Pokey LaFarge

Pokey LaFarge is a singular voice in American roots music — a songwriter and performer who conjures the spirit of vintage blues, country, and Western swing with a modern twist. With a style steeped in the sounds of 78 rpm records and mid-century Americana, LaFarge looks and sounds like he stepped out of Nashville’s 1950s heyday. His classic country warble, sly lyrics, and sharp harmonica riffs evoke the charm of bygone eras, yet his music is anything but a retro rehash. Instead, LaFarge brings a sharp edge and infectious energy that make his songs feel timeless and alive.

His latest album, Rhumba Country (his third release with New West Records), finds LaFarge broadening his sonic horizons even further. Infusing his retro-Americana roots with the flavors of mambo, Tropicália, rocksteady, and old-school rock-and-roll, the record radiates joy and good vibrations. Backed by a stellar ensemble of musicians, LaFarge’s signature blend of swinging rhythms, rich melodies, and magnetic vocals makes Rhumba Country feel like a sun-drenched ride in a 1950s convertible — breezy, bold, and endlessly fun.

As No Depression put it, LaFarge is “an heir to the similarly underestimated Leon Redbone and Dan Hicks,” deftly weaving together reggae, country, gospel, soul, and more into a sound that feels both instantly familiar and refreshingly new. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, LaFarge’s music is a joyful reminder that great songs — like great stories — never go out of style.

“Throughout Rhumba Country, Pokey LaFarge broadens his sound, effortlessly bringing in world influences to help accentuate his retro Americana core, positively crafting one of the most enjoyable efforts of his long career.” – Glide Magazine