Diamonds In Appalachian Coal

“Diana Jones writes songs which she sings in such a haunting high lonesome that one can’t help but wonder if she isn’t the lost daughter of the Carter Family.” -Ann Patchett, New York Times

One of Americana music’s biggest champions, Songs:Illinois introduced me to yet another special singer-songwriter living in Nashville. Her name is Diana Jones.

Diana’s new release Better Times Will Come will be released on Proper Records later this month. Guest artists on the record include Nanci Griffith, Betty Elders, Mary Gauthier and Ketch Secor.

Credit Card, Say Hello To Amazon

While leafing through the current edition of Paste this morning, I came across a full page ad from New West Records. The ad drives readers to LivefromAustinTX.com, a microsite set up to sell DVDs of past Austin City Limits episodes. The label is offering 40 titles from some of the best artists in existence—Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Robert Earle Keen, Widespread Panic, John Hiatt, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and many more.

BTW, Paste named Lucinda’s new album, Little Honey, 9th best album of 2008.