WoodSongs: Leyla McCalla/ Iris Dement

IRIS DeMENT is considered “one of the great voices in contemporary popular music” (NPR), Beginning with her 1992 debut, ‘Infamous Angel,’ which was hailed as “an essential album of the 1990’s” by Rolling Stone, DeMent released a series of stellar records that established her as “one of the finest singer-songwriters in America” according to The Guardian. The music earned her multiple Grammy nominations, as well as the respect of peers like John Prine, Steve Earle, and Emmylou Harris, who all invited her to collaborate. ‘The Trackless Woods’ is her latest and unlike any other in Iris’ illustrious career. Featuring original music and melodies, the record brings 18 poems by acclaimed 20th century Russian poet Anna Akhmatova to life. Iris recorded the album in five days, immediately taken by the sorrow and burden of the poems juxtaposed with Akhmatova’s lightness and transcendence in the face of inhumanity.

LEYLA MCCALLA is a multi-instrumentalist, a powerful cellist and singer whose distinctive sound is impossible to replicate. Leyla toured and recorded with the renowned African-American string band the Carolina Chocolate Drops and now is focused on her solo career. Living in New Orleans, she released her debut album ‘Vari-Colored Songs: A Tribute to Langston Hughes’ in 2014. The album consists of compositions she has written to Langston Hughes poetry, Haitian folk songs and original pieces.

www.woodsongs.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUzaNVwfPag

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