Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has just released the groundbreaking new album Ears of the People: Ekonting Songs from Senegal and The Gambia that represents the first full length representation of the West African ekonting. Considered the key ancestor of the American banjo, the ekonting is alive and well in West Africa, telling the stories of the artists who love it today. And yet it still exhibits some of the same or similar playing techniques as the American banjo, separated by centuries and some of the worst history in the world.

Dub Pistols, the multi-cultural collective founded by Barry Ashworth, has involved dozens of artists and musicians over the years. Since releasing their 1998 breakthrough album Point Blank, the Dub Pistols sound has accordingly morphed a variety of times, taking in dub, punk, jungle, ska, breakbeat, hip-hop and a whole lot more...it’s been a long road traveled. 

Award-winning singer/songwriter Daryl Mosley shares words of wisdom with his new single, “A Life Well Lived.” The record, which premiered on Bluegrass Today and was featured on Roughstock earlier this week, is the first release and title track of Mosley’s upcoming album due later this year on Pinecastle Records. The single is available to radio via Airplay Direct, and fans can order it HERE now.

Americana artist Juliana Riccardi has released her latest single, “Right On Time,” an inspiring country-folk tune about owning your choices and having the confidence to forge your own path. “Right On Time,” the first single in her forthcoming 2-song series, The Nashville Session, is available to stream and download on all digital platforms (available March 1st, 2023).

Don’t miss the chance to see acclaimed jazz guitarist Steve Cardenas and his formidable trio perform at Zinc on Monday, February 13. He will be joined by Ben Allison on bass and Allison Miller on drums.

Showtimes are at 7:00 pm & 8:30 pm. Tickets: $25 in advance / $30 day of show. For more info, visit https://www.zincjazz.com.

As we celebrate Black History Month, there is an opportunity for us to reflect on the indispensable contributions that African American musicians have made to the world of jazz. From the roots of blues and ragtime, to the swing era, bebop, and beyond, jazz has always been shaped by the talent, creativity, and vision of black artists. From Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, to Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone, these artists have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Temperatures dropped to single digits on Friday night in New York City, but those welcomed into Wesley Stace's Cabinet of Wonders were offered a warm respite from the blustery city.

Like any good folk songwriter before her, Ellie Turner hones in on the twists and turns of her journey—not so much her destination—to tell the collective story of her debut album, When The Trouble’s All Done. And Turner’s path has taken quite a few twists and turns. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Turner has always been creative, although her passion was initially channeled into visual art and design.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell today announced the music lineups for all seven days of Jazz Fest and put single-day tickets on sale for the 2023 event scheduled for April 28 – 30 and May 4 – 7 at the Fair Grounds Race Course.

Today, Melbourne’s WILSN – real name Shannon Busch – releases her debut album, the masterful Those Days Are Over,  via Ivy League Records/Universal Music Australia (Rolling Blackouts C. F., Hatchie).

An exciting fusion of modern soul, pop, jazz and Motown, together with production that is simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary, WILSN's lived experience is poured into each song and delivered effortlessly through Busch’s jaw-dropping vocal performances.