Despite a global pandemic, musicians were far more active in 2021 and had time to create their finest work. It resulted in some of the best albums in years.
Any list of the year’s best Americana albums inevitably contains a sprawling biome of country, folk, soul, blues, R&B, bluegrass, and roots-rock.
Unlike many pandemic music projects, there are no filler tracks or wasted space on Brandi Carlile’s In These Silent Days. Each song stands on its own stylistically.
Fans reveled in the return of the 15-year-old Roots N Blues Festival and its celebration of roots music women amid a sun-drenched weekend in Missouri.
Seeing Pearl Jam in 2021 feels like chicken soup for the soul for those who feel a religious sentiment about the ’90s alternative rock revolution.
There were hits and misses at AmericanaFest 2021 in Nashville, but organizers made a valiant effort to ensure the festival allowed us to hear live music again.
In 2019, a spotlight on queer musicians and fast-paced broadcast made the Grammys have some real cultural relevance. Its 2020 edition, clouded by tragedy, scandal, and bloat, only served to remind us why award shows are so problematic.
Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, and Natalie Hemby collaborate on a highly entertaining country album as the Highwomen.
Prolific singer-songwriter Natalie Hemby traces her path to becoming one of the Highwomen and hints at a new solo album during the Newport Folk Festival.
The 2019 Newport Folk Festival delivered on all fronts with Dolly Parton, Kermit the Frog, the Highwomen and Yola as this year's MVP.
For its 60th anniversary, the Newport Folk Festival has not one but two mysterious headlining slots and will welcome a new supergroup and may even have more up its sleeve.
No award show will ever be truly perfect, but one can still admire how the Grammys overcame some pre-show controversy to deliver one of the most feminist, fearless, and downright entertaining broadcasts in its history.
