The RGM Inbox March 2024
Looking for new music? We’re here to help with a quartet of upcoming/recent releases full of melody and thoughtful songwriting. We’ve the welcome return of Ruth Theodore after a long absence, blue-collar tales from Sheffield via Fargo Railroad Co, a Devon songwriter inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi in Small Town Jones and melancholic hopefulness courtesy of Alex Coley and Afterlove from Canada.
First up, we welcome the return of Ruth Theodore with ‘Hold On Me’, the first single from her upcoming ‘I Am I Am’ album. The new album, set for a May 3rd release, was recorded in upstate New York by Eli Crews (Tune-Yards) and co-produced by Theodore and long-standing collaborator, Grammy and Tony award-winning US bassist/producer Todd Sickafoose (Anais Mitchell's "Hadestown" / Ani DiFranco) and Swiss-American percussion virtuoso Mathias Kunzli (Regina Spector / Lauryn Hill). ‘Hold On Me’ is a lovely introduction to the new record, her first since ‘Cactacus’ in 2016, with its laidback feel, gospel-tinged backing vocals and jazzy trombone. Ruth is never chained to a particular genre, and her knack for a melody always shines through. Newly signed to Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe label, things are looking bright for Ruth in 2024.
Sheffield, UK-based quartet Fargo Railroad Co will release their third studio album ‘Time & Grace’ on April 5th. The quartet of Jody Davies (vocals, acoustic guitar), Steven ‘Smack’ McMurray (drums) Andy P Davison (electric guitar, harmonica) and Andy ‘KBoo’ Dye (bass guitar, electric/acoustic guitar) were joined in the studio by Melvyn Duffy on Pedal Steel and Mark Edwards on Keys resulting in a record that expands nicely on their live performances with ten blue collar tales that blend elements of country rock, Southern rock and Americana. I was especially taken with the latest single ‘Going Nowhere’, while album tracks such as the pedal steel drenched ‘Slipped & Fell’ and the bluesy harmonica/slide guitar of ‘Moving On’ shows the full range of Fargo Railroad Co.
Kintsugi (golden joinery), the art form, invites us to embrace imperfection and admire the artistry in repair. Similarly, ‘Kintsugi’ the first album in six years from Small Town Jones, aka Devon singer-songwriter Jim Jones, in collaboration with long-time friend, drummer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Michael Reed, celebrates reunion, examines our emotional scars and finds joy in our flaws. And, above all, it hopes that the re-joined can be as beautiful and whole as what was broken. Jim and Michael are joined by a host of talented musicians, including guitarist Dave Little (Jim, Mike and Dave all met at college), on a set of songs that gently and slowly share their beauty. ‘Kintsugi’ is scheduled for digital release on May 3 2024 with a physical release (CD & LP) on May 24 2024 via Broken Sea Records. Check out the video for the opening track and first single 'Better Days' below:
SMALL TOWN JONES · LIVE DATES · 2024
APRIL
Sat 6 Barnstaple The Venue w/ The Kahunas (Hospice charity gig)
Fri 19 Twyford St Mary’s Church w/ Kate Stables (This is the Kit)
Sat 20 Twyford The Swiss Cottage
Fri 26 Chesham The Drawingroom
Sat 27 Kings Langley The Kiln
Sun 28 Surbiton The Lamb
MAY
Sat 4 Kilkenny Smithwick’s Centre, Kilkenny Roots Festival
Sun 5 Kilkenny John Cleere's Bar & Theatre, Kilkenny Roots Festival
Thu 23 Barnstaple Bridge Chambers Hall Album launch w/ support Sound of the Sirens and Luke McAuley
Fri 24 Barnstaple Bridge Chambers Hall Album launch w/ support Dave Smale and Aisha Hewitt
Sat 25 Barnstaple Bridge Chambers Hall Album launch w/ support Peter Bruntnell and Renie Crossland
Fri 31 Wedmore, Somerset Bluebird Cafe
JUNE
Sat 1 Porthcawl Cosy Corner Lounge, Seascape Festival
Sun 2 St. David’s Caffi Rockhoppers
SEPTEMBER
Sat 7 Winchester The Railway supporting Peter Bruntnell
Thu 12 London, Putney The Half Moon supporting Peter Bruntnell
Sat 14 Bedford Esquires supporting Peter Bruntnell
If hopeful melancholia is your thing, then 'The Arc', the debut album from Alex Coley & Afterlove, should be on your radar. Recorded in a small studio in Nova Scotia with just the summer heat, an old CRT TV and an Atari game console for company Alex and his bandmates, Braden Kammermans (bass), Ted Morris (drums), Connor Robins (lead guitar), Sarah Roberts (harmony), and Dan Richards (keys), each brought their unique sound and perspective to the album. The Arc was produced by bandmate and friend Braden Kammermans (Sleepy Kicks).
Stream + share The Arc in full: https://push.fm/fl/thearc
Thanks for getting this far. We’ll be back soon with more new music recommendations.
Welcome to the latest edition of Sounds on Sunday, an occasional series where we showcase new and upcoming releases perfect for a relaxing Sunday (or any other day, for that matter). For this episode, our musical choices seem to be centred in Canada, with a nod to Norway and the Middle East. So join us as we listen to, and hopefully learn more about, Justine Giles, Drea Lake, Marthe Halvorsen, and Tenise Marie.