Laurel Canyon Music

For fans and musicians of Folk, Americana, Country, Blues, Singer-Songwriter, Rock, Roots & Acoustic and music from the Laurel Canyon late 60’s/early 70’s era.

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Down The Road Wherever - Mark Knopfler

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  • Artist: Mark Knopfler

  • Release Date: 16th November, 2018

  • Genre: Rock, Blues, Americana

  • Record Label: Universal Music

  • Tracks: 16

  • Website: http://www.markknopfler.com/

Ask Mark Knopfler to explain the title of his ninth solo studio album and he will tell you that ‘Down The Road Wherever’ is a line from one of the tracks: 'One Song At A Time.' He'll give the credit for that title phrase to a sadly departed friend with whom he shared a lifelong love of songwriting and guitar playing, and their endless potential to change lives.

‘I remember my pal Chet Atkins once saying that he picked his way out of poverty one song at a time, and it just stuck in my mind,’ says Mark. ‘You get to an age where it is a few songs. But Down The Road Wherever seems to be appropriate, just because it's what I've always done. I've always tried to keep my own geography happening in the songs, that applies there as well.’ In One Song At A Time' that autobiographical geography pinpoints Deptford, where the up-and-coming Dire Straits began to make their way, one song at a time.

The unassuming spirit of the itinerant songsmith is still Knopfler's pilot light, inextinguishable through more than 40 years at the absolute pinnacle of his profession. ‘Down The Road Wherever’ is the latest, elegant evidence of that steadfast hunger, a bold and often surprising songbook of 14 selections (more on the deluxe editions) boiled down from twice as many that went into the workshop.

Mercury Lane - Jimmie Allen (12/10/18)

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  • Artist: Jimmie Allen

  • Release Date: 12th OCtober, 2018

  • Genre: Country, SInger-Songwriter

  • Record Label: Stoney Creek Records

  • Tracks: 15

  • Website:

As an homage to the origin of his story and how far he’s come, the soul-baring album takes its name from the street Allen grew up on and pays tribute to the influence home and family has had on his incredible journey. Fans will instantly receive six songs with a pre-order of ‘Mercury Lane’, including “Best Shot,” “Underdogs,” “21,” “Warrior,” “Back of Your Mind” and “Make Me Want To,” a brand-new track that highlights the singer’s hopeless romantic side.

“Mercury Lane is where my journey began. All of the fundamental life lessons that shaped my values and make me who I am today, I was taught on that street—it’s where I learned about love, family, life, how to believe in myself, the concept of never giving up, following your dreams and being a good person,” said Jimmie Allen. “This album touches on all of those ideals and truly feels like I’m sharing a piece of my heart with the world. I’ve been working toward this moment for so long; I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

‘Mercury Lane’ comes nearly one year to the day after Allen quietly dropped his self-titled EP which earned him recognition on a slew of “Artist to Watch” titles. Now with his debut single, “Best Shot” rocketing up the charts (currently Top 20), with more than 38 million streams to date, Jimmie has become one of the most buzzed about Country newcomers and is slated to make his national US TV debut next month on NBC’s TODAY. Fans have gone rabid for Allen’s undeniable talent and incredible story of perseverance and positivity, as depicted in his docu-series “Jimmie Allen All In.”

For months Jimmie Allen fans had been teased with the promise of a full-length album; hoping to satiate the craving for new music, the critically-acclaimed rising star had been sharing one brand-new track each month as a collection of songs he calls the “Slower Lower Sessions.” The series, inspired by the ‘Slower Lower’ region of the state, held fans off temporarily but it is clear that after teasing ‘Mercury Lane’ details on his Instagram story earlier this week, people are excited for more Jimmie Allen.

Twenty Live! - Mabon (26/10/18)

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  • Artist: Jamie Smith’s Mabon

  • Release Date: 26th October, 2018

  • Genre: Folk

  • Record Label: Easy On The Record

  • Tracks: 12

  • Website:

Jamie Smith's MABON - TWENTY

Two decades, four continents and over a thousand shows since their first performance, MABON release their seventh recording, ‘TWENTY’, in October 2018. Recorded live on the road, it features the band's newest music alongside a career-spanning, ‘greatest hits’ roll-call of reworked tracks from their back catalogue. ‘TWENTY’ highlights why this band have built their reputation on their exhilarating live performances and deftly worked recordings.

MABON’s distinctive, multi-award winning music explores the styles of the Celtic traditions and works them anew; the music is self-styled, singular and toe-tappingly good – an irresistible blend of world music and Celtic roots, presented with good humour, energy, joy and passion.

With twenty years of experience performing at major World, Celtic and Folk festivals across the globe, this five-piece band of dazzling musicians performs outstanding original compositions - all given the same refreshing, creative treatment as the band dances along the borders between Celtic heritage and contemporary sound.

MABON is Jamie Smith on accordion and vocals; Oliver Wilson-Dickson on fiddle and vocals; Paul Rogers on guitar; Matt Downer on bass and Iolo Whelan on drums, percussion and vocals.

"Jamie Smith’s MABON have always been a band for whom live performance is the ultimate expression of their art, and their ability to excite and enliven a live audience is peerless" folkradio.co.uk

Tablelands EP - India Electric Co (19/10/18)

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  • Artist: India Electric Co.

  • Release Date: 19th October, 2018

  • Genre: Folk, Contemporary Folk, Singer-Songwriter

  • Record Label: Shoelay Music

  • Tracks: 5

  • Website: http://indiaelectricco.com/

India Electric Company present the third and final part of a series of releases focusing on the contrasting themes between the country and the city. Displacement and unification form the basis for Tablelands, along with more globalist inclinations. An exploration of their own travels and research that seeks to find musical ties that bind them with the premise that folk songs have evolved from the blending of different cultural traditions. With references including Gnawa rhythms, Norwegian folk melodies and Thomas Gray, Tablelands is a record that is built around using traditional instruments and rhythms in contemporary ways.

The Well Worn Path - Seth Lakeman (26/10/18)

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  • Artist: Seth Lakeman

  • Release Date: 26th October, 2018

  • Genre: Folk

  • Record Label: Cooking Vinyl

  • Tracks: 11

  • Website:

Seth Lakeman takes a break from the Robert Plant musical juggernaut in Autumn 2018 to release his ninth studio album 'The Well Worn Path' on 26 October before heading out on tour in November with a new band line-up. Seth found time at the beginning of the year, in between charging around the globe with Robert and his band, the Sensational Space Shifters, to record his new studio album The Well Worn Path. It's a return to a no-nonsense, organic, classic folk-rock approach with hints of Fairport Convention, Neil Young, Nick Cave and Billy Bragg – plus Lakeman's trademark foot-stomping, fiddle bow-shredding and soaring vocals. Seth brought in top producer Ben Hillier and along with long-time collaborator Ben Nicholls on upright and electric bass he was joined by new boys Kit Hawes on electric and acoustic guitar and drummer Evan Jenkins. One of the finest female folk voices Kathryn Roberts also contributes sublime backing vocals to the album.

Desperate Man - Eric Church (05/10/18)

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  • Artist: Eric Church

  • Release Date: 5th October, 2018

  • Genre: Country, Country Rock

  • Record Label: Spinefarm Records

  • Tracks:11

  • Website:

In a video message speaking directly to his fans, 2 x CMA ‘Album of the Year’ winner and 7-time Grammy nominee Eric Church told his faithful Church Choir [Church’s official fan club]: "It’s been a while, I just want to say I have missed you. I have good news…the album is done, and we are back. It’s called ‘Desperate Man’ and the first single is called ‘Desperate Man’."

‘Desperate Man’ is the latest and sixth studio album from one of country music’s premier names and biggest, most respected stars; an artist whose ground-breaking 2014 outing, ‘The Outsiders’, a chart-topper in the US and the biggest selling country album of that year, paved the way for the rock country blend that is such a rich seam today.

Eric has long maintained that putting music into specific genres is an outmoded concept, and ‘Desperate Man’ (11 tracks tellingly overseen by regular producer Jay Joyce) is further proof of EC’s broad range of influences – from rock and metal acts through to Hank Williams Jr. and Ray Wylie Hubbard, the latter getting a co-writing credit on the new album’s lead single and title track.

In 2015, Eric Church stunned industry and fans alike with the surprise release of ‘Mr. Misunderstood’ (the album), giving it to his fans first without interviews, hype or promotion. Church Choir members spoke directly to local television on how they received the record, being the first to confirm its existence. Church commented, "Everyone is so focused on your first week. But I am more concerned with week 80 than week one."

‘Mr. Misunderstood’ went on to win ‘Album of the Year’ at the CMA Awards in 2016, reaching RIAA-Platinum certification earlier this year.

Given Eric’s revered status and record-breaking stats, ‘Desperate Man’ (the album) could have been a collection of slickly-crafted stadium anthems, but instead of going down that pyro-laced path, the end result, very much a body of work, spotlights Eric as a thoughtful artist fuelled by emotion, feel and the desire to tell a story; a family man cast in the great American song-writing tradition, bringing to mind names like Springsteen, Seger and Jackson Browne; a musician whose substantial success hasn’t detracted from his ability to both talk from the heart and shoot from the hip. In short, an album for our (desperate) times."



Keep The Flame Alight - Martha L Healy (05/10/18)

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  • Artist: Martha L Healy

  • Release Date: 5th October, 2018

  • Genre: Folk, Singer-Songwriter

  • Record Label: Frogeye Records

  • Tracks: 10

  • Website: https://marthalhealy.com/

Martha L. Healy returns with her new album 'Keep The Flame Alight' on the 5th October 2018. 'Keep The Flame Alight' was written and recorded in Nashville, but undoubtedly maintains a strong sense of Martha's Celtic heritage. This new album sees Martha further develop her personal songwriting voice whilst remaining true to her musical roots, which included being raised on a diet of The Eagles, The Traveling Wilburys and folk heroes, The Dubliners - staples of the Healy family vinyl collection! Through a mix of personal insight and story songs, Martha provides a fresh take on some classic themes – the need to leave somewhere to help find your place in the world, the ache of an unfulfilled love, the complexity of family and friendships and the need to live your own dreams. She also explores how being a woman in the 21st century is not without its fair share of pressures and demands.

Just Like The Movies - Southern Halo (27/04/18)

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  • Artist: Southern Halo

  • Release Date: 27th April, 2018

  • Genre: Country, Rock, Pop

  • Records Label: Southern Halo LLC

  • Tracks: 14

  • Website: https://www.southernhalo.net/

Fast rising Mississippi sister group Southern Halo return for a high quality second album of Rock and Pop Country. It’s full of brilliant lyrics and highly crafted and polished uptempo songs. ‘Famous’ and ‘Anything is Possible’ are some of the standouts. Catch them live if you can


A Moment Of Your Time - Liv Austen (19/10/18)

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  • Artist: Liv Austen

  • Release Date: 19th October, 2018

  • Genre: Country, Pop

  • Record Label: NUA Entertainment

  • Tracks: 12

  • Website: https://www.livausten.com/

    The highly anticipated debut album from Norwegian born UK Country and Pop rising star Liv Austen. This album positively sparkles with high quality gems from the hand of this very talented singer-songwriter and her very talented team of collaborators. Highly recommended

The Fox On The Downs EP - Ben Walker (14/09/18)

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  • Artist: Ben Walker

  • Release Date: 14th September, 2018

  • Genre: Folk, Singer-Songwriter

  • Record Label: Folkroom Records

  • Tracks: 4

  • Website:

A excellent new EP from Ben Walker a fantastic producer and one half of the multi award wining duo Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker. Ben a superb guitar player and this instrumental EP positively sparkles with musicianship and creatively.

Interstate Gospel - Pistol Annies (02/11/18)

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  • Artist: Pistol Annies

  • Release Date: 2nd November. 2018

  • Genre: Country, Pop

  • Record Label: RCA Records Label Nashville

  • Tracks: 14

  • Website:

The Pistol Annies, the acclaimed side project of Angaleena Presley, Ashley Monroe and Miranda Lambert, have set November 2nd as the release date for their excellent third album ‘Interstate Gospel’. The album is the follow-up to 2013’s ’Annie Up’ and features songs written by all three artists together. With one exception, the album’s closing track “This Too Shall Pass,” written by Ashley and Angaleena.

The platinum-selling supergroup, whose members are also multi talented and very successful solo artists, initially revealed the track listing for the new project through postcards mailed directly to fans. From the riotous, harmony-soaked “Got My Name Changed Back,” to the ironic and poignant “Best Years of My Life,” the album spotlights the trio’s emphasis on classic-country storytelling from a modern female perspective.

Hummingbird - John Smith (05/10/18)

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  • Artist: John Smith

  • Release Date: 5th October, 2018

  • Genre: Folk, Americana, Singer-Songwriter

  • Record Label: Commoner Records

  • Tracks: 10

  • Website: https://www.johnsmithjohnsmith.com

John Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and guitarist from Devon, England. He has played to audiences all over the world in living rooms, festival tents and sold-out concert halls. He is a genuine folksinger, an inquisitive truth-seeker, devoted song interpreter, and enchanting writer. A contributor and collaborator, John quickly and effortlessly earns the esteem of his comrades and heroes. He has opened for folk greats including John Martyn, Davy Graham and John Renbourn, who called John Smith the future of folk music. On the contemporary side, he has also opened for Iron and Wine, Tinariwen, and Ben Howard. He has guested with artists such as Jackson Browne, Jerry Douglas, Glen Hansard and Rodney Crowell. He has played guitar for artists such as David Gray, Lisa Hannigan, Joe Henry and Joan Baez.

John described his reason for making Hummingbird "Ever since my teenage epiphany at the altar of Folk Music, hearing Nick Drake, Bert Jansch and John Renbourn for the first time, I have been a devotee. The six strings of my guitar have granted me access to a sacred space between things, the unconscious interweaving sensations that allow us that gentle buzz on hearing a good folk song. It was with this in mind that I returned to Sam Lakeman s Somerset studio in March of 2018, two years since recording my previous album Headlong in that same place, to commit six of my favourite folk songs to tape, alongside one cover version and three original songs. The tracks quickly took on their own shape in Sam s able hands. I invited several good friends to join me in this process: Cara Dillon, John McCusker and Ben Nicholls"

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