Friday cannon fodder: new music

I feel as if it has been a while since we’ve had a good, music-share Friday thread. With some (I hope most, if not all) of us self-isolating for the next few weeks, it seems like a good time to share the tunes that are helping us pass the time.

Lately, I’ve been listening to bluegrass, folksy, bluesy stuff. I don’t remember how I got there, but the rabbit hole started with this from Hugh Laurie (of all people). Also, can we take a second to admire his talent? He played Greg House, one of the iconic TV doctors of all-time (with a flawless American accent) and is also randomly a blues pianist, guitarist, and singer.

I actually like “Saint James Infirmary” from what appears to be the same set, but Laurie doesn’t have it on his personal channel, and I can’t embed that linked version.

From there, I found my way to The Teskey Brothers, and this piece, which still gives me goosebumps even on what is at least my 20th listen. It’s beautiful, emotional, and soulful.

The rabbit hole goes even deeper to Leon Bridges, who mixes 1950s soul with blues guitar and a bit of R&B; The Dead South, who are straight folk-bluegrass with banjo and picked bass; and Gary Clarke Jr., who just won a Grammy for “This Land.”

I suppose I’m not straying too far from my comfort zone; I like Johnny Cash-type outlaw country, Chris Stapleton’s folk-country sound, a good guitar riff, and jazz music, particularly piano and big band. But I know what I’m about, and it’s been fun finding new artists with sound I like.

So what are you listening to these days, anything new and exciting? Or are you sticking with old favorites?