Arkansas Artist Offers ‘Work Of Heart’

“Bonny Light Horseman” Bonny Light Horseman 37do3d Records

Bonny Light Horseman — the trio of Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson (Fruit Bats) and Josh Kaufman (Muzz, Craig Finn, The National) — are celebrating their two Grammy Award nominations for their self-titled debut album, released Jan. 24. Among myriad proclamations placing “Bonny Light Horseman” on “Best Albums of 2020” lists, the debut garnered Grammy nominations for Best Folk Album and Best American Roots Performance for single “Deep In Love.”

Produced by Kaufman, “Bonny Light Horseman” finds the group re-imagining traditional songs and co-writing new ones based loosely on specific sources. From Wisconsin festival fields and a German art hub to a snowy upstate studio and everywhere in between, the astral folk outfit mixes the ancient, mystical medium of transatlantic traditional folk music with a contemporary, collective brush. The resulting album, “Bonny Light Horseman,” is an elusive kind of sonic event: a bottled blend of lightning and synergy that will excite fans of multiple genres, eras and ages.

“Neighborhood Love Dealer” Baang

Arkansas hip-hop artist Jeremiah Pickett, otherwise known as Baang, is an artist who finds value in creating work that challenges thought. His sound reflects the perfect fusion of poetic storytelling over vibey instrumentation. “Baang is my nickname, it’s who I am,” he explains. “It’s actually an acronym for Believe Aspire Achieve Now Go.”

On Nov. 2, Baang released his official sophomore album, “Neighborhood Love Dealer,” which has been called “a work of heart.” On this project, Baang demonstrates growth — both personally and musically. “This year has been a vulnerable time for many of us. We can choose to let fear drive us or we can find peace in the midst of chaos,” Baang offers. “‘Neighborhood Love Dealer’ is an attempt to promote self love, honesty, connection, and openness.

“May everything I create inspire and encourage others to be and love their full self.”

“Peregrine” Das Body

Oslo four-piece Das Body, fronted by the eccentric Ellie Linden, released their debut album “Peregrine” on Nov. 20. The album’s inspiration comes from the ancient meaning of the word itself — the sensation of feeling alien and foreign — and does not shy away from dealing with the messy complexities hidden within the ties we share with other people. “Peregrine” also inherits its more literal inspiration from a peregrine falcon the band discovered flying around their studio in Økern, Norway while writing the album.

Das Body saunter within an immutable space that isn’t quite hope and isn’t quite nothingness, where feeling alien is the comfortable norm even if the cause isn’t quite clear. The Norwegian quartet’s world filters through a handful of genre touchpoints, each unraveling in a different direction: woozy electronics, soulful R&B, toothy post-punk, pop swagger. Confident uncertainty runs throughout their debut album, showcasing their chaotic unity and sublime disarray. Their lyrics keep a constant eye out for an emergency exit flickering somewhere in the distance: a way out of a relationship, your head, your own mortality.

The Fader calls the debut “chic neo noir dance party for one.”

“Sol” Doug Beavers Circle 9

Grammy Award-winning Doug Beavers is of the stature of NYC’s top jazz aficionados who fearlessly push the boundaries of the genre itself while honoring the legends that have paved the way. An ace trombonist for Eddie Palmieri’s legendary “La Perfecta” band and the current lead trombonist for the awe-inspiring Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Beavers has humbly commemorated on his solo recordings the foremost Latin jazz arrangers (“Art of the Arrangement”) as well as the unsung heroes of trombone on “Titanes del Trombón.” On his new full-length studio album, “Sol,” out Dec. 4, Beavers steps into the spotlight like never before.

Recorded in New York City during the global pandemic, Beavers sought to produce an empowering album to help rekindle connections, build community, bridge divides and return to values centered around kindness and compassion. At the heart of “Sol,” Beavers revisits the sounds of the 1970s when addictive bass riffs, sophisticated horn arrangements and African rhythms dominated the charts with funk/ soul hits. It wouldn’t be a Beavers recording though if it didn’t have a powerful punch of Latin jazz and the best salsa players/singers NYC has to offer performing on the tracks. Hence, “Sol” dives deep into an organic alchemy of salsa, jazz and R&B.

With not enough live music to fill a weekly listing, this spot will be filled by news and reviews of new albums, both local and national. Send information about your new releases to Jocelyn Murphy at jmurphy@nwadg.com.