April Verch - The April Verch Anthology - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

April Verch is known as one of the most esteemed fiddlers and stepdancers of her generation. On Once A Day, it's her voice - a sweet and gossamer instrument - that adds a distinct personal flair to her homage of 1950s and 60s classic country. Verch, an Ottawa Valley, Canada native, grew up on the sentimental songcraft of this iconic era, and her deep appreciation of the source material is clear in her careful attention to songwriting and phrasing. Songs penned by greats such as Webb Pierce, Loretta Lynn, The Louvin Brothers, and Connie Smith are bound together by a masterful studio band of country veterans, including steel guitarist Al Perkins (Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris), guitarist Redd Volkaert (Merle Haggard) and fiddler Kenny Sears (Mel Tillis, Grand Ole Opry). Recorded in Nashville and produced by Doug Cox, the arrangements on this record breathe-a rare example that reminds us that less is often more. With 12 albums and nearly two decades of touring under her belt, Once A Day reminds us of Verch's incredible range, and is sure to delight fans of classic country and it's relatives.

On her milestone 10th album The Newpart, with producer Casey Driessen, Verch digs deep into songs and tunes from the era before the often-mined mid-century heyday of bluegrass and folk. Harkening back to vaudeville and beyond, Verch and her fellow trio members pare down their arrangements, highlighting the simple pleasures of upright bass, guitar, clawhammer banjo, mandolin, voices, fiddle, and stepping in intimate conversation. At the heart lie Verch's delicate voice, energetic footwork, and stunning playing, a trifecta of talents she brings together simultaneously for the first time on stage and on The Newpart. It all works to insist that, Inchthese songs don't need to be revived,Inch Verch exclaims. InchThey are timeless. They are still very much alive and relevant.Inch

Big Crown Records is proud to present Ekundayo, Liam Bailey's debut record on the tag. This album is a long time in the making, and after listening, clearly worth the wait. It didn't take a long time to record, but it did take years for all the stars to line up. Bailey, born and raised in Nottingham, England, the son of an English mother and Jamaican father got his early influences from his mom's record collection. Bob Marley and Dillinger, Stevie Wonder and The Supremes, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix would eventually shape the singer/songwriter we know today. Fast-forward to 2005, Liam is in London and doing the whatever-gig-you-can-get musician hustle with hopes of landing a record deal. And it was through this time that Liam first teamed up with Leon Michels, musician/producer luminary, and the co-founder of Brooklyn's own Big Crown Records. Liam flew out to New York and those first sessions together produced the now classic tunes InchWhen Will They LearnInch and InchI'm Gonna Miss YouInch which still get spins at reggae spots around the globe. That trip helped kick off what was to follow next for Liam a slew of record releases, tag deals, and working with some wildly-notable mainstream producers. Even a just-famous Amy Winehouse heard one of Liam's apartment-made, lo-fi recordings through a friend and liked what she heard. Regardless of the audio quality, Liam's particular sound shone through-all guitar, warm-rough and genuine soul. She signed him to her tag shortly after.But, as the story can go with major labels, they already had an idea of the Liam they wanted to make, promote, and push. With the typical pay-day enticement, Liam did his best to fit into whatever shape they put him to. Inch'Maybe I can make it work,' that's what you're thinking,Inch Liam remembers, Inchbut, you quickly find out that you can't.InchWhile Liam's career went through a bunch of recor