It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through 2019, but, here we are. The garden is in fully swing as early summer lettuce and spinach are popping, bean plants are getting height, our “special lettuce” is bushing out, ready to bud and we have already long since harvested the asparagus.
And, as has become par for the course in the roots, bluegrass and folk music world, the sheer number of beautiful and impactful records from wonderful artists is a seemingly never-ending sea to wade through and net your favorites as they pass by in undulating waves.
I am sure I am missing a few here and I only choose 19 for the year (you know, because 2019)…so to start things off: here are 9 of my favorite records from the first half of the year.
Molly Tuttle “When You’re Ready” – Its been Molly Tuttle’s world ever since her EP ‘Rise’ hit the scene and she doubles down with her debut full length “When You’re Ready”. She sheds some of the tradition of her upbringing, with richer and more layered arrangements, but still the stars of these songs are her soaring voice and absolutely mind boggling guitar style. Some may say its a departure from bluegrass, but Tuttle is at the forefront of young pickers who are making the genre their own, bending their influence and inspiration and casting it into something that is equal parts contemporary innovation and nostalgic homage to the history of the style.
Ordinary Elephant “Honest” – Its hard to explain how this record hit me. I feel like there are overly obvious comparisons you can draw to the parter duo of Pete and Crystal Damore, but I won’t do that here. I would just beg you to pick up this record. One of the most starkly sincere and beautiful records of the past decade, nevermind the past 6 months. This is what songs were meant to be. How songs are supposed to make you feel and the delivery that artists are supposed to deliver them in. The arrangements allow the stories to breath. There isn’t any sort of overcomplicated. Just simple beauty.
George Jackson “Time and Place” – I tell you, last year’s list surprised me with how many instrumental based records landed on my best of list. Whats going on here? I always fancied myself a traditional songwriter type…songs with words move me, but lately there is a crop of isntrumental artists who are putting out records with just as much heart, soul and story telling ability as those who pen some of the most poignant songs out there. George Jackson’s “Time and Place” is a prime example of such. When songs make you feel, they just make you feel, man. The movement, flow and electricity in his arrangements are on fire…and the Dorrigo madness movement of his contemporaries covering his tune has been a joy to watch unfold.
Todd Snider “Cash Cabin Vol. 3” – Snider should be on everyone’s list as a living legend. From the first time I heard Todd I knew “this was one of my guys”. His brand of satire and political candor shines through across the entirety of the album. Deadpan humor delivered in a rich and warm way. And as we said in our review “It’s striped down to the barest bones at points and it is in those moments when he shines the absolute brightest.” That is a sentiment that Snider delivers on again and again.
Mandolin Orange “Tides of a Teardrop” – I could just say “one of the finest records from the best band of all time” but I suppose some people might consider that statement slightly biased and BS journalism (then again, they might say that about most of my articles). Tides of A Teardrop just puts another brick in the wall of brilliance that Mandolin Orange has layed for themselves. Songs that will make your chest flutter one moment with utter joy and the next forcing you to the brink of years. There is so much gleaming golden light and gorgeous tones embedded in their words and music…just listen.
John Mailander “Forecast” – Another one! Let the instrumental train ride on. John Mailander has long added the tastiest of icings to the conceptual cakes of other’s music and in the midst of all that, released some really beautiful original music of his own. “Forecast” shows Mailander as an artist crafting masterpieces. He paints with raw emotion and vibe that casts a palette ranging from the deepest blues of sadness to the brightest beams of shimmering yellows that can make you feel like you are soaring with each note off of his bow. The true mark of a song craftsman is their ability to let those around them shine, while maintaining a sense that “this is a John Mailander arrangement”…and here on “Forecast” you know its all John.
Old Sky “Red Leaves Snowy Peak” – Andrew Stearns’ voice. The first time I heard it I doubled over in delight. Its one of those emotive things that just slays your heart in all the best ways. Mix in the gorgeous fiddle tones and subtle, but powerful harmonies of Shay Gestal and I’m melting on a puddle on the floor. Its hard to get a more Vermont name to a record, unless you named your album ‘Maple Syrup Bernie Sanders Fall Folliage’ or something…but I digress. Red Leaves is a heartfelt and warm collection of 8 songs sung with sepia tinges and unvarnished country road beauty. The sonic embodiment of the feelings we get from the surroundings that move us most.
Maya de Vitry “Adaptations” – De Vitry has one of the most recognizable and unique voices in the realm of folk and roots music today. Previously you may have heard that voice embedded in trio format, but as she strikes out on her own it is clear that voice was made to be front and center. The record is a wonderful venture into self reflection and exploration. Rich textures and chambers of sound underpin the brute strength and power of Maya’s voice. The fruits of the exercise of finding your own voice are plentiful here.
Caroline Spence “Mint Condition” – I wasn’t sure that you could do much better than Spence’s last release “Spades & Roses”, then she goes ahead and proves me wrong with this year’s ‘Mint Condition’. There is such a fucking vibe from the first song and that voice I fell in love with from the first moment I heard it on that previous release glimmers. Just further proving that Spence is one of the strongest songwriters and singers under the Americana umbrella today.
