BONUS TRACKS: Updates from the FreshGrass Foundation, New Release From Shooter Jennings, Tribute to Buddy Guy, and More Roots Music News

Sierra Hull, awarded Mandolin Player of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association seven times, has shared a live video of a work commissioned by the FreshGrass Foundation (No Depression's nonprofit publisher) in 2022, recorded at Studio 9, and released as an EP this April. She and her band debuted the three-part bluegrass concerto at the FreshGrass Festival | North Adams in 2022, as well (ND recap). Learn more about the FreshGrass Foundation and this particular commission here and check out the video below.

Additionally, a new album recorded live at Studio 9 with support from the FreshGrass Foundation, is out today. Omar Sosa and Quarteto Americanos' We Are Not The Headliner fuses elements of jazz, hip-hop, spoken word, and multiple styles of Latin music together into a complex, 11-track collection.

Shooter Jennings announced another album of previously unheard songs by his legendary father, Waylon Jennings. Diamonds will be released physically and available for download on November 13 via Son of Jessi/Thirty Tigers; it will be available to stream on digital platforms on December 11. The record follows his 2025 collection, Songbird, discovered and reinterpreted in a similar fashion. As Jennings shared in a press release:

Back in 2024 when I opened my dad’s personal recording archives, I found a treasure trove of unheard recordings. It was a life-altering event and immediately ignited a feeling of urgency to get these recordings out there to our family of fans who had so loyally kept him alive by listening to and singing his music.

Last year I released 'Songbird' and I was so touched and delighted at how well-received this music was for my dad. With his voice exalted, I was very excited to deliver on my promise for more music. So, here it goes! I give to you guys: 'Diamonds.'

In the process of combing through and cataloging all of his recordings, I started to get a grasp on all of the music that had not been heard before, and a story started to emerge in my mind. The way I wanted to reveal all of this music to the world was part of my job. With 'Songbird' I knew it would be an emotional journey, hearing Waylon, in his prime, sing new songs to us was going to hit hard. A set of songs almost immediately presented itself to me as Songbird. But there was a second set forming, anchored by the mysterious song “Diamonds”. It was a higher energy album, a “younger man’s” album, if you will.

I immediately knew which songs were attaching themselves to the second album, and they all shared stories about the rollercoaster of relationships and unrequited love. Among the many Jessi Colter songs I found in the batch, two stood out as part of what 'Diamonds' was becoming, so I selected them to add to the album to weave the tale a little more colorfully. Again, the Waylors and legendary harp player Mickey Raphael helped me close the book on a few of these songs. We had a blast. Now, I’m done and 'Diamonds' is in your hands. Pour yourself a cup of something, turn down the lights and let’s take a ride together.

Blues music's most impressive artists are coming together this fall to honor the one and only Buddy Guy on his 90th birthday. The concert, titled "Buddy’s Got the Blues: A 90th Birthday Concert Celebration," will take place on October 1 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Special guests include Eric Clapton, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks, Jon Batiste, Gary Clark Jr., Shemekia Copeland, Samantha Fish, Eric Gales, Robert Randolph, Bobby Rush, and so many more. More information is available here.

In terms of upcoming releases, My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James has announced a new solo LP. Wowed Out is due out August 28 via ATO Records.

Contemporary bluegrassers (and ND Spotlight alumni) AJ Lee & Blue Summit have announced their fourth album, Cover To Cover, due out September 11 via Signature Sounds.

Big Benny Bailey is the new bluegrass-inspired project of experimental alt-pop artist Shamir Bailey and roots songwriter/sideman Ben Pierce (Roger Harvey and others). Their debut album, titled Business Spice, is due out on September 18 via Thirty Tigers and features producer and fiddler Patrick M’Gonigle (Lonely Heartstring Band).

Nashville singer, songwriter, visual artist, and ND cover artist (Winter 2019, "Vision") Nicole Atkins announced her new album, Drama, due out September 18 via Sun Records.

WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO

Fruit Bats - The Landfill and Baby Man (ND feature)
mildred - Fenceline
Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light - "Yodelay"

NEW RELEASES - 6/26/26

American Aquarium - New Ways to Lose
Big Guy & The Very Large Men - Big Guy & The Very Large Men
Rodney Crowell - Then Again
Devon Gilfillian - Time Will Tell
Glen Hansard - Don't Settle: Transmissions East & West: Vol. 2 - Transmissions West
Jackson and The Janks - Write It Down (physical release)
Jesper Lindell - Royal
Tift Merritt - Sugar
Danni Nicholls - Making Moves
Andrew Sa - American Rough
Sad Daddy - Ozark Fine
Sequoia - So Long
River Shook - River Shook
Omar Sosa - We Are Not The Headliner
The Steppers - The Lights Are Always On

COMING SOON - 7/3/26

Kenny Feinstein - Lonesome LA Cowboy
Low Cut Connie - Livin' In the USA