Checking out this recent release from Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson -- they used to play together in the Carolina Chocolate Drops.

The album is called "What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow? Fiddle and Banjo Music of North Carolina"

https://rhiannongiddens.bandcamp.com/album/what-did-the-blackbird-say-to-the-crow

I love Giddens and like how diverse her musical perspective is, but it's really nice to hear her playing here, doubly so as she's with one of her early musical partners. They're so comfortable together.

The whole set feels like a homecoming in the speakers, an afternoon with friends. And of course the music itself is just like a big warm hug of the best sort.

#NowListening #RhiannonGhiddens #JustinRobinson #NewMusic2025 #MusicNotes

Lots of interesting stuff out for #NewMusicFriday -- I'm looking at you, new #Darkside album -- but tbh, I've just been listening to #Raveena all morning, lol.

Her album from last year, "Where Butterflies Go in the Rain," took her already interesting pop perspective into a space between 70s AM radio and 90s r&b.

It's sexy and light and flirty in a way that reminds me of what flirtation and young love was like as a teenager.

She's also kind of a weirdo in the best way, as this video for "Lucky" suggests, lol:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjXFANXi__s

#MorningListening #MusicNotes

Have been thinking a lot about Lupe Fiasco's "CHANNEL NO 3" today... in it, Lupe recasts common video game tropes and structures as part of mastering the game of life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9_cKL5t4Iw

It doesn't sound all that clever but the overall effect is really smooth, with bars like:

"Just know when to run
Or when to jump or just when to slide
Know where the secrets are
Know where the treasure hides"

and

"So we ain't resetting to the beginning
Memorizing the maps, a collection of positions
In my mind, start flying, we running outta time
If we can reach the next checkpoint we'll be fine"

#LupeFiasco #MusicNotes