Tributes and Tribulations

If you take a moment to consider the breadth of music happening in the roots world these days, you’ll find that few artists have had as much to do with its evolution — and as much influence on as many artists — as Emmylou Harris. She has dabbled in traditional and alt-country, the blues, rock and roll, and topical folk. Her influence has been felt by artists across generations and backgrounds, from Buddy Miller to Brandi Carlile and beyond. So it’s no wonder a new tribute album focused on her music is kicking up more than a little dust this fall. Dig into Don McLeese’s review of that one below. Keep scrolling for some lovely Christmas tunes from Red House Records, or simply revisit the way folks like Peter Case and Robert Earl Keen have turned trials and tribulations into unmatchable music.