Best New Music from the Blue Ridge and Beyond
Every month our editors curate a playlist of new music, mainly focusing on independent artists from the South. In June, we’re highlighting new tunes from James McMurtry and S.G. Goodman, as well as a collaboration between Billy Strings and Bryan Sutton.
Billy Strings and Bryan Sutton
“Way Downtown”
Lately, Billy Strings is best known for hosting psychedelic bluegrass blowouts with his full band in arenas across the country. But later this summer he’s scaling things back to play a brief run of shows with one of his guitar mentors, Bryan Sutton. The tour will support the duo’s surprise-released album, “Live at the Legion,” which just dropped in April. As bluegrass fans could surmise, the 20-track effort—recorded at Nashville’s American Legion Post 82—features some serious flat-picking guitar prowess. Fret acrobatics are on serious display during the guitarists’ version of Doc Watson’s “Way Downtown,” which features Strings and Sutton trading verses, as well as fleet-fingered solos during the instrumental breaks. – J.F.
Trenton Wagler
“I’ve Got Some Work to Do”
Longtime Central Virginia singer/songwriter Trent Wagler might have resumed using his given name, Trenton, after truncating that handle way back when he was ten years old, but fans need not fret; the name might have changed, but the music remains excellent. “I’ve Got Some Work to Do,” the first single from his upcoming solo record, “This Might Be My Prime,” kicks off with Wagler’s plucky old-time banjo before dropping into a slick beat that turns this one into a head bobber. Optimistic in nature, Wagler abides by the notion that the best is yet to come. – D.S.
James McMurtry
“The Black Dog and the
Wandering Boy”
Story-driven song scribe James McMurtry is back with his first new album in four years, “The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy,” which comes out June 20. The title track is inspired by dementia hallucinations his late father—famed novelist Larry McMurtry—was having towards the end of his life. Backed by a heavy rock arrangement, McMurtry draws from the experience to spin a vivid yarn about a character dealing with a flurry of demons. – J.F.
The Shootouts
“Trampoline”
The Shootouts just might turn Akron, Ohio, into a hotbed of honky tonkin’. The trio blends country rock with western swing, and even a little Bakersfield country, bluegrass and folk, on their latest release, “Switchback.” Lindsay Lou stars as a guest vocalist on “Trampoline,” the album’s first single that marks a sonic diversion from the band’s earlier country fare; a groovy, bluesy number complete with fuzzy guitars and highlighted by the intertwined vocals of Lindsay Lou and guitarist/vocalist Emily Bates. – D.S.
North Mississippi Allstars
“Stay All Night”
The North Mississippi Allstars–led by brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson—have been pushing the limits of hill country blues since the late 90s, and with the new record “Still Shakin’” (out June 6), the group proves it’s not slowing down. Album standout “Stay All Night” is seductive and funky, anchored by a deep-pocket groove, slinky guitar lines, and some not-so-subtle lyrics about luring a lover. – J.F.
S.G. Goodman
“Satellite”
Kentucky’s S.G. Goodman has become one of the South’s most incisive songwriters, delivering poignant observations about identity and struggle in the current American landscape. On her album, “Planting by the Signs,” she examines peoples’ relationship with nature, and on this slow-burning standout uncovers a brooding tension that’s not easily resolved. – J.F.
The Vegabonds
“Where Do You Have To Be Tomorrow”
Fifteen years of cranking out blistering country rock and an untold number of miles on the highway have the Vegabonds poised to be that next great band you need to hear. The Alabama quintet offers convincing evidence of the good things to come on “Where Do You Have To Be Tomorrow,” a scorcher that is off and running with the opening guitar riff. With soaring guitars and gravelly vocals, this one finds a sweet spot between country twang and indie rock swagger that is hard to resist. – D.S.
The David Mayfield Parade
“At Your Throne”
From his earliest days in his family’s bluegrass band to his time as an acoustic genre bender in Cadillac Sky to leading his eponymous Parade, David Mayfield has established himself as a musical chameleon; his latest release, “Go Big and Go Home,” continues in that tradition. Bluegrass in spirit, Mayfield gets bluesy on “At Your Throne,” an ode to shedding trivial pursuits and focusing on life’s truest joys. Mayfield’s voice continues to be a treasure; he harmonizes beautifully with bluegrass icon Tim O’Brien, who guests on vocals and bouzouki here. – D.S.
