The passionate Cecilia Noël returns with her newest album, Havana Rocks, a Latin-infused collection of American classics recorded in Havana Cuba, with special permission from the US Government, with an all Cuban cast of musicians and singers. Together, Noël and crew combine elements of salsa, soul, jazz, funk, and afro-cuban music to deliver an infectious Latin takes on 80’s classic rock ‘n roll hits. The album includes covers of Devo’s “Whip It,”  Gary Numan’s “Cars” and ACDC’s “You Shook Me,” all propelled by deep percussive grooves and Noël’s rich and appealing alto vocals.  Says Noël of her style, “I call what I do ‘hardcore salsa’ because nowadays there is a lot of romantic salsa but I’m more of a punk salsa singer.” 

Originally from Lima, Perú, Noël was discovered by Stan Getz and moved to New York City, briefly performing as a dancer with Jo Jo’s Dance Factory and Menudo. In 1989, she relocated to Los Angeles and became involved in the local music scene. She formed Cecilia Noël and The Wild Clams, a James Brown meets Pérez Prado type band, which received instant acclaim for their explosive live shows and frequent bookings at the House of Blues and the Playboy Jazz Festival. In 2009 Noël released A Gozár! (Compass Records), an infectious set of playful ‘salsoul’ grooves for which Noël is known and which earned Noël a spot on Putumayo’s critically-acclaimed Latin Party release in 2010. In addition to her band, Noël also performs and records with husband and former Men At Work front man Colin Hay.

03 Cars

Nell Robinson is a singer/songwriter who has been described variously as “a modern-day Patsy Cline” and one of the “freshest voices in roots music.” Her crystalline vocals have been compared to early Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton and Hazel Dickens and when she applies her vocal charm to the songs she writes that tell the stories of her family’s deep history the musical results are nothing less than utterly captivating. In the words of No Depression: “darned if Nell Robinson doesn’t sound like a reincarnated Hazel Dickens.”

On her new album, The Rose of No-Man’s Land, Nell reaches into her family’s deep military history to create musical vignettes of her ancestors’ experiences. Produced by Grammy award winning producer Joe Henry, the new songs weave together stories from the Revolutionary War to the present, inspired by 250 years of letters, stories and poetry from Nell’s rural Alabama family. The music is so evocative that it will be featured on new PBS’ music series, Music Gone Public, in November with special guests  Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, John Doe, Kris Kristofferson, author Maxine Hong Kingston, actress Kathy Baker and more.

Scots Irish

“There are a number of things to recommend Larry Stephenson’s approach to traditional bluegrass, but above them all stands his high and lonesome lead vocals.” —All Music Guide

“Stephenson has honed his voice into one of the best bluegrass tenors this side of Bobby Osborne.”—Kansas City Star

“One of the finest singers in bluegrass” —Country Standard Time

Larry Stephenson delivers one of the finest albums of his career on his Compass Records debut WHAT REALLY MATTERS. The album comes on the heels of the Larry Stephenson Band’s win for Recorded Event of the Year at the 2010 International Bluegrass Music Awards for his bluegrass star-studded previous effort, 20th Anniversary, Stephenson again teaming up with co-producer Ben Surratt. Armed with 12 outstanding tracks and surrounded by a road-tested band that includes Kenny Ingram (banjo), Kevin Richardson (guitar) and Danny Stewart (bass), Stephenson’s distinctive vocals are showcased to great effect. Standout tracks include Jimmy Martin’s “Beartracks”, the title track and a spirited reworking of “Philadelphia Lawyer” featuring Sam Bush on fiddle and harmony vocals.

Big Train

Nuala Kennedy is an Irish singer and flute player whose music features her
liltingly beautiful vocals, adventurous instrumentation, and an imaginative mix
of influences. Although she is rooted in the Celtic music of her native Ireland
and adopted homeland of Scotland, Nuala has gained critical attention for her
eclectic cross-genre work. She has performed and recorded Will Oldham (Bonnie
‘Prince’ Billy), Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Euros Childs (Gorky’s) and the
late Canadian composer Oliver Schroer.

Paddy's Lamentation

Colin Hay  - Down Under 2012

Karan Casey & John Doyle - Sailing Off to the Yankee Land - Exiles Return

Capercaillie - Barra Clapping Song - Roses and Tears

Andy Irvine & Paul Brady - Mary And The Soldier - Andy Irvine & Paul Brady

The Bothy Band - Do You Love an Apple - Best of The Bothy Band

“Raines continues to reach far beyond the confines of bluegrass with her inventiveness...Her roots remain distinctively bluegrass, while her originals and arrangements reflect her eclectic taste.” —Strings Magazine

“...an ensemble perfectly balanced between brilliantly composed precision and equally brilliant spontaneity.” —The Nashville Scene

On her latest release, bass virtuoso and 7-time IBMA bass player of the year Missy Raines explores a new path for her musical vision. For anyone familiar with Raines’ years of work in the bluegrass arena, NEW FRONTIER will seem like a radical departure, but for Raines herself it’s the natural extension of her musical curiosity and adventurous spirit. NEW FRONTIER is entirely a vocal album featuring Raines’ dusky, emotive alto layered among the cool grooves and expansive soundscapes provided by guitarist Ethan Ballinger, mandolinist/acoustic guitarist Jarrod Walker and drummer/percussionist Josh Fox. The album’s ten tracks draw from songs written by Pierce Pettis, Sarah Siskind, Ed Snodderly, and even Raines herself, and borrow from Americana, newgrass, indie rock and acoustic jazz. This album is certain to expand Raines’ profile in roots music and surprise anyone who thought her talents were limited to the bluegrass and new acoustic music. Special guests include Sam Bush, Zach Bevill and former New Hip bassist Robert Crawford.

Compass Records Group

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