Levon Helm announces new solo album

Levon Helm is on the up-and-up after complications from throat cancer took his singing voice and ability to travel. Last month, the former Band drummer finally accepted in-person the Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award he won in 2003, and on October 30, Vanguard records is releasing Dirt Farmer, his first solo-studio album in 25 years.

Making the instrumental rounds as usual, Helm plays drums, mandolin and acoustic guitar on the record, which was produced by Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Lyle Lovett) and Levon's daughter, Amy. Full of traditional songs and covers, it was recorded in his own New York studio, which almost burned down completely in a fire but -- like his voice -- was successfully restored.

Dirt Farmer track list:
1. False Hearted Lover Blues (traditional)
2. Poor Old Dirt Farmer (traditional)
3. The Mountain (Steve Earle)
4. Little Birds (traditional)
5. The Girl I Left Behind (traditional)
6. Calvary (Byron Isaacs)
7. Anna Lee (Laurelyn Dossett)
8. Got Me A Woman (Paul Kennerley)
9. A Train Robbery (Paul Kennerley)
10. Single Girl, Married Girl (A. P. Carter)
11. The Blind Child (traditional)
12. Feelin Good (J. B. Lenoir)
13. Wide River To Cross (Buddy Miller, Julie Miller)