This isn't necessarily folk music news—at least not in the traditional folk music sense. But, Dolores O'Riordan (of the Cranberries; remember them?) will be releasing a solo album, No Baggage, on Zoe Records (an offshoot of prominent folk/roots/Americana label Rounder Records) this fall. Considering Zoe and Rounder's incredible roster of Americana singer-songwriters (Mary Chapin Carpenter, Vienna Teng, Martha Wainwright), it's likely that O'Riordan's solo disc will fall under the wide-reaching folk umbrella.

Rounder Records has, for nearly four decades, been one of the most trusted labels for folk and roots music in North America. It's also become one of the largest independent record labels at work in the industry. O'Riordan is, therefore, in excellent hands. She'll be hitting the road following the disc's release, with dates in Quebec and Ontario before criss-crossing the States from Washington, D.C., to Milwaukee and Los Angeles. A full track listing and other information is available from Rounder Records' Web site.

photo © Cary "Slim" Richter/courtesy Rounder Records

Slaid Cleaves has long been considered one of the finest under-appreciated, under-known singer-songwriters on the contemporary folk/Americana scene. His latest effort, Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away only adds to his excellent canon of work.

Cleaves' compositions so intuitively marry music and lyrics that there's almost a cool, calming pop element at work. Of course, the folk and country influence is quite a bit more strong than that of formulaic pop...read my full review of Slaid Cleaves' latest album.

image © Music Road

Country blues, folk blues, traditional blues music...it's known by many names. If you're curious about great classic-style country blues—artists like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Leadbelly, who have widely influenced a number of folk music's greatest troubadours—look no further. About.com Blues Guide Reverend Keith A. Gordon has created an excellent introduction to country blues.

More folk music styles...

• Americana
• Old Time
• Bluegrass
• Indie Folk

CMT reports today that the hugely influential folk and country singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson will be honored as a BMI Icon at the BMI Country Awards this November. According to CMT:

The Icon designation is given to BMI songwriters and artists who have had "a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers." Kristofferson's catalog will also be the subject of a musical tribute during the ceremony.

In addition to Kristofferson's numerous solo albums, his career has been boosted and defined by the version of his songs recorded by other artists. From Johnny Cash's "Sunday Morning Coming Down" to Janis Joplin's "Me and Bobbie McGhee," Kristofferson's songs have defied genres and influenced numerous artists throughout the past four decades. Learn more about Kris Kristofferson

photo courtesy Planet Bluegrass