Devon Leger

Sep 10, 2024 | spin.com | Devon Leger

Huddled together under pop-up tents in a city square under glittering glass highrises, pounded by hail and rain, the Punjabi community of Surrey, British Columbia, gathers for the annual 5X Fest, a celebration of South Asian music and culture in this heavily South Asian suburban city of greater metro Vancouver. As the clouds clear and the sun comes out, music fans flood the front of the stage, singing along with artists and posing for selfies.

Jul 10, 2024 | folkalley.com | Devon Leger

With the ascension of superstar picker Billy Strings to arena shows, bluegrass is having a bit of a moment nationally. And, at least in Billy’s case, it’s been doing that without compromising the identity of a genre-bending acoustic tradition bent on virtuosic dexterity and bold creative visions. Well, the new album from North Carolina banjo player Tray Wellington certainly fits this identity.

Jul 9, 2024 | folkalley.com | Devon Leger

It’s hard to get better credentials in the folk music world than having two folklorist parents who raised you deep in the Southern traditions of American music. This is the case with indie roots singer Jake Xerxes Fussell, now on tour around the US.

Jun 13, 2024 | songlines.co.uk | Devon Leger

Top of the World Rating: ★★★★★ View album and artist details Artist/band: Swamp Dogg Label: Oh Boy Records July/2024 Frankly, it’s unfortunate that psych soul stalwart Swamp Dogg’s label chose to announce his new foray into bluegrass with the raunchy ‘Mess Up Under Your Dress’. Though it speaks to Dogg’s irreverence and sly humour, it says nothing about what this album is.

Jun 5, 2024 | folkalley.com | Devon Leger

I suppose it was too much to expect that folk supergroup Bonny Light Horseman would continue to plow the fields of American and British folk songs forever? Dylan moved on, The Dead moved on, everyone moves on from their origins in traditional balladry.