Shemekia Copeland never holds back. Her instantly recognizable voice—capable of being sultry, assertive and roaring—delivers every song with unparalleled honesty and passion. Her wide-open vision of contemporary Americana roots and soul music showcases the evolution of a passionate artist with an up-to-the-minute and lyrical approach. With her new Alligator Records album, America’s Child, Copeland confidently announces an electrifying new chapter in her constantly evolving story. Produced by Americana Instrumentalist Of The Year winner Will Kimbrough (who also plays guitar on the album) and recorded in Nashville, America’s Child is a courageous and fiery statement of purpose, a major step forward for the singer whose musical consciousness continues to expand as her star continues to rise.

America’s Child is by far Copeland’s most compelling work yet, with music swelling beyond blues and into spirited Americana, with elements of rock, soul, and country. From America’s Child’s anthemic opening track, Ain’t Got Time For Hate, to the closing lullaby, the traditional Go To Sleepy Little Baby, Shemekia sings with passion and insight about the chaos and uncertainty in the world while still finding joy all around her.

Melisa Kelly and the Smokin' Crows are a Glasgow based blues and soul inspired five piece band. Over the past two years they have gained a reputation as an upcoming original band, with powerful live performances. Their EP 'Some Kind of Voodoo', was released to critical acclaim, and appeared on The Blues Magazine radio show, as well as their live performance on STV Glasgow. Melisa Kelly has supported blues man, Big Boy Bloater, and the band have played with the likes of Alabama 3, and Jool's Holland's RnB Orchestra.