Album Review: Freedirt - The Long Memory: 20 Years of Free Dirt Records

 

Free Dirt Records have been at the heart of American folk and roots music for 20 years releasing albums that have been picked up and reviewed all around the world. Some of their alumni have become household names, while others remain embedded in their own communities. The constant is whatever the slant - country, folk, old time, bluegrass, singer-songwriter - the music is pure, authentic and dealt in an idealist wrapper. My single most memorable engagement with Free Dirt is being exposed to the utterly gorgeous music of Dori Freeman in 2017. 

To commemorate this milestone the label have released a dozen-strong collection of demos, b-sides, live cuttings and the odd brand new song, though all now having a debut recorded format. Each artist breathes the Free Dirt ethos. Some have a profile overseas, others may be a new name to many. The collection is a worthy insight to what the label does and is a fabulous listen to anyone with a fondness for this style of Americana music.

Here is a track list run down with a brief comment formed from enjoying the album in advancer of its November 6th release:

Liv Greene - I Can't Know Now. The demo status inevitably illuminates the raw and tender qualities of this beautifully stripped back song delivered by a new singer-songwriter to me but one oozing with classy traits and an ear and voice for a sound that connects. 

Rum Drum Ramblers featuring Pokey LaFarge - Brick by Brick. No idea who the band are but the featuring artist has come a long way from his Free Dirt days. This is an unmistakeable take on old time groove, swinging and rolling to an infectious beat governed by a plethora of roots instrumentation.

Viv & Riley, Rachel Baiman - The Long Game. Two acts well known in Europe as well as the US combine to serve a truly inspirational song. Riley kicks of the vocals before the harmonies join the affray whisking you down a memorable rural road aided by a rising melody as the track takes hold.

 JP Harris - Walk On By. Another artist with a UK profile launches this blistering track with a blast of harmonica before adding a slice of Cash-inspired rock 'n' roll to plant a highly catchy song into your memory glands. 

Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves - Cumberland Gap. Instrumentals are a staple of the old time roots scene and this duo, also known for their work with the Transatlantic Sessions, are truly equiped to land a sensational piece. Trademark banjo and fiddle collide in a celestial shower. 

Kaia Kater - Part of an Echo. This Canadian artist has cultivated a fine reputation across the water over the last decade and the quaint distinguished tone found here gently wraps her considered vocals around a lightly spun banjo tune.

Willi Carlile - Railroading on the Great Divide. Travelling folk music at its finest evoking a true troubadour spirit from an imposing performer adept at bringing a flavour of the past to rooms in the present.

The Montvales - Carolina (Trio Version) - It is assumed the bracket addition contrasts the normal duo status. Regardless of being a new act to me, this bucketful of dreamy country lights up a distant landscape. 

The Wilders - I'm Going to Memphis (Live). The theme in the title is familiar and the shared communal effect from this live version enhances its credentials as an inspired gospel slant on the blues solidified by a strong chorus. 

Caleb & Reeb - Old Friends. A new name on my horizon and a welcome introduction to a delicately constituted duo painting the airwaves with an adoringly warm and homely song.

Cinder Well - One Morning in May. Hauntingly etched vocals stop the moment in an impressively presented traditional leaning songs. A little research reveals an artist playing some significant UK support shows next spring.

Nathan Evans Fox - Reckonings. Front porch vibes from a country singer-songwriter plucking the truth from mid-air and feeding it though guitar strings and a chiselled voice. A 2026 find through the review of HEIRLOOM. 

A collection rightfully reflecting Free Dirt's status. Look out for ongoing new Viv & Riley music next year.