Fresh Cuts: Facing the rain, honoring legends, asking big questions
Fresh Cuts! Here we are. Cindy’s picks. Cindy hosts. We have the ED of FA, Sarah LaDuke, writing about some of the songs for the Fresh Cuts blog post. Where is that? You’re reading it right now.
Cindy’s weekly Fresh Cuts radio hour airs every Friday at 2pm ET / 11am PT on Folk Alley’s 24/7 stream — available on our website, mobile app, or your smart speaker. You can always hear the best new folk music around on our Fresh Cuts stream.
The Folk Alley Fall Anniversary Fund Drive begins on September 7. Pledge now to shorten the drive. Become a member today.
Kaïa Kater – “Sidney” (feat. Rose Cousins)
Kaïa Kater’s musical tribute to the legendary activist and actor Sidney Poitier (1927-2022) features harmonies from Rose Cousins and impactful archival audio from 1968 when Poitier addressed the media about its narrow range of inquiry when it came to him and other black artists.
“…you sit here and ask me such one-dimensional questions about a very tiny area of our lives. You ask me questions that fall continually within the ‘Negroness’ of my life. You ask me questions that pertain to the narrow scope of the summer riots. I am an artist, man, American, contemporary. I am an awful lot of things…”
A biopic in verse, Kater beautifully asks if we’re keeping the legacy of Sidney Poitier alive and implores that we do.
Laura Cortese – “Face the Rain”
Acclaimed fiddler/singer/songwriter Laura Cortese’s new single, “Face the Rain,” holds tension, offers advice, and emulates the rhythms of nature. The fiddle plucks and percussion capture and imply rainfall why the lyrics urges not only patience – but acceptance.
Cortese’s upcoming album ‘Lucy Water’ (Compass, October 2026) was recorded primarily at Betty’s, the North Carolina studio opened by musical duo Sylvan Esso.
On the kickstarter for the album, Cortese writes: “A lot has changed since my last solo record. I recorded two band albums with the Dance Cards, I found a life partner, moved across the Atlantic, became a Belgian resident, and became a mother to two beautiful, chaotic young kids. My life looks completely different now…but my commitment to the music? My belief in the power of music is stronger than ever. ”
Laurelyn Dossett – “The Vision and The Call” (feat Charly Lowry)
“The Vision and the Call” is a zydeco flavored country-folk catechism from Laurelyn Dossett off her upcoming album, ‘How Many Moons’ (8/28, Sycamore Road). Produced by M.C. Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger, the album promises a celebration of North Caroline riches. Dossett is a ~30 year veteran of NC’s Americana and songwriting scene, but this is her solo debut.
Cindy’s list this week also features a marvelous bluegrass cover of Sheryl Crow’s “Soak up the Sun” by AJ Lee & Blue Summit and more.
~Fresh Cuts~
Kacey Musgraves – “Mexico Honey”
Creekbed Carter Hogan – “Icarus Again”
AJ Lee & Blue Summit – “Soak Up The Sun”
Laurelyn Dossett – “How Many Moons?”
Margo Cilker – “Little White Cross”
Kaïa Kater – “Sidney”
Jacob Sharp – “Middle Kid”
Laura Cortese – “Face the Rain”
Margaret Glaspy – “Michigan”
Meg Lui – “Elvis Queen”
Pieta Brown – “Dreamin’ Of”
Keb’ Mo’ – “One Day Away”
Valerie June – “Smokestack”
