Kindred spirits: The Band, Alabama

In the annals of cool music, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band still ranks high among musicians and fans alike.

The group that gave us classics such as the well-known rendition of Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr. Bojangles" and counts Jackson Browne among its alumni is back with its first new album in five years.

The sound is so warm and comfortable it feels like the band's country/bluegrass/folk songs have always been around. Yet "Speed of Life" has just enough modern oomph to give the songs a fresh sound that should appeal to younger listeners.

Deceptively masterful playing has made the band, formed in 1966, a modern-day legend.

The standout track on this newest album is "The Resurrection," a feast of steel guitar, harmonica and gentle percussion that highlights the heartfelt vocals that tell stories of dreams dying hard and long-lost loves.

For those who love the pure musicianship of this type of jug/roots music, don't miss the instrumental sleeper "Lost in the Pines," which could have been recorded at a banjo pickin' party, it feels so spontaneous.

"Tryin' to Try" has a Spartan grittiness right out of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

With this feast of Americana, it's clear the Dirt Band still has the musical chops to stay relevant for years to come.

-- Nancy Dunham