The Best Country & Roots Albums of 2023 So Far
As we reach the halfway pole of the musical year, it’s time to reflect back on the best albums that have been released so far.
The War and Treaty
2023 Luck Reunion Features Legendary Performances, Logistical Issues
Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion remains one of the most premier and exclusive events in the country and roots space every year, and a much healthier option to braving a day at SXSW in Austin, TX, which Luck acts as an alternative to. But even though the 2023 installment will be remembered for plenty of fond reasons…
Newest Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#116)
The Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist is built to keep you informed on all the best songs and albums coming out right here, right now in country and roots music. It’s available on most all streaming formats, or you can just use the song, artist, and album recommendations.
Album Review – The War and Treaty’s “Lover’s Game”
There is no shortage of artists who don’t fit snugly or at all into the otherwise big tent of the country music genre who are clamoring to get in, and for a host of reasons. It’s often because in the pop or hip-hop worlds, these performers would be small fish in a big sea, yet […]
How Country Beat Back Rap in Mainstream Country
For the last dozen years or so, one of the most contentious battles within the realm of commercial country music has centered around the incursion of hip-hop influences into the genre, and specifically the use of verses that are rapped as opposed to sung, and electronic beats replacing organic drums.
2022’s ‘More Country’ CMA Awards See Ratings Boost
A pretty universal consensus from the country fans who did suffer through the presentation to see the extended Alan Jackson tribute at the end was that in 2022, the CMA Awards seemed to do a 180-degree turn, and started going back in the right direction toward featuring more actual country music.
No Zach Bryan. No In Memoriam. But Country Was Back at 2022 CMA Awards
Luke Combs said it best while accepting the trophy for Entertainer of the Year Wednesday night (11-9) at the 2022 CMA Awards: “This is my fifth or sixth year being at this awards show, and country sounded more country than it has in a long time tonight.” In truth, the CMA Awards righting the ship goes back even further.
Newest Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#110)
The Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist is built to keep you informed on all the best songs and albums coming out right here, right now in country and roots music. It’s available on most all streaming formats, or you can just use the song, artist, and album recommendations.
Billy Strings Wins Big, Luke Bell Paid Tribute at Americana Music Awards
The 2022 Americana Music Awards transpired at the Ryman Auditorium Wednesday Night, September 14th, with Billy Strings, Brandi Carlile, Allison Russell, Sierra Ferrell, and The War and Treaty all walking away with big awards. There were also a few surprises.
Amazon’s ‘For Love & Country’ Film Erases Critical Black Legacies
Though the film means well, and is generally well-made with superb cinematography and high production value, the approach and information conveyed in the film is problematic to say the least, actively participating in erasing the legacy of Black country artists in a film that purports to be championing them.
This Feels Big: The War & Treaty Sign with UMG Nashville
It wasn’t like Michael and Tanya Trotter, known together as The War And Treaty, were struggling for attention and support or something. But signing with a major Nashville label is always significant.
The Judds Induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame IN FULL
Since the Hall of Fame continues to not allow for public broadcast of the ceremony, fans of The Judds and other inductees have been mostly resigned to piecing together the events. But luckily, a full video of The Judds induction has emerged.
Willie Nelson Announces Lineup for 2022 Outlaw Fest Tour
Willie Nelson’s traveling Outlaw Fest will once again hit the road in 2022 with 19 dates all across the eastern United States, and with an expanded and revolving list of openers that will include some really cool names for amphitheater shows.
Dierks Bentley Crafts a Perfect Awards Show Moment
It wasn’t just the arrangement, the cool special guests, the poignant setting, and the timing of it all, it’s how it all conspired to create a special moment and a rather spectacular performance that in the throes of the otherwise mediocre ACM Awards really shined out as something sincere.
Alan Jackson’s Appearing on the ACMs? This Could Be Fun.
Now let’s not get too ahead of ourselves here. But if you know anything about Alan Jackson and awards shows, you know he’s the ultimate wild card. He’s got no truck or patience for your pedantics, and dog and pony awards show nonsense.
Iconic Instruments & Big Stars to Benefit Country Hall of Fame
To help in the COVID-19 recovery effort, the Hall of Fame is planning a special live streaming event that will match up many of the iconic instruments in the “Precious Jewels” collection and other displays with many of the best artists and players of today.
Country Hall of Fame Event Matches Musicians w/ Iconic Instruments
Also as part of the reopening, the Hall of Fame is planning a special live streaming event on October 28th, and one they hope will be one of their biggest fundraisers ever, called “Big Night (At The Museum)”. It will match legendary instruments with many of the legendary artists of today.
2019 Americana Music Awards Winners and Recap
The 18th Annual Americana Music Awards transpired Wednesday night (9-11) at the Country Music Mother Church, the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, with lots of love spread out among a diverse list of winners, but John Prine emerging as the biggest winner walking away with both Album of the Year for ‘Tree of Forgiveness,’ and Song of the Year
2019 Hinterland Festival Releases Impressive Lineup
Four the last four year, the Hinterland Festival in Iowa (just south of Des Moines) has boasted some of the best country and Americana lineups in the Midwest, and 2019 is no different. Set to take place August 2nd thru 4th, the festival just got an additional boost by the results of the 2019 Grammy Awards.
30A Songwriters Festival Assembles Incredible Lineup for an Important Cause
The 10th annual 30A Songwriters Festival set for January 18-21, 2019 in Walton County, Florida will take on extra significance this year, and not just because it’s the event’s 10th Anniversary. Located in the Florida Panhandle, and just west of where the devastating Hurricane Michael made landfall in October.
2018 Pickathon in Words and Pictures
One may ask why a journalist based in Austin, Texas would trek some 2000 miles to attend a music festival just outside of Portland, Oregon with all the more convenient options the “Live Music Capital of the World” can offer. But those people have probably never been to Pickathon before. Trumped only in stature for […]
Old Settler’s Festival Overcomes Adversity for Triumphant 2018
The Old Settler’s Music Festival is not just an enjoyable time for the patrons who frequent the fest each year. With its youth programs, and the opportunities it provides for up-and-coming acts along with established names, it’s an important part of the roots music ecosystem.
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