The Alabama native JASON ISBELL has emerged as the great hope of country music, “a composer of splendidly crafted songs” who “performs with an intensity that connects the listener to the deep and genuine emotions that inspire his work.” (Wall Street Journal) Originally a member of the influential alt-country entourage Drive-By Truckers, his solo work weaves elements of Southern rock, gospel, and American ballad into a vivid musical voice.
His latest record, Southeastern, has ushered in a new level of critical and commercial success; at the 2014 Americana Music Awards he did a clean sweep and took home awards for Album of the Year, Artist of Year, andSong of the Year. NPR’s Ken Tucker placed it #1 on his year-end list, calling it a “continually revelatory album about love, regret, loneliness and joy.” His anticipated follow-up is due for release this summer—expect a set list of old favorites and new discoveries alike.
The bewitching Louisville-born, Brooklyn-based songwriter DAWN LANDES writes and sings “with such weightless delicacy…it’s hard not to be transported.” (Uncut) Along with a host of solo records that bring an experimental flavor to ‘60s folk, she has collaborated in-studio with the likes of Justin Townes Earle, Will Oldham, and Josh Ritter.