! The critically-acclaimed new album reigned over a slew charts this week, also hitting #5 – Top Current Albums, #6 – Top Albums, #6 Independent Albums, #7 Rock, #41 for the Billboard Top 200 and #48 on the Top Artist 100 Chart! Royal Tea is available now online and in stores from Bonamassa’s own label J&R Adventures! Recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, Royal Tea features honorable nods to his British heroes Jeff Beck, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin and Cream. Joe Bonamassa has snatched a career-best release with Royal Tea, chalking up another chapter for the Abbey Road folklore, and finally delivering the album he’s dreamt of since the start. “The reason I wanted to come to Abbey Road was for myself, the band and the fans,” Bonamassa says. “The P.T. Barnum in me was going, ‘Hey, this would be a cool event’. It was a risk coming over here, and this album has fought us to get here. But I think we’ve pulled it off…”   Bonamassa is known for taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory throughout his wide-ranging career but now he has found a new way to surprise his fans and music lovers. Since his 2000 debut, A New Day Yesterday, that founding influence has stayed close to the surface of Bonamassa’s astounding solo album catalogue. Yet he’s always let his choice of studio infuse his work, whether stirring the vibe of the Greek island of Santorini into 2010’s Black Rock, placing his bets on Sin City for 2014’s Vegas-tracked Different Shades Of Blue, or working with the cream of Nashville on 2016’s Blues Of Desperation. “Where you record an album leaves a fingerprint on the music,” he points out. “This album is a snapshot, too.” These ten original tracks were co-written by Joe and a cast of homegrown notables including former Whitesnake guitarist Bernie Marsden, ex-Cream lyricist Pete Brown and national-treasure piano man Jools Holland. “Writing this record in London has done its job,” reflects Bonamassa. “It really does sound inherently British. Bernie and I, we finish each other’s sentences. We’re cut from the same cloth.” Bonamassa’s long-standing producer Kevin Shirley and regular touring band flew in for the recording sessions, which included Anton Fig (drums), Michael Rhodes (bass) and Reese Wynans (keys).

JOE BONAMASSA – ROYAL TEA TRACKLIST:  1. When One Door Opens   2. Royal Tea   3. Why Does It Take So Long To Say Goodbye   4. Lookout Man!   5. High Class Girl   6. A Conversation With Alice   7. I Didn't Think She Would Do it   8. Beyond The Silence   9. Lonely Boy  10. Savannah

ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA: As a professional musician for over 30 years, Joe Bonamassa continues to blaze a remarkably versatile artistic trail, and amass an authentic, innovative, and soulful body of work. Bonamassa's career began onstage opening for B.B. King in 1989 when he was only 12 years old. Today, he is hailed worldwide as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation and is an ever-evolving singer-songwriter with over 40 albums to date all under his own label, J&R Adventures. He founded and oversees the non-profit Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation. Joe’s new studio album ROYAL TEA  recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios was released October 23rd and continues to garner accolades from fans and critics alike. Bonamassa has received two GRAMMY® nominations, and achieved his 24th #1 Billboard Blues Albums (more than any other artist) with the release of Royal Tea! While touring is on hiatus, Bonamassa has been staying busy with a brand-new video interview series on Facebook called “Live From Nerdville” and promoting his Fueling Musicians Program to aid touring artists affected by COVID-19. To date, he’s raised $350,000 distributed to over 200 artists. More info at: Jbonamassa.com CONNECT: Website: jbonamassa.com YouTube: /JoeBonamassaTV Facebook: @JoeBonamassa Twitter: @JBONAMASSA Instagram: @joebonamassa Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation: keepingthebluesalive.org

New Music: Neil Young, Rick Shea, Devin B. Thompson, Rachel Brooke

Fantastic new albums featuring Neil Young, Rick Shea, Devin B. Thompson and Rachel Brooke are worthy additions to every music lover's library.

Artist: Neil Young

Title: The Times (Reprise)

You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Michael Ubaldini, Bob Dylan 

Tell me more: One of music's most prolific and gifted singer-songwriters/multi-instrumentalists, Neil Young is back with a solo acoustic performance recorded during the pandemic. As sparse and stripped down as any official release in the 74-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's massive discography, The Times is powerful and deeply affecting. There are timely covers of some of his beloved classics including a pensive "Alabama," probing "Campaigner," rootsy "Ohio," countrified "Southern Man" and tender "Little Wing" (a new version of a track featured on his recent "Homegrown" release) as well a cover of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'," the latter bolstered by particularly tender harmonica embellishments. This being the political season, Young's biting newly-penned "Lookin' For A Leader" is particularly resonant. Information: NeilYoungArchives.com.

Artist: Rick Shea

Title: Love & Desperation (Tres Pescadores Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Dwight Yoakam, Fletcher Harrington, Merle Haggard 

Tell me more: Armed with a great batch of songs, a deep baritone and stylish approach, singer-songwriter Rick Shea explores the here and now on his wonderful 12-track Love & Desperation. Those turned off by contemporary country music's collective shift to indulging formulaic cliche will be particularly taken with Shea's authentic and moving song craft that recalls legends ranging from Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard to Dwight Yoakam. The laid-back "Blues at Midnight" is soaked with melancholy, Shea's voice going deep amidst the artful expanse. The wistful "She Sang of the Earth" — co-written with Kim Ringer — is a beautiful original at its core and further enhanced by Jim Shirey's fiddle and Shea's own textured mandolin. Just as lovely is the Americana ballad "A Tenderhearted Love" and flowing instrumental "Mystic Canyon." Elsewhere, Shea kicks it up for the infectious "Big Rain Is Comin' Mama," the Texican rock and roll delight "Texas Lawyer," and a cover of the Al Ferrier rockabilly tune "Blues Stop Knocking' at My Door." Information: trespescadores.com.

Artist: Devin B. Thompson

Title: Tales of the Soul (Severn Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Tower of Power 

Tell me more: Chicago soul singer-songwriter Devin B. Thompson summons the magic and treasure trove of 50's and 60's soul on his wonderful new album Tales of the Soul. Thompson's top-tier lead vocals bring emotion and might to the mix of songs. The rhythmic dance tune "Back Together" finds Thompson's smooth vocals soaring amidst an in-the-pocket rhythm and sizzling horn section. "Get Home Tonight" uses jazzy overtones and luxurious horns to help fuel an artful push. There is even a reggae-tinged original, "I Ain't No Good," a catchy song where Thompson's self-deprecatory refrain is echoed by a sleek chorus of singers. This being a bona fide soul album, just listen to the artist's poignant vocals on "Can't Get Over You," "Time After Time" and "Tell Me." The soulful "I'm Gonna Cry a River" and uptempo "Read Your Mind" are lifted by the fretwork of guitar master Robbin Ford. Information: severnrecords.com.

Artist: Rachel Brooke

Title: The Loneliness In Me (MAL Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Whitney Rose, Nikki Lane, Loretta Lynn

Tell me more: There is a growing field of talented artists who have rediscovered the magic of traditional country music and are learning to make it their own. Rising songstress Rachel Brooke's new album The Loneliness In Me fuses the winning sounds of greats such as Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette with a modern-day sensibility that has rightfully drawn accolades from a growing number of country music aficionados. Across The Loneliness In Me the theme of loss takes center stage to glorious effect. "Picture On The Wall" finds her reflecting that the framed image is "The nasty memory of my downfall." Not long later she sings "It Won't Be Long before uou sing my song" on one track, and "The Ghost of You comes back to me when I dream" on another nugget. In addition to the sweeping power of Brooke's evocative song writing and signature soprano there is a super field of players who back her on the disc including pedal steel great Dave Feeny (Loretta Lynn's "Van Lear Rose"), electric guitarist Michael Cullen, fiddler Liz Sloan, drummer Aaron Graham and pianist Jarrod Champion. Information: RachelBrookeMusic.com.

Robert Kinsler