Celebrating the Best in Country and Americana: That Nashville Sound’s Top Albums of 2024

In this extraordinary era of music, the ways we discover and experience country and Americana tunes are being revolutionized. The internet, YouTube, and an array of digital platforms have become vital arenas where independent artists shine, showcasing their talents to audiences far and wide. As traditional gatekeepers like country radio maintain their hold on the airwaves, a thrilling shift is underway. Creativity and sheer talent are breaking barriers, proving that exceptional artistry will always find its way to the spotlight.

These albums stand as testaments to the evolving and ever-enriching world of country music, a genre that continues to grow and touch souls globally, thanks to the boundless opportunities provided by the digital age.

A Look Back at That Nashville Sound’s Past Winners

Before diving into this year’s exceptional picks, let’s honor the legacy of groundbreaking albums that have previously topped our list. These winners are more than collections of songs; they are narratives, experiences, and emotions that have defined the past two decades of country and Americana music.

Previous Year Winners:

2005: Gary Allan - Tough All Over (tie) & Lee Ann Womack - There’s More Where That Came From
2006: Johnny Cash - American V: A Hundred Highways
2007: Alison Krauss & Robert Plant - Raising Sand
2008: Lee Ann Womack - Call Me Crazy
2009: Eric Church - Carolina
2010: Zac Brown Band - You Get What You Give
2011: Pistol Annies - Hell on Heels
2012: Marty Stuart - Nashville Volume 1: Tear The Woodpile Down
2013: Brandy Clark - 12 Stories
2014: Don Williams - Reflections
2015: Chris Stapleton - Traveler
2016: Ryan Beaver - RX
2017: Jason Eady - Jason Eady
2018: Ashley McBryde - Girl Goin' Nowhere
2019: Erin Enderlin - Faulkner County
2020: Hailey Whitters - The Dream
2021: Mike and the Moonpies - One To Grow On
2022: Lainey Wilson - Bell Bottom Country
2023: Cody Johnson - Leather

Those That Move Us Change Us

We are profoundly grateful for the artists who dedicate their lives to making music a career, pouring their hearts and souls into every note and lyric. The artistry they express daily not only entertains us but, when done at its pinnacle, touches something deep within, moving us in ways words often can't. It’s the magic of music—resonating with our souls, sparking joy, reflection, or healing, and leaving behind a small but indelible imprint of the songwriter's spirit in our own DNA. These are the artists who, this year, have done that the best.

The Winner

Three Times A Lady - Live at 3rd and Lindsley

In a year overflowing with extraordinary country and Americana music, Three Times A Lady’s Live at 3rd and Lindsley stood out as the crown jewel of 2024. A magical tapestry of harmony and emotion, this live album encapsulates the best of what country music offers: raw talent, heartfelt storytelling, and the kind of vocal chemistry that sends chills down your spine.

Three Times A Lady is the powerhouse trio of Lauren Mascitti, Kennedy Scott, and Hannah Blaylock—three singer-songwriters whose individual talents alone could anchor any stage. Lauren Mascitti, a seasoned songwriter and performer, brings a soulful, introspective voice that anchors the group’s emotional depth. Kennedy Scott, with her sharp wit and velvet-like tone, adds a contemporary flair while staying rooted in the traditions of country music. Hannah Blaylock, formerly of Eden’s Edge, rounds out the trio with her crystalline voice that cuts through the mix with heart-stopping clarity. (Following the album release, Victoria Camp has replaced Lauren in the band- and yes, they're all still friends.)

What began as a tribute to the iconic Trio albums by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris has blossomed into something even more profound. Three Times A Lady initially joined forces out of a shared love for those legendary harmonies, crafting a setlist of inspired covers that celebrated the roots of their artistry. But as they began weaving in their original songs, it became clear they weren’t just revisiting history—they were making it. The album Live at 3rd and Lindsley captures this evolution in real time, blending reverent nods to their heroes with bold, modern takes that are distinctly their own.

Harmonies have always been a cornerstone of country music, threading through its history like a golden thread. From The Carter Family to The Judds, the blending of voices has served as both a technical marvel and an emotional anchor, creating a communal intimacy that resonates deeply with listeners. Three Times A Lady carries this tradition forward with harmonies that feel both effortless and divine. The way their voices intertwine on songs like “Those Memories Of You” and “Mary Magdalene” is a masterclass in vocal synergy. Each note, each blend, each dynamic swell seems to transcend the mechanics of music, connecting straight to the heart.

In my life, I can count on one hand the number of musical performances that have given me genuine goosebumps. One of those rare moments was witnessing Three Times A Lady perform live in Northern California. The sheer power of their harmonies left me breathless, as if time itself had paused to let their voices fill the universe. That same magic has been captured in Live at 3rd and Lindsley. It’s not just the technical brilliance of their singing but the emotion and authenticity behind every word that leaves you spellbound.

Live at 3rd and Lindsley isn’t just a great album; it’s a cultural artifact. It’s a vital reminder of why harmonies matter, why storytelling matters, and why country music has always been, at its core, about connection. The trio’s ability to take the listener on a journey—from the joy of love to the ache of loss—cements this album as one of the most important releases of the year.

The fact that Lauren Mascitti, Kennedy Scott, and Hannah Blaylock aren’t household names yet feels like a crime against artistry. Live at 3rd and Lindsley isn’t just an album; it’s an invitation to experience the power of music at its purest. These three women have delivered something that will stay with you long after the last track fades. Do yourself a favor: listen to this album. Get goosebumps for yourself. 

Best of the Rest

Blaine Bailey – ᎣᏪᏅᏒ (Home)

Blaine Bailey’s ᎣᏪᏅᏒ (Home) is a heartfelt journey that pays homage to his Cherokee heritage and personal roots. The album seamlessly blends traditional Native American melodies with modern Americana, creating a soundscape that feels both ancient and refreshingly contemporary. Tracks like "Home Again" and "Colorado Soil" transport listeners to a place of cultural pride and introspection, making this a standout release that bridges the past and present.

Willie Nelson – The Border

In The Border, Willie Nelson proves once again why he remains an icon. This reflective album explores themes of unity and division, inspired by Nelson’s observations on humanity and nature. Songs like "I Wrote This Song For You" and "Hank's Guitar" are imbued with his signature wit and wisdom, while the rich, warm instrumentation provides a comforting yet thought-provoking experience. It’s a timeless addition to his storied career.

Cody Jinks – Change the Game

Cody Jinks lives up to the promise of his album’s title with Change the Game, delivering a bold and innovative take on country music. Combining traditional outlaw country elements with modern production, the album balances grit and polish seamlessly. "Deceiver's Blues" and "Take This Bottle" showcase Jinks’ versatility, proving that he’s unafraid to push boundaries while staying true to his roots.

Maggie Rose – No One Gets Out Alive

Maggie Rose’s No One Gets Out Alive is a genre-defying triumph, blending rock, soul, and country into an electrifying package. Her powerhouse vocals command attention on every track, with songs like the title track and "Another Sad Song" radiating confidence and authenticity. The album’s unapologetic energy and raw emotion make it a standout among this year’s releases.

Will Hoge – Tenderhearted Boys

Will Hoge delivers a deeply personal and poignant album with Tenderhearted Boys. Through vivid storytelling and lush arrangements, Hoge captures moments of vulnerability and resilience. Tracks like "My Daddy's Eyes" and "End Of The World" paint a picture of rural Americana that feels nostalgic yet grounded in reality, making this album a heartfelt ode to life’s simple joys.

Stephanie Lambring – Hypocrite

Stephanie Lambring’s Hypocrite is an unflinching exploration of contradictions and complexities in human relationships. Her lyrical prowess shines on tracks like "Purity Ring" and "Hospital Parking," where she dissects societal expectations with a sharp wit. Lambring’s rich, soulful voice brings an extra layer of depth to her introspective narratives.

Johnny Cash – Songwriter

A posthumous release, Songwriter compiles rare and unreleased tracks that showcase Johnny Cash’s unparalleled ability to tell stories through song. Each track feels like a rediscovered treasure, from the tender "Hello Out There" to the rollicking "Drive On." This collection reaffirms Cash’s legacy as one of the greatest songwriters in American history. Each new track feels like it belongs in the Smithsonian.

George Strait – Cowboys and Dreamers

George Strait returns to form with Cowboys and Dreamers, a record that celebrates the timeless themes of love, loss, and the open road. Strait’s smooth, iconic voice pairs perfectly with lush arrangements on tracks like "Honky Tonk Hall of Fame" and the title track. This album feels like a warm embrace for long-time fans and a reminder of why Strait remains the King of Country.

Lainey Wilson – Whirlwind

Following up her breakout success, Lainey Wilson continues to dazzle with Whirlwind. This album builds on her signature sound, blending traditional country with modern flair and was a VERY close second to my favorite album of the year. Tracks like "Whiskey Colored Crayon" and "Good Horses" showcase her ability to craft catchy, heartfelt songs that are both fun and deeply relatable.

Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty

This tribute album brings together some of country music’s finest voices to honor the legendary Tom Petty. Standout performances include Dolly Parton's haunting rendition of "Southern Accents" and The Cadillac Three’s soulful take on "Free Fallin’." Petty Country is a heartfelt homage that breathes new life into Petty’s classics while staying true to his spirit.

Hannah Blaylock – The Fall and Rise

Hannah Blaylock delivers a masterful album with The Fall and Rise, an album that is as raw as it is captivating. Her vocal performance is hauntingly emotive, weaving together tales of love, heartbreak, and redemption. The intricate instrumentation, featuring a blend of acoustic strings and ethereal harmonies, serves as the perfect backdrop to her storytelling. From the introspective "Burned The Forest" to the brilliant "Man From Memphis," Blaylock captures the beauty and pain of life in a way that resonates universally.

Connie Smith – Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches

Connie Smith delivers a profound exploration of life’s trials and triumphs with Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches. Her seasoned vocals lend authenticity to tracks like the reflective "World of Forgotton People" and the hopeful "The Wayward Wind." This album is a testament to Smith’s enduring legacy as a storyteller and her ability to connect deeply with her audience.

Scotty McCreery – Rise and Fall

With Rise and Fall, Scotty McCreery reaches new heights, blending heartfelt ballads and anthemic tracks. Songs like "No Country For Old Men" showcase his rich baritone, while "Porch" captures rural living without pandering. McCreery’s growth as an artist is evident, making this album a standout in his discography.

Alex Key – Outdated

Alex Key delivers a nostalgic yet fresh sound with Outdated, an album that pays homage to traditional country while addressing modern themes. Tracks like "Once Upon A Time" and "Waylon, Willie & Mama" are brimming with sincerity, and Key’s warm, earnest voice makes the album feel like a conversation with an old friend.

Mavericks – Moon and Stars

The Mavericks shine brightly on Moon and Stars, a genre-blending album that fuses country, Latin, and rock influences. Songs like "And We Dance" and "Turn Yourself Around" are vibrant, dynamic, and irresistibly fun, showcasing the band’s unmatched versatility and energy.

Red Shahan – Loose Funky Texas Junky

Red Shahan’s Loose Funky Texas Junky is a gritty, spirited record that captures the essence of Texas outlaw country. Tracks like "Evangeline" and "Big Wide Open" are unapologetically raw, filled with swagger and a touch of irreverence. It’s an album that feels like a wild, dusty ride through the Lone Star State.

Josh Turner – This Country Music Thing

Josh Turner’s unmistakable baritone anchors This Country Music Thing, an album that feels both timeless and fresh. Tracks like "Down in Georgia" and "Unsung Hero" celebrate the heart and soul of country music, with Turner’s voice effortlessly evoking nostalgia while keeping things contemporary.

Post Malone – F-1 Trillion

Undeniably pop, but with some great ear-worm songs, Post Malone ventures into country-inspired territory with F-1 Trillion, blending his signature style with twangy guitar riffs and storytelling lyrics. Songs like "Devil I've Been" and "What Don't Belong To Me" showcase a surprising versatility, making this album a fascinating and successful genre crossover.

Julie Williams – Tennessee Moon EP

Julie Williams shines on Tennessee Moon EP, a collection of songs that beautifully capture her soulful voice and lyrical charm. From the heartfelt title track to the uplifting "southern curls," Williams’ debut is a promising start to what will undoubtedly be a bright career.

Miranda Lambert – Postcards from Texas

With Postcards from Texas, Miranda Lambert offers a love letter to her home state, blending nostalgia and pride with her signature edge. Tracks like "I Hate Love Songs" and "Wildfire" are both deeply personal and universally relatable, cementing Lambert’s place as one of country’s most compelling voices.

Johnny Blue Skies – Passage Du Desir

Johnny Blue Skies creates a lush, cinematic experience with Passage Du Desir, blending atmospheric instrumentation with evocative lyrics. Songs like "Swamp of Sadness" and "One For The Road" transport listeners to dreamlike landscapes, making this album a truly immersive journey.

Dwight Yoakam – Brighter Days

Dwight Yoakam’s Brighter Days is a masterful return to form, filled with twangy guitars, honky-tonk rhythms, and heartfelt lyrics. Tracks like "Wide Open Heart" and "Brighter Days" radiate hope and optimism, making this album a refreshing addition to his storied catalog.

Shawna Thompson – Lean on Neon

Thompson Square's Shawna Thompson’s Lean on Neon is a bold and electrifying record that blends traditional country with a modern edge. Songs like the title track and "Burn It Down" showcase Thompson’s dynamic range and fearless artistry, making this a standout debut.

Lindi Ortega – From the Ether

Lindi Ortega’s From the Ether is a haunting, otherworldly album that blurs the lines between country, folk, and gothic Americana. Tracks like "The Ghost of You" and "The Door" are ethereal and enchanting, showcasing Ortega’s unique ability to craft songs that linger in the soul.

Willie Nelson – Last Leaf on the Tree

Willie Nelson reflects on life, love, and legacy with Last Leaf on the Tree, an introspective and heartfelt album. Songs like "Last Leaf" and "Broken Arrow" are poignant and tender, offering a moving glimpse into the mind of a living legend. It's another historic branch to the anchor tree of country music. 

Jamey Johnson – Midnight Gasoline

Man... it's been far too long to have new music from this music maker. And on this new album, he reminds us why. Jamey Johnson brings his signature grit and soul to Midnight Gasoline, an album packed with raw emotion and stellar storytelling. Tracks like "What You Answer To" and "Saturday Night In New Orleans" are evocative and powerful, making this record a must-listen for fans of authentic, no-frills country music.

New Music Video From Wynonna and Lainey Wilson - "Refugee"

Four Sheryl Crows Cover Tom Petty - "You Don't Know How It Feels"

New Music Video - Farewell Angelina Cover Tom Petty - "Free Fallin'"

New Music Video From Brent Cobb - You Don't Know How It Feels (Tom Petty Cover)

That Nashville Sound Saturday Newsbytes: Terri Clark, Tom Petty, Garth Brooks, Loretta Lynn, Tony Jackson, Abby Anderson & More

We're playing catch-up this weekend with a new music video and a handful of new album introductions. TNS would love to hear from you- what's your favorite off of the list below?

- Tony Jackson has a new music video for his new song, "Ain't No App For That"

- Garth Brooks will release a new live album called Triple Live featuring 26 tracks assembled from shows on Brooks’ extensive world tour that began in 2014 including a cover of Ashley McBryde's phenomenal song, "Girl Going Nowhere."

- Morgan Evans will drop his new project Things That We Drink To on October 2. His full-length debut album will include a duet with his wife, Kelsea Ballerini, on a song he wrote for her called, “Dance with Me.”

- It's been far too long since Terri Clark released new music and the news that she's delivering a new album so the news that Raising the Bar is coming on September 14 is a welcome one. Track list is below:

1. Givin' Up Givin' a Damn

2. Cowboys in This Town

3. Weddings, Funerals, and Empty Hotel Bars

4. Young As We Are Tonight

5. Half a Bottle Down

6. Bloody Mary Morning

7. Watered Down Whiskey

8. As Long As There's a Bar

9. Right Where You Left Me

10. You Can Have This Town

11. The One That Got Away (feat. Drake White)

12. The Encore

13. Better Than I Was

 

- Abby Anderson's "Make Him Wait" is one of our favorite songs of the year and she's just announced it and four additional tracks will be on her debut EP, I'm Good, out September 7th.

 

- Following her stroke last year, Loretta Lynn postponed her project, Wouldn't It Be Great. The good news is that Lynn is feeling strong enough to set the release date for the project and it will be forthcoming on September 18 on Sony.

 

- John Carter Cash will be releasing We Must Believe in Magic on Reviver Records on September 9.

 

- Criminally under-publicized is a brand new tribute album to Roger Miller that came out yesterday featuring the likes of Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley, Rodney Crowell, Dwight Yoakam, Jamey Johnson, Loretta Lynn, Ronnie Dunn, Eric Church and more. Check out the details here.

 

- Nearly a year on from his death, Tom Petty fans are getting a special gift in the form of An American Treasure, a forthcoming 60-track boxed set of mostly previously unreleased studio and live material coming out September 28.



Independent Duo Thompson Square To Releases EP Masterpiece

Artist: Thompson Square
Album: Masterpiece
Label: Independent
Release date: March 28, 2018

The husband-and-wife country duo comprised of Keifer Thompson and Shawna Thompson, Thompson Square, have announced that their first release post parting with Stoney Creek Records will be a four track EP entitled Masterpiece.

On their newfound musical freedom, Keifer told South New Jersey Daily, "...There is a freedom associated with us right now. We are literally making all of the decisions and we can pick what songs we want to do and how to do them, and not have to answer to anybody. It’s good and bad, but right now we are enjoying the freedom, the creative freedom I should say."

Shawna grew up in Chatom, AL, where she listened to acts like Alabama and Reba McEntire on the radio and learned country songs from her guitar-playing father. Keifer hails from Miami, OK, where he was drawn to everything from Roger Miller to Merle Haggard and punk rock to heavy metal before honing his songwriting talent by listening to artists like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. Shawna and Keifer relocated to Nashville the same week, and met at a singing competition a few days later -- by all accounts, it was love at first sight. Both pursued solo careers in Nashville, though, for several years before deciding to go as a duo when they signed with Stoney Creek Records early in 2010 and were soon working on a debut album. An initial single, “Let’s Fight,” was released by the label in June of 2010, followed by a second signature smash single, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” a month later in July

Track listing:
1. A Love Like This
2. Millionaires
3. Up in Smoke
4. Let's Do Something Stupid 

Marty Stuart (and his Fabulous Superlatives) To Release Way Out West On March 10

Artist: Marty Stuart
Album: Way Out West
Label: Superlatone Records
Producer: Mike Campbell (of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers)
Release date: March 10, 2017

“If you go and sit by yourself in the middle of the Mojave Desert at sundown and you’re still the same person the next morning when the sun comes up, I’d be greatly surprised,” Stuart says. “It is that spirit world of the West that enchants me. Everything that came out of California captivated my kid mind in Mississippi.”

On the first song released out of the gate, "Whole Lotta Highway (With A Million Miles To Go" (which you can listen to below), "I've always been a sucker for a truck driving song. It's a true song, lived through, written from years of experience. The Superlatives and Mike Campbell played and sang their hearts out on this track," says Stuart, summoning bluegrass guitarist Clarence White. "The scariest part for me was in the middle of my guitar solo, the ghost of Clarence White took over. At the end of the take, I had to take a walk around the building."

“Working with Marty and the Superlatives was a blast, and it was fast!” says Campbell. “My role was easy, just set up the sound and let them play. Great guitars, great grooves, great vocals, they just have it all. This record is one of my favorite things I have ever been involved with.”

Track list for Way Out West:

1. Desert Prayer- Part 1
2. Mojave
3. Lost On The Desert
4. Way Out West
5. El Fantasma Del Toro
6. Old Mexico
7. Time Don't Wait
8. Quicksand
9. Air Mail Special
10. Torpedo
11. Please Don't Say Goodbye
12. Whole Lotta Highway (With a Million Miles to Go)
13. Desert Prayer - Part 2
14. Wait For The Morning
15. Way Out West (Reprise)
 

Tom Petty To Release Limited Record Store Day Live Album On 4/16

Artist: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Album: Kiss My Amps Live: Vol. II
Label: Warner/Reprise
Release date: April 16, 2016

Following the previous 2011 Record Store Day release of Kiss My Amps, Kiss My Amps Vol. II features deep tracks, hits and handpicked covers of The Byrds, Little Feat, The Monkees & The Traveling Wilburys. It's pressed only on 180g vinyl and only limited to 500 copies.

1. So You Want to Be a Rock N Roll Star (Live Beacon Theatre)
2. I'm Not (You're Steppin Stone) Live Beacon Theatre
3. Love is a Long Road (Live Fonda Theatre)
4. Two Gunslingers (Live Beacon Theatre)
5. When a Kid Goes Bad (Live Fonda Theatre)
6. Willin' (Live Fonda Theatre)
7. The Best of Everything (Live Fonda Theatre)
8. Tweeter and the Monkey Man (Live Beacon Theatre)
9. Rebels (Live From Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival)
10. A Woman In Love (It's Not Me) (Live From Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival)

Edge of Country Releases: Upcoming Live Albums From Bonnie Raitt, Tom Petty, John Prine, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Joni Mitchell & Bob Dylan in 2016

While they don't fall directly under the country music umbrella, several of these rock or folk-leaning artists easily fall into the roots-oriented music category. Several big names have upcoming live performance releases in early 2016 to look forward to if you're a fan of any of them.

Artist: Bonnie Raitt
Album: Same Old Love: The Minneapolis Broadcast 1979
Label: Sutra
Release date: Jan. 15, 2016

In 1979 and with her big commercial breakthrough still being more than a decade away, Bonnie Raitt was well on her way to blending raw blues, R&B and rock into a decidedly more adult contemporary style. Typically for the time, when this show was broadcast in 1979, Raitt was on the road promoting her then new Warner Brothers album, The Glow. Since her first Warners LP, Give It Up in 1972, Raitt had expanded her live line-up from an acoustic duo consisting of herself and bassist Freebo, to a full-fledged electric band playing a much more hybrid style of blues, rock, R&B and folk, than she had in her early years. This show marked the end of nine weeks on the road, and the band is as tight as any Bonnie has ever worked with. She opens with "Baby I Love You" and moves straight into Sam & Dave's classic "I Thank You." The gig moves from one highlight to the next. Raitt's take on Mable John's "You're Good Thing Is About to End" is a particular standout, as is "Angel from Montgomery." The show also features a one-two punch of "Runaway" (Raitt had achieved a hit in 1977 with a rocked-up version of the 1961 Del Shannon number) and raucous replay of Robert Palmer's "You're Gonna Get What's Coming." The show closes with a powerhouse version of "Under the Falling Sky" featuring Pat Hayes' smoking harmonica work. When Raitt performed this show at the Orpheum in Minneapolis, she and her band were only a few months away from the historic No Nukes rally held in the fall of 1979 in Battery Park, New York City. That event, organized by Bonnie, would forever place her on the top-table of activist artists, and she has consistently supported multiple causes to this day.

Artist: Tom Petty
Album: In the Coliseum: Live Radio Broadcast, Jacksonville, Florida, 1989
Label: Goldfish Records
Release date: Feb. 12, 2016

From a gig at the Florida Coliseum in Jacksonville during summer of 1987, this show finds Tom and the Heartbreakers (Mike Campbell on lead guitar, Benmont Tench on keyboards, Howie Epstein on bass and mandolin, and Stan Lynch on drums) on tour to promote the April '87 release Let Me Up ( I've Had Enough). This particular show however featured only one cut from the album, Runaway Trains, notably omitting the record's hit single "Jammin' Me," a song composed by Petty and Campbell with Bob Dylan. The band were in playful mood however and performed a total of five rousing cover versions and a number of old favorites to compliment the one new song. Petty would neither tour nor record with the Heartbreakers again for another four years, in the meantime he became a founding member of the super-group The Travelling Wilburys following which he recorded and released his first solo album before reuniting with the group in 1991.

Artist: John Prine
Album: Bottom Line: 1978 New York Broadcast
Label: All Access
Release date: Jan. 15, 2016

This live performance from John Prine was broadcast live by King Biscuit on July 11th 1978 from the Bottom Line Club in New York's Greenwich Village, several years into the man's career. His debut album had been released to huge critical acclaim, albeit somewhat modest sales (reaching only 153 on Billboard), in 1971 on the Atlantic label. Featuring such legendary numbers as 'Hello in There' and 'Angel from Montgomery' (versions of both are featured) it was voted into Rolling Stone's All Time Greatest 500 Albums list in 2003. The tour, of which this gig was part, was performed in support of Bruised Orange (1978), Prine's 5th studio album, and the lengthy 30-song set list features no fewer than 6 of the album's 10 cuts, although strangely John omits to perform the marvelous title track. The remainder of the songs played are a mix from 3 out of 4 previous albums (he doesn't play anything from his sophomore record, 1972's Diamonds In The Rough) plus a smattering of cuts yet to be released at show-time, but made available on 1979's Pink Cadillac and post-1980 releases. A few well-chosen covers are additionally played, including a rollicking versions of 'Treat Me Nice' (from the pens of Messrs. Leiber and Stoller of course) and a nice 'Ballad of a Teenage Queen' - made famous by Johnny Cash but composed by Prine's friend Jack Clement.

Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Album: Back for More in '94: FM Radio Broadcast from Atlanta, Georgia 1994
Label: Goldfish
Release date: Feb. 12, 2016

The horrific 1977 plane crash that wiped out members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and their entourage, including the man who had led the group across the best part of a decade, the inimitable Ronnie Van Zandt, was at the time seen as the end of the group. Those surviving members reunited only once to perform an instrumental 'Free Bird' at Charlie Daniels' charity event Volunteer Jam V in 1979, otherwise the group went on hiatus for the next 10 years, with four ex-members performing and recording as the Rossington-Collins band between 1980 and 1983, choosing a female lead vocalist to avoid claims that they were merely a rebooted Skynyrd. through this period. In 1987 however, Lynyrd Skynyrd reunited for a full-scale tour with five major members of the pre-crash band; survivors Gary Rossington, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson and Artimus Pyle, along with guitarist Ed King - who had left the band two years before the crash - and with Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother, Johnny, taking over on lead vocals and as primary songwriter. The show presented on this CD was performed at The Lakewood in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 24th, when the band performed a dynamic set featuring many LS classics alongside a superb new composition in 'Devil In The Bottle,' which has gone on to become a live favorite.

Artist: Stevie Ray Vaughn
Album: Happy New Years Blues: Live FM Broadcast from Atlanta, GA, December 1986
Label: Hobo
Release date: Jan. 15, 2016

By late 1986, Stevie Ray Vaughan had been through rehab in London and, according to all reports, was feeling like a new man. His dependency problems, which had haunted him right through his career, were, he felt, now behind him and he was intent on two things; getting back to playing the blues and helping others overcome their own, similar problems. He achieved the former with ease and passion - this was, after all, what the master guitarist existed to do. The latter did not come so naturally, but SRV made commendable effort in his oft-witnessed stage announcements, advising and guiding his audience members, sharing the wisdom he had garnered in going through the hell he had suffered. The concert featured on this CD is taken from an FM radio broadcast, transmitted live from the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, on New Year's Eve '86, was clearly a dynamic event. Stevie and Double Trouble perform with gusto and flare, whilst the audience are wild with ecstasy. Joining Vaughan on stage after the new year kicks in is none other than guitar legend Lonnie Mack, and the two bluesmen bounce off each other beautifully for a magical rendition of Mack's 'Oreo Cookie Blues,' which ends this extraordinary performance and readies Stevie Ray to enter what, tragically, would become the final, albeit majestic, era of his career - and sadly his life.

Artist: Joni Mitchell
Album: Bread and Roses Festival 1978
Label: Iconography
Release date: Feb. 12, 2016

The second annual Bread and Roses Festival of Music, held at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley over Labor Day weekend 1978, 2nd - 4th September, proved to be one of the most exciting musical events of the year. The three-day concert series was sponsored by singer Mimi Farina's Bread and Roses organization, which supported free live entertainment in Marin County hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation clinics. The highlight of the '78 festival was the appearance on the evening of Saturday 2nd by Joni Mitchell and Herbie Hancock. Joni had not performed in public since The Band's Last Waltz in November of '76, and this show marked the first time she had teamed up with Hancock. Herbie joined Joni onstage after a couple of solo numbers, and together they performed two songs from Joni's upcoming album featuring her words and jazz great Charlie Mingus' music. The tunes were challenging to say the least - 'A Chair In The Sky' painted a stunning visual portrait of the aging, ailing Mingus alone in New York and featured moments of dissonance and moments that swung. On the Sunday afternoon Joni and Herbie played a couple more numbers to help boost poor ticket sales, and with another rendition of 'The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines' notably different to Saturday's version plus a charming 'The Circle Game', with The Persuasions, Tim Hardin, Tom Paxton and Odetta - all of whom had played that afternoon - helping out on vocals, it was magical indeed. This CD also boasts a couple of dynamic bonus cuts, recorded a decade later but again featuring Joni and Herbie Hancock, but now alongside a plethora of further jazz masters; Wayne Shorter, David Sanborn, Bobby McFerrin and Larry Klein. The occasion was an episode of the Showtime Coast To Coast TV show - a program dedicated to live performance, regularly presented by Hancock who would play alongside the studio guests.

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: Minneapolis Hotel Tape & The Gaslight Café: September & December 1961
Label: BDA
Release date: Jan. 15, 2016

Further to BDA's previous collections (Carnegie Hall & The Minnesota Party Tape) comes the third album in the 1961 series of rare and previously unreleased Dylan material, this time showcasing an early stint at the infamous Gaslight Cafe in NYC's Greenwich Village, and the December recordings made at his friend Bonnie Beecher's apartment back in Minnesota - the same venue that witnessed the 'Party Tape' in May of the same year. Dylan played the Gaslight a number of times but this particular performance is one of only two for which any recordings exist - it is believed to be the set he played there on 6th September '61. Bonnie Beecher's apartment (aka the Minneapolis Hotel) was a regular stopping off point for Bob on his way home to visit his parents in Hibbing, and while there he would often play in front of old college friends. This recording was made a few days before Christmas - on 22nd December 1961- en route to spending the festivities with his folks. The recording here features all the known songs that were recorded, except those the 5 that have previously been released by Sony on various of the Official Bootleg Series or on the Highway 61 cd-rom. Both recordings here feature the very best sound recordings known to exist making this CD both a hugely important historical document and a delightful collection of Bob Dylan's earliest work.