Jocie Adams / John River Shannon / Annie & the Beekeepers December 1, 2012

Jocie Adams may best be known for her work with The Low Anthems, but the singer, multi-instrumentalist, and former NASA technician has recorded a solo debut as well, Bed of Notions offers plenty of alt-Americana gems for the Low Anthem crowd in addition to more whimsical, cello-backed tales.

American Mystic, singer and songwriter John Shannon's debut album, was compared to everyone from Nick Drake and John Martyn to Tim Buckley, though none of them fit very comfortably. Shannon's writing, singing, and musical approach are inherently of his own design.

Annie and The Beekeepers was formed in Boston's notoriously brutal December of 2006. The stillness and simplicity of New England's slow-paced winter continue to resonate in the evolving sounds that Ken, Alex, and Annie create together, now in Brooklyn. The band's instrumentation often includes double bass, cello, acoustic guitar, banjo, electric guitar, assorted percussion, viola, and vocal harmonies aplenty.