Strong Collaboration

Aside from family bands, there is no stronger thread in American roots music than the power of a strong collaboration. Whether it’s the importance of paying one final tribute to a great artist who has passed away (see: Allen Toussaint), the meeting-of-the-minds that characterizes professional songwriting in Nashville (see: Brandy Clark), the breathing of new life into the long career of an indie roots band (see: Felice Brothers), or the languid artistry that oozes from every sonic layer of a truly collaborative recording (see: case/lang/veirs), there is power in collaboration. This week’s spotlighted albums have it in spades. Dig in, find something to love.