Rhiannon Giddens releases new album ‘Hope Is the Thing with Feathers’

Pulitzer and Grammy-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens has released a new album titled ‘Hope Is the Thing with Feathers’. The project, released via Nonesuch, was recorded live with minimal overdubs to capture a sense of community and essential music.

The album serves as a musical journey tracing Giddens’ career, from her folk roots in the Carolinas to her international explorations. It features a diverse group of collaborators, including longtime bassist Jason Sypher, Italian multi-instrumentalist Francesco Turrisi, Congolese guitarist Niwel Tsumbu, and Louisiana native Dirk Powell. Other contributors include her first bandmate Justin Robinson, her nephew Justin Harrington, and her sister Lalenja Harrington.

Musically, the record blends folk, Americana, blues, and roots styles. The production is described as clean yet earthy, incorporating live studio elements such as chatter to maintain a loose, authentic atmosphere.