Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

Matt Costa, the self-titled fourth album from the acclaimed, eclectic singer/songwriter is set for April 22nd via Brushfire Records. “Good Times”, the lead single from the album, was released on April 4th. Matt Costa is a 10-song collection of new songs recorded in Scotland with long-time Belle & Sebastian/Mogwai collaborator Tony Doogan. On the new release, Costa thoughtfully mines elements of the past, while exploring new territory. His penchant for melodic exploration is on full display throughout the new offering. The songs, sounds, lyrics and overall vibe of the album have elevated Costa to a new artistic plane. Matt Costa initially set out to make an album of folk/roots-inspired songs, but when he arrived in Glasgow, something else transpired and changed the direction of the recording. Perhaps it was the magic of Scotland, the studio (Castle of Doom), Doogan or the incredible musicians he collaborated with, which include Belle & Sebastian’s Stevie Jackson, Chris Geddes...

G. Love has announced the details of his new album, Fixin’ To Die, set for release on on Brushfire Records. Recorded at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, NC, and produced by The Avett Brothers, this new body of work is arguably G. Love’s most sincere and candid work to date. After a chance meeting in Boston last fall, G. Love and The Avett Brothers forged a friendship and bonded over their love of back road blues. After performing together onstage and discovering their shared musical heritage, G. Love invited Scott and Seth Avett to not only produce his new album, but perform on it as well. The result is Fixin’ To Die, a collection of  G. Love originals, rearranged traditionals, and a classic cover, many simmering for over a decade, all sharing a common goal: to strip away all pretense and capture the original spirit and sound G. Love has cultivated over his entire career but never fully embraced until now. From the ragged jangle of its opener “Milk & Sugar” and floorboard s...