Last Music Company

TIME TO LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG! BILL KIRCHEN'S NEW ALBUM OUT 22nd MAY We so excited to share this news. Bill's new album--his first new studio recording in about a decade, will be out 22nd May. Bill says, "This album has the broadest scope yet of any of the dozen or so I’ve done in my own name....A bigger palette of genres, songwriting, guitar work." And we can't wait for you to hear the title track which is the first single--out TODAY. Download or Stream the "Cat Out of The Bag" Single HERE: lastmusiclink.com/singlecat Pre-order the album and special merchandise bundles HERE. lastmusiclink.com/catbag Visit us at lastmusic.co.uk or at billkirchen.com for further details.

LAST MUSIC SUBSTACK: Another Trailer from The Dan Penn Epic Read and subscribe here: open.substack.com/pub/thelastmus…

NEW MUSIC: DIRK POWELL “WAKE” OUT APRIL 17th We’re excited to bring you Dirk’s magnificent new album this Spring. Many thanks to The Bluegrass Situation for premiering his lyric video for the first taster track “Down The Line.” Stream or download the single DOWN THE LINE, out today, click here: lastmusiclink.com/downtheline To pre-order the album, out April 17th click here: lastmusiclink.com/wake Watch the video at The Bluegrass Situation below….and happy Friday!!

INTERVIEW FEATURE: The Mighty Resumés of Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham Dan and Spooner sat down with Ron Wynn ahead of their City Winery appearance in Nashville this Sunday.

HAPPY NEW YEAR: ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW ~ JOOLS HOLLAND’S NEW YEAR’s EVE ANNUAL HOOTENANNY 2023 Here’s Andy ringing the new year in a few years back. WATCH: youtu.be/21wFXl7w7qQ?fe… Best wishes for a healhy, happy and prosperous 2026!

REMEMBERING RON KAVANA ON HIS BIRTHDAY Ron was born on Christmas day in 1952. We lost him just last year. These are the lyrics to his lesser-known but equally beautiful song of reconciliation. Peace on earth, goodwill to men. Truth and Understanding, (lyrics). ~ Ron Kavana "You Irishmen so true and brave who would auld Ireland save For those of cruel persuasion out to destroy this nation Let us all united stand, stop the bold oppressor’s band Not with bomb or gun in hand, but by truth and understanding Who fears to speak of ’98 on the road to Stormont’s gate From Vinegar Hill a lesson learned, all good men joined together Seize the chance before it’s gone, sing aloud this joyous song This land is ours all and one by truth and understanding Let reconciliation be our watchword for the future Let’s build a bridge of peace to stand for coming generations Don’t go back to how it was, to killing men for freedoms cause Observe our common Christian laws of the truth and understanding So Irishmen be true and brave, if you would auld Ireland save From those of cruel persuasion out to destroy this nation Let us all united stand, stop the bold oppressor’s band Not with bomb or gun in hand but by truth and understanding." LISTEN: zurl.co/Eoku READ more about Ron here: zurl.co/zs3U

PAUL BRADY: ARTHUR MCBRIDE Another annual favorite here at Last Music. For it Being a Christmas Morning .... "Oh, me and my cousin one Arthur McBride As we went a-walking down by the seaside Now mark what followed and what did betide For it being on Christmas morning ..." From "Arthur McBride," a traditional song later arranged and adapted by Paul Brady, Here's Paul performing it in 1977... WATCH: zurl.co/ekNiU #Christmas2025

HAPPY CHRISTMAS: GERAINT WATKINS ~ CHRISTMAS DAY ALL OVER THE WORLD Another beautiful song from Geraint for the season. As for the snow machine? Don't try this at home, folks. Happy merry. WATCH: zurl.co/4ljsH

GERAINT WATKINS: A CHRISTMAS LULLABY Christmas Eve favourite from Geraint Watkins. For those who celebrate, have a very Happy Christmas... #GeraintWatkins #Christmas #christmasmusic

DAN PENN: ONE BLUE LIGHT ~ LYRIC VIDEO ICYMI: Dan Penn's message of remembrance and hope this holiday season in the run up to his 2026 release, "Smoke Filled Room." “....This marks the spot where I endorse a holiday song for what will probably be the only time this year, or possibly ever. It's been ten years since Mellowmas ended, and I still bear the scars — but new music from Dan Penn is always to be celebrated. He's 83 and he's long since stopped needing to prove himself to any damn body, so I keep waiting for him to retire, and I'm always pleasantly surprised when he tells us he's decided not to....” ~ Jeff Giles, jefitoblog.com/new-music-frid… Listen/Download here: lastmusiclink.com/onebluelight

2025 HIGHLIGHTS: LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III ~ LOUDON LIVE IN LONDON Aside from winning the imaginative album title competition this year, we celebrated Loudon's return and his appearance on The Transatlantic Sessions with the release of "Loudon Live In London." This 21-track collection was culled from 70 songs recorded live at Nell's Jazz and Blues Club the previous year. The task proved difficult, as there were so many great performances to choose from. What resulted might be his best live album since 1993's "Career Moves." Folk radio embraced the release, and critics agreed. Here's just some of what they said: "Far from being in his twilight, “Loudon Live In London” finds Loudon Wainwright III at the top of his game, the same old acerbic troubadour he has always been and long may he continue. ~ Paul Kerr Americana UK "A marathon live session from Westchester County’s favourite, oldest and best satirist. Could Loudon Live in London be remembered as the DEFINITIVE Loudon Wainwright III collection?" ~ John Barlass, At The Barrier RNR Magazine ***** Five Stars The Sun ****Four Stars and more... His performances on that Celtic Connections tour this year were red hot. If you weren't able to see them, you can get a sense of that by watching the BBC ALBA programme, Seirm from Celtic Connections here: zurl.co/LSomN He also managed more than a couple of cool interviews, and are two: NPR's Basic Folk Podcast: zurl.co/O5biX and Revelations with Jack Dunphy: zurl.co/jyLVU Tour dates continued throughout the states, including Mountain Stage, festival appearances and special shows with Chris Smither. He wrapped up the year with family on The Jimmy Kimmel Show to promote their Folk cancer benefit earlier this month in Los Angeles. Next year, he starts off in North Carolina and heads north. He'll be joining Richard Thompson for The Carribean Sunsets Cruise in late February. A very lucky circumstance for those who can make the dates. Can't see him live? You can still hear him. Get Loudon Live in London here: zurl.co/s2JFr You'll be glad you did. #loudonwainwrightIII #loudonliveinlondon #thelastmusiccompany #folkmusic

LAST MUSIC COMPANY BLOG: WRAP IT UP 2025 "Well, here I am already filling the early pages of the 2026 diary that I bought in October. Retirement! What – me worry? Wow…two exclamation marks on one line already and I haven’t said anything about 2025 yet...." READ THE REST and subscribe to our free substack here: zurl.co/APolx You can also SIGN UP for our monthly newsletter here: zurl.co/Enezq

INTERVIEW: Jimmie Vaughan The Lone Star Bluesman • Americana Highways "In the personal holy grail of Jimmie Vaughan during his years growing up in Texas, it was cars and guitars. There was something about the sound of both to the ears of the young man. Vaughan’s neighborhood, Oak Cliff, was right on one of Dallas’ edges, and there was the blisstering summers that put the idea in the Texan’s head that those two elements were the key to the kingdom in whatever life lay ahead...." Read the rest here: americanahighways.org/2025/11/13/int… Find the fabulous, Fabulous Thunderbirds Box Set here: lastmusiclink.com/tbirdsbox #jimmievaughanofficial #fabulousthunderbirds #thelastmusiccompany #blues

2025 HIGHLIGHT REEL: ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW ~ THE INVISIBLE BLUESMAN If you were not already familiar with Andy's work as a frontman with Amen Corner, or his own solo career, you may have come to know him through his work as a sideman with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and countless other luminaries. The fact is, Andy, who also happens to be one of the nicest and most respected artists in the business, has had an incredible career, one so storied, that no book has dared to chronicle it, though you can get an idea of the breadth of it from any one of the interviews and podcasts Andy did in support of this, his latest, blues album. Andy did some great interviews this year including with Guitar World, The Rockonteurs (zurl.co/0ZR1v ) and The Classic Rock and Blues Show (zurl.co/Dblrk ) revealing ever so much the tip of the proverbial iceberg.... While his career was defined to an extent by his early pop successes, every single one of his performances over the decades has been shaped by his blues, gospel and soul influences. It is ironic that though he first burst onto the scene in Britain in 1967 with a UK top-twenty hit record of Gin House Blues which was inspired by Bessie Smith’s 1928 classic recording, the many hits he enjoyed since gradually obscured his undeniable credentials as a great bluesman. Enter Malcolm Mills. Malcolm felt Andy had largely missed the recognition he deserved in the blues world, most likely due to the fact that he had never released a blues album. He got to work culling tracks that Andy had recorded since he left Eric Clapton’s band, aiming to highlight Andy’s unique voice and his mastery of the blues guitar. The album that resulted, not only got a great reception, but topped the UK Jazz and Blues Album Chart at #1 the week of its debut. Dozens of sold-out shows followed in the run up to The Royal Albert Hall in support of Eric Clapton, and another string of sold-out dates in Autumn. And so it was, that Andy had his first #1. Andy has another 40 or so shows on the docket beginning next month and running through May in the UK and Ireland. Be sure to catch him—you'll be glad you did—and stay tuned.... Get The Invisible Bluesman here: zurl.co/SefKs #andyfairweatherlow #blues #theinvisiblebluesman

IF WE MAKE IT THROUGH DECEMBER: THE WAINWRIGHTS ON JIMMY KIMMEL Last week Loudon and family performed The Hag's classic December song, "If We Make It Through December," on the Jimmy Kimmel show ahead of Rufus and Martha Wainwright's Christmas benefit in LA, Hooray For Hollydays, in which both Loudon and Lucy Wainwright Roche appeared as special guests. “Hooray for Hollydays is more than a concert-it’s a celebration of courage, creativity, and legacy,” said Katie Daryl, Creative Director of Development at Cancer Can Rock. “Thanks to the Wainwrights’ generosity and vision, this event will empower artists with cancer to create music that lives beyond them. Together, we’re honoring the spirit of Kate McGarrigle and ensuring that these musicians’ stories are never forgotten.” You can make a donation and/or learn more about Folk Cancer: The Kate McGarrigle Project here: cancercanrock.org/folk-cancer/ And hey, we're almost through. WATCH: youtu.be/vxx2i9hkHKE?si…

2025 HIGHLIGHT REEL: HANNAH WHITE ~ FINE DAY It's a fine day to revisit Hannah's groundbreaking year. We're mentioning only a few of the milestones she's had, in addition to running (and saving) the wonderful Sutton venue The Sound Lounge with her husband (and outstanding Americana UK Instrumentalist of the Year), Keiron Marshall. Hannah's latest album offering, "Fine Day," launched to critical acclaim and debuted on not one, but FIVE official UK album charts. She also made her first-ever trip stateside to perform at AmericanaFest and the internationally syndicated Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour after nabbing another two Americana UK Awards--this time, for Artist of the Year and Album of the Year (Sweet Revolution). Hannah wrapped 2025 at The Royal Albert Hall, supporting Jools Holland. "...Bloody Hell," she said, "my Dad would be proud..." Well, we are too. Here's looking forward to Hannah's next groundbreaker--at Celtic Connections next month, and all good things to come in 2026. Get Hannah's "Fine Day" here: lastmusiclink.com/fineday Did we mention it's also available in Christmas Green vinyl? #HannahWhiteMusic #Americana #AmericanaUK #FineDay

MOJO MAGAZINE FEATURE: BOBBY CHARLES ~ LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS "Bobby Charles can sometimes seem a musical equivalent of those elusive, mythical figures who reappear time and again at critical inflection points in history. He was there at Chess Records in Chicago 1955, at the dawn of rock'n'roll. In New Orleans, building the city's R&B foundations with Fats Domino. In Woodstock, consorting with The Band. At The Last Waltz, singing Down South In New Orleans with Dr. John. In Florida, rolling joints for Neil Young at the Oceanside Countryside sessions in 1977 - "Playing the part of the Wizard," remembered Young. A songwriting genius who couldn't play a note on any instrument. And a man with the best connections in the business, who left it all behind to fake it easy in the Louisiana backwoods..." ~ John Mulvey, MOJO Magazine, February 2026 Read the rest here: zurl.co/jeqsZ Check out "Last Train To Memphis" here: zurl.co/SVK38 #bobbycharles #lasttraintomemphis #blues

LAST MUSIC SONGS FOR THE SEASON SPOTIFY PLAYLIST Our 2025 "Songs for The Season" includes selected tracks from artists we have featured on the label. We hope you enjoy this year's setlist, and have a truly wonderful holiday season. LISTEN HERE: zurl.co/StAiq

PRE-ORDER NOW: THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS: THE JIMMIE VAUGHAN YEARS ~ COMPLETE STUDIO RECORDINGS 1978-1989 OUT DECEMBER 11TH This 4-CD box set is an exclusive anthology with an illustrated book which includes all the studio recordings intended for commercial release between 1978 and 1989 when the band included Jimmie Vaughan. It begins with thirteen super-rare unreleased cuts from those sessions the Tbirds did for Doc Pomus in 1978 for the potential album that never saw daylight. The five-hour music compilation then follows their career through all the subsequent releases they made on Takoma, Chrysalis and Epic until Jimmie left the band to pursue his solo career in 1989, - a total of eight albums: The Doc Pomus Sessions 1978; The Fabulous Thunderbirds (Girls Go Wild); What’s The Word?; Butt Rockin’; T-Bird Rhythm; Tuff Enuff; Hot Number; Powerful Stuff. The "box" is actually ia 12” hardback, fully illustrated book with four discs containing all the recordings in chronological order and features a great collection of rare photos with a history of the band written by Bill Bentley. Pre-order here to have it in time for the holiday season: lastmusiclink.com/tbirdsbox

ALMOST CHRISTMAS DAY ~ HANNAH WHITE Across the pond in the states, today is day of Thanksgiving--and it's now just four weeks until Christmas. So, today we're hitting rewind on Hannah's beautiful single from a few years back... Wishing all in the U.S. peace this Thanksgiving. LISTEN: lastmusiclink.com/almostchristmas