I’ve never been a huge fan of Led Zepplin, so the news of their reunion this week has been a non-starter. But the release of the first album in 25+ years by Levon Helm, the original drummer and vocalist on the “The Band”, is outstanding.  Levon demonstrates once again again his ability to combine American Roots music with a modern rhythm.
Check it out...

And for the NPR/Fresh Air interview...

There’s no doubt you can hear Helena--like a child listening for the sound of the ocean in an empty conch shell--in the voice of Levon Helm (born in nearby Marvell in 1942) singing Robbie Robertson’s brilliant evocation of southern pride and shame, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” In Helm’s music you can hear not only the haunted soul of the old south, but also the echoes of specific sounds--the hoot of Sonny Boy Williamson II (aka Rice King biscuit Miller), who played blues harp on a 15-minute midday show sponsored by King Biscuit Flour at Helena’s 250-watt local radio station.Check internet access with full backup support.