Acclaimed jazz guitarist Dave Stryker is thrilled to present his latest project, Stryker with Strings Goes to the Movies, and announce a series of electrifying performances in 2025. Known for his soulful sound and dynamic collaborations, Dave will showcase his artistry at Birdland from January 24–26, leading his Organ Trio alongside special guests.

Sunny War returns with Armageddon in a Summer Dress on February 21, 2025, via New West Records. The 11-song set was produced by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff) and features guest appearances by Valerie June, John Doe of X, Steve Ignorant of Crass, Tré Burt, Jack Lawrence of the Raconteurs, Kyshona Armstrong, John James Tourville of the Deslondes, and more.

Acclaimed Alligator Records recording artist JJ Grey & Mofro and multi-platinum selling southern rock group The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) are coming together for the first time this spring for The Ramblin’ Rooster Tour. The seven-city joint tour includes stops in Nashville, TN,  Cincinnati, OH, Athens, GA, Montgomery, AL and more.
 
The tour, a side departure from both bands’ main 2025 road shows, is something they're all thrilled to be doing together.
 

The storied Echo Hill Ranch, where Kinky Friedman lived for over 40 years, is now the birthplace of his final masterpiece, Poet of Motel 6. This posthumous album, set for release March 21, 2025 on Hardcharger/Blue Élan Records, showcases the wit, heart, and unflinching humanity that defined Kinky Friedman as one of America’s most iconic storytellers. A pre-order is available now.

In November, New Orleans-based guitarist and vocalist Steve Kelly announced his 8-track debut solo album Here’s The Thing available on February 21, 2025 via Regime Music Group. Coined as “Americana Soul,” Kelly’s songwriting navigates the complexities of life’s cycles, candid struggles with mental health; the perils and pitfalls of substance abuse and addiction, and the peaks and valleys of personal relationships, ultimately delivering a message of hope and perseverance.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Inductees and GRAMMY® Award-winning progressive rock pioneers Yes unveil a robust new Super Deluxe Edition of their massively influential classic fifth full-length album, Close to the Edge, on March 7, 2025. This definitive version comprises 5 CDs, 1 LP, and a Blu-ray.

Drive-By Truckers co-founder Patterson Hood has shared the second song, “The Pool House,” from his landmark new solo album, Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams, arriving via ATO Records on Friday, February 21, 2025. Pre-orders are available now.

LISTEN TO “THE POOL HOUSE”

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's birthday earlier this week, renowned pianist and cultural visionary Lara Downes has released a live recording of "I Believe in the Prince of Peace, Credo No. 5" on the Rising Sun label. This powerful work, which is the fifth movement of Margaret Bonds’ monumental Credo, is inspired by W.E.B. Du Bois’ 1904 prose poem, and it resonates, in this present moment of intense global conflict,  as a profound call for peace, unity, and hope.

Today, South African cellist, composer, improviser, and vocalist Abel Selaocoe (pronounced Se-lau-chwe) unveils a new preview of his forthcoming album Hymns of Bantu (February 21 / Warner Classics). "L.B Files: Igiul” is Selaocoe’s interpretation of the Sicilian cellist Giovanni Sollima’s own cello concerto, L.B. Files. Selaocoe greatly admires Sollima’s open-ended exploration of the instrument, and as such, his recording shines a spotlight on the cello.

LOLLAPALOOZA: The Uncensored Story of Alternative Rock’s Wildest Festival (St. Martin’s Press; March 25, 2025) sees New York Times bestselling authors Richard Bienstock and Tom Beaujour (Nothin’ But A Good Time) telling the no-holds-barred history of the iconic music festival.