HARDY THE MOCKINGBIRD & THE CROW
Reigning ACM Songwriter of the Year Hardy makes a bold pledge for the rest of his country career on The Mockingbird & The Crow where he reclaims and re- hardens the term “country rock.” And to amp it up a notch, about halfway through, his alter ego takes over for some heavy hitting Mississippi metal. (Available Jan. 20.)
THE GIBSON BROTHERS DARKEST HOUR
Adding another superstar producer to their resume (Dobro deity Jerry Douglas), The Gibson Brothers have always made bluegrass mastery sound easy. Twelve new originals feature guests like Alison Krauss, and tasteful departures of rootsy soul. (Available Jan. 27.)
ALICIA BLUE INNER CHILD WORK PART 2 (EP)
Alicia Blue captures the freeing euphoria of therapy on Inner Child Work Part 2, thinking big to finish her Nashville debut (Inner Child Work Part 1). Through insightful indie folk and a delicate pop sparkle, Blue examines coming of age in a faraway city, with a little help from The Civil Wars’ John Paul White (Available Jan. 20.)
PONY BRADSHAW NORTH GEORGIA ROUNDER
Pony Bradshaw tells the tales of a modern troubadour in North Georgia Rounder, running roughshod over his South Appalachian stomping grounds, but always turning home. Through fireside poetry full of wildness and wonder, Bradshaw sketches out a self-portrait with a feral country charm. (Available Jan. 27.)