Rice produces "The Album," McBryde "Never Will"

In 2020, Ashley McBryde released "Never Will," her second disc, which was well received. Now, she's out with "Never Will: Live From A Distance," six songs from the release recorded live. Among them is the single "Martha Divine."

Bluegrass-based band The Infamous Stringdusters are out with "A Tribute to Bill Monroe." The release, which consists of seven tracks, was recorded during the pandemic. "The silver lining of it was recording albums we always talked about but didn't have the time to actually do because of our busy touring schedule," said Andy Falco of the band. "The most important thing is for the art to continue, and we were very happy to be able to still create despite our different geographical locations."

Blackberry Smoke's new album, "You Hear Georgia," was produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile), and pays homage to the band's southern roots on 10 new songs. The album also features special guests Jamey Johnson and Warren Haynes.

The Queen of Bluegrass, aka Rhonda Vincent, released "Music is What I See." The 12 songs includes the single, "What Ain't To Be Just Might Happen," which was recorded and penned by late country great Porter Wagoner.

Asleep at the Wheel put out a three-song EP, "Better Times," produced by group leader Ray Benson for Bismeaux Records. Benson takes the lead vocal on the title track, a hopeful original written while riding out the pandemic. Singer/fiddler Katie Shore sings "All I'm Asking," a request to get back together, written by Band of Heathens' Ed Jurdi and Gordi Quist. Benson and Shore harmonize on "Columbus Stockade Blues," a traditional tune arranged in the spirit of Willie Nelson and Shirley Collie's 1960s version.

Country duo Southerland makes its debut with a seven-song EP, "Boot Up." Greg Bates produced the effort from the traditional-leaning duo of Charleston, S.C. native Matt Chase and Washington, Ga.'s Chris Rogers. The two played the same Southern bar circuit for about three years before joining forces. Trent Wilmon produced one track.