Hear the Best New Folk Music with Fresh Cuts Friday

Ready for some of the best new music we’ve heard this week? It’s a great list as you’ll see below — and as you’ll hear when you join me for my “Fresh Cuts” radio hour! Listen every Friday at 2 p.m. Eastern, 11 a.m. Pacific via the 24/7 stream on our website, app, or your smart speaker.

Or, just click on the Fresh Cuts stream whenever it’s convenient for you.

In the meantime, check out some of the best new music we’ve been listening to this week.

Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards – “Three By Three” 

Written as an homage to her 18-month-old daughter, “’Three by Three’ tells the story of a walk we took together in early spring 2021,” says Cortese. “I used her favorite syllables from an old Dutch children’s song in the chorus to see if she noticed. And….she did! The first time I sang it for her, she sang along. So naturally, we had her join in on the track itself.”

Reliable Child – “Little Conversations” 

I’ve always loved Mike Berginc‘s songwriting, whether it’s under his current project Reliable Child or his previous band As Ladders. Anytime I see that the Pittsburgh musician has something new out, I know it’s going to be a knockout. About “Little Conversations,” Mike says the song “is an upbeat tune about talk therapy … so to speak! Together we can sing along about throwing away the chains of responsibility for a fun moment.”

Amanda Shires and Bobbie Nelson – “Summertime” (featuring Willie Nelson)

Double Willie Nelson this week to celebrate his recent 90th!!! The first comes from acclaimed singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Amanda Shires and the late, pioneering pianist and singer Bobbie Nelson. They joined forces to collaborate on the haunting album, Loving You –available June 23rd on ATO Records. Recorded prior to Nelson’s passing and a labor of love for all involved, Loving You is “a reflection on the life and music of Bobbie Nelson,” says Shires.  The first single, “Summertime,” an emotive and stirring rendition of the Gershwin classic, features a guest appearance from Bobbie’s brother (Willie).

Billy Strings – “California Sober” (featuring Willie Nelson) 

Our second Willie track is Billy Strings leaning into The Red Headed Stranger’s primary identity of being a huge pothead. It’s about giving up all your vices, except for that sweet, sweet cannabis, and both Willie and Billy sound great on the performance.