Outlaws' Almanac: A Radical Roots Music Collection That Reclaims the Outlaw

Released on Juneteenth, Outlaws' Almanac is a righteous gathering of contemporary and repurposed folk-roots freedom songs. The album, helmed and executive produced by Lizzie No, is a powerful plea for liberation and a showcase for some of the most exciting rising voices in folk-roots music. As Lizzie No sings towards the end of the album, 'It's the season of rebellion.' This sentiment is echoed by the diverse collective of young, like-minded country, folk, and blues songwriters who have contributed to this timely and urgent project. The album features a range of artists, including Kaia Kater, Nathan Evans Fox, Kimaya Diggs, Nick Shoulders, Olivia Ellen Lloyd, A.J. Haynes, and Tray Wellington, among others. The album is a direct response to the state of America in 2023, a nation grappling with issues of inequality, systemic racism, and economic injustice. As the veteran roots musician Kasey Anderson notes, 'It's a white boys' club, and they're running the show.' This sentiment is reflected in many of the album's tracks, which speak directly to the experiences of working-class Americans and communities of color. One of the standout tracks is Kapali Long's haunting 'One Day,' a mesmerizing blend of country blues and Hawaiian music that captures the sense of longing and yearning that defines the album. Another highlight is Brandi Waller-Pace's searing Civil Rights-era spiritual 'Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,' a powerful anthem of resistance and defiance. Nathan Evans Fox's contribution, 'Some Things Are Coming Back Again,' is a beautifully crafted homesick tale that showcases the North Carolina-raised singer's ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. Will Greene's solo saxophone avant-deconstruction of 'Ol' Man River' is another standout performance, a poignant reminder of the enduring power of music to capture the human experience. The album is both a plea for liberation and a testament to the enduring power of folk music to speak truth to power. As No notes, 'These songs are not just about freedom; they're about the struggle for freedom.' This is an album that will resonate with listeners long after the final note has faded, a powerful reminder of the enduring power of music to inspire, to uplift, and to challenge. In an era defined by uncertainty and division, Outlaws' Almanac is a beacon of hope and resistance. It's a testament to the enduring power of folk music to bring people together and to challenge the status quo. Released on Juneteenth, this collection of radical roots music is a righteous gathering of contemporary and repurposed folk-roots freedom songs that will inspire and uplift listeners for years to come.